Dieters weigh up their options as injections surge in popularity

Laurie Murray started taking Mounjaro last year to lose weight ahead of beginning fertility treatment.

She bought them online after the NHS turned her down for the drugs.

Laurie, 34, has tried multiple exercise and dieting programmes, including WeightWatchers, throughout her adult life.

“I remember going to a WeightWatchers club with my mum when I was about 17 or 18 and it was horrific because I think the first week I was there I put on weight, which was mortifying,” she told STV News.

“But my head wasn’t in it before, I didn’t have the mental capacity to do the things that I needed to do.

“The medication has helped. I did lose two stone right before I started the medication myself without it, but I think the fact I’ve been able to lose so much more and keep it off for so long is because of Mounjaro.”

As drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro continue to rise in popularity, the dieting industry has been forced to adapt.

Earlier this month, WeightWatchers filed for bankruptcy in the US after struggling with debt and stiff competition from weight loss injections.

But many are warning that the jabs are not a “silver bullet” to long-term health.

In the last few weeks, Laurie has stopped taking Mounjaro to prepare for IVF treatment. But she feels confident that she’s made enough changes in her life to keep the weight off.

She said: “It isn’t a quick fix, and it isn’t for everyone. I’ve been going to the gym and I think that’s one of the main reasons why it’s worked so well and I think it’s the healthy way to do it.

“I don’t think you should just let the medication do its thing, you need to help it along.”

Last year, Oprah Winfrey left WeightWatchers board of directors after turning to anti-obesity drugs herself, which she credits in her podcast for changing her eating habits.

Despite filing for bankruptcy, the firm remains fully operational and says there will be no impact to members or their plans.

But as WeightWatchers adapts to the industry’s changing landscape, so too have other weight management programmes.

Livingston Slimming World consultant Mhairi Cosgrove says those choosing to take the jabs are welcome to join and receive support.

She told STV News: “Weight-loss injections and weight-loss drugs are here and the way anybody feels when they make that decision – that they’ve got to do something about their weight – I can 100% resonate with and if that’s something they’re needing to do, then we are still here for them.

“We’re 100% still here to help them change up their lifestyle and their healthy habits.”

Karen Roberson has lost four stone since joining the group two years ago.

The 55-year-old said: “It’s come off slowly, but I’ve done it and I’m only two or three pounds off my target and I’m quite happy with the changes I’ve made in my life.

“I don’t think I’d ever try a weight loss jab, I just wouldn’t be able to afford that type of money, when I could be spending it on my holidays or nights out with my family.”

Lynette Motion, 43, has similar thoughts on the drugs.

She said: “It’s not something that I’d ever consider. I’m more worried about things like side effects and the thing is when you stop these weight loss injections, how are you going to be? Are you going to go back to your old eating habits?”