Weight Loss Treatments

Which Weight Loss Treatments Are Available for Obesity?

There are several effective weight loss treatments available to help individuals achieve and maintain a healthier weight. Our service focuses on prescription weight loss injections, supported by clinician guidance on diet, exercise and ongoing care. For the best results, injections should be combined with a balanced diet and regular physical activity.

Weight Loss Medication

We offer prescription weight loss injections as part of our treatment approach.

The currently licensed options available in the UK include:

• Wegovy
• Mounjaro
• Saxenda

Eligibility for these medications depends on specific clinical criteria, typically based on body mass index (BMI) and the presence of weight-related health conditions. Each medication may have slightly different eligibility requirements.

Weight loss injections in the UK are prescription-only treatments. A clinician will assess your suitability before prescribing to ensure safe and effective results. When using weight loss medication, it is important to follow a structured low-calorie diet and maintain a consistent exercise routine to maximise effectiveness.

To support your progress, our clinicians provide comprehensive guidance on medication use, nutrition strategies to enhance weight loss and minimise side effects, and practical advice for building sustainable exercise habits. Ongoing support is also available through your patient account, where our medical team can assist you with any questions or concerns at any time.

Weight Loss Injections

Weight loss injections work by helping to reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness between meals. They achieve this by acting on areas of the brain that regulate hunger and satiety.

Wegovy and Mounjaro are administered once weekly, while Saxenda is taken once daily.

Through our service, weight loss injections may be prescribed if you meet the following BMI criteria:

• A BMI of 30 or higher
• A BMI between 27 and 30, along with a weight-related health condition or risk factor such as high blood pressure or sleep apnoea

It is essential to provide complete and accurate medical information to your doctor. This is important because these medications may lead to serious health complications or significant side effects if used when not medically appropriate.

Weight Loss Injections Comparison

If you are unsure which weight loss injection may be most suitable for you, we have provided a comparison of the three most commonly prescribed treatments. You can also speak with one of our doctors, who can assess your circumstances and help determine the most appropriate option for you.

Weight Loss Injections Overview

Wegovy (Semaglutide)

Wegovy is a once-weekly injectable weight loss treatment that contains semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist.

How Wegovy works

Wegovy mimics the action of the natural GLP-1 hormone, which is released in the gut after eating. This hormone communicates with the brain to promote feelings of fullness and reduce hunger. It also supports blood sugar regulation by stimulating insulin release.

How to take Wegovy

Wegovy is administered via a subcutaneous injection once a week. Treatment begins at 0.25 mg, with the dose gradually increased over approximately 20 weeks to help the body adjust. The maintenance dose is typically 2.4 mg weekly, though in some cases it may differ depending on clinical guidance.

How Effective is Wegovy

Clinical studies show people can lose around 15% of their body weight after around 68 weeks on the 2.4 mg dose. Results vary between individuals.

Semaglutide was originally used in lower doses under the name Ozempic for type 2 diabetes. Wegovy contains a higher, weight-management-specific dose and is licensed for obesity treatment. Type 2 diabetes medications are not recommended for weight loss use outside their approved indications.

Mounjaro (tirzepatide)

Mounjaro is a once-weekly injection used for weight management and type 2 diabetes, containing the active ingredient tirzepatide.

How Mounjaro works

Tirzepatide is a dual receptor agonist, meaning it acts on both GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) pathways. These hormones are naturally released after eating and help regulate appetite, satiety, and blood sugar levels. By enhancing these signals, Mounjaro reduces hunger and supports calorie reduction.

Because Mounjaro and Wegovy use different active ingredients, individuals may respond differently and experience varying side effect profiles.

How to take Mounjaro

Mounjaro is injected once weekly, typically into the abdomen or thigh. Treatment starts at 2.5 mg per week and is gradually increased every few weeks as tolerated, up to a maximum maintenance dose of 15 mg weekly.

How Effective is Mounjaro

Clinical trials show that Mounjaro can result in significant weight loss, with participants losing up to 22.5% of their starting body weight after around 72 weeks at the highest dose.

Saxenda (liraglutide)

Saxenda is a once-daily injectable weight loss treatment containing liraglutide, another GLP-1 receptor agonist.

How Saxenda works

Saxenda mimics the GLP-1 hormone naturally released after eating. It signals the brain to reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness. It also slows gastric emptying and helps regulate blood sugar by enhancing insulin secretion when needed.

How to take Saxenda

Saxenda is injected once daily under the skin, usually in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Treatment begins at 0.6 mg per day and is increased weekly over 5 weeks until the maintenance dose of 3 mg daily is reached. This gradual titration helps reduce side effects and improve tolerability.

How Effective is Saxenda

Clinical trials indicate that Saxenda can help individuals lose approximately 8–10% of their starting body weight over 56 weeks when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity. Results vary depending on adherence to treatment and lifestyle changes. Liraglutide was originally developed at lower doses for type 2 diabetes under the brand name Victoza. At higher doses, it is specifically licensed for weight management as Saxenda.

Weight Loss Medications and Effectiveness in Clinical Trials

All licensed weight loss medications have demonstrated effectiveness in clinical trials, which is why they are approved for use in the UK. However, trial designs differ in terms of participant numbers, duration, and dosing, so results are not directly comparable in a strict sense. The figures below provide a general indication of expected outcomes.

It is important to note that results are significantly improved when medication is combined with a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity.

Side Effects of Weight Loss Treatment

Weight loss treatments may cause side effects in some individuals. These effects can vary depending on the specific medication and how your body responds.

