The Skinny Jab Uncovered: The Truth About Skinny Jabs

In recent years, the term "skinny jab" has gained popularity as a weight management solution. But what exactly are these injections, and how effective are they? In this comprehensive guide, we uncover the facts behind skinny jabs, exploring their purpose, types, eligibility criteria, potential risks, and where to obtain them safely in the UK.

Key Takeaways

What Are Skinny Jabs and How Do They Work?

Skinny jabs, such as Saxenda, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, are injectable medications designed to aid weight loss by suppressing appetite and reducing calorie intake. These treatments are self-administered at home using pen-like devices and work best when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Prescription is Essential

Skinny jabs like Saxenda (liraglutide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are prescription-only medications in the UK. Avoid using unauthorised or counterfeit products due to significant safety risks.

Growing Popularity and Supply Shortages

The rising demand for weight loss treatments has led to shortages of medications like Wegovy, Saxenda, and Mounjaro. These shortages were driven by their proven effectiveness and widespread media attention although the supplies have improved again. If considering these treatments, consult a doctor or use trusted providers like UK Meds to ensure safe and legitimate access.

A Growing Concern: How common is obesity in the UK in 2025?

Obesity continues to be a significant health issue in the UK. As of 2025, 26% of adults are classified as obese, while 38% are overweight. Among those aged 45 to 74, nearly three-quarters are either overweight or obese. Childhood obesity is also on the rise, with 10% of 4-5-year-olds and 23.4% of 10-11-year-olds classified as obese (The UKCAT People, 2024).

What Is a Skinny Jab?

A skinny jab is an injectable medication used to aid weight loss by reducing hunger, slowing digestion, and lowering calorie intake. These jabs, containing active ingredients such as tirzepatide, liraglutide, or semaglutide, are self-administered daily or weekly using a pen-like device.

According to Women’s Health Magazine, these injections work best when combined with a calorie-controlled diet and regular exercise.

Types of Skinny Jabs

Saxenda (Liraglutide)

• Brand: Novo Nordisk

• Dosing: Injected once daily

• Who Can Use It?: Adults with a BMI of 27+ (with weight-related conditions) or BMI of 30+.

• How It Works: Reduces hunger and calorie intake when combined with a healthy diet and exercise (Saxenda, 2025).

Wegovy (Semaglutide)

• Brand: Novo Nordisk

• Dosing: Injected once weekly

• Who Can Use It?: Adults with a BMI of 30+ or 27+ with weight-related health conditions.

• Additional Benefits: Helps lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes in individuals with heart disease (Wegovy, 2025).

Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)

• Brand: Eli Lilly & Company

• Dosing: Injected once weekly

• How It Works: Activates GLP-1 and GIP receptors to reduce appetite, lower blood sugar levels, and promote weight loss.

• Efficacy: Shown to be more effective than Saxenda and Wegovy for weight loss (Diabetes UK, 2025).

Is Ozempic a Skinny Jab?

Ozempic (semaglutide) is licensed in the UK for type 2 diabetes and not approved for weight loss. However, it is sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss in certain countries, including the US (Diabetes UK).

Is Ozempic licensed for weight loss in the UK?

No, Ozempic (semaglutide) has not been licensed for weight loss in the UK. It is authorised specifically for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes, typically in alongside a healthy balanced diet and exercise. However, despite lacking official approval for weight loss purposes, Ozempic is occasionally prescribed off-label.

The Dangers of Fake Skinny Jabs

Fake weight loss injections, such as counterfeit Wegovy and Saxenda pens, pose serious health risks. In response to increasing reports of fake medications, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has warned against purchasing from unverified sources.

Always obtain weight loss injections through a valid prescription to ensure safety and efficacy.

Video: The Truth About The Skinny Jab - Channel 4 Documentaries

Channel 4 has reported on why the skinny jab or weight loss drugs are being widely covered on the news and media and investigated the use and misuse of skinny jabs in their documentary entitled ' The Truth About The 'Skinny' Jab ' which you can watch below:

Are Skinny Jabs Safe?

