Weight loss injections typically work by mimicking the hormones that regulate your appetite and how your body digests food. For example, liraglutide and semaglutide are GLP-1 receptor agonists. They mimic a hormone known as GLP-1, which helps to control blood sugar levels and suppress your appetite. This leads to reduced food intake and, over time, weight loss. These medications also slow down the rate at which your stomach empties, so you feel full for longer.

Weight loss injections are considered safe for most people when prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional. However, like all medications, they can have side effects. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and headaches. More serious side effects are rare but can include gastroparesis (where food doesn’t pass through the stomach properly), intestinal blockage (where the tubes of your digestive tract get blocked, which can lead to damage to the bowel wall) pancreatitis (severe inflammation of the pancreas) or gallbladder disease. Individual risk of side effects are considered as part of our clinical assessment.

The “best” injection can vary depending on individual health needs, lifestyle habits and personal preferences. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) has shown very promising results in clinical trials, resulting in more significant weight loss compared to other medications like semaglutide (Wegovy) and liraglutide (Saxenda). However, the best choice should be chosen with your clinician, based on your specific health profile and weight loss goals.

The cost of weight loss injections can vary, but they are usually between £150 and £300 per month depending on which medication, brand, and dosage you are using.

Access to weight loss injections on the NHS can be limited. Medications like Saxenda are sometimes available on the NHS for patients who meet specific criteria, such as having a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with additional weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. However, newer medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy might not yet be widely available on the NHS as a treatment for weight loss. It’s best to discuss your options with your GP. There is also a delay in getting prescriptions on the NHS when a specialist review is required before the first prescription.

Yes, a private GP can prescribe weight loss injections. In the NHS there are strict pathways to follow before receiving a prescription. If you do not qualify for NHS coverage or prefer not to wait, you can also obtain these medications through a prescription from a private provider such as Medicspot.