Why Weight Loss Drugs Like Ozempic Stir Debate Beyond Diets
The rising popularity of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro in the UK highlights a growing reliance on quick fixes for managing obesity, with 2.5 million adults now using these injectables—a significant increase over the past year. Despite their effectiveness, including rapid weight loss and improved health markers like cholesterol, the soaring costs and inconsistent usage raise concerns about their long-term impact. While hailed as a “game-changer” by health officials, the broader issue of addressing the root causes of obesity remains overlooked, as Britain continues to grapple with rising obesity rates despite the widespread adoption of these treatments.
The Weight Loss Craze: Why Quick Fixes Like Ozempic Might Be Missing the Bigger Picture
The rising demand for weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro has taken the UK by storm, with a staggering 2.5 million people now using these injectables—a sevenfold increase in just one year. This means one in 20 adults is turning to these so-called “fat jabs” in an attempt to better manage their weight. Over the summer, prices for Mounjaro skyrocketed, with the highest doses jumping from £122 to £330 a month, a 170% price hike. While these drugs remain scarce on the NHS—despite health secretary Wes Streeting hailing them as a “game-changer” for public health—the appeal is undeniable.
I’ve tried it myself. These weekly injections helped me shed two-and-a-half stone in no time, finally ridding me of the baby weight lingering after two pregnancies. My cholesterol levels even normalized. But here’s the catch: I didn’t use it consistently. I took low doses, skipped weeks, restarted and stopp