Weight Loss Injections – A Look at the Pros and Cons
A mother has shared her remarkable journey of losing over eight stone through the use of weight loss injections over a two-year period. Bridget, who has faced skepticism regarding her choice to use these injections, now finds her only regret is not starting the process sooner.
Bridget, who hails from the United States, documented her stunning weight loss transformation on social media. She reported that, despite warnings from others about potential regret, she feels empowered and satisfied with her decision. She initially embarked on her weight loss journey in 2022, beginning at a weight of 17 stone 8 lbs at a height of five-foot-three-inches. After utilizing Tirzepatide, commonly known by its brand name Mounjaro, along with Semaglutide and Ozempic, she now weighs just 9 stone 5 lbs. Her impressive loss of 8 stone 3 lbs has not come without its challenges; Bridget has faced criticism and unkind remarks from some who claim she now appears “too thin” or “looks older” due to her weight loss.
Weight loss injections like Mounjaro, which is often referred to as the “King Kong” of weight loss jabs, are poised to become more widely available through the NHS. According to Dr. Zoe Williams, a GP with The Sun, these medications can potentially save lives for individuals suffering from severe obesity. However, the NHS cautions against taking anti-obesity medications without a prescription, highlighting the possibility of serious side effects.
Currently, approximately half a million people in the UK are using weight loss medications, a figure that is expected to double in the coming year.
Understanding Weight Loss Injections
Mounjaro functions by suppressing appetite, which helps individuals feel full for longer periods. These injections are primarily prescribed for patients battling type 2 diabetes and those classified as clinically obese, defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above. Typically, patients receive one injection per week, though the duration of treatment varies based on individual weight loss goals.
While these drugs can be legally prescribed by qualified healthcare providers, there is a rising concern about people acquiring them from online pharmacies without proper medical oversight. Recent statistics from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency revealed that weight loss injections have been linked to 82 fatalities across the UK. Tragically, the family of a man from Burton upon Trent, Staffs, is now advocating for an investigation into the potential dangers of Mounjaro after his death.
Despite these alarming statistics, Bridget has taken to social media to extol the virtues of these fat injections, showcasing her transformation to her 90,700 followers. In a captivating video, she contrasts her former self with her current appearance, starting with a clip of her in a black top and jeans, revealing her belly. The video quickly transitions to her posing confidently in a sleek black lace dress, dancing to Chris Brown and Lil Wayne’s “Look At Me Now.” Accompanying the video, Bridget writes: “Them: You’re going to regret taking Ozempic. Two years later, still no regrets. Only regret is not taking it sooner.”
Everything You Need to Know About Weight Loss Jabs
Weight loss injections are gaining popularity as numerous studies and personal accounts highlight their effectiveness in facilitating significant weight loss while also potentially lowering the risk of serious health conditions. The two leading weight loss injections in the UK are Wegovy—a modified version of the diabetes medication Ozempic—and Mounjaro, which is a newer and more potent option. Wegovy has been utilized within the NHS for several years, while Mounjaro has quickly become the preferred choice for many private prescriptions and is set to be added to the NHS framework.
Mechanism of Action
These injections operate by mimicking a hormone known as GLP-1, which communicates to the brain when the stomach is full. This mechanism helps to suppress appetite, leading to reduced food intake and subsequent weight loss. Additionally, they slow digestion and enhance insulin secretion, which lowers blood sugar levels—a significant factor in their initial development for treating type 2 diabetes.
Eligibility for Prescription
NHS prescriptions for weight loss medications, primarily Wegovy and an older drug called Saxenda (liraglutide), are regulated through specialized weight loss clinics. Generally, a patient must have a BMI of 30 or higher, categorizing them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health issue, such as hypertension. Most GPs do not prescribe these medications for weight loss purposes. On the other hand, private prescribers may offer Mounjaro to individuals classified as obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI of 25-30) who present health risks related to their weight. However, private pharmacies have faced criticism for dispensing these medications too liberally, leading to mandatory video calls or in-person consultations to verify a patient’s health status and honesty regarding their size.
Potential Risks
Yes, there are risks associated with these medications. While many side effects are mild, around 50% of users report gastrointestinal issues, including nausea, bloating, acid reflux, constipation, and diarrhea. Dr. Sarah Jarvis, a GP and clinical consultant at patient.info, cautioned that severe acute pancreatitis, a rare but painful condition, occurs in about 1 in 500 patients. Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney issues, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems, and hypoglycemia. The impact of these injections on mental health remains inconclusive. Current figures suggest that up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK may be linked to these medications.
Bridget shared that it took her over a year and three months of using the fat jabs to see tangible results. She expressed feeling as though she has “regained” her life and emphasized that her journey involved not only the use of injections but also a commitment to exercise and a balanced diet. She noted, “I was able to minimize my loose skin through strength training, a high-protein diet, slow and steady weight loss, taking collagen daily, and staying hydrated.” While she did not experience side effects and had “zero issues” with the injections, she views the decision to use them as the best choice she has ever made. In response to her critics, she confidently stated, “I don’t care, I love it.”
The Divide in Public Opinion
Bridget’s TikTok video, posted under the username @simplybridget12, has sparked significant attention, amassing over 175,200 views, 5,984 likes, and 273 comments. However, public reaction has been sharply divided. While many praise her transformation, others question the validity of her weight loss method. One user commented, “You look amazing!!” while another remarked, “So you need meds to lose weight? I feel sorry for you; you don’t have the discipline to do it yourself.” Another user expressed, “You are gorgeous,” while a different commenter stated, “This is sad.. leave those to the people who are diabetic. Just go to the gym like everyone else to lose weight.”
Bridget responded to critics with resilience, saying, “No need to feel sorry for me, Andrea – no shame in my game. I would do this all over again.”
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