Weight Loss Injections Transform Life of Teenager Who Once Ate a Multipack of Crisps in One Sitting
LONDON – A mother, Harriet (name changed to protect identity), has spoken of her relief after weight loss injections dramatically improved the health and wellbeing of her 18-stone son, Jack. The decision to pursue medication followed a moment of concern when Jack consumed an entire multipack of crisps in a single sitting, prompting Harriet to feel she was failing as a parent.
The injections, GLP-1 receptor agonists, work by mimicking a hormone that signals fullness to the brain, suppressing appetite and encouraging the body to burn fat. They also slow digestion and increase insulin production, initially developed for type 2 diabetes. Wegovy is set to become an NHS staple this year alongside Saxenda (liraglutide).
Jack’s transformation has allowed him to return to playing full rugby matches, somthing he previously couldn’t do due to his weight. “He’s back playing rugby again now and he’s enjoying it so much,” Harriet said.”even when he was overweight he was a good rugby player and would get picked to play but he was never able to finish a match, and they would have to take him off. But now he can play a full game. He gets picked to play every week and he enjoys it so much.”
Harriet notes a meaningful shift in Jack’s lifestyle. ”he’s out on his bike every day, and his mindset is so diffrent. Instead of buying a packet of crisps, he’ll get himself a high-protein snack like chicken.” Jack is now openly proud of his treatment, even showing friends his injections. “He’ll have his friends here and say, ‘Do you want to see me take my injection?’ He’s proud of this,” Harriet added. “it has changed our lives.”
access to these drugs on the NHS is currently restricted to specialist weight loss clinics, typically requiring a BMI of 30 or higher and a weight-related health condition like high blood pressure. Private prescribers offer the jabs, including Mounjaro, to those with a BMI of 30+ or 25-30 with a weight-related health risk, but are now required to conduct video or face-to-face appointments to verify patient data.
While the injections have proven effective, they are not without side effects. Around half of users experience gut issues like sickness, bloating, and diarrhoea. Rarer, but more serious, side effects include severe acute pancreatitis (affecting approximately one in 500 peopel), altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems, and hypoglycemia.
Figures obtained by the Sun indicate that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines, though evidence regarding the impact on mental health remains inconclusive.
Jack is now aiming to gradually reduce his reliance on the medication as he approaches his target weight of 12 stone.
