Doctor issues urgent advice as hundreds of weight-loss jab users share concerns over diet

A medical expert has issued a severe warning to anyone taking weight-loss drugs after hundreds of users with nutritional worries admitted they weren’t eating enough fruit, vegetables or protein.

Weight loss drugs like Mounjaro and Wegovy have boomed in popularity, with people hailing them as a great aid to supporting weight loss, but some users have admitted to not eating healthily while using them.

The Department of Health and Human Services has defined a balanced diet as one that ‘gives your body the nutrients it needs to function correctly’.

To stay fit and maintain a healthy lifestyle, the majority of your daily calories should come from fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and lean proteins, Healthline reported.

However, new research completed by Asda Online Doctor has confirmed that of the 1.5 million UK residents who use weight-loss injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy, many are struggling to ‘maintain healthy eating habits and meet their nutritional needs’.

Instead, they’re reaching for fried and processed foods, causing one British practitioner to deliver a ‘crucial warning'.

People using weight loss jabs have some concerns (Getty Stock Images)

Asda Online Doctor, a service powered by ZAVA, recruited OnePoll Research to discover exactly if weight-loss drug users were choosing healthy foods while injecting themselves.

Taking a sample of 500 UK adults, a published report found that 37 percent of the selected cohort were worried they’re not getting enough nutrients due to their lack of appetite.

Weight loss jabs reduce hunger, increase feelings of fullness and reduce the preference for high-fat foods, the British Heart Foundation reported.

But Asda Online Doctor found that 21 percent of surveyed people weren’t eating enough fruit and vegetables.

One in five admitted they weren’t eating enough protein to maintain their muscles, and a whopping 52 percent of those on weight-loss injections confessed to skipping meals several times per week.

Worryingly, nearly one in five people taking the likes of Mounjaro said they miss meals daily, while 31 percent said they didn’t know what they were supposed to be eating on weight-loss medication.

In relation to the latter, a third of the 500 surveyed people (34 percent) said they’d ‘feel more confident about staying healthy if they had access to expert-approved food advice tailored to weight loss medication users.'

So, what are people actually eating while on the likes of Mounjaro and Wegovy?

A medical expert has said 'maintaining proper nutrition' whilst on Mounjaro is 'crucial for long-term health' (Getty Stock Image)

According to Asda Online doctor, 24 percent of people are reaching for processed snacks. Meanwhile, a good portion (14 percent) are opting to chow down on desserts, and 13 percent are apparently gorging on fried food.

In light of these concerning statistics, Dr. Crystal Wyllie, GP at Asda Online Doctor, has issued a warning to anyone thinking about self-injecting weight-loss drugs in the future.

“Weight-loss medication can be transformative, but maintaining proper nutrition with a reduced appetite is crucial for long-term health,” she said via press release.

“Many patients struggle to eat enough protein and essential nutrients when their hunger signals change. It's important to focus on nutrient-dense, smaller meals and speak to your healthcare provider about developing an eating plan that works with your medication, not against it.”

Asda Online Doctor is encouraging anyone on weight-loss jabs to check out their online recipe book.

There are currently 12 calorie-controlled recipes available to peruse on the service’s site, including a tasty Lancashire lamb hotpot, rarebit cauliflower steaks, aubergine curry and chicken shawarma.

It's important to eat a balanced, healthy diet while using weight loss drugs (Getty Stock Image)

An Eli Lilly spokesperson told UNILAD: "Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is authorised in the UK for weight management, including weight loss and weight maintenance, as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity in adults with obesity or in adults who are overweight with at least one weight-related comorbidity.

"It is important for those prescribed Mounjaro to follow the advice on diet and exercise given to them by their healthcare professional."

A Novo Nordisk spokesperson told UNILAD: "At Novo Nordisk patient safety always comes first. Wegovy®▼ (semaglutide injection) is a prescription-only medication and so all decisions regarding treatment, including lifestyle and nutrition should be made in collaboration with and under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

"If you are taking any medication and believe you might be experiencing a side effect, please speak to your healthcare provider and report it through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme. The scheme exists to help the MHRA and pharmaceutical companies identify new safety issues as early as possible and monitor reactions to medicines. You can find the scheme here: https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/."

There are several side effects that come with injecting yourself with weight-loss drugs.

WebMD has listed that some users may experience indigestion, bloating, as well as upper belly pain as well as blood sugar fluctuations and constipation.

If you’re someone who is suffering from gastrointestinal issues while on the drugs, then the site recommends you eat small portions slowly, don’t lie down for at least two hours after a meal, and try not to do any heavy exercise after eating.

If you continue to have major issues, it’s advised that you see a medical practitioner as soon as possible.