Tyneside Comedian Probes Why 1.6 Million UK Adults Keep Weight-Loss Jabs Quiet
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Aug 17
Tyneside Comedian Probes Why 1.6 Million UK Adults Keep Weight-Loss Jabs Quiet
2 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Aug 17
Summary
Steffen Peddie says men often hide using Wegovy or Mounjaro even from GPs, after losing more than 8st himself and initially feeling "weak" for needing the drug.
More than 70 men messaged him privately after a Facebook appeal, versus about 20 public replies, suggesting many users discuss results and side effects only discreetly.
Barry from Chester-le-Street said he dropped from 25st to 19st 5lb on Mounjaro but kept quiet until the weight loss showed, then found "half the office" were also taking it.
Newcastle University researcher Jack Birch and Gateshead GP Paul Evans said shame, ideas of masculine self-reliance and delayed help-seeking can leave side effects undisclosed, including nausea, digestive problems and rarer kidney or gallbladder issues.
A recent study estimated 1.6 million adults in England, Wales and Scotland used weight-loss drugs in 2024-25, mostly bought privately, with the North East carrying England's highest adult obesity rates.