Medication for weight loss UK

Weight loss Treatments Key Information

Taking care of your health and wellness is important, therefore determining the best medication for weight loss in the UK is crucial.

With the multitude of weight loss medications available, it is critically important that each be considered for their individual properties.

Please consult the information below, which provides information on everything you need to know about weight loss treatments.

This will help you to choose a medication for weight loss in the UK that aligns with your goals, supports the long-term success of your plan and enhance well-being.

Best weight loss injections available in the UK

UK-registered Ashcroft Pharmacy are specialists in determining the right weight loss treatment for you. Our qualified pharmacists will help you identify the most suitable weight-loss medication for your specific needs.

The three most commonly prescribed weight loss treatments stocked at Ashcroft are Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Saxenda. Whilst each of these weight loss treatments are effective, understanding each treatment is critical, including the side effects, how it works and the reasons each treatment is prescribed.

How do weight loss injections work? 

Mounjaro - Used via an injection, Mounjaro makes the user feel more full for a longer period of time, therefore making the user feel less hungry.

Wegovy - A weight loss injection that makes the user feel fuller and therefore less hungry, helping to reduce food cravings.

Saxenda - An injection used in collaboration with a low-calorie diet and increased physical activity, designed for weight management.

How should you take the weight loss injections?

• Mounjaro - To be injected once a week, at the same time and on the same day, to form a regularity.
• Wegovy - Injected once a week, on the same day and at the same time.
• Saxenda - Injected daily.

What is the maximum dosage per weight loss treatment?

Mounjaro - Injection is available in 6 different strengths of dosage, from 2.5mg to 15mg. The starting dose of Mounjaro should be 2.5mg for the first 4 weeks, then being raised every 4 weeks by 2.5mg if weight targets are not met, reaching a maximum dose of 15mg per week.

Wegovy - Injected once weekly, starting at a dose of 0.25mg, rising by 0.25mg every 4 weeks until reaching the maintenance dose of either 1.7mg or 2.5mg.

Saxenda - Starts at a daily dose of 0.6mg in week 1, then rising to 1.2mg in week 2, 1.8mg in week 3, 2.4mg in week 4 and a maximum dose of 3mg at week 5.  

What is the effectiveness of the treatments according to clinical studies?

Mounjaro - A study conducted in 2025 by the New England Journal of Medicine found that those on Mounjaro lost 20.2% of their body weight over 72 weeks.

Wegovy - Research published by JAMA in 2022 found that those taking Wegovy lost 15.8% of their body weight on average after 68 weeks of use. 

Saxenda - JAMA research published in 2022 found that users lost 6.4% of their body weight on average, after 68 weeks of use.

Weight loss treatment side effects

Medications for weight loss treatment in the UK can create side effects for the user, affecting around 1 in 10 people. These side effects include:

• Fatigue 
• Headaches 
• Constipation
• Diarrhea 
• Nausea 
• Abdominal pain
• A change in taste 

Due to weight loss, you may notice that some of the parts of your body may begin to sag. This is caused by the stretching and shrinking of your skin.

Changes in the menstrual cycle may affect females. You may miss or experience irregular periods while taking the treatments. 

Please seek professional medical help should you experience any side effects, as this can be an indicator that a lower dose or to cease taking the injections is required. 

How to manage weight loss tablet side effects?

While taking Orlistat and Xenical weight loss pills you notice oily and fatty stools as well as frequent visits to the toilet.

You can manage these side effects by avoiding oily and fatty foods. Your doctor may also advise on lowering your dose to help your body adapt to the treatment.

Allergic reactions are serious side effects that you may notice while taking weight loss tablets. This side effect can be managed by getting medical attention for further advice.

Ensure to walk through your weight loss journey with a qualified professional to get the right advice on how to manage weight loss treatment side effects.

Summary

Losing weight is a journey that needs patience, commitment, and choosing the right treatments. Dieting and regular exercise are some lifestyle strategies you can use in your weight loss plan.

Weight loss is not just about losing weight, but also about maintaining good health and living a quality life. Remember to involve a professional healthcare provider in order to determine the right weight loss treatment based on your goals, needs, and medical history.

Author Bio

Name: Mr Suhail Jamil

Role: Superintendent Pharmacist

GPhc Number: 2069518

Sources

NHS England - https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/prevention/obesity/medicines-for-obesity/weight-management-injections/

NHS Lanarkshire - https://rightdecisions.scot.nhs.uk/media/2219/liraglutide-saxenda-as-an-adjunct-to-lifestyle-measures-in-weight-management-02122022.pdf 

Healthcare Improvement Scotland / Scottish Medicines Consortium - https://scottishmedicines.org.uk/medicines-advice/liraglutide-saxenda-resub-smc2455/ 

Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care System - https://www.hertsandwestessex.ics.nhs.uk/your-health-and-care/stay-well/weight-management/weight-loss-injections/ 

Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care System - https://www.bucksformulary.nhs.uk/docs/BOB%20ICB%20Tirzepatide%20%28Mounjaro%29%20Initiation%20Guide.pdf 

Wegovy - https://www.wegovy.com/taking-wegovy/dosing-schedule.html 

Saxenda - https://www.saxenda.com/about-saxenda/dosing-schedule.html 

The New England Journal of Medicine - https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2416394 

The British Heart Foundation - https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/medical/weight-loss-injections-explained 

JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) - https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2787907 

Tri-Links Medical Practice (NHS) - https://www.tri-linkssurgery.nhs.uk/mounjaro-weight-loss-injections/ 

NHS Lanarkshire - https://www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/patient-information-leaflets/nutrition-dietetics/pil-dietad-22-12321-l/ 

NHS UK - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/obesity/causes/ 

NHS UK - https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/managing-your-weight/tips-to-help-you-lose-weight/ 

MyWay Diabetes (NHS) - https://diabetesmyway.nhs.uk/resources/internal/what-can-i-do-to-lose-weight/ 

NHS UK - https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/weight-loss-surgery/why-its-done/ 

Causes of obesity

Obesity can cause weight gain and increase blood glucose levels by promoting insulin resistance, where the body's cells don't respond well to insulin. Excess fat often created by excess calories, especially around the abdomen, causes hormonal imbalances, inflammation, and fat buildup in the liver, all of which disrupt glucose regulation and can elevate blood sugar.

To manage obesity and regulate blood glucose, focus on a balanced diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, and fibre while limiting refined sugars. Regular exercise, including both aerobic activities and strength training, improves insulin sensitivity and helps with weight loss.

Even a modest weight loss of 5-10% can significantly reduce blood glucose levels. Medications like metformin or GLP-1 agonists may also be prescribed to support blood sugar control.

Managing stress through relaxation techniques, ensuring adequate sleep, and seeking medical support are key to preventing insulin resistance and maintaining healthy glucose levels.

Solutions and medications for weight loss UK

1. GLP-1 Medications (like Mounjaro, Rybelsus, Saxenda, Wegovy): These are medicines that help manage blood sugar in people with diabetes and also help with weight loss.
2. FreeStyle Libre 2 Glucose Monitoring System: A device that continuously tracks your blood sugar without needing to prick your finger all the time.
3. Orlistat 120mg Weight Loss Capsule and Xenical 120mg Capsules: These are weight loss pills that stop some of the fat in food from being absorbed by your body.
4. Pen Needles & Pre-Injection Wipes: These are for people who need to inject medications like Mounjaro or Wegovy.
5. Sharps Bin: A safe container to throw away used needles and other sharp objects.

Ways to lose weight safely

Besides using weight loss treatments, some tips can help you lose weight and manage your body weight. Below are some of the ways to help you lose weight:

Regular exercise.

When you eat food, energy is stored in your body as fat. Lack of exercise may cause high weight gain, due to high accumulation of fat in your body when not burned. Being active will also help you manage conditions such as diabetes. Therefore, getting active for around 150 minutes every week can help to reduce the amount of excess stored fat in the body.

Healthy Diet. 

High consumption of calories in foods and drinks during the day may result in the accumulation of fat in your body. Reducing calorie intake will help you manage weight effectively. Following a balanced diet and reducing calorie intake by 600 calories less a day may help in reducing weight. Men should take a maximum of 1900 calories and 1400 calories for women.

Some of the healthy foods that you should take to manage your weight include :

• Nuts, Vegetables 
• Natural yoghurt
• Avocado
• Fruits
• Beans 
• Whole grains 

Some of the foods you should avoid to lose weight include:

• Alcoholic drinks 
• Sugary foods such as chocolate 
• Foods with saturated fats 
• White bread
• Oily foods such as fries
• Crips

Remember, a healthy, balanced diet is one of the first steps to managing your weight loss journey.

Weight loss surgery

This should be your last option if you want to lose weight. You should only take weight loss surgery if you have tried effortlessly to reduce weight with no good results.

You can have weight loss surgery if you have a BMI of over 40 or a BMI of over 35 and have specific medical conditions. Weight loss surgery makes your stomach smaller, therefore allowing you to take small portions of food to help you feel fuller. Some of the weight loss surgeries include:

Gastric bypass is a type of surgery in which the stomach is joined with the small intestine. This helps the body absorb fewer calories, therefore making the patient feel fuller. The gastric band is a type of surgery where a band is placed in your stomach to decrease the amount of food you are supposed to take before you feel fully satisfied.

Sleeve gastrectomy is a type of surgery where part of your stomach is removed to reduce the amount of food you consume.

Once you have had a weight loss surgery, visit your professional healthcare provider (where you received surgery) as instructed. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions to ensure that your weight loss journey is successful.

Your healthcare provider may give you vitamin supplements to boost your body's nutritional value.

Weight Loss FAQs