Weight loss treatments can help eligible adults manage
excess weight when diet and exercise alone have not produced sufficient
results.
Modern treatments include injectable medications that help
regulate appetite and tablet-based treatments that reduce the absorption of
dietary fat.
Weight loss medication is most effective when used alongside
healthy lifestyle changes, including balanced nutrition and regular physical
activity.
If you’re worried you may have body
dysmorphia or an eating disorder, it is important to seek support.
What Can I Take for
Weight Loss?
GLP-1s
and dual receptor agonists mimic gut hormones that create satiety and keep
food in your stomach for longer.
Appetite
suppressants affect chemical release in the brain, tricking your brain’s hypothalmus
(which manages hunger) into not feeling hungry.
Fat
absorption inhibitors reduce the creation of enzymes your body needs to
break down and absorb fat in the food you eat.
I Can’t Stand Needles, What Weight Loss Tablets Do You Offer?
Weight loss tablets deliver the same medication as weight
loss pens, though there can be variance in dosage level.
These tablets can be a lifeline for people who prefer not to
use injections, with Wegovy
tablets approved for UK treatment in July 2026.
This may be due to phobia
or medical risk, though for haemophiliacs
the subcutaneous injections have a minor bleeding risk.
The most suitable treatment depends on individual health
needs, medical history and weight management goals.
How to Get Weight
Loss Medication
1. Online Assessment and Prescription Approval
Online prescribing services typically require patients to
complete a medical questionnaire before their prescription is approved and
shipped.
A qualified prescriber reviews the information before
approving treatment.
2. Fast and Discreet Delivery
We offer next
day delivery when ordering before 3.30pm. At an extra charge, we also offer
weekend delivery.
As standard, your treatment will arrive in nondescript
packaging for your discretion and peace of mind. We know that weight loss
medication is a personal choice and something that you may not want exposing.
3. Reordering Weight Loss Medication
By
creating an account, patients can request repeat prescriptions. These
repeat orders may still be subject to an ongoing or periodic assessment to ensure
continued suitability.
Weight Loss Medication Safety
Your
weight loss medication may interact with certain medications or affect how
quickly some medicines are absorbed.
Patients should always disclose prescription medicines,
over-the-counter treatments, supplements, and herbal products during their
consultation.
This allows prescribers to assess whether treatment is
appropriate and identify any potential concerns.
Aftercare and Support During Weight Loss Treatment
If you’d like weight
loss support in a medically safe and welcoming group, our wellness coach
and pharmacist run free weekly morning sessions online on Wednesdays and
Saturdays.
You’re welcome to ask any questions you may have, suggest
session topics, and get vetted medical and social support from others on the
same journey as you.
If you’d like to join this group, and for any questions
about side effects or plateaus in weight loss over the course of use, you can
reach us on team@webmedpharmacy.co.uk.
Dose Increases and Treatment Reviews
Some weight loss medications require gradual dose increases or
reductions to help improve tolerability. Regular reviews help ensure treatment
remains safe, effective and appropriate.
What to Do if You Miss a Dose
Instructions for missed doses vary between medications.
Patients should consult the patient information leaflet or seek professional
advice if they are unsure how to proceed.
When to Contact a Healthcare Professional
Medical advice should be sought if serious side effects
occur, symptoms worsen unexpectedly or concerns arise regarding treatment
effectiveness or safety.
What Helps with
Weight Loss?
Healthy Eating and Nutrition
A balanced diet that includes vegetables, fruit, lean
protein, whole grains and healthy fats can support weight loss and overall
wellbeing.
Exercise and Physical Activity
Regular physical activity can help increase energy
expenditure, support cardiovascular health and improve long-term weight
management outcomes.
What Food Should I Avoid?
Many people benefit from limiting highly processed foods,
sugary drinks and meals that are high in saturated fat. Individual dietary
needs may vary.
Can I Exercise While Using Weight Loss Medication?
Exercise is generally encouraged while using weight loss
medication. Physical activity can complement treatment and contribute to
improved weight management results.
How to Do a Weight Loss Injection
Where should Wegovy be injected?
