
Worried cancer patients are flooding charity with calls asking whether fat jabs are safe to use
Some of the concerns are being raised by those already having treatment such as chemo or hormone therapy.
But others are fretting that using weight loss medication could increase their cancer risk.
Other questions posed to Macmillan Cancer Support's helpline include asking if they were safe for someone who has had a previous thyroid cancer diagnosis, or before cancer surgery.
The rise in queries prompted the charity's Dr Owen Carter to urge caution before using the jabs.
READ MORE ON FAT JABS
He said: 'Recently we have seen a noticeable increase in calls to Macmillan's support line and a flurry of messages on our online community about weight loss drugs.
'It's understandable that lots of people are interested in new drugs which accelerate weight loss, particularly if they want to manage their weight before or after treatment for cancer.
'While 'quick fixes' may seem attractive, we simply do not know enough about the long-term impact of these weight loss medications to recommend them if they're not prescribed by a specialist.
'Additionally, certain weight loss medications carry warnings about a potential link with thyroid cancer.
Most read in Health
'However, we know that eating well and staying as active as possible are proven to help people feel better, increase their energy levels and strengthen their immune systems, which can help them to manage their weight and cope better with cancer treatment.'
Eating well and staying active were better ways to increase energy levels and strengthen immune systems, which, in turn, would help manage weight and cope with treatment, he added.
Doc gives advice on how to tackle Mounjaro side effect of excess loose skin
1
Worried cancer patients are flooding a charity with calls asking whether fat jabs are safe to use
Credit: Shutterstock

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
The most common side effects of fat jabs revealed from vomiting to depression – and its different for each jab
FAT jabs do often sound like a magical quick fix to overeating and demanding hunger pangs. But the drugs can leave some users feeling seriously unwell and many in hospital. 2 Monitoring Facebook posts could be a useful way to spot side effects that might be unknown, scientists say (Credit: Getty) After scouring social media, scientists have found the most common side effects of the popular fat-busting meds. The US researchers looked at how people in the US were discussing GLP-1 drugs like They found that gut issues were the most frequently mentioned side effects overall, especially among users of semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic) and tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro). Read more on fat jabs Mental health concerns like anxiety and depression were also raised, but far less frequently. The study, published in Meanwhile, Wegovy users mentioned depression more than any other group, with 1.57 per cent of posts referencing the symptom. The drugs, originally developed for Most read in Health But they've also been linked to less glamorous side effects, such as joint pain, fatigue, Despite the risks, experts say the drugs are still safe and effective for most patients. Weight Loss Jabs - Pros vs Cons They help control Roughly 1.5million people in the UK are now taking GLP-1 drugs, which have been hailed by some as game-changers in the fight against obesity. In the US, this number is even higher, with over 2 per cent of the population, approximately 4 million people, currently using these medications for weight loss. But health officials warn they are not a silver bullet and can come with side effects. The scientists found these effects varied by brand. Zepbound, a newer tirzepatide drug which is approved in the US but not the UK, was linked more often to high While Ozempic posts mentioned Scientists from the University of Maryland, who are behind the study, analysed nearly 60,000 unique public Facebook posts uploaded by US users of the medicines between 2022 and 2024, They used cluster analysis to map out which symptoms were often mentioned together. They found that vomiting, nausea and Posts about side effects spiked after major events including the US Food and Drug Administration approving Wegovy for teens, celebrity endorsements, and wider insurance coverage in the US. 2 Despite these increases, the proportion of people talking about side effects actually dropped over time. Scientists say monitoring social media could be a useful way to spot side effects that might be missed or underreported in clinical trials. But they warned that Facebook posts don't tell the full story as symptoms were self-reported, which means they can be exaggerated or incomplete. There is also no way to verify dosage, how long people were on the drugs, or even whether they were using genuine products. Everything you need to know about fat jabs Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases. Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK. Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market. Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight. They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high. Can I get them? NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss. Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk. Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health. Are there any risks? Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild. Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines.


