NEWS AND ANALYSIS

HOT OFF THE PRESS

FDA approves the first GLP-1 weight loss pill

Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical company behind weight loss medication Wegovy, has launched the first GLP-1 weight loss pill.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Novo Nordisk’s pill Wegovy, which is now available in US pharmacies.

Clinical trials showed that patients achieved similar weight loss with the oral medication as with the injectable GLP-1 drug Wegovy. In a 64-week phase three clinical trial, the Wegovy pills demonstrated a mean weight loss of 16.6%, with a third of the 1,300 participants experiencing a weight loss of 20% or greater.

The main difference between the medications is dosing frequency: the new option is taken daily, while Wegovy is a weekly injection.

The pill offers a more affordable alternative to weight loss injections. Novo Nordisk stated that the medication will cost around $149 for a month’s supply without insurance coverage, which was decided under an agreement between the company and the Trump administration. With insurance, the Wegovy starter dose could cost as little as $25 per month.

“Patients will have a convenient, once-daily pill that can help them lose as much weight as the original Wegovy injection,” said Mike Doustdar, Novo Nordisk’s chief executive.

“This moment is about changing what’s possible in weight management, and to make that possible, we have worked to ensure the Wegovy pill is affordable and accessible to those who need it.”

One of Novo Nordisk’s competitors, Eli Lilly – the pharmaceutical company behind Ozempic – is seeking FDA approval for its oral weight loss medication, currently known as Orforglipron.

Novo Nordisk submitted its oral Wegovy pill for regulatory approval in the UK and Europe in late 2025. The UK approval process typically follows the European Medicines Agency (EMA) review, with MHRA decisions often coming a few months after European approval.

There is not yet a known approval date for the new pill in the UK, however, industry analysis suggests that it could be early to mid-2026, subject to regulatory approval and local marketing authorisation.

Gen Z and Millennial women spend £6,648 a year on beauty and wellness trends, research finds

New UK research suggests younger women are spending hundreds of pounds a month on wellness and beauty trends, despite widespread concerns that modern self-care routines have become overwhelming and overcomplicated.

British women are spending an average of £554 per month on beauty and wellness, equating to £6,648 a year, according to new research commissioned by herbal tea brand Pukka Herbs.

The study found that spending on wellness and beauty trends has accelerated among Gen Z and Millennial women, driven by social media influence, targeted advertising and the rise of “viral” self-care products.

Men are also spending heavily, with the average male shelling out £431 a month on products and treatments ranging from skincare to injectables and weight loss drugs.

The research suggests platforms such as Instagram and TikTok are playing a significant role in shaping modern beauty and wellness habits. Under-40s believe that around 25% of their social media feeds are taken up with beauty, fitness and self-care content.

The study revealed that 42% of participants say they are regularly targeted with ads for “miracle” or viral wellness products, and 48% report seeing adverts for weight loss solutions.

As a result, 21% admit they often fall for claims that a product is “the answer” to all their problems. Among the 2,000 adults polled, almost half (48%) say they follow a regular self-care routine, with spending focused heavily on supplements and skin health products.

Despite high levels of spending, many consumers expressed concerns about the complexity of modern wellness routines.

Notably, 94% of respondents believe society needs to “take a step back” and return to more basic health and wellness principles.

In response to the findings, Pukka Herbs has launched its ‘Nothing Beats Nature’ campaign, which aims to promote simpler, nature-led wellness habits amid growing fatigue with trends and fads.

Study links health conditions to cosmetic injection risks

A new study by Anglia Ruskin University found that underlying conditions, including type one diabetes, thyroid disorders, chronic migraine and skin disease, increase the likelihood of adverse effects from cosmetic injections.

The study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal surveyed 919 adults who had received botulinum toxin treatments.

According to the study, people with type one diabetes were 92 times more likely to experience nausea after treatment compared to those without the condition. Patients with thyroid disorders and chronic migraines reported nausea at rates approximately ten times higher.

