Let’s talk about weight loss drugs: breaking the stigma

Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Semaglutide, Juniper: GLP-1s and GIPs. While there are slight differences between them, GLP-1s and the companies supplying them are dominating the headlines, social media, and for many of us, our thoughts. I’ve been getting loads of questions from clients, family, and friends about these weight loss drugs, so I thought it was a good idea to share some info in a two-part series of three articles on GLP-1s—what they are, the impact they can have, and how exercise fits into the picture.

My Initial Reaction

I won’t lie—I hate the term “skinny jab”. It’s a clickbait phrase that puts size at the forefront. That kind of narrative instantly made me bristle. With a history of eating disorders, I found myself rejecting the news of the drug—uncertain, and honestly, a bit scared about what it might mean for the weight loss and fitness industry.

But I had to ask myself: why was I hesitating? Most likely because it would have been something I’d have latched onto when I was unwell. That thought alone felt uncomfortable—insidious even—and weirdly triggering. As someone who considers themselves fully recovered, I was surprised at how much it affected me and the mental space it was taking up. My mind immediately jumped to how it could be misused. That fear, while protective, isn’t one I could afford to cling to—especially working in this industry. So I decided to get informed and understand how these drugs might shape the future of health and fitness.

Taking a Step Back from the Headlines

My first step was to look at the press and media—where most people have heard about these drugs. And honestly, the sensationalism around GLP-1s has made them something people feel they need to have an ‘opinion’ on. The media has fuelled a guessing game, with the public picking apart people’s bodies (usually women’s), assuming any weight loss is thanks to a GLP-1 and commenting on ‘ozempic face’ or drastic weight loss with scorn. Yet another veiled way of normalising body judgement.

On top of that, a lot of the media coverage leans heavily on fear—cherry-picking rare but horrific side effects and using them to shame people. Creating whole documentaries and exposés on the disastrous effects for anyone who takes it (in their words). Finally, there’s a wider narrative that taking the drug is often framed as ‘lazy’ or an ‘easy way out’. Something which goes back to a lack of empathy or understanding of the psychological attachment to food or medical reasons which stand in the way of ‘normal’ weight loss tactics.

The result? A narrative full of judgement. And let’s be real—shaming someone for their body or for using medication to support their health is never OK.

Digging Into the Research

Next on my mission for a more balanced view was diving into what the experts are saying. Across the board, there’s general agreement that GLP-1s could be game-changing—not just for their original purpose in managing diabetes or their fame as weight-loss aids, but even in potential treatments for addiction.

It’s worth noting that GLP-1 medications are clinically recommended in the UK only for people who are obese, or those who have weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. These drugs are designed to be used by those who need them—not as a quick fix, and certainly not to be abused.

In terms of weight loss, they are among the most effective treatments available—often leading to a 15–20% reduction in body weight. They quieten ‘food noise’—that constant internal chatter about food—giving people the mental space to make different choices and disconnect emotion from eating. For those with conditions like PCOS, which make weight loss incredibly difficult, they offer a new way forward. Now, this isn’t to say I’m promoting them—I’m just sharing what we know so far in terms of the effectiveness for the people they’ve been created to help.

That said, there are downsides. Around 40% of the weight lost can be muscle mass. There’s potential for dehydration and malnutrition if nutrition and hydration aren’t carefully managed. Some experience digestive issues. Others find the drug simply doesn’t work for them. And we still don’t know whether long-term use will be necessary—or what the long-term effects of that might be. (Though Ozempic has been used for diabetes for about eight years now.)

Despite all that, GLP-1s are now widely available privately and can be prescribed on the NHS. While there are valid concerns, the potential to empower people to make new, healthier choices is huge. To think this trend is going away any time soon? That’s just wishful thinking.

So Where Did This Leave Me?

I’m still cautious—and I think that’s a good thing. But now, rather than fear, that caution has turned into a drive to support others in using these medications responsibly. Helping them build lasting habits, protect muscle mass during weight loss, and understand nutrition better, so they’re set up for success, whether they stay on the medication long-term or come off it.

Nobody should ever be shamed for taking control of their health. They should be supported and encouraged to approach it from a place of self-care, not self-judgement.

In the next part of this series, I’ll be diving into how GLP-1s work, how to optimise your nutrition while using them, and why training still plays a vital role in long-term health outcomes. I’m not the expert on this subject, but if you want a friendly face to chat to about this (for yourself or someone close to you) or support on your journey, I’m here to help.