Everyone and their mum seems to be using weight loss jabs to shed a few unwanted pounds. But would they be right for you? Read our guide to find out
TV star Jeremy Clarkson has joked that his trousers keep falling down – after revealing that he’s been using the weight loss jabs Mounjaro to shed the flab.
The 65-year-old has lost two stone, helped by the products, since he underwent surgery to clear blocked arteries.
And he’s not the only star to swear by the injections. The likes of TV’s Gemma Collins and Sharon Osbourne have used them to slim down, along with an estimated 1.5 million other Brits.
But could you benefit? We’ve put together a chunky Q and A guide to the weight loss wonders…
What are the jabs? They’re drugs, delivered by injection, that help you lose weight by suppressing your appetite. The jabs are available to some through the NHS to treat obesity and people who are overweight with other conditions. They can also be bought privately.
How do they work? By mimicking hormones in the body which regulate hunger and cause you to feel full. They slow down digestion and the time it takes for your tummy to empty too and can also regulate blood sugar and energy levels, helping to reduce cravings.
What are the different types? The best known are Wegovy and Mounjaro. Wegovy contains the drug semaglutide and is known as a GLP-1 receptor agonist. This means it acts like the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone in the body, sending signals to your brain that you’ve eaten.
Mounjaro contains tirzepatide , which not only mimics GLP-1 but another hormone called GIP which has a role in metabolism. This is thought to boost its effectiveness.
In the UK, the brand Ozempic, which contains a lower dose of semaglutide, is only prescribed for managing Type 2 diabetes and not for weight loss.
How do you take them? You inject yourself with the pre-filled pens once a week – usually in the thigh or stomach. Users typically start on a low dose, working up to what’s called a maintenance dose.
How effective are they? Weight loss usually kicks in after a few weeks. Mounjaro has been credited with helping people lose up to 22% of their starting weight after 72 weeks, while for Wegovy it’s up to 17 per cent after 68 weeks.
Do the jabs have other benefits? They’ve been credited with helping reduce the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes and even some cancers.
Are there side effects? One in ten people report suffering with vomiting and stomach cramps, bloating, constipation or diarrhoea. There are rarer reports of hair loss and problems with the pancreas.
Any other drawbacks? Recent research by boffins at the University of Oxford found that people typically return to their original weight less than a year after stopping the injections. It’s not recommended to take them during pregnancy, breastfeeding or while trying to conceive.
Can you get them on the NHS? Through a prescription from a specialist weight management service or, potentially, via your GP for Mounjaro. They’ll only be prescribed this way if you have other weight related medical problems, like high blood pressure and a BMI (Body Mass Index) of over 35 for Wegovy and a BMI of 40 for Mounjaro, with some exceptions. Wegovy is usually only prescribed for a maximum of two years. You’ll also need to follow programmes that help you eat a healthier diet and take physical exercise.
How do you get it privately? Up to nine out of ten people get the jabs this way. Both Wegovy and Mounjaro are available through a private prescription at pharmacies. You’ll need to be medically assessed and have a BMI of 30 or over, or a BMI of 27-30 and a weight-related medical condition or risk factor, like prediabetes.
What does it cost ? Mounjaro prices have recently risen. A month supply of the highest dose is now typically over £300, while the highest dose of Wegovy can be more than £100 cheaper.
What do they say? One woman using Mounjaro in her 30s says: “I have been using the jabs for about six months and I have lost one stone, eight pounds so far. I was paying £229 a month for Mounjaro, but given the price rise I have just decided to switch to WeGovy, which is £200.
“The side effects were difficult at first. I felt queasy and tired after every injection, but I don’t really notice that any more. I do sometimes get constipated though.
“I like the fact I have lost weight without much effort, but it hasn’t been perfect. I would say my diet is less healthy now because I am often not hungry. I also worry about what will happen when I stop using them.”
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