The study concluded that autoimmune, endocrine, neurological and mental health comorbidities significantly increase the likelihood of adverse outcomes, ranging from bruising and ptosis to mood disturbance, neuromuscular weakness and apparent treatment failure.

The researchers are in favour of restricting the administration of botulinum toxin injections to medically qualified professionals, in settings regulated by the Care Quality Commission.

“This study exposes the myth that botulinum toxin is a trivial cosmetic procedure,” shared co-lead author Professor Lee Smith. He explained that safe practice “requires not just injection skill but diagnostic discernment, psychological insight and systemic medical understanding”.

Inquest confirms mum-of-two died from complications after having cosmetic surgery abroad

Mum-of-two Sophie Hunt, 34, from Northampton, passed away after she had multi-organ failure and went into cardiac arrest three times on March 9, 2022.

Following her BBL and tummy tuck procedure in Turkey, Ms Hunt was taken by ambulance to the Avrupa Safak Hospital in Istanbul, where she later died.

Her family have expressed concerns that Ms Hunt was not fit for surgery, and in a statement read to the court, Sandra Hunt, Ms Hunt’s mother, said paperwork from the hospital showed “some of her ECG readings indicate an abnormal heartbeat. We believe she was not fit for the surgery”.

Ms Hunt’s mother also expressed concerns surrounding potential complications from the procedures. However the coroner, Sophie Lomas, told the inquest that because Ms Hunt died in another country, she “does not have the jurisdiction to fully investigate what happened”.

There has been little detail into the complications of the procedure, and the family told the BBC “they still haven’t stated what the complications were. It’s not really an answer”.

Investigation reveals patients are using AI and editing tools to obtain weight loss drugs from online pharmacies

An ITV News investigation has revealed that patients are using AI and photo editing tools to alter images to obtain weight loss drugs.

Online pharmacies often require a selection of images to verify whether a patient meets the criteria to be prescribed weight loss medications.

To investigate how easy it is to access weight loss injections through online pharmacies, ITV journalist Cree-Summer Haughton used simple editing tools to widen her waist, face and body, before submitting the images to multiple online pharmacies.

Within just two days of submitting the image to an online pharmacy, a box containing Mounjaro arrived. After one week her images had been approved by three different online pharmacies.

Roz Gittins, chief pharmacy officer at the General Pharmaceutical Council, said, “We have followed up on the findings from the report, that people have been able to obtain weight management medicines from online pharmacies without the appropriate checks carried out.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

LYMA launches its Science of Youth campaign

The campaign spotlights LYMA’s new research published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, alongside the launch of a new Science of Youth educational series featuring leading surgeons and researchers. The campaign marks a pivotal moment for the aesthetic industry, where marketing has often outpaced evidence.

Ninaveli London secures exclusive distributorships for premium aesthetic brands

Ninaveli London is proud to announce a significant expansion of its medical aesthetics portfolio, officially signing exclusive distributorship agreements with CGBio, DongBang and Aezian.

Wigmore Medical expands its distribution partnership with IMAGE Skincare

The agreement positions Wigmore Medical as the exclusive distributor for the whole IMAGE range. “Our partnership with Wigmore Medical represents a meaningful step forward for IMAGE Skincare’s continued growth and impact in the UK market,” shares co-founder of IMAGE Skincare, Dr Marc Ronert.

ASA cracks down on weight loss medication ads for exploiting body image insecurities

As part of a wider crackdown on unethical weight loss medication advertisements, the ASA has banned three advertisements for irresponsibly exploiting insecurities around body image to promote weight loss medications.

The ASA has banned an ad from MedExpress for promoting weight loss POMs. The ASA said the social media ad suggested women should prioritise losing weight soon after giving birth.

The ASA also investigated company The Skinnyjab and a series of video ads featuring celebrity weight-loss guru Caroline Balazs. In the videos, Balazs stated that “What I have discovered, certainly with Mounjaro, is that it has completely changed my life” and “I talk to my patients every day, and it’s across the board. They are feeling happier, healthier, they’re living their best lives, this can’t be wrong”.

