Festive Body Shaming Could Push More Brits Toward Unsafe Weight Loss Jabs in 2026, Pharmacist Warns

Across the UK, many Brits are preparing to spend Christmas with their close and extended families and in-laws.

While getting everyone in the same room can be a joyous occasion, filled with laughter and positivity, it can also mean facing awkward, hurtful comments from relatives about your weight. According to a recent study, nearly a third of Brits say family members are their biggest critics when it comes to body image.

Kiran Jones, Clinical Pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, shares her top tips for making it through the festive period, to protect your mental health and discourage unsafe weight-loss practices in the new year.

Why family body-shaming is harmful

Shockingly, half of Brits still experience body shaming in the UK – rising to two-thirds of 16-24-year-olds.

With family members one of the worst culprits, what your relative may think is a quick quip about you eating a lot or looking “like you’ve been enjoying your food” may have a long-lasting emotional impact.

Studies show that weight-based discrimination can increase the risk of depression or anxiety, cause low self-esteem and suicidal thoughts, and trigger unhealthy eating behaviours and disorders.

But worse still, negative feedback from family members can be even more damaging, especially over time.

Weight stigma from family members can also trigger heightened weight bias internalisation – meaning they are more likely to believe negative stereotypes associated with people of a higher body weight and apply them to themselves, leading to feelings of shame and low self-esteem.

Here’s how to navigate family festive fat shaming this Christmas:

#1 Address comments early

While your relative probably isn’t intending to upset you with their comments, it’s best to chat to them about it and nip it in the bud.

To avoid confrontation, pull them aside for a private chat and calmly let them know it’s upsetting you before the problem escalates and ruins your Christmas.

#2 Seek support

No one should feel judged for their appearance, especially at Christmas by those closest to them.

If you’re struggling with your self-esteem and mental health as a result of weight-based discrimination, don’t hesitate to seek help.

Your GP or a trained therapist can offer guidance and suggest tools to address and cope with the emotional impact.

#3 Act on it responsibly

As the UK sees a rise in popularity for weight loss medication, the festive season may trigger another increase in demand as people react to societal pressures amplified by family fat-shaming at Christmas. However, it’s not a ‘quick fix’.

Medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro aren’t suitable for everyone, and using them incorrectly can be harmful. They are not available over the counter and must be obtained via prescription.

If you’ve come across these medications on a website, exercise caution. There’s been a sharp rise in counterfeit weight loss medications being sold on the black market in recent months, which can pose huge health risks.

If you’re considering weight-loss medication as a New Year’s resolution, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider first – either your GP or an online provider with a GPhC pharmacy logo. They will check your eligibility via a consultation to assess your medical history, calculate your BMI, and, if successful, pick the right medication and dosage for you.

And if you’re not eligible, but are making weight loss a goal, consider focusing on making healthier choices through diet and exercise. Even small, sustainable changes can lead to long-term health benefits and a positive start to the year.