Weight Loss Shots In Stomach: how they work, risks and who they’re for
Searches for “weight loss shot”, “weight loss jab”, “weight loss shots in stomach” and even “slimming injections Boots / Superdrug” have exploded in the UK.
People are tired of diets that don’t last, and they’ve heard that “the weight loss injection” can finally move the needle.
The reality is more nuanced:
These injections are powerful prescription medicines, not beauty treatments
They don’t work for everyone, and they’re not risk-free
They’re only safe when used under medical supervision, never as “weight loss injections without prescription”
In this guide, you’ll learn how weight loss injections work, who they’re for, the risks to know about – and why a structured, doctor-led programme like Piko is one of the safest and most effective ways to use them.
First, what is Piko – and why are we different?
Piko is a digital medical weight-management clinic for people in the UK who are considering evidence-based treatment, including GLP-1–based weight loss injections where appropriate.
We focus on three things:
1. Life-changing, evidence-based results
Clinical trials of modern GLP-1–based weight management medicines show average weight loss of about 10–15% of body weight over ~1 year when combined with lifestyle support.
In real programmes, many patients reach around 10% body-weight reduction over the first 3–6+ months, depending on dose, adherence and starting point. Results vary, but this level of loss can:
Improve blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol
Reduce sleep apnoea risk
Boost confidence, mobility and day-to-day energy
Piko’s protocols are built around this clinical evidence – always combined with nutrition, movement and habit coaching so weight loss is healthier and more sustainable, not just a quick drop on the scale.
Important: No provider can guarantee a specific result. Your outcome depends on your body, your health and how you use the programme. We’ll be honest about what’s realistic for you.
2. Affordable, flexible access
Traditional weight loss clinics often charge £300–£500+ per month for programmes that combine consultations, labs and medication.
At Piko, we’ve designed our pathway so that full medical support + app + ongoing follow-up can start from under ~£3 per day (roughly equivalent to 3€), in monthly plans you can cancel if circumstances change.
You get:
A clear, all-inclusive price (no surprise “admin fees”)
A digital journey that cuts overheads – and passes savings to you
Options to adjust your plan as your needs change
3. Guided by expert doctors, 24/7 support
Weight loss injections are not DIY treatments.
With Piko you get:
Initial medical assessment with a UK-registered doctor
Eligibility check against current NICE/NHS guidance and product licences
Monthly medical follow-ups while you’re on treatment
24/7 in-app chat so you can ask questions, report side effects and get timely adjustments
Integrated coaching, tracking and education in the same app
If medication isn’t appropriate or safe for you, we’ll say so – and help you explore non-medication options instead.
What people actually mean by “the weight loss jab”
When people talk about “the weight loss jab”, they’re usually referring to injectable medicines for obesity that were originally developed for type 2 diabetes and later licensed for weight management.
Most of the current “weight loss shots” used in the UK fall into these categories:
GLP-1 receptor agonists – medicines that mimic a gut hormone called GLP-1
Dual or multi-hormone agents that act on GLP-1 plus other pathways (for example GIP)
You might see them described as:
Weekly weight loss injections
Daily weight loss injections (older formulations)
Weight loss shots in the stomach (because they’re injected into the abdomen or thigh)
They are prescription-only medicines (POMs). That means:
You must have a prescription from a qualified prescriber
They should only be dispensed by a registered pharmacy
They’re not allowed to be promoted directly to the public as products by name under UK advertising rules
How weight loss injections work in the body (in plain English)
Most modern weight-management injections work by acting on hormones that control appetite and blood sugar.
They:
Slow stomach emptying → you feel fuller for longer after eating
Act on appetite centres in the brain → many people feel less driven to snack or overeat
Can improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control, especially if you have pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes
The result for many patients is:
Smaller portions feel satisfying
Fewer cravings and less “food noise”
A realistic path to 10%+ weight loss when combined with diet and movement changes
But they don’t:
Magically burn fat while you keep the exact same habits
Work equally well for everyone
Replace the need for healthy eating, movement and sleep
That’s why Piko combines any medication with a structured lifestyle programme instead of just shipping pens to your door.
Who are weight loss injections for?
Eligibility is based on BMI plus health conditions, as well as a proper medical assessment.
Exact criteria depend on the specific medicine and on whether you’re going through the NHS or a private clinic, but broadly:
NHS criteria (high-level overview)
NHS access is targeted at people with the highest medical need and usually includes:
Obesity with weight-related conditions, typically after trying other options
BMI cut-offs (for example, NICE guidance for some GLP-1 treatments has used thresholds like BMI ≥35 with at least one comorbidity, or BMI 30–34.9 with comorbidities in specialist services).
For some newer injections (such as dual-hormone agents), NHS England has stated that early rollout is for people with BMI ≥40 plus several serious weight-related conditions, with adjusted thresholds for certain ethnic groups.
Criteria are tightening and evolving as demand and supply change, so you always need up-to-date advice from your own doctor.
Private clinics (including digital services like Piko)
Private providers must still follow:
Product licences
NICE guidance
Professional standards for safe prescribing
Many will consider adults with:
BMI in the obesity range (for example ≥30), or
BMI in the high-overweight range (for example ≥27) plus weight-related health problems, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnoea or pre-diabetes
At Piko, our clinicians:
Use current national guidance as a starting point
Do a full risk–benefit assessment with you
Consider other medicines you’re on and your medical history
May recommend no injection, or a different approach, if they believe it’s safer
Common side effects and safety considerations
Like all powerful medicines, weight loss jabs come with side effects and risks.
