Gemma Collins reveals she’s dropped two dress sizes after using fat loss injections to lose weight
GEMMA Collins has revealed that she’s dropped two dress sizes after turning to fat loss injections.
The TV favourite, 43, who has previously struggled with her weight, has now teamed up with Yazen, a company that provides weight-loss injections and 24 hour support from medial professionals.
Gemma has previously “tried almost every diet” with no success and after careful consideration she has started taking GLP-1 weight loss injections.
The reality star shared a video as she revealed she had dropped two dress sizes.
She wrote: “It has absolutely changed my life. I’ve been working with Yazen – the digital healthcare provider – to manage my weight responsibly over the last two months.
“I feel healthier, I feel happier. I don’t have that constant noise in my head “You need to eat. You need to eat.”
She continued: “I’m so excited for anyone that has struggled like me for years. This has been life changing for me.
“I hope we can all embark on this journey together.
“It’s important to remember everyone’s weight loss journey is personal and unique and you can talk to your GP if you’re concerned.”
A source close to Gemma has explained she has done thorough research and and is taking the medication with expert guidance.
“She isn’t just focused on how she looks, this is about her wanting to be as healthy as possible and feel confident,” they told the Mirror.
“She’s still absolutely all about body positivity and embracing her body, there’s no change in that, but she wants to be healthy as well.”
Is it safe to use fat jabs to slim down before a holiday or wedding?
Ian Budd, pharmacist for Chemist4U and MyBMI, says: “Using injectable weight-loss medications for cosmetic reasons or without a medical need is not recommended and can be potentially harmful.
“They are not a quick fix or a way to lose a few pounds before a holiday.
“Misuse of these medications can lead to serious health consequences and should be avoided.”
Dr Iqbal adds: “They are for the management of chronic obesity, so they may not be the first step to take if your weight gain has been more recent or over a shorter period of time.”
What are the potential side effects and risks?
Mr Budd says: “Common side effects may include nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, headache and dizziness. The frequency and severity of side effects can vary, and some people may experience none at all.
“Long-term effects of injectable weight-loss medications are still being studied, and the safety profile of these medications over extended periods is not yet fully understood.”
Other side effects reported include vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, flatulence and acid reflux.
Positive research studies show evidence that semaglutide can reduce the risk of heart failure, heart attack, stroke, addiction, Parkinson’s and even Alzheimer’s.
There were concerns that the jabs were linked to both thyroid cancer and suicide but more recent studies have challenged these claims.
'Monumental' fat jabs could level the playing field
By Lizzie Parry, Head of Health
FIRST things first, let’s just clear up which so-called ‘fat jabs’ are available on the NHS at the moment.
Chances are you’ve heard of Ozempic – the brand name has become synonymous with weight loss jabs, largely thanks to celebrities in the US rumoured to have used it.
But, Ozempic is not available on the NHS for weight loss and is only approved as a treatment for type 2 diabetes in the UK.
That said, Wegovy, a similar treatment that contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient as Ozempic, is approved for weight-loss on the NHS.
Meanwhile, Mounjaro, dubbed the ‘King Kong’ of skinny jabs – a slightly newer drug with the active ingredient tirzepatide – is also licensed for weight loss in the UK.
Both semaglutide and tirzepatide work to help people lose weight by suppressing appetite.
The causes of obesity are complex, and in many cases genetics are a major factor.
Our genes influence all sorts of things, from how much food we need to eat to feel full to how our brain reacts to food cues.
So, it really is the case that some people feel the urge to eat more often than others.
In the face of giant portion sizes, ultra-processed foods at every turn and on every menu, it can be incredibly difficult for some people – due to their genetics – to maintain a healthy weight.
That’s why these drugs could prove a game-changer. They could help level the playing field.
For those people who are genetically predisposed to being more hungry, these drugs can help realign their urge to eat to that of a person who finds it easier to stay slim.
That said, no medication comes without risk.
So, doctors need to assess each individual on a case-by-case basis to balance any risk versus the benefit for their patients.
In people who live with severe obesity, the likelihood is that the benefits will outweigh the risks, especially if they have other health issues like diabetes or heart disease.
For those of a healthy weight, it’s more likely the risks will outweigh the benefits, experts warn.
Common side effects include vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, gallstones, and less common but more severe risks include acute pancreatitis.
While these drugs really could prove monumental in helping to shrink the nation’s waistline, it is vital that they come with support and education to help improve people’s diet and lifestyle, putting movement and exercise at the heart of any prescription.
Over the last few years, Gemma has been determined to shed the pounds with healthy eating and exercise.
Last year, Gemma told how she had managed to overhaul her body as a result of the Fibre First diet.
She gave a shoutout to the Fibre First diet’s founder Steve Bennett for helping her lose the weight.
Gemma captioned the clip: “Thank you to @stevebennettmhp #fibrefirst guys get on this it takes time slowly slowly slowly then BOOM.
“So this video is me having to get my trousers adjusted in in shock.”
Gemma has been guided by Steve in her bid to lose weight after he himself underwent a body overhaul.
He founded the Fibre Diet which helped him to go from being overweight to being a much healthier weight.
Gemma has been gradually slimming down since 2019 but now appears to have found the best diet for herself.
Last year, she shared her disappointment over losing less than a pound in weight despite doing gruelling daily workouts.
Taking to Instagram, she shared a clip from a holiday and was wearing a brightly coloured bikini.
Although Gemma admitted her heart had been “ripped out” due to the lack of weight loss success, she vowed to keep going.
She wrote: “Against all odds and eating chicken for a whole week with water working out 2 hours a day and loosing a quarter
“Yes I repeat a quarter of a pound. My heart being ripped out why me, why can I master everything except weight loss?”