Rebecca TaylorGemma Collins has shed over a stone during her appearance on I'm A Celebrity South Africa in 2026, reigniting the UK's ongoing debate about weight loss injections, crash diets, and what doctors really recommend for sustainable health. The TOWIE star, who briefly took Mounjaro injections before being forced to stop due to a gallbladder attack, has now publicly endorsed the "Fibre-First" diet method as the approach that finally worked for her.
What Happened with Gemma Collins and Mounjaro
Collins began taking Mounjaro — a GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist also known as tirzepatide — at the start of 2025 in preparation for her television appearance. However, she was forced to discontinue the medication after suffering a gallbladder attack, a known side effect of rapid weight loss facilitated by GLP-1 drugs.
After coming off the injections, she lost 1 stone 4lb (approximately 8kg) during her time on the show — through physical activity and a restricted diet in the jungle environment. She has since credited the Fibre-First approach as the dietary method most effective for her.
This sequence of events — celebrity uses weight loss injection, experiences serious side effect, switches to traditional dieting — is becoming increasingly common in the UK. And doctors say it raises important questions about how Britons are approaching weight management.
What Are GLP-1 Drugs, and Who Should Use Them?
Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) are injectable medications that reduce appetite by mimicking gut hormones. In the UK, they are approved for weight management under strict criteria:
- A BMI of 35 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition, or
- A BMI of 30 or higher in certain high-risk populations
They are available on the NHS through specialist weight management services, or privately through licensed prescribers. According to the NHS website, these medications should always be combined with dietary changes and increased physical activity — they are not a standalone solution.
The gallbladder risk Collins experienced is documented. Rapid weight loss, regardless of method, increases the risk of gallstones. GLP-1 drugs may further reduce gallbladder emptying, compounding this risk. Doctors recommend monitoring for right-sided abdominal pain, particularly in the early weeks of treatment.
The Fibre-First Method: What Science Says
Collins' new favourite approach — eating fibre-rich foods before other foods at each meal — has scientific backing. Research suggests that consuming vegetables, legumes, or whole grains at the start of a meal slows glucose absorption, reduces insulin spikes, and promotes earlier satiety.
A study published in Diabetes Care found that eating fibre and protein before carbohydrates reduced post-meal blood sugar levels by up to 37% compared to eating carbohydrates first. For those managing weight or blood sugar, this sequencing can make a meaningful difference.
GPs and dietitians in the UK note that while fibre-first is not a cure-all, it is a practical, low-risk intervention with meaningful metabolic benefits. Foods particularly beneficial include:
- Leafy greens (spinach, kale, rocket)
- Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, black beans)
- Oats and wholegrain bread
- Apples, pears, and berries
When Should You See a Doctor About Your Weight?
Not every weight loss journey needs medical supervision — but some definitely do. UK GPs recommend consulting a doctor if:
1. Your BMI is over 30. At this threshold, weight-related health risks increase significantly and professional guidance becomes clinically relevant.
2. You have existing conditions. Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or sleep apnoea are all conditions where weight management must be done carefully and with monitoring.
3. You've tried multiple approaches without success. Persistent difficulty losing weight despite dietary changes may indicate an underlying hormonal or metabolic issue that standard dieting cannot address.
4. You're considering medication or surgery. Any pharmacological approach — including online prescriptions for Ozempic — should involve a face-to-face consultation with a licensed clinician.
5. You have a history of eating disorders. Restrictive dieting or appetite-suppressing drugs can trigger relapse. Psychological support should always precede dietary intervention in these cases.
The Problem with Celebrity Weight Loss Culture
Collins' story illustrates a broader pattern in UK health culture: celebrities' weight loss journeys drive public demand for specific products or methods, often before the full picture is understood. When Collins began publicly discussing Mounjaro, Google searches for the drug in the UK spiked significantly.
Doctors are concerned. The NHS has reported shortages of semaglutide in part due to high demand from people without clinical need. Private online prescriptions have become a fast-growing market, often bypassing the thorough health screening that should accompany these medications.
"The question isn't whether these drugs work — they do," says one GP interviewed by The Guardian in early 2026. "The question is whether people are taking them safely, with proper monitoring for side effects and the right dietary support alongside."
Sustainable Weight Loss: A Medical Framework
Regardless of whether weight loss involves medication, surgery, or lifestyle changes alone, doctors agree on the core principles of sustainable results:
Slow and steady wins. A safe rate of weight loss is 0.5 to 1 kilogram per week. Faster losses usually reflect water and muscle loss, not fat.
Resistance training is non-negotiable. Without building or preserving muscle mass, metabolic rate declines — making weight maintenance increasingly difficult over time.
Sleep and stress matter. Chronic sleep deprivation increases ghrelin (hunger hormone) and decreases leptin (satiety hormone). Cortisol from stress promotes fat storage. These biological factors undermine even perfect diets.
Psychological support improves long-term outcomes. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for weight management has strong evidence behind it. Addressing the emotional and behavioural drivers of overeating is as important as the diet itself.
Finding Expert Help in the UK
If Gemma Collins' journey has prompted you to think more seriously about your own health, the first step is a conversation with your GP. They can assess your current health status, rule out underlying conditions, and — if appropriate — refer you to a specialist.
For faster access to nutritionists, dietitians, or doctors specialising in weight management, platforms like Expert Zoom connect patients directly with verified health professionals without long NHS waiting times.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any weight loss programme or medication.
