Injectable weight loss drugs
Weight loss injections, specifically Wegovy (Semaglutide) and Mounjaro (Tirzepatide), can be a helpful tool for weight loss. We prescribe these at our clinic and support patients who combine them with healthy eating, moderate exercise, and limited alcohol. We aim to encourage you throughout your weight loss journey. You are welcome to join Dr Simon Fielden-Smith on walks on Wednesday lunchtimes and Sunday mornings.
Weight loss injections work like the hormones our bodies make after eating. These hormones do a few important things:
They tell the pancreas to release more insulin, which helps keep blood sugar in check and makes you feel full.
They slow down how quickly food leaves your stomach, so you feel full faster and for longer.
They let your brain know you're getting full.
Who can take these medications and how effective are they?
These medications are designed to support individuals 18 or over, who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above or for patients who have a BMI of 27 or above and one other weight related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or sleep apnoea syndrome. Injections are administered weekly, typically into the abdomen, using a very small needle. We will provide instruction on self-administration, and supply the necessary injection pens and needles. Treatment begins at a low dose, with monthly dosage increases possible. Patients can expect to lose approximately 15% of their body weight with Wegovy and 22% with Mounjaro over a 72-week period.
We are unable to prescribe these medications if you:
Are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding (due to limited data on use while breastfeeding).
Have significant kidney or liver disease.
Have a history of pancreatitis or alcohol misuse.
Have a history of Type 1 Diabetes, or have ever experienced severe complications of diabetes such as ketoacidosis or diabetic retinopathy.
Are suffering from gallstones.
Have any history of thyroid gland cancer.
Have ever suffered from ileus (a blocked intestine).
Are about to undergo an operation requiring a general anaesthetic.
Common Side Effects:
Reduced appetite, burping, gallstones, constipation, diarrhoea, fatigue, tummy discomfort, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, low blood sugar.
Choosing the Right Medication:
Both Mounjaro and Wegovy have distinct advantages:
Mounjaro: Better for osteoporosis risk (increases bone formation) and those prone to low blood sugar.
Wegovy: Better for diabetic patients with high blood sugar (reduces Glucagon secretion).
Both reduce heart disease risk and may positively impact memory.
Important Considerations:
Pregnancy: It is crucial to avoid pregnancy while using these medications and for at least 8 weeks after discontinuing them.
Oral Contraceptives (Pill): These medications can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptive pills. If you are taking the pill, we recommend using condoms as a backup method or switching to an alternative form of contraception, such as a coil, implant, or depot injection.
Oral HRT: The absorption of oral HRT, particularly progesterone tablets used to protect the womb in combined HRT (often taken with estrogen gel or patch), can be affected. This could increase the risk of uterine (womb) cancer. We advise patients to increase their progesterone hormone dose while on these medications.
Surgery: If you are scheduled for an operation requiring general anesthetic, you must inform your anaesthetist. These medications can increase the risk of aspiration (food entering the lungs) during surgery, which may lead to pneumonia.