Weight loss injections have been in the headlines a lot recently. They are often promoted as “game changers” for tackling obesity and are becoming increasingly available. For some people, they may sound like a hopeful solution.

But for those living with, or recovering from, eating distress or eating disorders, the growing attention around weight loss injections can be complicated. They can bring up difficult feelings, pressures, and questions about recovery.

Why we’re cautious about weight loss injections

We believe that the increasing use of weight loss injections risks reinforcing weight-loss culture and harmful messages about body size. For many people, decisions to use these drugs are influenced more by weight stigma than by holistic healthcare.

If you are experiencing or recovering from an eating disorder, you may feel pressure, or even temptation, to try these injections. We know this can be distressing. In some cases, it may fuel harmful behaviours or make recovery feel harder. At present, there is limited research into how weight loss injections affect mental health. What we do know is that rapid or externally pressured weight loss can increase the risk of relapse into eating distress.

What we’ve noticed in people’s experiences

From our work with people who use weight loss injections, we’ve seen some mixed effects. For some, appetite decreases and binge eating or overeating happens less often. For others, binge eating episodes still occur, particularly when triggered by emotions such as stress, low mood, overwhelm, or loneliness.

This highlights that eating distress is rarely just about food. Emotional triggers and underlying issues often play a central role.

How we can support you

Whether or not you use weight loss injections, you deserve support in understanding your relationship with food, your body, and your wellbeing. We can help you:
• Identify emotional and situational triggers.
• Explore new coping strategies.
• Work towards reducing the intensity and frequency of binge eating.
• Look at underlying issues that may have contributed to your eating distress.

If you are taking weight loss injections, we will talk with you about whether they are prescribed, and whether your GP is aware if you’re taking them privately. This is so we can support you safely.
We will also share information about possible side effects, and when you should seek medical attention.

Can I access services if I’m using weight loss injections?

Yes. We work with people who are using weight loss injections, and we always take a case-by-case approach. Our focus is on what will be most supportive for you.

There are some situations where we cannot provide support, particularly if injections are unprescribed and there is a high level of eating distress or disorder present. If that happens, we’ll talk it through with you and help you find the right care.

A changing and evolving subject

This is an area where new information is always emerging. At Eating Distress North East, we’re committed to learning, reflecting, and updating our practice so that we can continue to support people in the most compassionate and informed way possible.