The landscape of weight management has been significantly reshaped by the emergence of GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. These medications, initially designed for Type 2 diabetes to control blood sugar levels, have gained widespread popularity as weight loss aids due to their ability to mimic the GLP-1 hormone, which slows digestion, dulls hunger, and aids in shedding body weight. However, their rise has also brought forth controversies, safety concerns, and the development of new alternatives and supporting technologies.

A notable controversy surrounds Kourtney Kardashian Barker's £2.4 billion supplement brand, Lemme. The brand recently launched "GLP-1 Daily," an "Ozempic-style" weight-loss supplement that directly references the Ozempic hormone. Marketed to "reduce body weight, visceral fat, and hip and waist circumference," the pill is presented as a natural replacement for the jab, despite lacking Ozempic's key synthetic ingredients like semaglutide. Kourtney herself promoted an article discussing her desire to be "in on the Ozempic boom." Critics, including plastic surgeons and fans, have slammed the product as a "facade and false marketing," a "cash grab" exploiting insecurities, and lacking scientific backing. Dr. Naveen Cavale, a plastic surgeon, emphasized that the supplement does not offer the same scientifically proven impact as injectable medications and could lead to "frustration, feelings of failure and worsened body image issues." Lemme's small print also reveals its claims have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

This isn't Lemme's first brush with controversy. In February last year, its "Lemme Purr" vagina gummies, marketed to boost vaginal health and alter taste, were heavily criticized by gynecologist Dr. Jen Gunter, who called the suggestion that a vagina needs improved taste "misogynistic." Similarly, in June, Lemme’s “Smooth” capsules, claiming to reduce cellulite in 28 days using French Cantaloupe Melon extract, were dismissed by doctors, who reminded that cellulite is natural and harmless, and anti-cellulite pills lack scientific backing. Kourtney, often seen as the most health-conscious Kardashian sister, launched Lemme in September 2022, attributing her wellness interest to the birth of her eldest son, Mason.

While GLP-1 drugs offer significant weight loss, often up to 20 percent of body weight in months, they come with a range of side effects and risks. Common side effects include nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and vomiting. More severe complications can include pancreatitis, gallstones, and muscle wasting. Disturbingly, a study linked slimming jabs like Mounjaro and Wegovy to over 100 reported deaths in Britain, though none were directly proven to be caused by the drugs, prompting a UK medicines regulator probe into pancreatitis cases, which left ten dead.

One distressing side effect reported by users is hair loss. Nour Mansour, 28, experienced alarming shedding six months into Mounjaro, transforming her thick hair into a dry, frizzy state. Former politician Nadine Dorries also reported similar experiences. Experts like Dr. David Fenton, a dermatologist, attribute this not directly to the medication but to the rapid weight loss or sudden dietary changes that can lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, folate, zinc, vitamin D, and protein, causing a condition known as telogen effluvium. Slowing down weight loss and focusing on a balanced, nutrient-rich diet, often with supplements, can help mitigate this.

Another critical danger associated with GLP-1 drugs is the risk during surgical procedures. Dr. Mo Akhavani, a consultant plastic surgeon, warned that weight loss jabs delay gastric emptying, meaning food can remain in the stomach for longer than the typical six-hour fasting period before surgery. This significantly increases the risk of aspiration pneumonia—a lung infection caused by inhaling food or liquid, which can be fatal. Patients often "genuinely forget" to inform their doctors about their use of these jabs, making it crucial for medical professionals to be aware and for patients to disclose this information, with a recommended two-week cessation period before surgery.

The booming demand for GLP-1s has also fueled a dangerous black market for counterfeit drugs. Influencer Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace nearly died after injecting what she believed was budget Ozempic bought via WhatsApp, suffering extreme fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, and vision loss. These fake jabs often contain harmful substances like insulin or incorrect chemicals, posing far greater risks than legitimate versions. Health officials have seized over 600 potentially fake Ozempic pens in the UK since 2023, warning against "DIY kits" and emphasizing that legitimate products are only safely dispensed with a prescription from a registered pharmacy.

Beyond safety, affordability and long-term efficacy are significant concerns. Mounjaro manufacturer Lilly recently announced a substantial price hike in the UK, with the highest dose soaring from £122 to £330 per month for private users. This has sparked panic among users, many of whom cannot afford the increased cost and fear regaining weight. Studies show that 90 percent of users who stop GLP-1 jabs regain what they lost, often due to "weight cycling" and adverse hormonal changes in the gut that increase hunger. Experts emphasize that these drugs are not quick fixes and require a sustained healthy lifestyle. For those impacted by price hikes, switching to more affordable alternatives like Wegovy, or seeking NHS prescriptions based on strict BMI and comorbidity criteria, are options, but always under medical supervision to manage side effects during the transition.

The optimal day for injecting GLP-1s has also been discussed, with some experts like Dr. Zoe Lees suggesting Thursday might help control weekend binging, though effects vary individually. In response to the challenges, new innovations are emerging. Elcella, a "natural Mounjaro" pill from British scientists, uses linseed, coconut, and MCT oils in a specially coated capsule to naturally trigger GLP-1 release in the colon, promising appetite suppression without the severe side effects, and costing around £45-£49 per week without a prescription. Another innovation is the Gastric Alimetry pad, a stick-on device that measures stomach electrical activity, allowing doctors to precisely determine how slowly a patient's stomach is emptying. This can help tailor GLP-1 dosages to minimize side effects like nausea and vomiting, potentially reducing the high dropout rate of one in five users due to intolerance. Although costly at £1,875 privately, it offers a non-invasive way to optimize treatment. Other remedies for side effects include acupressure wristbands for nausea and dietary adjustments.

The rapidly evolving landscape of weight loss treatments highlights a complex interplay of medical advancements, market demands, ethical considerations, and individual health. While GLP-1 drugs offer significant potential, users must navigate their considerable risks, costs, and the importance of professional medical guidance, especially given the growing black market for dangerous counterfeits and the ongoing debate on their long-term effectiveness without complementary lifestyle changes.