Weight loss injections in the UK: shots, costs and what’s actually safe
If you’ve been scrolling past ads for a “weight loss shot”, “skinny jab” or “weight loss injections at Boots and Superdrug”, you’re not alone. Many people in the UK are now actively searching for the weight loss injection that could finally help where diets and exercise plans have stalled.
But it’s also confusing. Are these weight loss jabs real medical treatments or just clever marketing? Are they all “shots in the stomach”? How much do weight loss injections cost? And is it really possible to get weight loss injections without a prescription?
This guide walks you through how medical weight loss injections actually work in the UK, who they’re for, how they’re given, what affects the price – and where the line is between safe, regulated treatment and risky “skinny jab” offers.
Key point: In the UK, genuine prescription weight loss injections are strictly prescription-only medicines. They must be prescribed by a qualified clinician and used under medical supervision.
What is a “weight loss shot” or “weight loss jab”?
When people talk about a “weight loss shot” or “weight loss jab” in the UK, they usually mean a prescription medication given by injection to support weight loss in people with overweight or obesity.
Most commonly, these are:
GLP-1–based medications (and related gut hormone medicines) originally developed for type 2 diabetes or obesity
Given as subcutaneous injections (under the skin)
Used alongside changes to diet, activity and lifestyle – not instead of them
You may see them marketed as:
“The weight loss injection”
“Medical weight loss injections”
“The skinny jab” (a popular marketing phrase, not a clinical term)
“Weight loss shots in stomach” (referring to the injection site)
These are not quick cosmetic shots or vitamin injections. They are serious prescription medicines with specific eligibility criteria, side-effects and safety monitoring requirements.
How weight loss injections work (simple explanation)
Most modern weight loss injections act on the same hormones your gut releases after you eat.
A typical GLP-1–based weight loss injection can:
Help you feel fuller for longer
Reduce appetite and cravings
Slow stomach emptying, so food stays in your stomach a bit longer
Support better blood sugar control
In simple terms, they help your body “feel satisfied with less”, making it easier to:
Eat smaller portions
Cut down on snacking
Stick to a lower-calorie diet over time
They don’t replace healthy habits, but they can make those habits much more realistic if you’ve been:
Constantly hungry
Struggling with cravings
Stuck in a cycle of yo-yo dieting
Like all medicines, weight loss injections can cause side-effects (often nausea, indigestion, or bowel changes), and they’re not suitable for everyone. That’s why medical assessment and ongoing review are essential parts of safe treatment.
How are weight loss shots given? (including “weight loss shots in stomach”)
Most weight loss shots in the UK are given as a small injection under the skin (subcutaneous) using a pre-filled pen device.
Common injection sites are:
The abdomen (stomach area)
The thigh
The upper arm
This is where phrases like “weight loss shots in stomach” come from. Many patients are shown how to inject into the soft tissue of the abdomen, but you do not have to inject into the stomach only – and you should always follow the specific training and guidance given by your clinic.
A few important safety points:
You should never start injecting without proper training from a nurse, pharmacist or doctor.
You should never share injection pens or needles with anyone.
You should never change your dose or frequency on your own – this is a prescription medicine, not a DIY product.
Reputable providers will:
Train you in safe injection technique
Provide written instructions and support
Review your response and side-effects regularly
Daily vs monthly weight loss injections: what’s the difference?
You may see phrases like “daily weight loss injection” or “monthly weight loss injection” in adverts and articles. These terms describe how often a particular medicine is taken – not different “strengths” of the same product.
Typical patterns include:
Daily weight loss injection
Some older GLP-1–based medicines were designed to be injected once a day.
Pros:
Builds a daily routine
Dose can sometimes be adjusted more gradually
Considerations:
You need to remember an injection every day
More needles / supplies to manage
Weekly or monthly-type injections
Newer medicines are often given once weekly, and some pipelines and marketing refer loosely to “monthly” styles of injectable treatment (for example, monthly reviews or packaging for monthly supply), even if the injection itself is weekly.
Pros:
Less frequent injections
Easier to fit into busy lives
Considerations:
Missing a dose can have more impact
Still needs regular monitoring and prescription renewals
The right schedule for you depends on:
The specific medicine prescribed
Your medical history
Your lifestyle and preferences
This decision should always be made with a clinician, not based on social media or friends’ experiences.
The weight loss injection on the NHS vs private clinics
In the UK, NHS access to weight loss injections is tightly regulated.
