Medicated Weight Loss
What is medicated weight loss?
Medicated weight loss refers to the use of prescription medications to help individuals lose weight. These medications are typically prescribed for people who are struggling with obesity and have not achieved significant weight loss through diet and exercise alone. They work by suppressing appetite, increasing feelings of fullness, decreasing fat absorption in the body. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any medication for weight loss to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for your individual health needs.
Medication options
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GLP-1 Receptor Agonists / Dual Incretins
(Appetite regulation, satiety, slowed gastric emptying)
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Semaglutide (Wegovy / Ozempic)
A GLP-1 receptor agonist that significantly reduces appetite and caloric intake while increasing satiety and slowing gastric emptying. It produces some of the largest average weight losses seen with medication, often around 10–15% or more of body weight. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal discomfort, particularly during dose escalation.
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Tirzepatide (Zepbound / Mounjaro)
A dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist with greater average weight loss outcomes than semaglutide in clinical trials, often around 15–22%. It provides strong appetite suppression and metabolic benefits. Side effects are similar to GLP-1 therapies and are primarily gastrointestinal.
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Liraglutide (Saxenda)
An older GLP-1 receptor agonist administered as a daily injection. It is effective for weight loss but generally less potent than semaglutide or tirzepatide. Gastrointestinal side effects are common, especially at treatment initiation.
NHS vs. Private Providers
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NHS
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Access is highly restricted and prioritised for patients with severe obesity and medical comorbidities. Referral is usually via a GP into specialist weight-management services after lifestyle interventions have failed. Medications are limited, with semaglutide (Wegovy) available only in specialist settings and often time-limited, liraglutide (Saxenda) used less commonly, and orlistat the most widely prescribed option. The NHS emphasises behavioural change and multidisciplinary support, with medication used as a short- to medium-term aid. Access varies by region, and waiting times are often long.
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Private Providers
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Access is broader and faster, typically based on BMI thresholds with minimal prior requirements. Private clinics routinely prescribe semaglutide and tirzepatide, often with fewer time limits and a long-term treatment model. Follow-up is usually remote and less intensive than NHS specialist care. Patients self-fund treatment, with ongoing costs, and carry greater responsibility for monitoring and adherence.
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Key Difference
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The NHS is selective, slow, time-limited, and low-cost; private care is flexible, rapid, long-term, and expensive.
NHS vs. Private Providers
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NHS
​
Access is highly restricted and prioritised for patients with severe obesity and medical comorbidities. Referral is usually via a GP into specialist weight-management services after lifestyle interventions have failed. Medications are limited, with semaglutide (Wegovy) available only in specialist settings and often time-limited, liraglutide (Saxenda) used less commonly, and orlistat the most widely prescribed option. The NHS emphasises behavioural change and multidisciplinary support, with medication used as a short- to medium-term aid. Access varies by region, and waiting times are often long.
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Private Providers
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Access is broader and faster, typically based on BMI thresholds with minimal prior requirements. Private clinics routinely prescribe semaglutide and tirzepatide, often with fewer time limits and a long-term treatment model. Follow-up is usually remote and less intensive than NHS specialist care. Patients self-fund treatment, with ongoing costs, and carry greater responsibility for monitoring and adherence.
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Key Difference
​
The NHS is selective, slow, time-limited, and low-cost; private care is flexible, rapid, long-term, and expensive.
How I Can Help
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NHS
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Access is highly restricted and prioritised for patients with severe obesity and medical comorbidities. Referral is usually via a GP into specialist weight-management services after lifestyle interventions have failed. Medications are limited, with semaglutide (Wegovy) available only in specialist settings and often time-limited, liraglutide (Saxenda) used less commonly, and orlistat the most widely prescribed option. The NHS emphasises behavioural change and multidisciplinary support, with medication used as a short- to medium-term aid. Access varies by region, and waiting times are often long.
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Private Providers
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Access is broader and faster, typically based on BMI thresholds with minimal prior requirements. Private clinics routinely prescribe semaglutide and tirzepatide, often with fewer time limits and a long-term treatment model. Follow-up is usually remote and less intensive than NHS specialist care. Patients self-fund treatment, with ongoing costs, and carry greater responsibility for monitoring and adherence.
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Key Difference
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The NHS is selective, slow, time-limited, and low-cost; private care is flexible, rapid, long-term, and expensive.
Kickstart your journey with NHS-approved medication
Our programme merges innovative appetite control medication with personalized guidance from our highly experienced weight management specialists.​
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More than just weight loss, this programme focuses on helping you to improve your health including sleep quality, energy levels, mood and focus.​
​Clinically proven approach to shed ~15% of your body weight1 - our tried and tested approach to weight loss is endorsed by NICE2
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Meet face-to-face online with our dedicated weight loss experts who will guide you through your programme, monitor your progress and confirm the drug's continued efficacy. This is real contact time with experts and your journey.
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Learn to regain control of your sleep quality, how to eat for your goals and health, to find enjoyment in exercise and movement, and form healthy habits that stick with you for life. Our experts will work with you to create genuine change.
Your journey to better health and your goal weight starts here - our UK leading experts will help you get there
This is a fantastic tool for individuals who want to see weight loss results soon and are also serious about keeping the weight off. It is the next best thing to the gastric balloon, in my opinion, and sometimes its appropriate to combine the two. A programme of nutrition and exercise support is crucial for making this treatment a long-term success.
Dr Vahe Karimyan MD MS PhD
Bariatric Specialist
How does the medication work?
Patients self administer once a week with medication supplied by our registered pharmacist
The medication suppresses appetite by mimicking natural satiety hormones which are released after eating
The result is a feeling of fullness, and therefore eating less, and an overall reduction in calorie intake
10-15% Weight Loss
Clinical tests have shown patients have lost up to 15% body weight in 12 months when the medication is combined with targeted lifestyle interventions2
What sets us apart?
Face-to-face online appointments
Unlike the majority of the big name weight loss medication providers, our experts will meet with you online to conduct consultations via the comfort of your own home. This is where the real value is provided; you can build a rapport with the expert, talk through any questions allowing the experts to understand your case and provide you with the most bespoke form of advice for you to get healthy and lose weight.
UK leading weight loss experts
Your team has a collective experience of over 58 years in the weight loss industry. They will draw on a wealth of knowledge and first hand experience with different underlying health conditions, mobility challenges, ethnicity and ages.
Much more than just appetite control
Weight loss medication is a highly effective tool for controlling appetite; it allows patients to reduce their daily food intake and lose body weight. However, to keep the weight off, patients must also pick up new habits and lifestyle choices that will allow them to stay fit beyond the medication.
Our programme is designed to provide all of the tools necessary for successful long term weight loss, ensuring that your health is put first and as many aspects of your wellbeing can be improved during the plan.
I feel like myself again! After struggling for years, my weight is now under control and I’ve stopped overeating which is a big deal for me!
Helen, N London, April '24
References
1. Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021 Feb 10. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2032183. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33567185.
2. Press release: NICE recommends new drug for people living with obesity, February 2022 (link)