Weight loss injections such as Mounjaro and Wegovy are transforming obesity care, offering safe, clinically proven results for people who need medical help to manage their weight. In the UK, thousands of new patients are now prescribed these medicines each year under NICE guidance.
Yet, as awareness has grown, so has confusion. Social media is full of mixed opinions – from celebrity transformations to unverified claims – and that noise often hides the real science behind treatment.
Our 'Already doing it' campaign aims to change that. This guide breaks down the biggest myths surrounding medical weight loss so you can see what’s true, what’s not, and what the evidence actually shows. By separating fact from fiction, we help you make confident, informed choices about your health.
Three key takeaways
Weight loss treatments like Mounjaro and Wegovy are proven medical options – not shortcuts.
Obesity is a chronic, biological condition that requires proper treatment, not willpower alone.
Understanding the facts helps remove stigma and empowers patients to make confident, informed choices.
Why there’s so much confusion about weight loss treatments
Social media drives a lot of misinformation. Posts showing “miracle” weight loss or dramatic before-and-after photos can go viral in hours, while responsible medical advice spreads slowly. That creates a space where false or exaggerated claims thrive.
At the same time, headlines calling these medicines “quick fixes” or “cheats” make people doubt their safety and legitimacy. The reality is that weight loss injections are effective medical tools when prescribed by clinicians, not shortcuts or cosmetic fads.
Algorithms also push extreme content while leaving out what happens in proper treatment plans - gradual dose increases, check-ins, and follow-up care. It’s why healthcare providers encourage patients to get information directly from clinical sources such as the NHS, NICE, or the MHRA, rather than influencers or opinion pieces.
Myth #1 - “Weight loss injections are just a shortcut”
These medications work by mimicking natural hormones that helps regulate appetite and digestion. They make people feel full sooner and stay full for longer, supporting weight loss through reduced calorie intake. They don’t replace lifestyle changes – they make those changes more achievable.
In large clinical trials, patients using GLP-1 receptor agonists such as tirzepatide or semaglutidelost an average of15-22% of their body weight when combined with diet and physical activity. By comparison, lifestyle changes alone often result in around 5%. The difference comes from addressing biological barriers, not from effort.
Calling these treatments a “shortcut” ignores how obesity works. It’s a complex, chronic condition influenced by hormones, genetics, and metabolism. Medication provides an additional tool to help patients reach and maintain a healthy weight, just as other medicines support people with blood pressure or asthma.
Myth #2 - “You’ll just regain the weight when you stop”
Some people regain weight when they stop medication suddenly, but that isn’t inevitable. Weight management is a long-term process. The body naturally tries to return to its previous weight, so gradual withdrawal, continued activity, and balanced nutrition are important.
Doctors and pharmacists design weight loss maintenance plans to help patients stay stable after stopping treatment. This can include regular check-ups or smaller dose adjustments if weight begins to rise again.
Obesity is a chronic condition like high blood pressure or diabetes – stopping medication without follow-up would be unthinkable in those cases. The same principle applies here –with consistent care and healthy habits, long-term results are achievable.
Myth #3 - “It’s only for people who don’t try hard enough”
“Effort isn’t the problem – biology is. Hormones, genes, and environment all influence body weight. For some, the body naturally resists weight loss by increasing hunger or slowing metabolism.
“These treatments address those barriers, helping the body respond more effectively to healthy changes. Choosing clinical help isn’t giving up – it’s using medical science to support what lifestyle alone can’t fix.”
Myth #4 - “These medications are unsafe or experimental”
Before approval, Mounjaro and Wegovy went through years of research involving tens of thousands of participants. Regulatory bodies such as the MHRA, NICE, and the EMA reviewed safety, dosage, and long-term effects before authorising their use.
Most Wegovy and Mounjaro side effects are mild and temporary, including nausea, bloating, or diarrhoea. These usually appear during the first few weeks as the body adjusts. To reduce them, prescribers start patients on a low dose and gradually increase it – a process known as titration.
It’s important to remember that these medications are prescribed under clinical supervision. Regular reviews ensure treatment remains safe and suitable, and any side effects are quickly addressed. In medical settings, these medicines have a strong safety profile supported by extensive real-world data.
Myth #5 - “They’re just for people who are extremely overweight”
Eligibility depends on BMI and health risks. People with a BMI of 30 or higher qualify for treatment, but it may also be prescribed for those with a BMI of 27 or more if they have conditions like type 2 diabetes, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), or sleep apnoea.
These guidelines exist because early intervention can prevent future complications such as heart disease or joint damage. Medical treatment helps patients reach a healthier weight before those issues become severe.
This approach recognises that obesity is not only about size but also about health impact. Managing weight earlier supports better long-term outcomes for both physical and metabolic health.
Myth #6 - “You can’t use weight loss medications with diet and exercise”
In reality, these treatments work best alongside lifestyle changes. Regular movement, balanced meals, and a positive mindset all help the medicine do its job more effectively.
Think of it as teamwork – the medication manages appetite and hormones, while healthy habits maintain results.
For more information on how these treatments work best combined with diet and exercise, check out our weight loss support guides.
Myth #7 - “It’s all about looks”
Medical weight loss is about improving health, not appearance. Research shows that losing even 5 to 10% of body weight can lower blood pressure, reduce high cholesterol, and improve blood sugar control. For people at risk of type 2 diabetes or heart disease, those changes can be life-saving.
Many patients also report sleeping better, feeling more energetic, and experiencing less joint pain. These are quality-of-life benefits that go beyond physical appearance.
Treating obesity as a health issue shifts focus from how someone looks to how they live.
Myth #8 - “You just need to eat less and move more”
“Diet and exercise are important, but for many people, biology gets in the way. Hormonal and metabolic factors can make it difficult to lose weight through lifestyle changes alone.
“GLP-1 medications help regulate appetite and blood sugar, giving the body the support it needs to respond to those changes more effectively.”
There’s no reason to feel embarrassed about using medical treatment for weight management. Obesity is a recognised chronic condition, and using medication to manage it is just as valid as taking medicine for blood pressure or asthma.
Unfortunately, stigma can make people delay or avoid getting help. The Eat Less Move More campaign challenges that narrative by reminding patients they are already putting in effort – medication simply gives their body the support it needs.
Normalising treatment means more people can access care early and improve their health with confidence.
Myth #10 - “It’s too expensive”
Weight loss medication is an investment in long-term health. Chemist4U offers affordable Wegovy and Mounjaro bundles alongside flexible plans, while some people may qualify for NHS prescriptions.
Managing weight effectively can reduce future healthcare costs linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other obesity-related conditions.
Breaking the stigma
At Chemist4U, we believe weight management should be viewed like any other area of healthcare - guided by evidence, compassion, and clinical support.
Our 'Already Doing it' campaign aims to normalise conversations about obesity and help people see that using medication is a responsible, proactive choice. Every prescription is reviewed by a qualified clinician, and every patient receives follow-up advice to ensure treatment is both safe and effective.
Education plays a big role too. By sharingclear information and encouraging open discussion, we hope to reduce the judgement surrounding medical weight loss and make treatment accessible to everyone who could benefit.
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