Use weight-loss jabs responsibly in 2026

After festive over-indulgence, millions of Brits are thinking about losing weight, and that includes using weight-loss jabs.

Dr Kieran Seyan, Chief Medical Officer at Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor, warns that while these medications can be transformative for eligible patients, they shouldn’t be seen as a lifestyle accessory or quick fix for those hoping to lose a couple of pounds after the festive break.

“Weight-loss jabs are regulated medical treatments that can have life-changing results for people who meet clear clinical criteria,” says Dr Kieran. “They are not a cheat code to speed up a New Year’s resolution and, taken incorrectly or without clinical oversight, they risk causing serious harm.”

Prescription weight-loss medication such as GPL-1 receptor agonists works by targeting hormones that regulate appetite, helping people feel fuller for longer and reducing calorie intake. For eligible patients, these treatments can lead to meaningful weight loss and improvements in health, including improving blood sugar control and a reduced risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Those looking to request weight-loss medication can do so through their GP or a licensed online service, such as Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor. During this consultation, prospective patients provide their weight and medical history so the clinician can determine the most appropriate treatment plan for them.

However, with stories about weight loss linked to popular treatments like Wegovy and Mounjaro gaining popularity online, clinicians are warning about a concerning rise in weight-loss drugs being bought without prescriptions. As consumers turn to unregulated websites and grey market sources like gym locker rooms and beauty salons, many risk their health through misuse or accessing harmful counterfeit products.

January can also be a particularly challenging time for those seeking to lose weight, as social pressures may be joined by a financial squeeze caused by a longer-than-usual gap between paydays. “We’re seeing a rise in trends like microdosing, attempting to get the same benefits from a smaller dose, or trying to squeeze extra medication from a pen, often referred to online as the ‘Golden Dose'” Dr Kieran adds. “These practices are becoming more common among patients hoping to make their weight-loss treatment last longer, but they can be unsafe and undermine both the effectiveness and safety of the medication.”

To help Brits start their year safely, Dr Kieran has outlined ten resolutions they should make if they are considering – or already using – prescription weight-loss drugs:

1. Only take it if your doctor says so

Weight-loss drugs are prescribed based on BMI (Body Mass Index), medical history and individual health risk, and should not be treated as lifestyle choices or shortcuts to reach a body goal or appearance.

2. No fibbing about your weight and health

Providing accurate information is essential. Misreporting may lead to inappropriate prescribing, which could increase the risk of side effects or other serious health consequences.

3. Stick to the script

Weight-loss drugs have been proven to be highly effective in prescribed doses. Higher or lower doses may increase side effects like nausea, vomiting and dehydration.

4. Don’t hack your dose or stretch your pen

Weight-loss drugs are designed to deliver a fixed dose for safety and effectiveness. Attempting to alter the dose or “stretch” a pen can lead to incorrect dosing or even infection due to needle reuse.

5. Don’t take ‘medication holidays’

Pausing treatment without medical supervision for specific celebrations or because of cost pressures can reduce the medication’s effectiveness and increase side effects.

6. Skip dodgy sellers

If a drug is sold without a prescription and consultation, it could be counterfeit, unsafe or the wrong strength.

7. Ignore social media weight loss ‘hacks’

Just because an unconventional weight loss hack worked for someone sharing their story online, that doesn’t mean everyone will have the same results. Always stick to clinical advice and your personal treatment.

8. Pair medication with healthy habits

Weight-loss medication is most effective when part of an all-round health commitment, including a balanced diet, regular exercise and long-term habit changes.

9. Speak up about your symptoms

Always speak to a doctor if something doesn’t feel right; overlooking symptoms may result in underlying health concerns going untreated.

10. Weight loss isn’t instant – be patient

Safe and sustainable weight loss happens gradually. Focusing on steady progress and long-term maintenance is more important than immediate results.