What began as a measured discussion quickly turned fiery on Loose Women this week, as Denise Welch and Kaye Adams locked horns in a heated on-air debate over weight-loss injections — leaving viewers stunned as tensions boiled over live on ITV.
During Thursday’s episode, the panellists were discussing a new study suggesting that people who stop using weight-loss drugs such as Mounjaro and Wegovy may regain weight up to four times faster than before. However, the conversation soon descended into chaos as Denise, 67, and Kaye, 63, repeatedly talked over one another while fiercely defending opposing viewpoints.
Kicking off the debate, Denise argued that weight-loss injections should be viewed like any other form of medication, stressing that all drugs carry risks and side effects.
“I’m not qualified,” she said, “but I’ve read as much as anyone about these jabs — and everything has side effects. If you read the side effects of paracetamol, you’d be shocked at how many people are affected every week.”
Before she could finish, Kaye jumped in, countering that paracetamol benefits from decades of long-term research — something she said newer weight-loss injections lack.
“Paracetamol has long-term studies attached,” Kaye pointed out, referencing research published in the British Medical Journal involving more than 9,000 participants.
Denise immediately fired back, insisting the medication has been prescribed for diabetics for decades. When Kaye argued that this was for a specific medical condition, Denise raised comparisons to the COVID vaccine, prompting Kaye to note that it too had sparked controversy.
As the exchange intensified, both women struggled to get a word in, with Denise insisting the drugs were easing pressure on the NHS and Kaye sharply responding: “You can’t just say ‘studies, shmudies,’ Denise.”
The tension didn’t ease as the discussion continued. Denise accused Kaye of only believing research that criticised weight-loss injections, while Kaye stood firm in defending the study’s findings. Fellow panellist Sunetra Sarker attempted to restore calm, pointing out that weight gain often returns when any diet or weight-loss method is abandoned.
“Anything that reduces weight — if you stop doing it, you’re likely to put the weight back on,” Sunetra reasoned, referencing popular diets many people have tried.
But the moment that truly set social media alight came near the end of the segment, when Denise turned to Kaye and exclaimed:
“You’re just thin! We haven’t been thin!”
The remark sparked instant reaction online, with viewers sharply divided. Some defended Denise’s passion, with one writing: “Denise isn’t rude — she’s just informed and emotional about the subject.” Others were less forgiving, accusing her of shouting over her co-stars and dominating the conversation.
Despite the fiery exchange, the moment highlighted just how emotionally charged the conversation around weight-loss injections has become — and proved once again that Loose Women remains unafraid to tackle controversial topics head-on.
Loose Women airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX.
