Context:

Overweight personnel are restricted from secretly using weight‑loss injections amid concerns that gastrointestinal side effects could disrupt demanding training. Officials acknowledge potential benefits of drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro, but warn that diarrhoea, constipation, and dehydration could impair performance and raise nutritional or muscle‑mass risks. A new guideline requires soldiers to inform medical officers if they are on such medications. The practice has grown, with 240 personnel on the jabs last year, alongside official obesity figures showing thousands across services affected. The policy aims to balance treatment benefits with safety for operational readiness and training outcomes.

Dive Deeper:

• The military has banned overweight troops from secretly taking weight‑loss injections due to fears that side effects could interfere with training and performance.

• Top brass acknowledge potential benefits of drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro but emphasize gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhoea and constipation, which can disrupt strenuous exercise and daily routines.

• There are concerns that altered gut mobility and dehydration during heavy activity could push the lower digestive tract into overdrive and strain kidneys.

• Troops must now disclose to a medical officer if they are using weight‑loss medications, as outlined in the latest Soldier Magazine directive.

• While the number on these jabs rose significantly, the figure reached 240 last year, with many more believed to be secretly using them.

• Official obesity metrics show sizeable pools of personnel across services: more than 11,000 soldiers, 4,300 sailors, and 3,900 aircrew classified as obese.