A certain Scottish city has emerged as the UK’s leading hotspot for weight loss injection use, with nearly a third of people turning to treatments such as Ozempic and Mounjaro
One Scottish city tops UK for weight-loss injection use(Image: Getty Images)
A growing trend in weight-loss treatments has put Scotland’s largest city in the spotlight, with new research identifying it as the UK’s leading hub for dieters taking Mounjaro or Ozempic.
According to a nationwide survey conducted by Superdrug, Glasgow has emerged ahead of other major urban areas when it comes to residents turning to injectable medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro in a hope to slim down.
The study, which gathered responses from 2,000 people actively trying to lose weight, revealed that around 30 per cent of Glaswegians currently dieting are using these injections. This figure places Glasgow just ahead of cities such as Leeds and London, where 29 per cent of respondents reported similar use.
Other cities followed closely behind, including Manchester with 28 per cent, Belfast with 26 per cent and Liverpool with 25 per cent.
Nearly a third of Glaswegians said they were using weight loss injections(Image: Getty Images)
The popularity of these treatments isn’t confined to one region either. Cities such as Edinburgh, Birmingham, Cardiff and Leicester also ranked among the top locations using injectable weight-loss solutions.
Results from the survey suggest that those using injections are seeing more results, shedding an average of 10kg compared to around 6kg lost by individuals relying solely on traditional dieting methods such as exercise and calorie deficits.
However, alongside the weightloss, researchers flagged a number of concerning behavioural patterns.
A significant portion of participants, 44 per cent, said their reduced appetite had led to a lack of motivation to prepare balanced meals. While strikingly, three quarters admitted their overall diet had become less healthy while using the injections.
Additionally nutritional awareness also appeared to decline. Nearly two thirds of respondents reported consuming less protein, while one in five acknowledged they didn’t know how much protein they should be eating in the first place.
Craig Watt, pharmacy director at Superdrug, emphasised the importance of balance when using these medications. He stated: “Weight-loss injections can be an effective clinical tool to support people in creating a calorie deficit, but they are not a substitute for healthy habits.
People using the weight-loss drugs lost on average 10kg compared to people just regularly dieting who lost 6kg (Image: PA)
“Eating less doesn’t automatically mean eating well. For safe, sustainable results, weight loss needs to be treated holistically – alongside developing healthier eating patterns, prioritising nutrient-dense foods and maintaining regular movement.”
He continued: “Medication should form part of a structured plan with appropriate clinical oversight. The long-term goal isn’t simply consuming fewer calories, but supporting overall physical health and wellbeing for long-term wellbeing.”
Echoing this statement, dietician Lauren Owens from Superdrug Video GP highlighted the risks of neglecting nutrition, explaining: “When hunger drops, people often default to whatever feels easiest rather than what is nutritionally balanced.
“During weight loss, adequate protein is essential to preserve lean muscle, vegetables provide vital vitamins and minerals, and fibre supports gut health.
“A calorie deficit without nutritional quality can undermine long-term health outcomes.”