The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Warning fat jab supplies could run out as demand surges with 1 in 5 people trying to buy them last year
FAT jab supplies could run out — with one in five people trying to buy them last year. Pharmacists warn that ballooning demand 'goes far beyond what is clinically deliverable'. Advertisement 1 Fat jab supplies could run out after a huge surge in demand Millions of Brits are thought to be using fat-busting jabs such as Wegovy, Mounjaro and Ozempic. A poll for the National Pharmacy Association found one in five people, 21 per cent, attempted to buy a fat jab from a pharmacy in the past year. The figure shoots up to 35 per cent among 25 to 34-year-olds. NPA chairman Olivier Picard said: 'It's clear from this polling that many more people are interested in getting weight-loss jabs than would actually be suitable for treatment. Advertisement READ MORE ON FAT JABS ' 'We're also urging the Government to bring forward plans to include pharmacies in the roll-out of their NHS weight management programme.' The NHS has increased its roll-out of fat jabs by offering Mounjaro through GP practices, but only 220,000 people are likely to get it by 2028. It could take 12 years to reach everyone who is eligible, so millions are expected to buy them privately. Advertisement Most read in Health Exclusive But experts fear such strict access will drive patients to dodgy online sellers who put their health at risk. The poll also found 41 per cent said they would get the jabs on the NHS if they could, even if they were not obese. Watch Ellen's weight loss journey on fat jabs Rules on online prescribing have been tightened to prevent people pretending to be heavier than they are to quality. The injections cause the body to burn fat by turning off hunger signals and stopping you eating. Advertisement Prescriptions in


The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
I lost seven stone WITHOUT Mounjaro – here's three very simple things I've done that have helped me slim down & tone up
A MOTHER has revealed that she lost seven stone without using Mounjaro. According to Lucy, instead of injecting herself with Advertisement 2 A savvy mum has shared the three healthy habits she followed which enabled her to lose seven stone Credit: TikTok/@lucy52915 2 Instead of using Mounjaro, Lucy, who is from the UK, swears by eating right and exercising to tone up Credit: TikTok/@lucy52915 Posting on social media, the mum, who is from the UK, gave her followers a before and after look at her Rather than forking out the cash and travelling abroad for And not only does she look incredible, but people are struggling to believe she is the same person as the woman in her 'before' photos. The stunner, who has slimmed down and is now '7 stone lighter' attributes her Advertisement Read more on weight loss Lucy explained that she is breastfeeding, so isn't able to use Mounjaro. As a result, she took matters into her own hands She confirmed that she consumes 180g of protein every day, as well as 27g to 30g of fiber. When it comes to walking, the savvy mum stressed the importance of doing 10,000 steps every single day, which she has been doing since 1st September 2024. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous And when she's not walking, she's exercising in the gym. According to this content creator, who believes strongly in being consistent, if you want to feel your best and lose weight, lifting weights is key. I'm a 'former fatty' who lost 12 stone WITHOUT jabs - being slim means I don't have to eat in the car to avoid judgement This mother confirmed that she goes to the After putting the effort in, less than a year since kicking off her health and fitness journey, Lucy has now reached her goal weight and doesn't want to lose any more. Advertisement The NHS 12-step plan to help you lose weight FROM faddy diets to dodgy detoxes - most of us have heard it all before when it comes to weight loss. But burning fat can be easy and mostly free. In fact, the NHS has a whole load of medically-approved tips for weight loss and shedding body fat once and for all... Don't skip breakfast Skipping breakfast will not help you lose weight. You could miss out on essential nutrients and you may end up snacking more throughout the day because you feel hungry. Eat regular meals Eating at regular times during the day helps burn calories at a faster rate. It also reduces the temptation to snack on foods high in fat and sugar. Eat plenty of fruit and veg Fruit and veg are low in calories and fat, and high in fibre – 3 essential ingredients for successful weight loss. They also contain plenty of vitamins and minerals. Get more active Being active is key to losing weight and keeping it off. As well as providing