Skinny Jabs Conflict: Quick Fix or Long-Term Risk
Skinny jabs also known as weight loss injections, are the injectable drugs such as semaglutide (sold under the brand names Wegovy, Ozempic and Rybelsus), tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and liraglutide (sold under various brand names), originally developed to treat Type-2 diabetes mellitus, later found to reduce cardiovascular risk but gained hype in general public after the discovery of their significant weight reducing effects.
They produce their action of weight reduction via following ways:
- Increases feeling of fullness i.e. produce satiety
- Reduce gastric emptying of food
- Decreases the number and amount of meals
Uncovering the agent behind:
All the above-mentioned drugs like semaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide are categorized as GLP-1 agonist (glucagon like peptide-1 agonist). GLP-1 is a natural hormone that is released in our body when we eat food. It induces the secretion of insulin in our body. Along with this, it also produces the feeling of fullness while having a meal when we had taken the sufficient amount of food. So, GLP-1 agonist mimics this natural hormone to release insulin and to produce the feeling of satiety thus managing the blood glucose level as well as the weight of the patient.
Criteria for using skinny jabs for weight reduction:
Injections | Use (other than for Type-2 Diabetes mellitus) |
Skinny Jab/GLP-1 injections such as semaglutide (sold under the brand names Wegovy, Ozempic and Rybelsus), tirzepatide (Mounjaro) | Licensed for weight loss/management alongside a reduced calorie diet and exercise in people with ·       Obesity, (body mass index (BMI) of 30 kilograms per square meter (kg/ m2) or greater) OR  ·       overweight body mass index of 27 kg/m2 or greater) with weight-related health problems such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol |
Liraglutide (sold under various brand names) | This is brand specific, please check the product information leaflet |
Refrain from using these injections, if you don’t fall in any of the above criteria. Its use in any population should be initiated on a prescription of registered medical practitioner and under medical supervision.
 Before you roll up your sleeve, here’s the side of skinny jabs you need to know.”
 Skinny jabs have significantly caught youth’s attention in the recent years due to its widespread promotion on social media. A number of influencers and celebrities are using the skinny jab for weight reduction which has created a sense of awareness regarding these injection among the youth. While people are sharing their weight transformation stories, no one is highlighting the side effects and precautions regarding this injection. So, let’s take a deeper dive into its side effects:
Common side effects of GLP-1 Agonist injections/Skinny Jabs:
Gastrointestinal issues:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- diarrhoea—often transient, but sometimes persistent
Thyroid concerns: Semaglutide linked to thyroid tumors in rats, though human data remain inconclusive
Rare but Severe Risks side effects of GLP-1 Agonist injections/Skinny Jabs:
- Pancreatitis, gallstones, or gallbladder removal—reports of gallstone complications leading to surgery exist 
- Hypoglycaemia
- Dehydration
- dizziness—cases have been reported with counterfeit or inappropriate dosing.Â
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Planning for a baby? You’ll need to plan your meds too
Women who are taking skinny jabs or GLP-1 agonist drugs should use effective contraceptive methods.. This is because there is not enough safety data to know whether using these injections could cause harm to the human’s baby or not. The reason behind contraindication is that the animal studies of these drugs have shown harm to the unborn fetus.
So, even before planning a pregnancy these drugs should be stopped. Now the question arises how long should the skinny Jabs or GLP-1 agonists drugs, be stopped before planning a pregnancy? Then just have a look at the table below:
 | How many months should GLP-1 be stopped before pregnancy? |
Semaglutide | At least 2 months |
Tirzepatide | At least 1 month |
Liraglutide | 0 months (Its because, that these medicines leave your body faster than the rest of the GLP-1 agonist, meaning that there is no need to give large gaps between using these drugs and planning a pregnancy) |
If a woman is using Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and alongside taking an oral contraceptive (the pill) then she should also use a non-oral form of contraception this is because Mounjaro (tirzepatide) may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives in those who are overweight or obese.
Non-oral form of contraception can be a barrier form of contraception (e.g. condom) alongside your pill, or switching to a non-oral contraceptive like the coil or implant.
The use of GLP-1 agonist/skinny Jabs, during breastfeeding is also contraindicated.
Injecting the Right Way: A Must-Read Checklist”
- Use on a prescription of a registered medical practitioner
Always undergo a full health assessment before starting treatment—especially for diabetes, heart, kidney, or gallbladder health and never go for self-medication as this can damage your health if administered without being aware of yourself or family history.
- Follow Licensed Indications
Use only if you meet criteria as mentioned above like BMI thresholds and comorbidities. And if recommended by a medical practitioner then do follow the dosing schedules. - Purchase from Licensed Pharmacies Only
Avoid social media sellers, “parties,” or foreign websites. These may be counterfeit or contaminated. - Plan Pregnancy Carefully
Use effective contraception during the use of GLP-1 agonist drugs or Skinny Jabs, and wait as per the schedule mentioned above before planning a pregnancy. - Monitor Side‑Effects
Track GI symptoms, signs of pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, or thyroid lumps. Report any issues through Vigimobile app or Yellow Card reporting system. - Combine with Lifestyle Changes
These drugs are just adjuncts, and not the replacements, for diet, exercise, and behavioural therapy.
  Final Scan & Conclusion
Skinny Jabs or GLP‑1 injectables like semaglutide and tirzepatide have indeed initiated a new era in weight management, supported by robust clinical evidence and official approvals. They offer:
- Substantial weight loss
- Enhanced control of heart disease markers
- A real-world lifeline for those struggling with obesity and its health impacts
             However, these drugs are not magical pills. Their safe and effective use depend on on:
- Proper patient selection (high BMI, comorbidities)
- Specialized medical supervision and professional guidance
- Long-term lifestyle modification
- Awareness of side-effects, pregnancy risks, and counterfeit dangers.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medical treatment
References:
UK Health Security Agency. (2024, April 25). GLP-1 medicines for weight loss and diabetes: What you need to know. GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/glp-1-medicines-for-weight-loss-and-diabetes-what-you-need-to-know/glp-1-medicines-for-weight-loss-and-diabetes-what-you-need-to-know
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023, November 8). FDA approves new medication for chronic weight management. FDA. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-medication-chronic-weight-management
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. (2025, June 5). Women on skinny jabs must use effective contraception, MHRA urges in latest guidance. GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/women-on-skinny-jabs-must-use-effective-contraception-mhra-urges-in-latest-guidance
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