Weight Management Service

You can find out by using your height and weight to calculate your body mass index (BMI). https://www.nhs.uk/health-assessment-tools/calculate-your-body-mass-index/

A higher BMI increases the chance of developing long-term conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. The BMI calculation is just one measure of health. It cannot tell the difference between muscle and fat.

Wegovy and Mounjaro are licensed for use in adults aged 18 years and over with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition.

We cannot prescribe if:

You are under 18.

You are using other weight loss medicines.

You have disordered eating.

You have severe congestive heart failure or are taking warfarin.

You have thyroid cancer.

You have inflammatory bowel disease.

You have severe liver or kidney disease.

You have a history of pancreatitis.

You are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, or gave birth within the last 3 months.

You are undergoing cancer treatment.

Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription medication used for weight management in adults who are overweight or living with obesity. It works by mimicking a natural hormone in your body called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1).

GLP-1 helps regulate your appetite and food intake. Wegovy acts on areas of the brain that control hunger, helping you feel fuller for longer and reducing your appetite. It also slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach, which can help you eat less and feel satisfied with smaller meals.

Wegovy is given as a once-weekly self-injection and is most effective when used alongside healthy lifestyle changes, such as improved diet and increased physical activity.

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a weekly injectable medication used for weight management and blood sugar control. It works by mimicking the effects of two naturally occurring hormones: GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide).

These hormones help regulate your appetite and how your body processes sugar and fat. Mounjaro works in three key ways:

1. Reduces appetite – It acts on areas of the brain involved in hunger and fullness, helping you feel satisfied with smaller meals.
2. Slows stomach emptying – This helps you feel fuller for longer after eating.
3. Improves insulin response – It helps your body release insulin more effectively after meals, which also helps control blood sugar levels (especially helpful for people with type 2 diabetes).

By supporting appetite control and blood sugar regulation, Mounjaro can help promote weight loss when used alongside a healthy diet and lifestyle changes.

As with any medication, weight management treatments can cause side effects. These vary depending on the specific medication prescribed and individual response. 

Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation. You may also feel tired, or dizzy. In most cases, these effects are mild and temporary as your body adjusts to the treatment.

More serious risks include:

Pancreatitis: inflammation of the pancreas.

Gallstones: due to associated weight loss.

Kidney problems: more so in people with pre-existing kidney issues.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): Especially when combined with other diabetes medications

Your prescribing pharmacist will discuss potential side effects in detail during your consultation and provide guidance on how to manage them. If you experience any unusual or severe symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly.

Individual responses to weight management treatments can vary, as outcomes are influenced by factors such as lifestyle, diet, and overall health. Our service is designed to help you make sustainable, long-term changes with guidance from our experienced prescribing pharmacists.

During your in-person consultation, your pharmacist will discuss realistic expectations based on your medical history and personal goals. Achieving meaningful results requires consistency, commitment, and a balanced approach to health and wellbeing.

How much weight have adults lost taking Wegovy?

In a 68-week medical study of 1,961 adults living with obesity or overweight with a related medical problem, adults lost ~15% body weight (~35lb). Adults taking a placebo (an inactive injection) lost an average of ~2.5% body weight (or about 6 lb). The average starting weight for both groups was 232 lb *

How much weight have adults lost taking Mounjaro?

Participants receiving 15 mg of tirzepatide experienced an average weight loss of 22.5%, equating to approximately 52 pounds (24 kg). Notably, 63% of these participants achieved at least a 20% reduction in body weight**

*Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021 Mar

**Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity. N Engl J Med. 2023

Non-Responders

Approximately 10% to 15% of participants in clinical trials for Wegovy (semaglutide) were considered "non-responders," meaning they lost less than 5% of their body weight over the 68-week treatment period

Approximately 9% to 11% of participants in clinical trials for Mounjaro (tirzepatide) were considered "non-responders," meaning they lost less than 5% of their body weight during the treatment period.

Factors contributing to non-response include genetic variations, underlying medical conditions, medication interactions, and lifestyle factors like diet and exercise habits