For those of us in recovery from eating disorders, and people who have a difficult relationship with food, the recent craze of weight loss jabs is another challenge to face.

Ozempic and other anti-diabetic drugs like Wegovy and Monjaro are now used regularly for weight management in people who are not diabetic or otherwise clear candidates for the drug. In addition to affecting insulin production, these drugs mimic the release of hormones that tell us when we are hungry and full.

The availability of these drugs can often be overwhelmingly appealing for anyone with disordered eating.

Some of us have spent years working on positive body image, trying to find peace with the body we have and trying to develop a better relationship with food.

Body image work is tough. The concept of finally finding some peace around one’s appearance is daunting, and for those who have a history of eating disorders, it often feels impossible. Enter drugs that lead to loss of appetite and often weight loss. The temptation to ditch the hard work on body acceptance can be incredibly seductive—especially if one has dreamed of a magic drug that makes you skinny.

Our Therapeutic Services Director, Debbie Coote says; “At The Living Room, we undertake a deep, holistic assessment with the person who comes to us for help. During this assessment, we want to learn more about them and their relationship with food before we make judgments.

“Our clients are discouraged from trying to lose weight or focusing on their weight. Instead, we tend to their body image, their feelings, their mindset, their self-esteem and self-care abilities.

“If they are using or looking to use any metabolic drug such a Ozempic, Monjaro, Wegovy or Semaglutide, or if they are craving bariatric surgery, we give them the facts as we know them and offer them an alternative in the therapy we provide.

“We often find there is an underlying reason why using these drugs seems like a solution. And with therapy, we can help the person heal and improve their relationship with themselves and food.”

If you or someone you know is considering weight-loss jabs or similar, please call us before you take action. A qualified counsellor will want to learn everything about your relationship with food, including how it has gone astray, and we can help you.

Group therapy at The Living Room is free and time-unlimited. Please call us on 0300 365 0304 or fill in our online form.