It’s one drama after another for Strictly Come Dancing at the moment – and the 2025 series hasn’t even started yet! Now, the show has been issued a warning following reports that some of its stars are taking weight-loss jabs.
Reports in The Sun this week alleged that one third of the contestants this year are using the jabs. And, while show bosses don’t know exactly who the allegations concern, they are supposedly “concerned” over how it will impact their performances.
Now, Karine Patel, Leading Sports Dietitian at Dietitian Fit has spoken exclusively to Entertainment Daily! about whether or not using the drugs while competing on the show could cause concern.
‘Difficult’ side effects when training
Karine told us that some weight-loss injections work by “slowing digestion, reducing appetite and altering the body’s hormonal responses to food”. And, as a result, bring side effects.
She said: “They are not without side effects, particularly when combined with the high-intensity training schedule seen on Strictly Come Dancing.
“Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and reduced appetite. This could make it very difficult for dancers to meet the energy and nutritional demands required for several hours of daily rehearsals.”
Could put performances ‘at risk’
Karine believes the reported “concern from producers is valid” as if they are taking the jabs then the stars could potentially put their performances “at risk”.
She told us: “If dancers are not fuelling properly, they risk fatigue, dehydration, dizziness and poor recovery between sessions. This could directly affect their stamina, coordination and strength, putting their dance performances at risk.
“In the worst cases, inadequate nutrition could increase the likelihood of injuries, as muscles and joints rely on sufficient energy and protein to repair.”
Bosses are ‘right to be cautious’
Karine also stressed that the medications are meant for those who genuinely medically need them. And if they are taken for any other reason, then they could ultimately do more harm than good.
“These medications are designed for individuals with medical needs. Not as a quick fix for weight management in otherwise healthy people. For those without a clinical indication, the risks often outweigh the benefits, especially when combined with the physical demands of professional-level training.”
The dietician warned: “The bosses are right to be cautious. For peak performance and safety, dancers should prioritise balanced nutrition tailored to their training needs, rather than relying on appetite suppressing medication.”
As for what the dancers should do, Karine encouraged: “A collaborative approach between medical teams, dieticians and trainers would be the best way to ensure dancers remain both healthy and capable of performing at their best.”
BBC responds to the reports
When ED! reached out to the BBC, a spokesperson for the channel told us: “Whilst we wouldn’t comment on personal matters of this nature, we are not aware of anything to support these claims.”
Read more: Strictly Come Dancing pros ‘gutted’ not to get celeb partner for 2025 series
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