ITV’s “This Morning” has sparked major backlash after a guest promoted the controversial use of weight loss injections—commonly known as “skinny jabs”—for children. The discussion, meant to address childhood obesity, quickly turned into a heated debate, with viewers slamming the segment as dangerous and irresponsible.
Many took to social media to express their outrage, with one furious viewer tweeting:
“This is disgusting! Get this lunatic off my TV before more damage is done!”
As the debate over childhood obesity intensifies, the segment has raised serious ethical and medical concerns about whether such drastic measures should ever be considered for children.
What Happened on “This Morning”?
During the controversial segment, the guest—whose identity has not been disclosed in the backlash—advocated for the use of weight loss injections in children, claiming they could be a “game-changer” for tackling childhood obesity.
However, both the hosts and medical experts quickly pushed back on the idea. One panelist cautioned against the long-term effects, warning that such injections have not been properly tested for young children.
What Are ‘Skinny Jabs’?
Weight loss injections, such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Saxenda, have gained popularity among adults as a way to suppress appetite and aid weight loss. Originally developed for Type 2 diabetes, they are now used off-label by celebrities and influencers looking for quick results.
While some adults have seen successful weight loss, the use of these drugs in children and teenagers remains highly controversial.
Furious Viewer Reactions
🚨 Social media erupted within minutes of the discussion airing, with thousands of viewers slamming the guest’s stance.
📢 Viewer Tweets & Comments:
🔥 @AngryMum23: “Are they actually suggesting injecting children with ‘skinny jabs’ instead of promoting healthy eating? This is dangerous!”
😡 @CommonSense101: “This Morning needs to be held accountable for pushing harmful nonsense on national TV. Kids need support, not weight loss drugs!”
💀 @NotAFan: “The guest on This Morning is insane. Injecting kids instead of teaching proper nutrition? Madness.”
Even some celebrity figures weighed in on the debate, with many agreeing that weight loss jabs should never be used on children.
Medical Experts Slam the Proposal
The medical community has largely rejected the idea of using weight loss injections on children. Experts warn that these drugs were never designed for young bodies and could have serious side effects.
Dr. Mitra Dutt, a leading GP, explained:
“While weight loss injections have been used in extreme cases for adults, we don’t have enough research to prove they are safe for children. Weight management for kids should focus on nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle changes rather than medical interventions.”
Why Experts Say No to Skinny Jabs for Kids
🚫 Potential Side Effects: Children’s bodies are still developing, and medications like Ozempic can cause digestive issues, nausea, and long-term metabolic changes.
🚫 Psychological Impact: Using weight loss drugs could lead to body image issues and eating disorders.
🚫 Lack of Long-Term Studies: There is no conclusive research on how these injections affect children’s growth and hormone development.
🚫 Wrong Approach to Obesity: Instead of quick fixes, healthy eating habits and physical activity should be the first line of intervention.
The NHS and major health organizations currently do not recommend weight loss injections for children unless in extreme medical cases.
The Rise of ‘Skinny Jab’ Culture
The discussion on “This Morning” reflects a growing trend of weight loss drugs being marketed as quick fixes, particularly through social media and celebrity endorsements.
💉 Hollywood and Influencers: Many celebrities and influencers have been accused of glamorizing the use of Ozempic to stay slim.
💰 Expensive and Risky: Weight loss injections can cost hundreds of pounds per month and come with serious health risks if misused.
📢 Calls for Regulation: Health experts are urging stricter regulations to prevent children and teenagers from being influenced by online trends promoting weight loss jabs.
Calls for ITV to Apologize
🚨 Following the backlash, some viewers are demanding an apology from ITV, arguing that the segment was irresponsible and harmful.
🔹 Petitions have emerged calling for ITV to issue a statement clarifying that weight loss injections are NOT recommended for children.
🔹 Others are urging Ofcom, the UK’s media regulator, to investigate whether the show violated broadcasting ethicsby allowing dangerous medical advice on air.
As of now, ITV has not commented on the controversy.
What Parents Can Do Instead
With childhood obesity being a growing concern, parents looking for healthy, sustainable solutions should focus on:
✔ Encouraging balanced meals with whole foods, fruits, and vegetables.
✔ Promoting physical activity in fun ways like sports, dancing, or outdoor play.
✔ Limiting screen time to reduce sedentary habits.
✔ Avoiding diet culture messages that could lead to unhealthy relationships with food.
✔ Seeking medical advice from a qualified pediatrician for weight concerns.
Final Thoughts: A Dangerous Debate or Misunderstood Message?
While some may argue that weight loss injections have their place in extreme medical cases, the idea of promoting them for children on national television has outraged parents, doctors, and the public.
❓ Should ITV apologize for airing such a discussion?
❓ Should there be stricter rules about how weight loss solutions are discussed in the media?
❓ What can be done to promote healthy habits for children without resorting to drastic measures?
One thing is clear—the conversation around childhood obesity needs to be handled responsibly, without pushing quick fixes that could do more harm than good.
FAQs
1. What are ‘skinny jabs’?
“Skinny jabs” refer to weight loss injections like Ozempic, Saxenda, and Mounjaro, which help suppress appetite and aid weight loss.
2. Are weight loss injections safe for children?
No. Medical experts do not recommend these injections for children due to unknown long-term effects, potential side effects, and psychological risks.
3. What did “This Morning” say about skinny jabs?
A guest on the show suggested weight loss injections could be beneficial for children, sparking widespread backlash from viewers and health experts.
4. How did viewers react?
Thousands of viewers raged on social media, calling the discussion dangerous, irresponsible, and unethical.
5. Will ITV respond to the backlash?
As of now, ITV has not issued an official statement, but pressure is growing for them to clarify their stance on weight loss injections for children.
