Is using Mounjaro the easy way out?

Mounjaro is one of the leading weight management medications available in the UK. Like Wegovy, it works by copying the behaviour of hormones that control hunger, blood sugar and cravings. This can help you lose up to 20% of your body weight when used alongside exercise and a balanced diet.

It’s also proving to be an important tool in the NHS’ plans for reducing the number of people affected by obesity. The health service aims to give it to 250,000 patients over the next 3 years to tackle the country’s 26% obesity rate.^1,2

But how successful will the uptake be? “Ozempic shaming” or stigmas about the use of medicated weight loss products is a growing trend. People who use them can face judgement from others because of incorrect ideas about these products being quick fixes.³

These stereotypes build on existing weight-based discrimination faced by overweight and obese people. For example, in medical settings, consultations for patients who live with obesity are more likely to be cut short, they are less likely to be offered certain medical interventions or treatments and screenings are less likely to be offered to them. This can worsen feelings of self-worth and depression.^3,4

They can also face bullying and exclusion in their everyday lives.

These issues combined could make it more difficult for people to start and continue treatment with products like Mounjaro.⁴

We explain why this attitude is emerging and share tips on how to deal with and overcome negative thoughts about weight management approaches.

Obesity is a complex, chronic disease. It’s linked to lots of conditions that can affect your metabolic and mental health. Because of the close relationship between it and other diseases, it can be difficult to achieve successful weight loss.

Public figures including Oprah Winfrey, Nigella Lawson and Elon Musk have all admitted to using some form of weight loss medication. But as more people announce their use of these drugs, the more some people consider it cheating. But this certainly isn’t the case.

People who live with obesity can face challenges that make it more difficult to lose weight on their own. Mental health conditions and a fear of being judged can also hold them back from diet management and regular exercise.

But people who try to address their weight using approaches other than lifestyle changes also face more judgement than those who do. For example, a person who has weight loss surgery might get more negative pushback than a person who lost weight using more conventional approaches.

The same attitude seems to apply to medicated weight loss.

Everyone who takes Mounjaro is encouraged to exercise and eat a healthy, balanced diet to achieve their full weight loss potential. Like any other weight loss drug, it relies on a commitment to positive lifestyle changes.

If you stop using the medication and also let go of the lifestyle changes you’ve made, you have a greater chance of regaining weight. Mounjaro isn’t designed to be a lifelong treatment. Rather, it is a tool to help people reach their weight loss goals, particularly if they have struggled before.

If you can stay consistent with its use, it’s a testament to your willpower and desire to make a change.

If you’re interested in medicated weight loss treatments, speak to your pharmacist or doctor about it. If you feel anxious about speaking to a healthcare professional, take someone you trust with you to your appointment or ask them to sit in on your call. They can advocate for you and ask questions that might be helpful to your treatment.

Remember that your weight loss journey is personal. Although there may be lots of external noise, try to set firm boundaries and avoid online or in-person spaces where negative conversations are happening.

If you want to use a medicated weight loss product, you’ll have access to ongoing support.

Therapy to suit your needs

You can refer yourself or ask your GP to refer you to an NHS therapist if you need one. But you can also get support privately. Here are some therapist directories that you can explore.