Weight loss injections — often referred to as “skinny jabs” — have become one of the biggest health stories of the year, helping many people lose significant amounts of weight.

In this ITV News report, presented by Rob Osborne, we examine the sharp rise in their use across the UK, where numbers have increased seven-fold in just a year. With NHS access limited, many patients are turning to private providers and online pharmacies, driving up costs and raising questions about safety and regulation.

The report looks at what the medical evidence tells us so far, the potential side effects, and why some doctors are warning that the fast-growing private market could be storing up serious health problems. Are weight loss injections a genuine breakthrough in tackling obesity — or could their popularity create new risks down the line?