The ASA came to the conclusion that The Skinnyjab’s campaigns breached the CAP Code (Edition 12) rule 12.12 (Medicines, medical devices, health-related products and beauty products).

The third ruling banned an ad from weight loss medication and coaching company Chequp. The ASA determined that the advertisement breached CAP Code (Edition 12), rule 12.12, which covers medicines, medical devices, health-related products, and beauty products, and instructed the company not to run the ad again in its current form.

Survey reveals the most common medications that cause hair loss

A recent NHS patient survey revealed that only 41% of patients taking medication are informed about the potential side effects of their prescription, with 29% not being told at all. The failure to understand medical side effects may lead to health concerns, including hair loss and thinning.

Some acne treatments can lead to hair loss because they can disrupt the hair growth cycle and affect hormones.

Beta-blockers can cause hair loss by disrupting the hair growth cycle and pushing more follicles into the resting phase prematurely, which leads to noticeable shedding .

ACE inhibitors can also cause hair loss by affecting blood flow and disrupting the hair growth cycle. Some antidepressants can lead to hair thinning by interfering with the hair’s three-phase natural growth cycle, prompting a larger number of hairs to shed prematurely and altering hormone levels that support follicle health.

Contraceptive pills can cause hair loss by altering hormone levels, particularly through synthetic progestins that act like androgens. These hormonal changes can stress hair follicles and accelerate the hair growth cycle, causing hair to shed early. HRT can lead to hair thinning due to the types of hormones used, which may promote androgenic effects.

Gentle hair care is recommended to prevent these side effects of medications.

Searches for lip flips surge to 361,000 a month

Search interest in the cosmetic lip flip has surged in the UK, with new data showing 361,000 searches in the past month. This data follows the growing trend towards more natural cosmetic treatments.

A lip flip uses botulinum toxin to relax the muscle above the upper lip, allowing it to gently roll outward and create the appearance of a fuller, more defined lip without adding volume. Unlike filler, it doesn’t add size, but it subtly changes how the lip sits and moves.

According to search data analysed by booking platform Fresha, searches for lip flips are up 6% month-on-month, with a clear upward trajectory over the past five years.

Celebrities are often the blueprint for aesthetic trends, and there has been a clear shift towards subtle enhancements, which trickles down towards patient expectations.

This shift away from more traditional aesthetic procedures and towards regenerative, natural treatments such as PRP mirrors a wider preference for subtle enhancement over visible change.

NEWS IN BRIEF

InMode announces strategic business collaboration and appointment of new managing director

InMode UK announced a strategic business collaboration with Cure Medical, alongside the appointment of Adam Bashir as managing director of InMode UK, marking an important milestone in the company’s continued growth in the UK & Irish medical aesthetics market.

IBSA UK & Ireland launch the new aesthetic medicine division

IBSA UK & Ireland has officially launched IBSA Derma, its new aesthetic medicine division, assuming direct management of Profhilo, Aliaxin and Viscoderm following HA-Derma’s decade-long distribution. The launch prioritises practitioner dialogue, seamless supply continuity, hologram-verified product authenticity, and expanded education programmes beginning February 2026. .

Victoria Voysey announced as new vice president of EMEA for UltraClear

Acclaro Medical has announced the appointment of Victoria Voysey as vice president for EMEA for UltraClear, following her successful two years as managing director at InMode UK.

Digital marketing report reveals that little treat culture and human connection are key to success

A new report from social media suite company Brandwatch has highlighted the most impactful digital marketing trends.

The increasing accessibility of AI has led to an influx of social posts created by AI tools, but the ease with which these platforms allow clinics to produce content also poses a growing risk of quantity over quality. In a trust-driven industry like aesthetics, inauthenticity is especially damaging.

