Weight Loss: You Deserve a Professional Consultation

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How Do I Know If I'm Overweight?

If you’re wondering, “Am I overweight?”, there are several ways to assess your body weight and overall health.

Being overweight can increase the risk of conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure, so it’s important to understand where you stand.

Check Your Body Mass Index (BMI)

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used tool to determine if you are underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.

BMI = (Weight in kg) ÷ (Height in meters²)

BMI Categories:

Underweight: Below 18.5
Normal weight: 18.5 – 24.9
Overweight: 25 – 29.9
Obesity: 30 and above

A BMI over 25 may indicate excess weight, while a BMI of 30 or higher falls into the obesity range. However, BMI does not measure body fat directly and may not be accurate for athletes or individuals with high muscle mass.

Measure Your Waist Circumference

Excess fat around the abdomen can be a sign of visceral fat, which increases the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic disorders.

Men: Over 40 inches (102 cm)
Women: Over 35 inches (88 cm)

Assess Your Body Fat Percentage

For a more precise measurement of body fat vs. muscle mass, consider:

Skinfold calipers (measures fat under the skin)
Bioelectrical impedance scales (home scales with fat analysis)
DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scans

A healthy body fat percentage varies by age, sex, and fitness level.

Look for Health Symptoms of Being Overweight

Even without measuring, certain weight-related health problems can indicate excess body weight:

What to Do Next?

If you’re concerned about your weight, talk to a member of our clinical team for guidance on healthy weight loss, diet, and exercise.

What Medicines Can Help Me Manage My Weight?

If diet and exercise alone aren’t enough to achieve healthy weight loss, you may be interested in prescription weight-loss medications. These medications work in different ways, such as reducing appetite, increasing feelings of fullness, or decreasing fat absorption.

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists (e.g. Mounjaro, Wegovy)

How they work: Reduce appetite and regulate blood sugar
Who they’re for: People with obesity (BMI 30+) or overweight (BMI 27+) with health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnoea.
Common side effects: Nausea, vomiting, digestive issues

Naltrexone-Bupropion (Mysimba)

How it works: Alters brain signals related to cravings and hunger
Best for: People struggling with emotional eating and food addiction
Side effects: Insomnia, headache, nausea

Orlistat (Xenical, Alli – OTC option available)

How it works: Blocks the absorption of dietary fat in the digestive system
Best for: Those looking to reduce caloric intake from fat
Side effects: Oily stools, digestive discomfort

Who Can Take Weight-Loss Medications?

Weight-loss medications are generally prescribed for:

Considerations & Side Effects

Prescription weight-loss medications work best when combined with healthy lifestyle changes.
Side effects vary by drug but may include nausea, headaches, increased heart rate, or digestive issues.
Not all medications are suitable for everyone—consult a healthcare provider to discuss the best option for you.

Where to Get Prescription Weight-Loss Medication

To explore medical weight-loss options, speak with one of our prescribing team!

What Health Conditions Are Linked to Being Overweight?

Carrying excess weight can increase the risk of several serious health conditions, affecting everything from heart health to blood sugar levels and joint function. If you are overweight or obese, understanding these risks can help you take steps toward healthy weight management and overall wellness.

Heart Disease & High Blood Pressure

Being overweight or obese puts extra strain on your heart and arteries, leading to:

Type 2 Diabetes

Excess body fat, especially around the abdomen, makes it harder for the body to use insulin properly, increasing the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. This can lead to:

Sleep Apnoea & Breathing Problems

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common condition in people who are overweight, causing:

Joint Pain & Osteoarthritis

Carrying extra weight puts stress on joints, especially the knees, hips, and lower back, leading to:

Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

Being overweight increases the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which can cause:

Mental Health Issues (Depression & Anxiety)

Weight-related stigma and chronic health conditions can impact mental well-being, leading to:

Cancer Risk

Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including:

Treatment	MOUNJARO	WEGOVY	XENICAL
Active Ingredient	Tirzepatide	Semaglutide	Orlistat
How does it work?	Makes you feel fuller and reduces cravings (by working on GLP-1 and GIP receptors)	Makes you feel fuller and reduces cravings	Reduces how much fat your body absorbs from food.
How much weight can I lose?	Up to 20% after 17 months use (with lifestyle change)a	Up to 15% after a year’s use (with lifestyle change)*	Around 5% after a year’s use (with lifestyle change)*
How do I take it?	It’s self-injected	It’s self-injected	You swallow a capsule
When do I take it?	Once a WEEK	Once a WEEK	Up to three times a day with meals
Does the dose change?	Dose increases every 4 weeks until you reach a maintenance dose	Dose increases every 4 weeks until you reach a maintenance dose	The dose stays the same, 1 capsule up to three times a day
Is it prescription only?	Yes	Yes	Yes
How long do I take it for?	As obesity is a chronic condition, weight loss medicines can be taken long-term to help you reach a healthier weight. For lasting weight loss you’ll need to make some key lifestyle changes as well.

