IT’S no secret that celebrities have been losing weight with the "skinny jab".
From Elon Musk to Sharon Osbourne, Rebel Wilson, Oprah Winfrey and Amy Schumer - dozens of Hollywood celebrities have opened up about their experience on the jabs. But what is it, exactly?
What is a 'skinny jab' weight loss injection?
Skinny jabs are daily or weekly injections which result in weight loss.
Most of them work in the same way - by reducing hunger, which results in less calories consumed and overall lose weight.
The jab can be prescribed for people who are overweight or obese.
There are different weight loss injection brands which have similar results.
Specific ingredients depend on which type you use.
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Ozempic
Ozempic is arguably one of the most well-known names, though it isn't actually a weight loss injection.
It was originally designed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes before scientists discovered it also caused weight loss.
A prescription of Ozempic on the NHS is only possible in certain circumstances; most notably if you’re living with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.
Ozempic contains the active ingredient semaglutide.
Taken as a once-weekly injection, it increases the levels of hormones called incretins, which helps your body produce more insulin when needed, while suppressing the amount of glocose produced by the liver.
Wegovy
Wegovy also contains semaglutide.
It works by mimicking the action of the hormone GLP-1 which is released from the fut after a meal.
The hormone feeds back to the brain and makes you feel full.
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Wegovy is made by the same company behind Ozempic for specific weight loss purposes.
Mounjaro
Mounjaro is another brand of weight loss injection which contains the active ingredient tirzepatide.
This was also originally developed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes.
Tirzepatide also helps you feel fuller for longer which makes it an effective obesity treatment when used alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Saxenda
Liraglutide is a drug sold under the brand name Saxenda, and is authorised it the UK to help with weight loss.
A GLP-1 drug like Ozempic and Wegovy, it mimics the hormone released by your brain when you eat and dampens hunger pangs.
How are weight loss injections administered?
It is advised to inject skinny jabs into the stomach using the pen-like device it comes in.
This makes it possible to administer at home.
How do weight loss injections work?
Skinny jab works by making you less hungry, meaning you eat less calories.
The drug was originally created to help people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
It can now be prescribed for weight management and works by stabilising your blood glucose levels which decreases your appetite.
How long do you use skinny jabs for?
Skinny jab may be prescribed for different amounts of time depending on what your goals are such as how much weight you want to lose and in what time period.
It was previously reported that prescriptions would be limited to two years.
How much do skinny jabs cost?
The cost of weight loss injections depends on how much of the drug you are purchasing and which brand.
You can purchase Skinny jab on Lloyds pharmacy online which will set you back £149 for the starter pack and the maintenance pack is £239.
Each pack should last a month.
You can also find Mounjaro on Simple Online Pharmacy for £159 for a month supply.
You will need a prescription to obtain Ozempic or Wegovy.
What are the side effects of the skinny jab weight loss injections?
A review in 2017 said that the side effects of Skinny jab tend to be gastrointestinal.
This can include nausea, diarrhoea, stomach pain and constipation.
Other side effects could be more serious and lead to long-term complications.
Which celebrities have endorsed the skinny jab weight loss injections?
Weight loss injections have been promoted by several celebrities.
Holly Hagen previous spoke out about using Skinny jab herself.
Gemma Collins and Kerry Katona have also endorsed the drug in the past.
Are weight loss injections available on the NHS?
Yes, you are able to get the weight loss injections on the NHS.
You have to meet a series of strict criteria to even be considered as a candidate.
You will need to be above a certain BMI, usually 30 to 34.9, and not be eligible for any other treatments.
How much weight can you lose using the 'Skinny jab' injection?
It has mostly been reported that someone using weight loss injections tend to lose 15% of their weight on average in a one year period.
However, some people may see that they lose up to 30% of their body weight.
This is over a one year period of using the drug and can vary brand to brand.