FAT jabs might sound like a magic fix for overeating and constant hunger pangs.
But not everyone is eligible for the drugs on the NHS, and those going private could soon be priced out, with the cost of Mounjaro set to double next week.
Some foods can mimic the effects of weight-loss injections without the nasty side effects[/caption]
Still, plenty of people are keen to blast stubborn belly fat.
So what if we told you there are ways to copy the effects of the medicines without any of the unpleasant side effects?
The good news is you can mimic fat jabs with simple tricks, and the secret may already be in your kitchen cupboard, Professor Franklin Joseph, head of Dr Frank’s weight loss clinic, said.
First developed to treat type 2 diabetes, the jabs Wegovy and Mounjaro (both available on the NHS) are now licensed for weight management in people with obesity (BMI over 30) or those who are overweight (BMI over 27) with a related health condition.
The drugs are part of a class known as glucagon-like peptide-1, or GLP-1 receptor agonists.
They mimic a natural gut hormone that helps regulate blood sugar, curb appetite, and slow digestion so you stay fuller for longer.
Prof Franklin has revealed three food staples that can work like fat jabs – and all for less than 50p a go.
“People often think they need expensive injections or supplements to feel in control of their appetite,” he said.
“But with simple foods, you’re naturally harnessing your body’s own GLP-1 system. It’s effective, affordable and sustainable.”
1. Oats
Prof Franklin said oats are one of the most underrated natural GLP-1 boosters.
“The beta-glucan fibre in oats thickens in the stomach, slowing down digestion and leading to a prolonged release of GLP-1,” he said.
“That means fewer hunger spikes and more stable energy throughout the day.”
He recommends starting with a simple bowl of porridge or overnight oats.
“Found for just 85p per one kilogramme bag at Tesco, oats are one of the cheapest appetite-control tools you can buy,” he added.
2. Beans and lentils
Next on his list are beans and lentils – staples in many of the world’s longest-living communities.
“These foods are packed with soluble fibre and resistant starch, both of which enhance GLP-1 release,” Prof Franklin said.
“They not only help lower cholesterol, but they also blunt blood sugar rises after meals, reducing cravings later on.”
He added: “Half a tin of beans stirred into a salad, soup or curry is enough to have a real impact – and you’ll pay less than 50p for own brands in most supermarkets.”
3. Apples
Finally, Prof Franklin highlights humble apples as a natural way to stimulate GLP-1.
“Apples contain pectin, a type of soluble fibre that expands in the gut and increases satiety,” he explained.
“That’s why an apple can keep you going for hours in a way biscuits or crisps never will.”
He advises eating them whole rather than juiced.
“The act of chewing plus the intact fibre structure makes all the difference for appetite control.”
One single apple costs as little as 35p in Sainsbury’s.
Boosting the jab’s effects
GLP-1 medications can be powerful tools, but they work best when combined with the “right diet”, the expert said..
“Foods such as oats, beans and apples contain soluble fibre and resistant starch, which stimulate the same GLP-1 pathway naturally,” he explained.
“Eating them regularly can complement the medication, helping people feel fuller for longer and stabilise blood sugar between doses.”
He added: “Patients often find they tolerate these drugs better when they’re eating a diet rich in whole foods.
“High-fibre staples reduce side-effects like nausea or blood sugar dips, and they can make the medication’s appetite-suppressing effects feel more consistent.”
And while the jab can give people “a head start,” Joseph warns that diet is what ultimately sustains results.
“People who build in simple, affordable foods like oats, beans and apples are more likely to keep the weight off long-term rather than regaining once the injections stop,” he said.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR WEIGHT LOSS JABS ON THE NHS?
NHS eligibility for weight loss injections has expanded but still lags behind the number who could potentially benefit from taking them.
Wegovy, medical name semaglutide, is only available for weight loss through specialist weight management clinics.
Patients are typically expected to have tried other weight loss methods before getting a prescription.
They may be eligible if their body mass index (BMI) is higher than 30, or higher than 27 if they have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure.
Mounjaro, known as tirzepatide, is also available from GP practices but currently only to patients with a BMI of 40 or higher (or 37.5 if from a minority ethnic background) plus four weight-related health conditions.
The medicines are currently being rationed to the patients most in need.
NHS watchdog NICE estimates that more than three million Brits will ultimately be eligible.
The GLP-1 injections are prescribed separately by GPs for people with type 2 diabetes, and patients should discuss this with their doctor