Weight-loss injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy have exploded in popularity.
They promise quick results, suppress appetite, and are used both through healthcare systems and private providers.
But now, the UK’s medicines regulator has issued a warning that could change how women approach these treatments.
The effect no one expected
These so-called "skinny jabs" can cause common side effects like vomiting and diarrhea. They also slow down digestion.
Also read: This One Sound Tells Doctors That Death Is Imminent
Both factors may interfere with the body’s ability to absorb certain medications effectively.
That includes hormonal contraception. This means that women may not be as protected as they think while using these treatments.
The regulator now advises that women using Mounjaro, for example, should use condoms for the first four weeks – or switch to a more reliable method like an implant or IUD.
In addition, weight-loss drugs should not be used while trying to conceive, during pregnancy, or while breastfeeding.
Also read: Might a Four-Day Workweek Soon Be the Norm? That’s What This New Study Investigates
Despite the guidance being included in patient leaflets, the warning is not reaching everyone.
"I just didn’t expect this"
26-year-old Natasha Major started taking Mounjaro to lose weight, years before she planned for another child.
She was already on birth control and had polycystic ovary syndrome – making pregnancy unlikely.
Six weeks later, she was pregnant.
Also read: Yoga Teacher: This Simple Pose Beats 100 Crunches
She immediately stopped using the injections and contacted her GP. Fortunately, a scan showed a healthy pregnancy – but the experience left her shaken.
Now, healthcare experts are urging conversations between women and prescribers about the risks of these medications.
They stress that these drugs must be taken under proper supervision – and with full knowledge of how they might affect the body.
This article is based on information from BBC.com.
Also read: This Everyday Painkiller Could Secretly Be Harming Your Body
Also read: These Fruits Can Naturally Help Lower Cholesterol and Strengthen the Heart