A leading dieting pharmacist has warning slimmers to know the difference between fact and fiction when it comes to home weight-loss treatment and revealed many assumptions people have about shedding a few pounds can be dangerous.
Mital Thakrar, who runs the Well Pharmacy’s weight-loss programme that has helped thousands of Brits lose weight, said that in the age of social media and ‘get-thin-quick wonder cures’ it is not more important than ever to know fact from fiction.
With around one in six Brits vowing to shed a few pounds in 2026, he believes it’s crucial slimmers are fully clued-up on every detail about what a weight-loss journey will look like.
Over 1.5 million Brits used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months to improve their health and lose weight – but they are not the silver bullet some believe them to be.
Indeed, experts have warned that most users regain the weight inside two years of stopping treatment, much faster than traditional dieters.
In the first analysis of its kind, examining 37 studies involving more than 9,300 people, researchers found that when the jabs are stopped, weight returns rapidly – regardless of how much was lost.
On average, users gained around a pound a month after quitting, with many projected to have regained much of or all the weight lost by between 17 and 20 months.
Speaking to the Mail in order to spread further clarity on what to expect on the jabs, weight-loss guru Mital Thakrar explained what is fact and what is fiction when using dietary aids.
People are starting to discover that the jabs are not only helping them lose weight, but other things, too (file photo)
1. Hair Loss – FACT
As people lose a significant amount of weight, many people have reported to have noticed significant hair shedding.
Data on those experiencing hair loss after taking GLP-1 drugs has been conflicting. Clinical trials by Novo Nordisk found hair loss affects around 10 per cent of users while Eli Lilly (producers of Mounjaro) put the figure at 5.7 per cent.
A study of one million people presented to the European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology found those on GLP-1 drugs had a ‘significantly higher’ risk of developing hair loss.
Experts put this down to rapid weight loss, which puts the body into physiological stress leading to telogen effluvium (shedding). In most cases the hair loss is reversible.
Mr Thakrar says: ‘The hair loss occurs as the body’s system is shocked with a significant change such as significant weight loss.’This condition also can occur with severe illness, childbirth, trauma or stress as well as when taking weight-loss injections.
‘It happens as the body sends many hairs into the resting phase which results in significant shedding with hair getting thinner and falling out in clumps.
‘It won’t be immediately noticeable but after a few months if you begin to lose your hair and are on weight-loss medication, this may be a reason behind it.
‘Any hair loss caused by the weight-loss medication regrows between three to six months after initially shedding as the body stabilises.’
2. Hearing Loss – FICTION
Some patients taking weight-loss injections claim to have suffered hearing loss during treatment.
While this might be a separate medical issue, there is no direct correlation between weight-loss injections and hearing loss, so this is very much a myth.
Mr Thakrar says: ‘If you are struggling with your hearing, this would be something to discuss as soon as possible with your pharmacist, who could recommend a course of treatment to help.
‘It could be as simple as needing to remove wax from your ears, which can become clogged causing distorted noise or hearing loss.’
While using weight loss jabs has been hailed as an effective way to shed the pounds, it has broader effects (stock photos)
3. Microdosing – FICTION
Mr Thakrar believes all weight-loss patients should be aware of the dangers of microdosing stating there is no advantage to the practice of taking smaller amounts of medication.
He said: ‘Microdosing has long existed, however there is no proof that taking smaller doses of your GLP-1 inhibitor will make any difference.
‘The treatments that are dispensed by a pharmacy have been carefully analysed and certified along with an appropriate product license. Microdosing, goes against these recommendations and puts you at serious risk.
‘There are a multitude of different medical issues that could be triggered with microdosing, not least using the same needle which could lead to serious infections.
‘Taking an unregistered amount of weight-loss medication risks unpredictable side-effects as well as inconsistent weight-loss results.
‘Microdosing is a myth and those looking for a quick-fix must understand that weight-loss programmes are carefully tailored through face-to-face conversations with your pharmacist.
‘Please don’t ignore medical advice by giving yourself the wrong dose.’
4. The Golden Dose – FICTION
A golden dose is the name given to any weight-loss medication left over – while not enough to measure out a full injection pen, some patients have still been taking the extra dose.
The dose has not been prescribed and could ultimately lead to long term health issues [5], it is important as mentioned above with microdosing, that patients refrain from doing this.
Mr Thakrar said: ‘It is not safe, it is not worth the risks, if you are struggling then talk to your pharmacist for some expert advice but please do not believe the myth of the golden dose.
‘The remaining liquid in the pen may not be a full dose and could lead to underdosing.’
Researchers found that stopping weight loss drugs resulted in total weight regain and reversal of heart health markers in less than two years
5. Suddenly stopping your weight-loss medication – FACT
Some people who begin using weight-loss medication may decide it is not the right course for them and wish to stop it, which is absolutely fine.
However, patients might be concerned that a sudden stoppage could lead to serious side effects or illness.
Mr Thakrar wants to dispel this, saying if weight-loss injections aren’t working for you, there is nothing wrong with stopping.
He said: ‘It’s a fact that there are no serious side effects to stopping weight-loss injections suddenly.
‘My advice is to speak to one of our expert pharmacists about stopping treatment and looking at other options to support you on your weight loss journey. We can discuss lifestyle interventions and recommend other treatment options that could be considered.
‘Some people will regain the weight that they have lost after stopping weight-loss medication which is why we encourage an active lifestyle change rather than viewing weight-loss medication as a quick fix.
‘Weight loss outcomes are heavily reliant on the habits built during treatment, and it’s where our pharmacists play a critical role in supporting sustainable change.’
6. Sulphur Burps – FACT
Sulphur burps – ones that smell of rotten eggs – are a surprising side-effect for those who use weight-loss jabs.
The side effect is caused due to slow digestion and the build-up of hydrogen sulphide gas in the body.
While the burps won’t affect all patients, for those who are affected there are several treatments that can help alleviate the issue.
One remedy recommended by Mr Thakrar is to take antacids which can help turn stomach acid into water and could provide a handy remedy to stop the burps.
Mr Thakrar also believes patients should try to take their weight-loss injection in theevening after dinner to avoid potentially clashing – a belief that post-injection dinner could lead to the sulphur burps.
He said: ‘Antacids can certainly be effective against a variety of issues that patients taking weight-loss medication might experience. It’s always best to consult a pharmacist who can advise you further
‘They are sold over the counter and can really help with the issue of a sulphur burp which understandably isn’t very pleasant for patients.
‘As well as using antacids I would always recommend that they try to space out their dinner after their weight-loss injection and not before.’
Well Pharmacy operate weight-loss treatment across hundreds of stores in the UK starting from just £89, head to your local store to discuss potential medications with a trained, qualified pharmacist.
Patients receive continuous care and monitoring throughout their weight-loss journey which can only begin once they have had either a video consultation or a face-to-face sit down with a pharmacist.
GPhC registered pharmacists at Well Pharmacy can help patients to lose up to 20% of their starting weight.
