BRITS can now get their hands on an NHS-approved weight loss jab on the high street.

The Saxenda jab has been made available at Boots and can be purchased without a prescription.

LloydsPharmacy had previously made the jab available in its stores in July 2020 after Prime Minister Boris Johnson launched his crack down on obesity.

Data from the NHS states that the majority of adults are overweight – with 67 per cent of the population being overweight or obese.

Just last month the NHS also made a fat-busting drug available on the service after trial data revealed that participants lost nearly 2½ stone in just 15 months.

But Brits who want to lose weight will now be able to do so by just taking a short online consultation.

The Saxenda jab works by mimicking the hormone GLP1 which is released after you have eaten and lets you know you are full.

It curbs your appetite meaning you're less likely to reach for snacks and overeat.

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Therefore, you're likely to consume less calories.

However, tools like this only work with a controlled diet and exercise programme.

The makers of the drug say that in some patients, there can be side effects and these include nausea, tiredness, constipation and low blood sugar levels.

Serious side effects listed by the manufacturer also include thyroid tumours.

The experts at Boots explain: "Saxenda is a weight loss medicine that is injected under the skin every day.

"The dose starts low and increases over a few weeks to the recommended 3mg a day. Needles and sharpsbin are included."

In order to access the jabs from Boots you have to do an online consultation which will ask you for some basic information.

The jabs are meant only for people with a BMI of over 30 or those with disorders such as diabetes.

You'll be ask what your preference for medication is, five pens cost £240 and three pens cost £150.

You start with 0.6mg of the medicine each day and this will gradually increase over five weeks.

The treatment can be used for up to two years but the experts said that if you don't lose at least five per cent of your body weight after using Saxenda for 16 weeks – then you should stop taking it.

Once you have chosen a five pack or three pack option, you'll then be asked other questions about your weight and height.

You'll also be asked why you want to lose weight as well as what your ethnic background is.

You will also be asked if you are using any other weight loss medications – if you are it's unlikely you'll be able to use the jabs.

Those wanting to take the jabs will also be asked if they have used medication for weight loss in the past.

LIFESTYLE CHANGE

The experts also highlight that a change in lifestyle is also key when using the jabs.

"This weight loss medication will only work with lifestyle changes to support your weight loss. Exercising and eating a lower calorie diet are necessary alongside this medication for successful weight loss", they say.

Crucially, you'll be asked if you have ever suffered with an eating disorder and will also be asked to provide further detail on this – before being asked if you are on any medication.

Towards the end of the questionnaire you will be asked if you understand that this medication can case diarrhoea as a side effect as well as constipation and nausea.

Patients are also urged to tell their GP before taking any new medication.

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