The most common side effects in clinical trials of GLP-1–based medicines include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhoea or constipation
Abdominal discomfort or bloating
Loss of appetite
These are usually mild to moderate and often improve as your body adapts, especially if the dose is increased slowly.
More serious, less common risks can include:
Gallbladder problems (e.g. gallstones)
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
Possible effects on certain eye conditions in people with diabetes
Very rare severe allergic reactions
You shouldn’t use many of these medicines if you:
Have certain types of severe gastrointestinal disease
Have a history of certain rare endocrine tumours
Are pregnant, planning pregnancy soon, or breastfeeding
This is exactly why self-injecting a “skinny jab” bought online is dangerous – you have no proper medical screening, no checking of interactions, and no follow-up.
In Piko programmes:
Every patient has their medication choice, dose and escalation tailored by a doctor
You have monthly medical reviews plus in-app chat to flag side effects early
We adjust dosage or pause treatment if needed – safety before speed
NHS vs private access: what’s the difference?
On the NHS
Access is free at the point of care, but limited to strictly defined high-risk groups
Medicines are usually prescribed through specialist weight management services or specific GP programmes
Capacity is limited and waiting lists can be long
Privately (including Piko)
You pay out of pocket, but:
There is more flexibility in how quickly you can be seen
You can sometimes start treatment sooner if you’re eligible
You should still only use regulated providers with:
UK-registered prescribers
UK or EU registered partner pharmacies
Clear medical criteria and follow-up
With Piko specifically, the private pathway looks like this:
Online eligibility quiz → helps you understand whether medical treatment might be suitable
Doctor video consultation → full medical history, medications and goals
Shared decision on whether to use a weight loss injection, another option, or lifestyle-only support
Medication prescribed (if appropriate) through partner pharmacies
Ongoing monthly reviews + app tracking + coaching
This gives you NHS-style clinical governance with digital convenience and flexibility.
A serious warning on “weight loss injections without prescription” and “skinny jabs”
Because demand is huge, the UK has seen a wave of:
Counterfeit pens containing unknown substances
Unlicensed products being made in illegal factories
“Clinics” and influencers advertising “the skinny jab” with no proper medical oversight
The MHRA has issued multiple warnings about fake weight-loss pens, including falsified GLP-1 products discovered in UK supply chains and on social media.
The ASA (Advertising Standards Authority) has:
Banned “skinny jab” influencer posts for illegally promoting prescription-only medicines
Issued enforcement notices to online pharmacies that were advertising “weight loss injections” directly to the public, in breach of rules on POM promotion.
If someone offers you a “weight loss jab” or “slimming injection” without a prescription, run – don’t walk – in the other direction.
Red flags include:
“Deals” via Instagram DMs, WhatsApp, TikTok, Snapchat
Sellers who can’t show they’re a UK-registered prescriber or pharmacy
Products in unbranded pens, vials or powders
Claims like “no side effects” or “no medical history needed”
“Bootleg” or “research” versions of branded medicines
These products can:
Contain wrong doses or completely different drugs
Be contaminated or made with zero quality control
Lead to severe side effects, hospitalisation, or worse
Piko only prescribes licensed medicines from regulated pharmacies, and only after a proper medical consultation.
Why choose Piko for medical weight loss in the UK?
Pulling it all together:
1. Evidence-based results (not hype)
Programmes built around GLP-1 and related clinical trial data showing ~10–15%+ average weight loss over time when combined with lifestyle changes
Realistic targets; we never promise “drop 2 stone in 4 weeks” or other crash claims
Focus on health markers and quality of life, not just the scale
2. Affordable, flexible pricing
Full medical programme from under ~£3/day
Monthly plans instead of huge upfront fees
Ability to pause or adapt as your situation changes
3. Proper medical oversight – every step
UK-registered doctors making all prescribing decisions
Eligibility checked against current NICE/NHS and product guidance
Monthly follow-ups plus 24/7 in-app chat for questions or side effects
A team whose job is to keep you safe and supported, not just to push prescriptions
4. Integrated lifestyle coaching
Nutrition guidance that works with your medication, not against it
Habit and mindset support to avoid all-or-nothing cycles
Tracking for weight, symptoms and goals in one place
5. Zero tolerance for unsafe shortcuts
No “off-licence cocktails”, no unverified overseas suppliers
Clear alignment with MHRA and ASA expectations around safe, ethical weight-management services
Thinking about weight loss injections? Do this first.
If you’re considering a monthly weight loss injection, a daily injection, or you’ve been tempted by “the skinny jab” on social media, the safest move is simple:
Speak to a regulated doctor or weight-management service before you take any medical treatment.
They can help you:
Understand whether your BMI and health profile make injections appropriate
Compare injections vs pills vs lifestyle-only options
Weigh up benefits, side effects and long-term commitments
Access treatment only through licensed, supervised channels
If you like the idea of a digital, doctor-led programme with proven tools, honest expectations and constant support, a service like Piko is designed for you – but whoever you choose, make sure they put your safety and long-term health first.
