Weight Loss Injection/ GLP-1

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Weight Loss Injection/ GLP-1

What Are GLP-1 Medicines?

GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, which is a natural hormone released in our body after eating. These medicines have been shown to help people lose weight.

GLP-1 medicines (like Wegovy and Mounjaro)mimic this hormone. They:

✅ Make you feel full sooner
✅ Help you eat less (also known to reduce cravings)
✅ Slow down your digestion
✅ Help control your blood sugar (by enhancing insulin release and inhibiting glucagon release)

Who are these medications approved for in the UK?

The NHS follows rules set by NICE (National Institute of Care and Excellence), an independent group that checks which treatments work well and are safe to be used by the NHS.

You may be able to get Wegovy or Mounjaro if:

You are 18 or older
You have a high BMI (at least 35 kg/m2) + have a health problem like:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Sleep problems (like sleep apnoea)
- Heart disease
To be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity

⚠️ People from some ethnic backgrounds (like South Asian or Black African, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, other specific ethnic backgrounds) may qualify at a lower BMI (reduced by 2.5 kg/m2) because their health risks start at a lower weight.

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💊 What are the side effects?

Some people get side effects, especially at the start. These may include:

Feeling sick (nausea)
Tummy pain
Diarrhoea or constipation
Headache

🚨 Rare but serious side effects:

Inflammation of the pancreas (very bad tummy pain, which travels to your back)
Gallbladder problems
Allergic reactions

Always tell your doctor if you feel unwell while taking these medicines.

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🩺What is the NHS eligibility – Can you have access to it?

To be eligible, you must:

· Have a BMI of 40 or above, or 37.5 or above if you are from a minority ethnic background

AND,

· Have four out of five of the following:

Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Sleep problems (like sleep apnoea)
Heart disease

❗ Important Notes

GLP-1 medicines are not magic! They work best with a healthy diet and exercise.
You must get them from a doctor or nurse. Never buy them online or from unknown places.
Not everyone will be able to get these from their GP right away — services are being rolled out slowly.

Do I have access to the medication if I fall outside the NHS criteria?

✅ Private Options (If You're Outside NHS Criteria)

1. Private Clinics

Many UK-based weight loss or lifestyle medicine clinics prescribe GLP-1s privately, without NHS restrictions.
You'll typically need a consultation and meet less strict BMI criteria (often BMI ≥ 30 or 27 with an underlying condition).

2. Online Prescribers

UK-regulated online platforms offer weight loss programs with GLP-1s.
You’ll fill out a medical questionnaire, and in some cases, do a remote video consult.
Some of these platforms bundle medication with coaching and lifestyle support

❗PLEASE READ: A breakdown of what to watch out for, which can help you choose

What to Look For / Questions to Ask

· Is the clinic registered with CQC (or equivalent in your location)?

· Is the dispensing pharmacy registered with GPhC?

· Are the prescribers registered (e.g. with the GMC for doctors)?

· Is the pharmacy / clinic based in the UK?

· Is the provider transparent about registration numbers, company info, and address?

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Last Updated - 29 September 2025

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