*Average weight loss seen in clinical studies. All patients also increased their physical activity and had a reduced calorie diet.

FAQ: Prescription Weight-Loss Injections

If you’re considering prescription weight-loss injections to help manage your weight, you may have questions about how they work, their effectiveness, and potential side effects. Below are some of the most common questions about MHRA-approved weight-loss injections like Mounjaro, and Wegovy.

What are prescription weight-loss injections?

Prescription weight-loss injections are MHRA-approved medications that help with appetite control, blood sugar regulation, and weight management. They are typically used for individuals with obesity (BMI 30+) or those who are overweight (BMI 27+) with weight-related health conditions.

How do weight-loss injections work?

Most weight-loss injections belong to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They work by:
✔️ Reducing appetite and helping you feel full longer
✔️ Regulating blood sugar levels to prevent cravings
✔️ Slowing digestion to decrease calorie intake

What are the most common weight-loss injections?

Mounjaro (tirzepatide): Used for blood sugar control and weight loss
Wegovy (semaglutide): Approved for long-term weight management
Ozempic (semaglutide): Primarily for type 2 diabetes but also aids in weight loss

Who can take prescription weight-loss injections?

Weight-loss injections are typically prescribed for:
✔️ Adults with a BMI of 30+ (obesity)
✔️ Adults with a BMI of 27+ and a weight-related health condition like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnoea

How much weight can I lose with weight-loss injections?

Clinical studies show that people using GLP-1 weight-loss injections can lose 10-15% of their body weight over several months when combined with a healthy diet and exercise plan.

What are the side effects of weight-loss injections?

Common side effects include:
⚠️ Nausea and vomiting
⚠️ Digestive issues (bloating, diarrhoea, constipation)
⚠️ Fatigue or dizziness
⚠️ Injection site reactions

Most side effects improve over time, but speak to our clinical team if they persist.

How often do I take weight-loss injections?

Mounjaro: Once a week
Wegovy: Once a week

Can I get weight-loss injections without a prescription?

No, prescription weight-loss injections require approval from a licensed healthcare provider.

Do weight-loss injections work without diet and exercise?

While weight-loss injections help reduce appetite, they work best when combined with:
✅ A healthy, calorie-controlled diet
✅ Regular physical activity (150+ minutes per week)
✅ Lifestyle changes for long-term weight management

How do I get a prescription for weight-loss injections?

You can get a prescription by:

Booking an appointment with our clinical team
Completing the simple pre-screening health questionnaire
Attending for your face-to-face appointment with our prescribing pharmacist or nurse.
If clinically appropriate, taking the medication away with you same day, having been conveniently and discreetly dispensed by our in-house pharmacy.

Is Weight-Loss Medication Right For You?

To explore medical weight-loss options, speak with one of our prescribing team!

How Do Weight-Loss Injections Work?

Prescription weight-loss injections help reduce appetite, control cravings, and improve metabolism by mimicking natural hormones that regulate hunger. The effectiveness of these injections depends on their active ingredients, such as liraglutide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide.

Liraglutide (Saxenda) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone. It helps control hunger, so you eat less without feeling deprived. It also slows stomach emptying, making you feel fuller for longer.
Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) also works by activating GLP-1 receptors, sending signals to the brain to reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness. Additionally, it helps regulate blood sugar levels, reducing cravings.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) functions similarly to liraglutide and semaglutide but also activates GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide) receptors. This dual action helps control appetite, curb cravings, and enhance fat metabolism, leading to more effective weight loss results.

How Do Weight-Loss Tablets Work?

Prescription weight-loss pills work through different mechanisms depending on their active ingredients. Some block fat absorption, while others suppress appetite and reduce cravings.

Orlistat (Xenical, Alli) is a lipase inhibitor that prevents the absorption of up to 33% of dietary fat. Instead of being stored in the body, the unabsorbed fat is excreted, promoting weight loss.
Mysimba (Naltrexone-Bupropion) works by targeting the brain’s appetite control center. It helps suppress hunger, curb cravings, and reduce the urge to snack, making it easier to maintain a calorie-controlled diet.

Weight loss treatment side effects

Like all medications, weight loss injections and pills can cause side effects, although not everyone will get them. The table below shows the most common side effects for each medication.

MOUNJARO	WEGOVY	Liraglutide	Orlistat/ Xenical/ alli	Mysimba
feeling sick (nausea) diarrhoea being sick (vomiting) constipation low blood sugar when used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes	headache feeling sick (nausea) being sick (vomiting) diarrhoea constipation stomach pain weakness or tired	indigestion stomach discomfort heartburn bloating belching dry mouth weakness and tired changes in taste dizziness sleep issues gallstones rash injection site reactions	rectal pain diarrhoea oily stools bloating tooth/gum disorder irregular periods tiredness allergic reactions	anxiety dizziness sleep issues shakiness changes in taste difficulty concentrating tiredness fast or irregular heartbeat hot flush increased blood pressure stomach pain sweating rash hair loss irritability

What to do if you get side effects

If you get any of the common or mild side effects, they should go away on their own once your body gets used to the medication. There are things you can do to help manage the effects at home.

