Fat jabs/ weight loss injections were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes. Also known as GLP-1s they are highly regulated in the NHS but many people are now buying them online for weight loss, obviously with some financial cost. There are side effects though, such as nausea, digestive distress, depression and anxiety. Also eating disorder symptoms, pancreatitis and thyroid cancer. Afterwards, once coming off them, most people regain the weight anyway.

These jabs can yield meaningful benefits for some people in some circumstances, under medical supervision and with goals based on improving metabolic health rather than simply weight loss. Yet if your goals are more extrinsic i.e. to do with appearance, then the physical, financial and emotional costs maybe too much e.g. less pleasure from food, fluctuation in self-esteem or shame.

Unfortunately we live in a culture that prizes thinness over wellbeing. Far better to exercise and be self-compassionate using mindfulness or therapy to buffer distress, support identity and foster resilience.