Very broadly (high-level, not a substitute for medical advice):
The NHS may consider weight loss injections for people with:
Obesity (often BMI ≥30 kg/m²), usually with additional risk factors
Sometimes a lower BMI threshold if there are obesity-related health conditions
There are strict criteria, waiting lists and local funding decisions
Treatment is usually offered as part of a structured weight management service
Because of these restrictions, many people explore private weight loss clinics (including digital clinics like Piko) when:
They do not meet NHS criteria
They prefer more rapid access
They want additional lifestyle and coaching support
Private clinics must still follow UK regulations:
Medicines must be prescribed after a proper medical assessment
Clinicians must consider your full health history, medications and mental health
There should be clear follow-up, not just a one-off pen in the post
Weight loss injection cost in the UK: what affects the price?
Many people search for “weight loss injections cost” or “how much is the weight loss injection each month?”
There is no single fixed price, but typical cost factors include:
Type of medicine (different GLP-1 or related injections have different wholesale prices)
Dose (higher doses usually cost more)
Frequency (daily vs weekly)
Service model:
Basic “medication only” services
vs full medical weight loss programme including doctor reviews, coaching and digital tools
Pharmacy and dispensing fees
Location (some London clinics may be more expensive than online-only services)
Because of all these variables, it’s more realistic to think in terms of ranges for a monthly weight loss injection programme, rather than a single fixed price.
Reputable providers will:
Make costs transparent
Explain what’s included (medication only vs full programme)
Avoid framing treatment as a “cheap hack” or “quick fix”
If a provider is offering very cheap “skinny jabs” with little or no medical assessment, that’s a red flag.
Boots, Superdrug and “slimming injections”: what do these services usually involve?
You may have seen ads for:
Weight loss injections Superdrug
Weight loss injections Boots or slimming injections Boots
Other high-street pharmacy weight management services
It’s important to understand what these actually are.
In reputable UK pharmacy chains:
Any genuine weight loss injection offered will be part of a prescription-only service
You should have:
A structured health questionnaire
A consultation with a prescriber or trained clinician
Clear information about side-effects and monitoring
They are not casual, walk-in “slimming shots” where you can just buy an injection over the counter with no questions asked.
If you see third-party websites using phrases like:
“Boots-style slimming injections”
“Same as Superdrug shots, no prescription needed”
…be extremely cautious. Using the words “Boots” or “Superdrug” in marketing doesn’t mean a service is actually affiliated with those organisations or meets the same safety standards.
“The skinny jab”: marketing, risks and what to watch out for
“The skinny jab” is a marketing phrase, not a medical term. It’s often used in social media posts, influencer ads and websites promising dramatic weight loss results.
What to be aware of:
“Skinny jab” adverts may:
Blur the lines between genuine prescription medicines and unregulated products
Focus heavily on appearance (before/after pictures)
Downplay side-effects and risks
The phrase doesn’t tell you:
Which medicine is being used
Whether the product is legally sourced
Whether a qualified clinician has assessed you
Red flags to watch for:
No clear information about prescribers or clinic registration
Encouraging you to buy multiple months of injections without a proper consultation
Selling “weight loss shots” that claim to be “without prescription” or “no doctor needed”
If something feels too easy or too good to be true, it probably is. Legitimate medical weight loss programmes put your health and safety first, even if that means saying no.
Can you get weight loss injections without a prescription?
Short answer: No – not safely, and not legally from reputable sources.
In the UK, genuine weight loss injections are prescription-only medicines. That means:
You must have a prescription from a qualified prescriber
The prescriber is legally and professionally responsible for assessing whether the medicine is appropriate for you
Any service or seller offering “weight loss injections without prescription” is a major warning sign. This often includes:
Unregulated online pharmacies
Social media sellers and influencers shipping pens by post
Friends offering to “share” their medication
Risks include:
Fake or counterfeit products
Incorrect storage (these medicines often need refrigeration)
Wrong dose or wrong medicine entirely
Serious side-effects not being picked up early
Buying prescription-only medicines without a valid prescription can also be illegal.
If you’re considering the weight loss injection, the safest route is to:
Complete a proper medical assessment (online or in person)
Discuss benefits, risks and alternatives with a clinician
Use a regulated pharmacy to supply your medication
Who might be eligible for medical weight loss injections?
