Weight Loss Jab – Group Talk – Week Commencing 11th August 2025.
- friendsonajourney2
- Aug 20
- 4 min read
Injections for weight loss have been in the news and trending on social media; you might have even seen commercials for medications that hasten weight loss. These treatments may appear to be accessible to all at first glance, but that is not the case; in order to qualify for them, you have to fulfil certain medical requirements.
Who is eligible for injections for weight loss?
Generally speaking, you will be eligible for weight loss injections if:
You have BMI over 30 or
You have a BMI of over 27 with a weight-related condition that would improve with weight loss (e.g., high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, sleep apnoea, fatty liver, polycystic ovary syndrome, or type 2 diabetes).
There is an eligibility criteria for getting these medications through the NHS.
You must have a BMI of 40 or more and 4 of these weight-related health conditions.
Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Obstructive sleep apnoea
Abnormal blood Fats
Whether sourced privately or through the NHS, it's also important to think about your ability to stick with long-term dietary and lifestyle modification. For weight loss, this entails eating a balanced diet and doing more exercise.
Currently, the UK has approved the use of four different kinds of injections for weight loss.
These are:
Orlistat, prevents approximately one-third of the fat you eat from being absorbed when taken as a capsule.
Liraglutide, commonly referred to as Saxenda, is a daily injection that increases appetite and prolongs feelings of fullness.
Semaglutide, commonly referred to as Wegovy, is a weekly injection that reduces hunger and encourages satiety.
Tirzepatide, sometimes called Mounjaro, is an injectable that is administered once a week to assist in decreasing appetite and promoting sensations of fullness.
The main injection prescribed in the UK is Mounjaro – Tirzepatide. In contrast to other injections for weight loss, Mounjaro also functions as a hormone mimic, specifically glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). GIP promotes the secretion of insulin, just like GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) does. In a clinical trial, participants lost an average of 20.9% of their body weight, suggesting that this dual-action technique may help people lose weight more effectively than other injectable kinds.
The injection for weight loss is commonly administered once a week. Mounjaro is administered subcutaneously, commonly in the upper arm, thigh, or stomach, using a prefilled pen. Before your treatment starts, your consultant will make sure you feel secure and at ease using the pens, which are made to be simple to administer at home.
When taking injections for weight loss, what should you eat?
For best effects, weight reduction injections should always be used in conjunction with a diet and exercise regimen. Generally speaking, this entails eating fewer calories and following a balanced diet that places an emphasis on nutritious foods like fruit, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats. Because processed and high-sugar foods might exacerbate side effects, including nausea and stomach pains, you will be advised to limit your intake of these items.
Positives of using weight loss jabs:
The astounding statistics from a Yale University research study in 2021 revealed that of 2000 obese participants, Wegovy users reduced 15% of their body weight in a year, and Mounjaro users reduced 20% of their body weight in a year.
GLP-1RAs (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) have demonstrated efficiency in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, decreasing the risk of kidney disease, heart attacks, stroke and some types of cancer (liver and pancreatic, plus others just being discovered).
In recent reports the scientific world are particularly interested in the reduction of mental health incidents of suicidal thoughts, self-harm and eating disorders. There are reports of the reduction of psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia, by 18%; this result could be due to the suppression of the desire for alcohol, nicotine, cannabis and opioids.
Reports show that GLP-1RAs suppress inflammation in the brain, lowering the risk of cognitive diseases, including dementia and Alzheimer's. Results also show a reduction in pneumonia, bacterial infections and seizures.
Negatives of using weight loss jabs:
Research reports embarrassing stomach issues caused by the medication, resulting in very smelly burps (eggy/fishy), feeling nauseous, vomiting, bloating, constipation and diarrhoea. These tend to occur when starting the medication or when increasing the dose.
The weight-loss medications are associated with an 11% increased risk of arthritis and a 146% higher risk of pancreatitis. There is also research reporting increased frequency of low blood pressure and fainting, headaches, joint pain, and disturbed sleep, and a 15% higher risk of kidney stones.
GLP-1RAs reduce hunger signals and the desire to eat, which is excellent for losing weight but can destroy your connection to food and the social interaction of eating with others. The jabs are also reducing our urge to consume alcohol, which is being frowned on by the beverage companies and those with shares in beverage companies.
Would you be able to enjoy eating and drinking with friends without feeling pressure?
Reports are showing that the majority of those taking GLP-1RAs will need to continue to do so to ensure that the weight doesn't return. That weekly cost of approximately £40 is a commitment many can't afford to stop the pounds from piling back on.
The UK's medicines regulator (MHRA) – Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency – has received reports of 111 deaths up to 29th May 2025 in connection with GLP-1RAs (Mounjaro, Wegovy, Saxenda, and Ozempic). While these reports do not establish that the medications directly cause any of the deaths, the MHRA noted that they raise a 'suspicion' of a possible link.
Within the Friends On A Journey groups currently, we have eight members prescribed the Mounjaro jabs. Three through the NHS and five privately. I am also aware of a member prescribed Orlistat. I offer no opinion either way, for or against, as to which plan you choose to follow. But I support all whatever their personal choice to achieve their goals.
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