How to manage weight loss injection side effects

Feeling and being sick are common side effects of weight loss injections, and they can be managed by:

eating smaller, more frequent meals that are not oily, greasy, spicy or fatty – easy-to-digest foods like soup can help
drinking plenty of water, especially if you are sick, to help maintain your hydration
getting plenty of rest

Another common side effect is headaches. These can usually be managed with over-the-counter painkillers, drinking plenty of water, and resting.

How to manage weight loss pill side effects

A common side effect of orlistat and Xenical is oily or fatty stools and increased urge to use the toilet. You can help this by eating less fat and spreading it out across your 3 meals. If you are struggling with the side effects, speak to your doctor who may suggest lowering your dose to help your body get used to the medication.

If you experience any serious side effects such as an allergic reaction, you should call 999 or get someone to take you to A&E. If you are worried or concerned about any side effects of weight loss treatments, speak to your doctor for advice.

Effective Tips for Healthy Weight Loss

While prescription weight-loss treatments can support your journey, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight also requires regular exercise and a balanced diet. In some cases, weight-loss surgery may be an option, but this is rare and typically reserved for severe cases of obesity.

Exercise for Weight Loss

Regular physical activity is essential for burning calories and preventing weight gain. When you consume more calories than your body burns, the excess energy is stored as body fat. Engaging in exercise helps your body burn stored fat and can also reduce the risk of weight-related conditions like type 2 diabetes.

How Much Exercise Do You Need?

According to the NHS, adults should aim for:

For optimal weight loss and fitness, a mix of moderate and high-intensity workouts combined with strength and balance exercises will help boost fat burning and metabolism.

What Is The Best Diet for Weight Loss?

Your diet plays a crucial role in losing weight effectively. The NHS recommends reducing your daily calorie intake by 600 calories to support gradual, sustainable weight loss.

Women: Aim for 1,400 calories per day
Men: Aim for 1,900 calories per day

Foods to Eat for Healthy Weight Loss

Incorporating nutrient-dense foods into your diet can boost metabolism, control hunger, and support long-term weight loss. Focus on:

Fruits and vegetables (rich in fiber and vitamins)
Whole grains (brown rice, quinoa, oats)
Healthy fats (avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil)
Lean proteins (chicken, fish, eggs, beans, tofu)
Natural yogurt (a source of probiotics and protein)

Foods to Avoid or Limit

Sugary foods & drinks (cakes, sweets, fizzy drinks)
High-fat processed foods (fast food, processed meats)
Fried or oily foods (deep-fried items, crisps)
Refined carbohydrates (white bread, pastries)
Alcohol (high in empty calories)

For a balanced diet, aim to fill your plate with lean proteins, fiber-rich vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, while minimizing processed, sugary, and high-fat foods.

How Long Should You Stay on Mounjaro?

The duration of Mounjaro treatment depends on:

If you haven’t lost at least 5% of your body weight after 6 months of treatment, your clinician may reassess whether Mounjaro is the right option or recommend alternative weight-loss strategies.

Maximize Mounjaro’s effectiveness by combining it with a personalized diet and exercise plan tailored to your needs. Speak to a qualified healthcare professional to develop a sustainable weight-loss strategy.

Clinical Studies on Mounjaro for Weight Loss

SURMOUNT-2 Trial

Conducted over 72 weeks, this study assessed tirzepatide’s effectiveness in obese individuals with type 2 diabetes.

SURMOUNT-4 Clinical Trial

Investigated the impact of tirzepatide weight-loss injections over 88 weeks compared to a placebo.

Systematic Review (2023)

Analyzed 9 randomized clinical trials and confirmed that tirzepatide’s safety profile is comparable to GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy.

Considering Mounjaro for Weight Loss?

Consult with a member of our clinical team today to see if it’s the right solution for you!

How much do weight loss injections cost?

Here’s a table comparing the cost of Mounjaro and Wegovy weight-loss injections according to their doses.

Medication	Dose	Cost per month
Mounjaro	2.5mg/week	£185.00
Mounjaro	5.0mg/week	£185.00
Mounjaro	7.5mg/week	£200.00
Mounjaro	10.0mg/week	£200.00
Mounjaro	12.5mg/week	£240.00
Mounjaro	15.0mg/week	£240.00
Wegovy	0.25mg/week	£165.00
Wegovy	0.5mg/week	£165.00
Wegovy	1.0mg/week	£165.00
Wegovy	1.7mg/week	£215.00
Wegovy	2.4mg/week	£265.00

There is a one-off consultation fee of £60 which is paid at your first consultation. This covers all future consultations relating to weight loss.