Dr Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer of the MHRA, stresses that buying weight loss injections from unauthorised sources is extremely risky. Fake or unregulated injections may contain harmful substances. Patients should report any suspected counterfeit products through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

Skinny jabs, when prescribed by a registered healthcare professional, are safe and effective for many individuals. However, they must be used correctly and under medical supervision.

Video: The Skinny Jab Uncovered: Are You Being Scammed? - BBC Three Documentaries

BBC Three have reported on the truth behind what's in the skinny jab and how to avoid being scammed, you can watch part of the documentary below:

How did Denmark become a super producer of skinny jabs?

Podcast: The Global Story - How Denmark became a super producer of viral 'skinny jabs' | BBC News

BBC News's The Global Story podcast has covered how Novo Nordisk, a once-niche Danish pharmaceutical firm, became one of Europe's most valuable companies as the demand for weight loss drugs such as Wegovy and Saxenda has surged in recent times. Listen to the podcast episode below:

Global Shortages of Skinny Jabs

In recent years, supply issues have impacted the availability of Saxenda, Wegovy, and Mounjaro due to increasing demand.

• Saxenda: Previously affected by shortages, but supply has now stabilised.

• Wegovy: Availability has improved after high demand in 2024.

• Mounjaro: Stock shortages occurred due to increased interest in GLP-1 weight loss treatments.

For the latest updates, consult the UK Meds blog for information on stock availability.

User Experiences with Skinny Jabs

Every individual responds differently to weight loss injections. While some report significant weight loss and reduced cravings, others may experience mild side effects such as nausea or fatigue. It will also differ based on the medication being taken, for example, one patient's experience of taking Mounjaro will differ to another patient's experiences of taking Wegovy, due to the different active ingredients in both medications. Before starting treatment, it is essential to consult a doctor to determine suitability.

Prescription Requirements For Purchasing Skinny Jabs In The UK

How to Get a Prescription Online

You can obtain a free private prescription from UK Meds after completing an online consultation with a registered prescriber.

Where to Buy Legitimate Skinny Jabs

If you are considering Saxenda, Wegovy, or Mounjaro, UK Meds provides a safe and legal way to obtain your medication. All purchases require a prescription, ensuring that treatments are medically appropriate and safe for use.

Why Choose UK Meds?

✅ Free online consultation

✅ Fast and discreet delivery

✅ Regulated UK supplier

✅ Genuine prescription medications

Should You Consult a Doctor Before Using Skinny Jabs?

Yes, consulting a registered doctor before starting any weight loss treatment is essential. A healthcare professional will assess your medical history, discuss potential risks, and determine if a skinny jab is the right solution for your weight loss journey.

While online consultations through UK Meds offer convenience, they should be used in addition to, not instead of, professional medical advice.

Final Thoughts

Skinny jabs, including Saxenda, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, can be effective tools for weight loss when used correctly and safely. However, it is crucial to obtain them through legitimate, regulated providers like UK Meds to ensure safety and effectiveness.

For those considering a weight loss injection, an online consultation with a registered independent prescriber at UK Meds can provide a safe and convenient way to access treatment.

Need a skinny jab treatment? Start your free online consultation at UK Meds today.

Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Alexis Missick MBChB. MRCGP
GMC Reference no: 7151419
LinkedIn
Website

Sources

• NHS - Obesity Treatment

• NICE - Weight loss drug recommended to be made available in specialist NHS services

• Department of Health and Social Care - Accessing Wegovy for weight loss: everything you need to know

• Diabetes UK - Wegovy: Key facts to know about the weight loss drug

• BBC News - The NHS and weight loss: Now they're saying 'come and get it'

• Diabetes.co.uk - 'Skinny jab' Ozempic offered without proper checks by private clinics

• BBC News - Weight loss injections: What you need to know

• BBC - Inside Out - Slimming clinics: Fat chance of losing weight?