Doctor warns of 'absolutely miserable' side effect as free NHS Wegovy jabs made available to 1.2million

Weight loss jabs have become increasingly popular over the past couple of years - and millions more are expected to start using them.

The NHS has lowered the eligibility criteria for Wegovy, allowing the weight loss drug to be prescribed to people who are overweight and deemed to be at risk of health conditions like strokes and heart attacks.

Wegovy is a GLP-1, like Mounjaro and Ozempic, and comes in the form of a weekly injection with the dosage being gradually increased as the body gets accustomed to it.

With many more people expected to start using the medication, a doctor has highlighted the 'miserable' side effect people should be aware of before considering using the injections.

In a video posted to TikTok, NHS doctor Suraj Kukadia issued a warning about one specific side effect, which has become the 'one of the most common' and can impact day-to-day life massively.

"Are you on a weight loss jab, and are you really constipated?

"GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy are incredibly effective for weight loss and diabetes management. But one of the most common side effects is constipation, and it can be absolutely miserable," he explained to his 300,000 followers.

Delving further into the reasons behind this side effect, Dr Kukadia, known online as Dr Sooj, outlined the process of digesting food while taking weight loss medication.

"Now, it happens because these medicines slow down your gastric emptying.

"That's how quickly food moves from your stomach into your intestines. This is actually part of how they work for weight loss. You feel fuller for longer because the food sits in your stomach for longer, and then this can help to reduce your appetite," he said.

Dr Kukadia went on to add that it isn't only your stomach that is impacted, but the 'entire gastrointestinal tract'.

He added: "Now, the contractions in your intestine slow down, too, meaning stool will move through much more slowly.

"This means there's more time for water to get absorbed, and you end up constipated."

The impact varies from person to person and each person will react differently to weight loss medication.

Concluding his video, he added: "That being said, some people do get it worse than others, with higher doses tending to cause more constipation. But if you are already prone to constipation, or you're on other medications that slow down your gut, like opioids, it can be really severe."