Common side effects may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Changes in taste
• Fatigue

Rapid weight loss can also lead to physical changes in the body. You may notice skin becoming looser in areas where fat has reduced. Stretch marks can also develop as the skin expands and contracts during weight changes.

In females, weight loss and changes in body weight can affect the menstrual cycle. While being overweight can contribute to irregular or missed periods, weight loss itself may also temporarily disrupt cycle regularity. Once a stable, healthy weight is achieved, menstrual cycles may become more consistent over time.

Diet on Weight Loss Medications

Adjusting your diet is one of the most effective ways to support weight loss, particularly by reducing overall calorie intake. Calories represent the energy contained in food and drinks. When you consume more calories than your body uses, the excess is stored as fat.

As a general guideline, adult men require around 2,500 calories per day and adult women around 2,000 calories. However, individual needs vary depending on age, body size, and activity levels. For safe and sustainable weight loss, the NHS recommends following a balanced diet and reducing daily calorie intake by approximately 600 calories.

You can check food packaging for nutritional information, including calorie content, to help you make informed choices.

Physical Activity on Weight Loss Medications

Regular exercise is an important part of weight management. It helps burn calories, improves overall fitness, and supports a healthy metabolism.

A common recommendation is around 30 minutes of moderate activity per day, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling. Alternatively, at least 75 minutes per week of vigorous activity can be performed, including running, weight training, football, basketball, or boxing. Consistent physical activity also reduces the risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. It can improve mood, support mental wellbeing, increase energy levels, and contribute to better sleep quality.

Can I Switch Weight Loss Injections?

Yes, it is possible to switch from one weight loss injection to another. However, these treatments are not directly interchangeable, so any change must be reviewed and approved by a doctor before proceeding.

Switching between Mounjaro and Wegovy

Switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy

If you are new to our service, to switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy, you can request Wegovy treatment through your patient account. A doctor will review your medical history and confirm whether you meet the eligibility criteria:

• BMI between 27 and 30 with a weight-related health condition, or
• BMI of 30 or above

If you are already a patient with us, you can simply complete a short health questionnaire in your patient account to request a switch. Many patients who are eligible for Mounjaro may also be suitable for Wegovy, but our doctors will always review your case to ensure Wegovy is safe and appropriate for you.

If approved, your doctor will prescribe a suitable starting dose of Wegovy based on your current Mounjaro dose. You will usually need to wait 7 days after your last Mounjaro injection before starting Wegovy.

Switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro

To switch from Wegovy to Mounjaro, new patients should request Mounjaro treatment through their patient account. A doctor will assess your eligibility, medical history, and current Wegovy dose before confirming whether Mounjaro is suitable.

If you are already registered with us, you do not need to start a new application. Simply complete a short questionnaire in your account, and our clinicians will review whether Mounjaro is appropriate for you.

If approved, you will begin on the recommended starting dose of Mounjaro and gradually increase to a maintenance dose that is safe, effective, and tailored to your needs.

Switching from Mounjaro to Saxenda

Switching from Mounjaro to Saxenda may be recommended if you experience side effects, find the medication difficult to tolerate, or prefer a daily injection instead of a weekly one. Your suitability for switching will depend on your medical history and weight loss goals.

Both treatments reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness, but they work in slightly different ways. Mounjaro acts on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, while Saxenda acts only on GLP-1. When switching, your body moves from a dual-hormone approach to a single-hormone mechanism, which may affect appetite control and weight loss response.

Any switch should only be done under medical supervision. Typically, Mounjaro is stopped and Saxenda is started at 0.6 mg daily, with gradual increases up to 3 mg over several weeks. Saxenda remains an effective weight loss treatment, although average weight loss outcomes may be slightly lower compared to Mounjaro, depending on individual response and adherence.

Switching from Saxenda to Mounjaro

Switching from Saxenda to Mounjaro may be considered if weight loss results are not sufficient or if you prefer a once-weekly injection instead of a daily one. It may also be recommended if a stronger treatment effect is clinically appropriate.

Saxenda works only through GLP-1 receptors, whereas Mounjaro acts on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. This dual mechanism may provide greater appetite suppression, improved blood sugar control, and potentially higher weight loss outcomes.

When switching, Saxenda is usually stopped and Mounjaro is started at 2.5 mg once weekly. The dose is then gradually increased over time as tolerated. Clinical studies suggest Mounjaro may produce greater average weight loss than Saxenda, with some individuals achieving over 20% reduction in body weight.

Why Testing Cholesterol and Blood Sugar Matters

Your weight is influenced by more than diet and exercise alone. Blood sugar and cholesterol levels play an important role in how your body processes and stores energy. Checking these levels can help identify underlying factors that may make weight management more difficult.

HbA1c (Blood Sugar)

HbA1c measures the amount of glucose attached to red blood cells. It reflects your average blood sugar levels over the past few months and helps identify prediabetes or diabetes. When the body cannot regulate glucose effectively, sugar levels can build up in the blood.

High HbA1c levels may indicate an increased risk of diabetes and can also affect energy levels and weight management.

Cholesterol (Heart Health)

Cholesterol is a naturally occurring fat produced by the liver and found in some foods. It is essential for producing hormones, vitamin D, and bile for digestion.

However, having too many of certain types can be harmful. There are two main types:

• HDL (good cholesterol) – helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream
• LDL (bad cholesterol) – can build up in arteries and increase the risk of heart disease

Triglycerides are another type of fat in the blood. High levels can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

What Your Results Mean

Your results show how effectively your body is processing sugar and fats. If your levels fall outside the healthy range, our doctors can explain what they mean and advise on next steps. This may include dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, or further testing. Understanding your results is often the first step toward improving long-term health and supporting weight management.