Eligibility is always individual, but in general, UK clinicians may consider medical weight loss injections if:
Your BMI is in the obesity range (often ≥30 kg/m²), or
Your BMI is lower but you have weight-related health conditions, such as:
Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure
Sleep apnoea
Abnormal cholesterol
Clinicians will also look at:
Your previous attempts at weight loss
Your current medications
Your mental health, including any history of eating disorders
Other medical conditions that might make injections unsafe
Even if you meet BMI criteria, injections may not be suitable if:
You have certain hormonal or endocrine conditions
You’re pregnant, breastfeeding or planning pregnancy soon
You have specific gastrointestinal or pancreatic disorders
You’re unable or unwilling to engage with lifestyle changes alongside the medicine
A good weight loss clinic will be very open about this – sometimes the safest and kindest decision is not to prescribe an injection, but to focus on other forms of support.
When injections are not suitable – and other weight loss options to consider
Weight loss injections are not the right choice for everyone. That doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
Other evidence-based approaches can include:
Structured lifestyle programmes
Coaching on nutrition, movement and sleep
Behavioural support to address habits and emotional eating
Psychological support
Therapy for binge eating or disordered eating patterns
Support for stress, anxiety or low mood linked with weight
Other medications
In some cases, non-injectable weight loss medicines may be considered
Bariatric (weight loss) surgery
For some people with severe obesity and health complications, surgery may be appropriate, within a structured multidisciplinary programme
A high-quality clinic should help you explore the full picture, not push injections as the only answer.
How Piko offers safe, medically supervised weight loss programmes
Piko is a UK-regulated digital weight-loss clinic that combines:
Online doctor consultations
Medically supervised weight loss injections, when appropriate
Ongoing lifestyle and behavioural support
If a weight loss injection is suitable for you, Piko’s clinicians:
Review your health history and current medications
Explain how the medicine works and what to expect
Arrange safe supply through regulated pharmacies
Monitor your progress, side-effects and mental wellbeing
If an injection isn’t the right option, Piko can still support you with:
Tailored nutrition and lifestyle guidance
Regular check-ins and progress tracking
A clear plan based on your health data and goals
You can:
Take a quick assessment to see if you might be eligible for a medical weight loss programme
Book an online consultation with a doctor to discuss weight loss injections, risks and alternatives in detail
There are no guaranteed numbers on the scales – but there is a safer, more supported way to approach medical weight loss.
FAQs about weight loss shots, jabs and injections in the UK
Are weight loss injections the same as diabetes injections?
Some weight loss injections use similar medicines to those used in type 2 diabetes (for example GLP-1–based drugs), sometimes at different doses or with different licences and guidelines. Your clinician will choose the right formulation and dose for your situation.
Where are weight loss shots injected?
Most weight loss shots are injected:
Under the skin of the stomach, thigh, or upper arm
You will be shown exactly how and where to inject by a trained professional. Do not start injecting without proper training.
Do weight loss injections hurt?
Most people describe the injection as a small scratch or pinch that lasts a second or two. Using the right technique and rotating injection sites can help minimise discomfort.
How quickly do weight loss injections work?
Some people notice reduced appetite within days to weeks, but weight loss itself is typically gradual over months, and depends heavily on your diet, activity and overall health. There are no guaranteed results, and treatment is usually part of a longer-term plan.
Are weight loss injections available on the NHS?
In certain circumstances, yes – but access is limited and subject to strict criteria, local NHS policies and waiting lists. Many people who don’t meet NHS criteria (or prefer quicker access) choose to explore private medical weight loss programmes instead.
Can I drink alcohol while using a weight loss jab?
Moderate alcohol may be permissible for some patients, but it can worsen side-effects like nausea and can interfere with healthy eating goals. Your clinician will advise you based on your full health picture.
Can I just stop injections when I reach my goal?
Stopping suddenly without a plan can lead to weight regain. Any decision to stop or change your dose should be made with your clinician, ideally alongside a strategy to maintain new habits and lifestyle changes.
What to do if you’re considering the weight loss injection
If you’re thinking about starting a weight loss shot or weight loss jab:
Be sceptical of “skinny jab” marketing and social media shortcuts
Avoid any service offering weight loss injections without prescription
Look for a regulated clinic with clear medical oversight and follow-up
Be honest about your health history, mental health and goals
Remember: injections are a tool, not a magic fix
If you’d like structured, medically supervised support, Piko can help you explore your options safely – whether that ends up including the weight loss injection or not.
