In short

Weight loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro are flooding your daughter's TikTok and YouTube feeds, often in glamorised before and after videos. 

However, the drugs are only approved for teenagers under strict medical supervision, not something to copy from a video. 

These videos are often not medically verified and can add to body image issues in teens.

Rated 4.8

Try luna: the world’s #1 teen health and wellbeing app

Find out more

Why is my daughter seeing so much weight loss injection content?

It's not a coincidence if it keeps showing up. 

Bloomberg's reporting on TikTok and YouTube found that content about weight loss injections, including transformation videos and paid promotion, is flooding the same feeds teenagers scroll every day.

Once she watches or lingers on one, the algorithm treats it as an interest and keeps showing her more.

Most of this content isn't coming from doctors. 

A review of TikTok and Instagram videos on GLP-1 drugs found that most creators had no medical background at all, and researchers rated much of the health information as low quality.

Are weight loss injections actually meant for teenagers?

No, not really. 

On the NHS, these injections (semaglutide, tirzepatide and liraglutide) are prescribed to adults with a high BMI and existing health conditions, always alongside a supervised lifestyle programme.

Some versions are approved for teenagers in certain countries, but only through a doctor, with ongoing medical checks and support for the whole family.

Why does this actually matter for my daughter?

Her feed was already a lot to handle before this. Filtered photos, "perfect" bodies, and constant comparison have been part of growing up online for years now.

Weight loss injection content adds another layer on top of that. It's not just another body to compare herself to, it's a fast, medical looking shortcut to getting there.

That combination of existing comparison culture and a new "quick fix" narrative can make her feel like there's even less room to just be in the body she has.

For a daughter who's already prone to comparing herself to others online, that's a heavier load to carry, not a separate problem sitting next to it.

What are the signs this content is affecting her?

Trust your instinct if something feels off. 

The NHS lists some of the clearer warning signs of an eating disorder.

Signs worth paying attention to:

• Talking about weight, calories, or her shape a lot more than usual
• Skipping meals, counting calories, or cutting food into small pieces or eating very slowly
• Wearing baggy clothes to hide her body
• Exercising a lot more or feeling low, anxious, or withdrawn

If your daughter isn't eating lunch at school or her habits around food have quietly changed, it's worth a closer look.

How do I talk to her about what she's seeing online?

Starting the conversation matters more than getting it perfect. 

Some parents find it helps to ask what she's noticed on her feed lately, rather than opening with a warning.

It's worth knowing:

• She's probably not looking to actually take these drugs, but the content still shapes what she thinks a "healthy" body looks like
• Naming what you've noticed, calmly and without judgement, tends to land better than a lecture
• A doctor can help if you're worried about her eating, weight or mood

luna gives teen girls a space to ask questions about bodies and social media pressure without judgement, with content reviewed by medical experts rather than influencers trying to sell something.

Rated 4.8

Try luna: the world’s #1 teen health and wellbeing app

Find out more

FAQ

Are weight loss injections safe for teenagers?

They can be appropriate for some teenagers, but only when prescribed and monitored by a doctor. They're not designed to be started without medical supervision.

Should I worry if she follows fitness or "health" influencers?

Not automatically, but it's worth noticing how she feels after scrolling. If her mood or eating habits shift, that's worth a conversation.

If body image is already a sore spot at home, luna's guide on supporting a daughter with body image issues has more on where to start, and free mental health resources are there if you want extra support.

Rated 4.8

Try luna: the world’s #1 teen health and wellbeing app

Find out more