Weight Loss Injections: Not a Quick Fix

Weight loss injections like Mounjaro and Ozempic have dominated headlines and social media feeds, but our comprehensive survey reveals a concerning trend: many people are viewing these powerful medications as cosmetic solutions rather than the serious medical treatments they truly are.

Our survey of 2,000 UK adults actively trying to lose weight shows there is significant confusion about who should be using these medications, and in what circumstances they are an appropriate treatment to support weight loss goals.

There is no doubt that these treatments can be life-changing for you if you are obese and/or suffer with weight-related health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. However, there’s a clear demographic of people using them as a shortcut for losing just a few pounds, rather than relying on making a few diet and lifestyle changes instead. This isn’t what these drugs are intended, or recommended for.

The Surprising Appeal of Medical Interventions for Minor Weight Loss

Our survey uncovered that many people with modest weight loss goals are considering weight loss treatments.

• 42% of those aiming to lose less than seven pounds would consider weight loss injections
• 45% of those looking to lose 7-14 pounds would consider these treatments

This trend is concerning because weight loss injections are serious medications developed primarily for managing clinical conditions, not for cosmetic weight reduction or shedding just a few pounds.

Young Adults Most Influenced by Social Media Trends

The data shows a clear generational divide in attitudes toward these medications:

• 42% of younger adults (aged 18-34) are open to using weight loss injections
• This drops significantly with age, with only 11% of those 65+ considering these options
• The 18-24 age group was most influenced by social media, with 52% reporting increased interest after seeing content about injections online

One key driver behind this surge in weight loss content is the rise of #SkinnyTok, a popular TikTok trend where users share extreme weight loss journeys, low-calorie meals, and "what I eat in a day" videos.

With over 38,000 posts under the hashtag, ‘SkinnyTok’ presents a stream of body transformations and calorie deficit hacks, often promoting rapid results. While some creators aim to inspire healthier habits, the trend can blur the line between motivation and harmful messaging, especially for younger users who may be more vulnerable to unrealistic beauty standards.

The widespread social media discussion of these treatments often glosses over their medical nature and potential side effects, instead focusing on dramatic before-and-after transformations.

Expectations vs. Reality

The survey highlights a concerning disconnect between expectations and medical reality:

• Men considering injections aimed to lose an average of 29.7 pounds (around 2 stone)
• Women had an average goal of 22.56 pounds (over 1.5 stone)

These substantial goals suggest many view these medications as quick solutions rather than what they truly are: serious medical interventions that require ongoing professional supervision.

Eligibility for treatments like Ozempic and Mounjaro is based on specific clinical criteria, not just personal weight loss goals. This highlights the importance of clinical consultations with licensed professionals, who will ensure that weight loss medications are only given to you if it is safe and reasonable to do so.

In the UK, weight loss injections are typically prescribed only to individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above, or 27+ with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. Wanting to lose a stone or two does not automatically qualify someone for these medications, especially when the results you are looking for may well be achievable with some minor lifestyle changes.

Attempting to go on weight loss medication without meeting the medical threshold not only puts you at risk of side effects but also undermines the clinical purpose of the treatment. These drugs are not designed for cosmetic weight loss and should never be used without appropriate medical evaluation and supervision.

Different Approaches to Accessing Treatment

How people seek out these treatments varies significantly:

• 29% of 18-24 year-olds prefer visiting private weight loss clinics for injections
• Older adults (65+) typically pursue these treatments through NHS pathways when medically appropriate

This difference in approach highlights how perceptions of these medications vary, from cosmetic enhancement for younger people to medical treatment for older adults.

For many younger individuals, weight loss injections are increasingly viewed as lifestyle enhancers, tools to accelerate aesthetic goals influenced by social media trends and body image pressures. The preference for private clinics among this age group may reflect a desire for fast, accessible results outside of traditional medical gatekeeping.

In contrast, older adults tend to approach these medications more cautiously and within the context of managing long-term health conditions. For them, weight loss injections are seen as part of a broader clinical plan under the guidance of NHS professionals, rather than as a standalone solution.

This contrast highlights the importance of clear public messaging around the intended use of these treatments and the need to protect vulnerable groups from misusing medications that carry serious risks when taken outside of medical guidelines.

The Medical Reality

What's often lost in social media discussions is that weight loss injections:

• Require proper medical assessment and supervision
• May have significant side effects
• Are designed primarily for those with clinical indications
• Work best as part of a comprehensive weight management approach
• Are not quick fixes or cosmetic treatment

Our Senior Clinical Adviser, Dr. Donald Grant, explains the medical reality behind weight loss injections and why they are not a quick fix for small weight loss goals:

Moving Forward: The Importance Of Making Informed Decisions

The high interest in these treatments across different age groups, genders, and weight loss goals emphasises the need for greater public education about their appropriate use.

If you are considering weight management options, it's important to consult qualified healthcare providers and understand that lasting weight management typically requires sustainable lifestyle changes in the form of a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise, not just medication.

The survey results make one thing clear: while weight loss injections clearly have a valid medical use, they should never be viewed as an easy alternative to healthy eating and physical activity, regardless of how they're portrayed on social media.

You can find further information on weight loss treatments here. You can also speak to a member of our licensed UK clinical team with any questions or concerns about weight loss.

Methodology

The data in this report comes from a survey conducted by OnePoll for The Independent Pharmacy. The survey took place between 6th April and 12th April 2025, with a sample of 2,000 UK adults who were actively trying to lose weight.

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