Teens weight loss injections raise safety concerns

A mother administers GLP-1 injections to her 13 year old daughter after NHS funding gaps, prompting questions about safety, ethics and oversight.

Teens weight loss injections raise safety concerns

In Plymouth a mother says her 13 year old Hayley is obese by NHS standards but does not qualify for NHS funded weight loss injections. She bought Mounjaro online and gives Hayley injections in secret, believing the treatment helps despite medical warnings. Experts say these drugs require careful clinical oversight and are not a guaranteed fix for emotional distress or body image issues.

The NHS has approved GLP 1 inhibitors for some adolescents but many cases still rely on non drug methods. Officials note that hundreds of thousands in the UK use these injections and a large share obtain them online. Doctors warn that using them without medical supervision can pose physical and mental health risks for young people and can seed unhealthy beliefs about food and body image.

Support from health professionals stresses that weight concerns in teens should be addressed with a team approach. Psychologists emphasize tackling underlying issues such as bullying and low self esteem while ensuring monitoring and follow up. Families are advised to seek psychological support alongside any medical plan and to consider long term effects before starting treatment.

The piece highlights a tension at the heart of modern weight management. Desperate for relief, families may pursue medical shortcuts that escape official pathways, especially when funding is tight. The story also shows how medical expertise and parental intent can diverge as concerns about safety and long term wellbeing rise above immediate results. This tension calls for clearer guidelines on access for minors and stronger support systems that address the roots of weight struggles rather than just the symptoms.

Highlights

Care and caution must guide any teen weight management plan