As a result, clinics should pair human creativity and storytelling with AI’s efficiency.

As the cost of living rises and everyday pressures mount, consumers are increasingly turning to micro-indulgences to lift their mood. Brandwatch data shows that mentions of “little treat” have climbed throughout 2025, now reaching over 40,000 mentions every month. Meanwhile, 23% of marketers say that promoting small, feel-good purchases will be a key trend for 2026.

For clinics, this signals a shift from simply selling products or treatments to selling moments. The most successful campaigns will tap into joy, nostalgia and everyday wins, positioning aesthetic services as the ultimate “little treat” that customers genuinely look forward to.

In an increasingly AI-driven world, consumers are craving human connection more than ever. While aesthetic treatments are already well-positioned to meet this need, clinics can take it even further by creating spaces that foster genuine, in-person interaction.

In 2025, in-person events surged in popularity, with 57% of event organisers reporting increased attendance.

This creates a powerful opportunity for clinics to expand beyond appointments and into community-building.

Wellness trends to incorporate into aesthetic practices for 2026

Wellness trends are shifting away from hype-driven concepts towards evidence-based, personalised and outcome-focused experiences. New insights point to a clear direction: patients want meaningful results, transparency and strategies that fit real life.

For aesthetic professionals, this marks both opportunity and responsibility, as patients become more educated about where they invest their time and money. One trend is the move towards measurable outcomes and scientific credibility.

Elissa Corrigan, founder of supplement brand Elle Sera, describes this as a “credibility reset.” “Consumers are no longer impressed by big claims without proof. Longevity ingredients such as NAD+ are attracting interest, but not blind acceptance.

Rising stress and burnout are driving demand for treatments that support emotional regulation and nervous system balance. Wider wellness data shows increased searches for nervous system regulation and mindfulness-based practices.

In 2026, clinics are increasingly expected to offer tailored experiences based on individual needs. This mirrors broader trends towards AI-guided nutrition, personalised treatments and tech-supported recovery. This creates opportunities for bespoke wellness journeys and longer-term programmes beyond one-off visits.

Beauty-from-within remains central, but the focus is shifting to bioavailability, delivery science and targeted outcomes. Professor Mohammad Najlah explains that collagen “types” are misleading once ingested. “What matters is the exact tripeptide sequence and whether it can be absorbed and used.” Advances in peptide precision are enabling earlier, measurable improvements in skin hydration and radiance, resetting patient expectations.

Stress is now recognised as a core biological driver of skin ageing and inflammation. As a result, wellness strategies in 2026 focus on calming the nervous system as the foundation of visible skin health, supporting the rise of precision nutrition.

Across every category, the message is consistent: credibility, personalisation and long-term value. Patients are no longer chasing trends, but investing in practices that support real health.

NEWS IN BRIEF

iS Clinical appoints Dr Priya Verma to the UK partner network

iS Clinical has added London-based aesthetic doctor Dr Priya Verma to its UK partner network. With a reputation for delivering natural, measurable outcomes, she is recognised for combining medical expertise with a commitment to skin integrity and long-term results. Her clinic will offer the full iS Clinical product range as part of an evidence-based aesthetic practice.

Teoxane introducing babyGLOW Injection Technique at IMCAS 2026

At IMCAS 2026, Teoxane will unveil babyGLOW, an evidence-based injection technique addressing rising skin-quality demands with visible results and minimal downtime. Its scientific programme includes expert-led posters and a symposium, reinforcing Teoxane’s commitment to technique-driven, education-led, evidence-based aesthetic practice.

New second opinion service aims to tackle misinformation and safety gaps in aesthetic medicine

Aesthetic practitioner Dr Bhavjit Kaur and Professor Alwyn D’Souza have launched the Medical and Surgical Aesthetics Second Opinion Service (MSASOS). Offering virtual and in-clinic consultations to provide independent medical advice, addressing rising concerns about misinformation, complications and inconsistent standards in aesthetic medicine.