A staggering 64% of adults in England are classed as either overweight or obese according to the most recent NHS figures. And with those numbers continuing to rise, interest in new treatments and ‘weight loss jabs’ has never been higher.
But misinformation and myths surrounding these medications are rife, which is unsurprising when you realise that, according to a new survey, the Numan State of Obesity Report, 26 per cent of us have learnt all we know about medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy through social media. Alarmingly, this figure is double the number getting their information from the NHS (13%) or direct from their GP (7%).
So what are the biggest myths that surround these treatments, and what does anyone who is considering trying them need to know?
Myth 1: Weight loss jabs are too new, so they’re unsafe
Medications that are licensed for weight management in the obese, like Wegovy and Mounjaro, are gaining popularity, but some remain sceptical of their safety. “While it’s natural to be cautious around new treatments, the fact is that these medications have a very long history of use already,” says GP Dr Bryony Henderson, obesity management expert and medical director at Numan.
“There are over 10 million patient years of data for the use of for the use of Ozempic which, like Wegovy, is a GLP1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) receptor agonist. These injections are a synthetic form of a hormone we naturally release when eating that stimulates insulin release, thereby controlling blood sugar levels, and slowing the speed at which our stomachs empty. This tells the brain that we are full, and our appetite reduces as a result.”
“Despite Ozempic gaining a reputation for helping celebrities lose weight, it is not licensed for weight loss but as a medicine for treating type 2 diabetes. It has been used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes for decades and is prescribed as such on the NHS,” Dr Henderson explains.
“This means that, despite there always being a risk-benefit consideration for any medication, patients can be reassured that none of these treatments are totally novel [new] drugs. In fact, we have an incredibly strong understanding of their safety profile.”
However, it is always crucial to get any medication from regulated, reputable providers. “These medications are prescription-only, and buying them through social media or unregulated sources can be dangerous,” adds Dr Henderson. “Make sure your provider is approved by the CQC and MHRA, and always consult a healthcare professional to ensure the treatment is right for you.”
Your GP or a prescribing pharmacist will be able to talk to you about the treatment’s risks, benefits, and likely effect on your body specifically. “Moreover, wrap-around care like that given by providers like Numan should not be optional. It is essential to make sure that the medication is safe for you and your body. Please do not opt for options sold across social media and beyond, as this is where serious safety concerns arise.”
Myth 2: GLP-1 injections cause drastic side effects
Like all medications, obesity management medications can cause side effects – but not everyone experiences them, says Dr Henderson.
“In order to understand the side effects, it’s also important to know exactly how these medications work. Wegovy mimics a natural hormone called GLP-1, which rises after eating and helps you feel full by promoting insulin production. Mounjaro goes a step further by mimicking both GLP-1 and GIP, another hormone involved in hunger regulation. These medications help people control their appetite and feel fuller for longer, making weight loss more manageable.”
The side effects are also linked to these hormones too – and because they’re mimicking hormones that naturally occur in the body, the side effects are largely predictable, adds Dr Henderson. “Mild side effects such as nausea, constipation, stomach cramps, and diarrhoea are therefore relatively common and many will disappear with time. More serious side effects are rare, but can require urgent medical attention.
“This is part of why it’s so important to work with a reputable provider who can help you understand and monitor any side effects you may experience, as well as how to manage them.”
Myth 3: GLP-1s are a ‘quick-fix’
These medications can be highly effective in treating obesity – but they are not a ‘quick fix’, cautions Dr Henderson. “They’re not a ‘skinny jab’ that you can take to shed a few pounds before your next sunny holiday or an important social occasion.
“Obesity is a disease and these treatments should be viewed as part of a broader, ongoing treatment for that condition. A holistic plan should come with your medication, including recommendations for lifestyle changes and behavioural support.
“One-to-one coaching can help here, ensuring people are able to build healthy habits around diet and exercise alongside taking their medication. The point is to take away the food noise and help people enjoy a healthier lifestyle overall.”
Myth 4: You can eat anything you want when using a ‘weight loss jab’
Experts say a lot of nuance is actually missed when people talk about the use of obesity management medications and taking them should be part of a wider approach to improving your health. “Eating more healthily and doing more exercise is paramount to that overall lifestyle change,” cautions Dr Henderson.
“However, there is nothing to stop a person from eating what they want. There are no dietary restrictions or food exclusions that someone has to adhere to in order for the medication to be effective. This is because the medication works by making you feel fuller for longer and reducing ‘food noise’.
“In other words, rather than having to set restrictions upon their diet, a person will simply eat less because they don’t feel as hungry as often, nor do they experience as many cravings.” It’s still important to eat plenty of fruit, vegetables and wholegrain to ensure you meet all your nutritional requirements.
Myth 5: I’ll never have to worry about my weight again
Weight loss medications are a potentially life-changing solution to one of the biggest health crises facing our generation. “That being said, they are not a ‘magic fix-all’ and should not be treated as such,” says Dr Henderson.
“Studies have shown that stopping these medications often results in some weight being regained during treatment returning in the following weeks and months. This simply highlights the importance of pairing these medications with sustainable lifestyle changes, so that the initial weight loss can be used as a springboard for a happier, healthier life in the long run.
“You cannot simply return to old habits and diet choices after finishing with the treatment, and individualised wrap-around care should be in place to help you navigate exactly what this looks like, not just considering diet and exercise, but all the factors that feed into what is a complex disease.
“In some cases, people are asked to consider long-term use of the medication as part of an overall plan. We must start treating obesity for what it really is – a chronic disease. By recognising it as a medical condition, we can help people feel empowered to seek treatment without fear of judgement.”
Myth 6: Using medication for obesity is ‘cheating’
Many people think that people who are obese simply lack will power, and Numan’s report found that two in five people (39%) think that using these medications is ‘cheating’ and over half of Brits (52%) still do not recognise obesity as a disease and six in 10 believing it is a personal choice.
“Obesity is a complex, chronic condition often triggered by factors outside of an individual’s control. Clinical studies have proven obesity can be attributed to inherited genetic factors in up to 70% of cases. Similarly, research also suggests that people who have higher levels of cortisol (also known as the ‘stress hormone’) tend to have larger waist circumference measurements and are heavier, while individuals who regularly sleep less than seven hours per night are more likely to develop obesity than those who sleep more.
“It’s time to move beyond outdated ‘diet culture’ beliefs, which emphasised willpower and fitness over scientific understanding. Recognising obesity as a disease will empower more people to seek help and effective treatment without shame or blame.”
The risks associated with obesity are serious and well-documented, so treating the condition shouldn’t come with a stigma, she adds. “Obesity increases the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes and puts extra strain on joints, often leading to joint replacements. Additionally, between 4-8% of all cancers are linked to obesity.
“For younger adults, developing diabetes could cut life expectancy by around 15 years, highlighting the catastrophic effects that the ramifications of obesity cause. Obesity can literally shave years off your life expectancy.
“The fact is, no one judges an asthmatic for using their inhaler, or someone with high cholesterol for taking statins. Medical conditions deserve medical treatment. Obesity deserves medical treatment, just like any other disease.”
