Contraception, weight and GLP-1s. Plus, there is NO safe level of drinking alcohol: the missed message?
Aug 8, 2025
This discussion dives into the intersection of contraception, weight, and GLP-1 medications. It highlights crucial guidance for women on 'skinny jabs' and their contraceptive needs. The hosts also tackle the controversial message that there is no safe level of drinking alcohol, unpacking its implications for public health. Misunderstandings surrounding alcohol consumption are addressed alongside practical advice for screening and brief interventions. Join in for some enlightening insights into these pressing health topics!
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Hussain's Clavicle Recovery
Hussain shared he recently recovered from a clavicle fracture and enjoyed having both arms again.
This personal update set a friendly tone before the clinical discussion.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Prefer LARCs For People With Obesity
Offer LARC and IUS options first for people with obesity because efficacy is unaffected and risks are low.
Use UKMEC guidance: obesity alone is not a UKMEC 4 but combine risks (smoking, HTN, diabetes) may raise restriction level.
insights INSIGHT
Weight Gains Often Reflect Confounders
Most contraception studies do not set weight gain as a primary outcome, so causality is unclear.
Ageing and lifestyle confounders commonly explain observed weight changes after starting contraception.
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Grab your trainers, your dog lead, or your drink of choice-with ice- and join us for some free CPD as we have another relaxed round up of recent Red Whale primary care Pearls of wisdom. In the first of two episodes this month, Fi and Nik discuss:
Contraception, weight and GLP-1s: “Women on ‘skinny jabs’ must use effective contraception, MHRA urges in latest guidance” – Government press release, 5 June 2025. We share our newly-updated article on contraception and weight, which includes this MHRA guidance.
There is NO safe level of drinking: the missed message? Since 2016, the message from the UK Chief Medical Officer is clear: there is no safe level of drinking. This was a big change from previous messaging that has perhaps not fully reached the professional or public consciousness.
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Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure the information in this podcast is accurate and correct at the date of publication, but it is of necessity of a brief and general nature, and this should not replace your own good clinical judgement, or be regarded as a substitute for taking professional advice in appropriate circumstances. In particular, check drug doses, side-effects and interactions with the British National Formulary. Save insofar as any such liability cannot be excluded at law, we do not accept any liability for loss of any type caused by reliance on the information in this podcast.
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