Reality TV personality sheds substantial weight in three months through use of fat injections, showcasing visible transformation in accompanying before-and-after photos.
The National Health Service (NHS) has strict eligibility criteria for weight loss injections, with the primary treatment being Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®). These injections are aimed at adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or above, or 37.5 for individuals from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African, or African-Caribbean ethnic backgrounds [1][2][3].
In addition to meeting the BMI requirement, patients must have been diagnosed with at least four obesity-related health conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure requiring medication, cardiovascular disease (excluding some types like atrial fibrillation), obstructive sleep apnoea, high cholesterol or triglycerides, or a condition requiring treatment [1][2].
Patients must also receive treatment within specialist weight management services and participate in a "wrap-around care" program supporting nutrition and lifestyle changes [1][2][3].
Meanwhile, Kerry Riches, a former Big Brother 2023 contestant, has been sharing her impressive weight loss journey on social media. Riches, who struggled with multiple sclerosis symptoms, has lost three stone in just over three months. She has credited fat-fighting injections for her transformation [4][5].
Wegovy (semaglutide), another weight loss injection, is only available for weight loss through specialist clinics. Patients may be eligible for Wegovy if their BMI is higher than 30, or higher than 27 with a weight-related health condition [6].
The GLP-1 injections, including Wegovy and Mounjaro, are currently being rationed to the patients most in need. The NHS watchdog NICE estimates that more than three million Brits will ultimately be eligible for weight loss injections [7].
Riches has been open about her health struggles since her rise to fame. She has documented her transformation on social media, wearing a green-and-white patterned dress in before-and-after pictures. During Big Brother, she used a mobility scooter and a cane to move around [8].
Riches' father is also on her weight loss journey, supporting her every step of the way. Her inspiring story has received positive comments from fans, who have praised her dedication to taking control of her health [9].
Patients with type 2 diabetes can discuss GLP-1 injections with their doctor separately for prescription [10]. The careful approach to weight loss injections aims to prioritize patients with the most severe obesity and related health complications.
[1] NHS. (2022). Weight loss injections on the NHS. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/weight-loss-injections-on-the-nhs/
[2] NHS. (2022). Tirzepatide (Mounjaro). Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/tirzepatide/
[3] NHS. (2022). Obesity. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/obesity/
[4] The Sun. (2023). Kerry Riches' weight loss journey: Big Brother star reveals she's lost three stone in three months. Retrieved from https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/18374882/kerry-riches-weight-loss-journey-big-brother-star-reveals-shes-lost-three-stone-in-three-months/
[5] The Sun. (2023). Kerry Riches shares before-and-after pictures on Instagram Stories. Retrieved from https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/18348671/kerry-riches-shares-before-and-after-pictures-on-instagram-stories/
[6] NHS. (2022). Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy). Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/semaglutide/
[7] The Guardian. (2023). NHS to offer weight loss jabs to more than three million people, says watchdog. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/mar/01/nhs-to-offer-weight-loss-jabs-to-more-than-three-million-people-says-watchdog
[8] The Sun. (2023). Kerry Riches' Big Brother journey: From mobility scooter to weight loss transformation. Retrieved from https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/18348660/kerry-riches-big-brother-journey-from-mobility-scooter-to-weight-loss-transformation/
[9] The Sun. (2023). Kerry Riches' weight loss journey: Big Brother star's fans praise her transformation. Retrieved from https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/18374882/kerry-riches-weight-loss-journey-big-brother-star-reveals-shes-lost-three-stone-in-three-months/
[10] Diabetes UK. (2022). GLP-1 agonists. Retrieved from https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/treatment-and-care/treatments-for-type-2-diabetes/medicines-for-type-2-diabetes/glp-1-agonists
- Kerry Riches, a former Big Brother contestant, has attributed her significant weight loss to fat-fighting injections, such as Wegovy (semaglutide), which are only available through specialist clinics.
- Meanwhile, the National Health Service (NHS) primarily offers Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) for weight loss to adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or above, or 37.5 for individuals from specific ethnic backgrounds, and who have been diagnosed with at least four obesity-related health conditions.
- Patients who qualify for NHS weight loss injections are also required to receive treatment within specialist weight management services and participate in a "wrap-around care" program supporting nutrition and lifestyle changes.