Wegovy is commonly injected into one of three areas:
- Abdomen
- Upper
thigh
- Upper
arm
Rotating injection sites can help reduce irritation and
improve comfort. Avoid injecting into areas that are bruised, inflamed, sore,
or damaged.
How to Take Your Wegovy Injection If You’re Scared of Needles
The injection is given just under the skin using a
pre-filled pen.
If you have a fear of needles
or feel faint or nervous towards injecting yourself, it’s best to have a loved
one in the room for support or to perform the injection.
However you choose to take your injection, most patients
find the process straightforward after reviewing the instructions provided with
their treatment.
The pen should be used according to the manufacturer's
guidance and any instructions provided by your prescriber.
Injection Storage and Handling
Weight loss injection pens should be stored according to the
manufacturer's instructions. Proper storage helps maintain medication quality
and effectiveness.
Travelling With Weight Loss Medication
When travelling, medication should be transported according
to storage requirements. Patients should plan ahead and ensure they have
sufficient supplies for their trip.
If travelling
abroad with weight loss medication, double check with your destination’s embassy
whether these drugs are allowed. If you contact us before your trip, we can
provide you with a letter from our prescriber to show at customs.
Safe Disposal of Injection Pens
Used injection pens and needles should be disposed of safely
using an appropriate sharps container. Local disposal guidance should be
followed.
Do Weight Loss Pills and Injections Work?
This can vary by person and treatment but taking Wegovy as an example,
with a sample of 1,961 adults living with obesity or excess weight with a
related medical problem:
·
Adults lost an average of 35 lbs (16kg), roughly
15% of their body weight.
·
People taking placebo lost an average of 6 lbs
(or ~2.4% body weight).
·
The average starting weight for both groups was
~232 lbs.
In the STEP clinical trials Wegovy patients started
to lose weight as early as week 4
While taking Wegovy, people not only lost weight, but also
kept it off.
Weight loss drugs can be highly effective when used
consistently alongside healthy lifestyle changes. While individual results
vary, many people experience meaningful weight loss when they follow their
treatment plan and remain engaged with long-term weight management strategies.
Why does weight loss plateau?
A weight loss plateau can occur during any weight management
journey. As body weight decreases, calorie requirements often change and
previous routines may become less effective.
Plateaus can also be influenced by changes in physical
activity, eating habits, sleep quality, stress levels, or treatment
progression.
A plateau does not necessarily mean that Wegovy has stopped
working. It may indicate that your wider weight management plan needs
reviewing.
What if I am still hungry on Wegovy?
Some people continue to experience hunger while using weight
loss drugs, particularly during the early stages of treatment or while
adjusting to a new dose.
Reviewing meal composition, protein intake, hydration,
portion sizes, and eating patterns may help improve appetite control. If hunger
remains difficult to manage, a clinical review may be appropriate.
Stopping Weight Loss Medication
What Happens When You Stop Treatment?
After stopping treatment, appetite may gradually return to
previous levels. Maintaining healthy eating habits and physical activity can
help support long-term weight management.
How to Maintain Weight Loss Long Term
Long-term weight maintenance is supported by consistent
nutrition, regular exercise, behavioural changes and ongoing attention to
healthy habits.
Can I Restart Treatment Later?
Some individuals may be able to restart treatment following
reassessment by a healthcare professional. Suitability depends on current
health status and prescribing guidelines.
Weight Loss Treatment FAQs
Are Weight Loss Treatments Available on the NHS?
Some weight loss medications may be available through the
NHS for eligible patients who meet specific clinical criteria. Availability
varies depending on local prescribing policies and individual circumstances.
Can I Drink Alcohol While Taking Weight Loss Medication?
Alcohol is not always prohibited during treatment, but it
may worsen certain side effects or affect weight management goals. Patients
should follow medical advice specific to their treatment.
Can Weight Loss Medication Affect Contraception?
Women of childbearing potential are recommended to use
contraception when treated with semaglutide (Wegovy).
Since reduced efficacy of oral contraceptives cannot be
excluded when taking tirzepatide (Mounjaro), it is advised switching to a
non-oral contraceptive method, or add a barrier method of contraception upon
initiating tirzepatide (for 4 weeks), or after each dose escalation (for 4
weeks).