lots of health benefits, exercise can help burn off the excess calories you cannot lose through diet alone. Drink lots of water People sometimes confuse thirst with hunger. You can end up consuming extra calories when a glass of water is really what you need. Eat high fibre foods Foods containing lots of fibre can help keep you feeling full, which is perfect for losing weight. Fibre is only found in food from plants, such as fruit and veg, oats, wholegrain bread, brown rice and pasta, and beans, peas and lentils. Read food labels Knowing how to read food labels can help you choose healthier options. Use the calorie information to work out how a particular food fits into your daily calorie allowance on the weight loss plan. Use a smaller plate Using smaller plates can help you eat smaller portions. By using smaller plates and bowls, you may be able to gradually get used to eating smaller portions without going hungry. It takes about 20 minutes for the stomach to tell the brain it's full, so eat slowly and stop eating before you feel full. Don't ban foods Do not ban any foods from your weight loss plan, especially the ones you like. Banning foods will only make you crave them more. There's no reason you cannot enjoy the occasional treat as long as you stay within your daily calorie allowance. Don't stock junk food To avoid temptation, do not stock junk food – such as chocolate, biscuits, crisps and sweet fizzy drinks – at home. Instead, opt for healthy snacks, such as fruit, unsalted rice cakes, oat cakes, unsalted or unsweetened popcorn, and fruit juice. Cut down on alcohol A standard glass of wine can contain as many calories as a piece of chocolate. Over time, drinking too much can easily contribute to weight gain. Plan your meals Try to plan your breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for the week, making sure you stick to your calorie allowance. You may find it helpful to make a weekly shopping list. Social media users gush Her TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ Social media users were gobsmacked by Lucy's Wow!! You look like a younger version of Jennifer Aniston now. Very well done TikTok user One person said: 'You can tell this is natural too. No Another added: 'That is an amazing achievement. You should be so proud of yourself.' Advertisement How cutting out sugar can help you lose weight It might sound obvious, but cutting out sugar can help you lose weight - and this is why Reduced alorie intake : Sugar is calorie-dense but not nutrient-dense, meaning it provides a lot of calories without making you feel full. By cutting out sugar, you naturally reduce your overall caloric intake, which can create a calorie deficit and lead to weight loss. Lower Insulin Levels : Consuming sugar, especially in large amounts, causes spikes in blood sugar levels, leading to increased insulin production. Insulin is a hormone that promotes fat storage. By reducing sugar intake, you can help stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels, making it easier for your body to burn fat. Decreased Cravings : Sugar can be addictive and lead to cravings for more sugary foods. By cutting it out, you may find that your cravings for unhealthy, high-calorie foods decrease, making it easier to stick to a healthier diet. Improved Satiety : Foods high in sugar are often low in fiber and protein, which are essential for feeling full and satisfied. By replacing sugary foods with more nutrient-dense options like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, you can increase your satiety and reduce overall calorie consumption. Better Nutrient Intake : When you cut out sugary foods, you often make room for more nutritious foods. This can improve your overall diet quality, providing your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to function optimally, which can support weight loss efforts. Reduced Fat Storage : High sugar intake, particularly from fructose, can lead to increased fat production in the liver, contributing to weight gain and obesity. Cutting out sugar helps to reduce this effect. Enhanced Metabolism : Reducing sugar can improve metabolic health, including better insulin sensitivity and lower risk of metabolic syndrome, which can facilitate weight loss. By cutting out sugar and replacing it with healthier options, you can create a more balanced and sustainable diet that supports weight loss and overall well-being. A third commented: 'Wow you look amazing!! Well done.' At the same time, one user gushed: 'Wow!! You look like a younger version of Jennifer Aniston now. Very well done.' Meanwhile, someone else gasped: 'If that's the same person fair play.' Advertisement To this, Lucy wrote back and confirmed: 'Yep it's me.' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club