GLP-1 medicines for weight loss and diabetes: what you need to know
Guidance on the safe and effective use of GLP-1 medicines for weight loss and diabetes.
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Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s or GLP-1RAs) are medicines that help people feel fuller by mimicking a natural hormone released after eating. Some newer medicines, like Mounjaro, also act on a second hormone involved in appetite and blood sugar control. You may see them referred to in the media as “weight loss injections” or “skinny jabs” but not all of these medicines are authorised for weight loss.
Updates to this page
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Added guidelines on avoiding pregnancy, contraceptive use, side effects, surgery, and proper syringe disposal. Clarified GLP-1 medicines are not for quick weight loss and unassessed by MHRA for non-medical use.
Update history
2025-08-20 13:29
Updated attached guidance to add section ‘Switching between GLP-1 medicines’
2025-06-12 16:30
Added guidelines on avoiding pregnancy, contraceptive use, side effects, surgery, and proper syringe disposal. Clarified GLP-1 medicines are not for quick weight loss and unassessed by MHRA for non-medical use.
2025-06-05 00:01
First published.