A guide to prescription weight loss treatments

Who can use prescription weight loss treatments?

Prescription weight loss treatment is only suitable if you are above a specific body mass index (BMI).

To be prescribed a weight loss treatment, you must either:

• have a BMI of 30 or above
• OR have a BMI of 27 or above and have a weight-related condition

Weight-related conditions include type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Consult your doctor if you're not sure whether you qualify.

What prescription weight loss treatments are available?

Several types of weight loss treatment are available on prescription, and there is likely an option suitable for you.

Below is a summary of the options available.

Treatment	Format	How it works	Common side effects	Precautions
Saxenda	Injection pen	Reduces your appetite by delaying stomach emptying.	Nausea, diarrhoea, headaches, skin reaction, tiredness and other stomach issues.	Can cause low blood sugar levels (hypotension). Do not use it if you have a history of pancreatitis or gallstones.
Wegovy*	Injection pen	Reduces your appetite by delaying stomach emptying.	Nausea, diarrhoea, headaches, skin reaction, tiredness and other stomach issues.	Can cause low blood sugar levels (hypotension). Do not use it if you have a history of pancreatitis or gallstones.
Ozempic	Injection pen	Reduces your appetite by delaying stomach emptying.	Nausea, diarrhoea, headaches, skin reaction, tiredness and other stomach issues.	Can cause low blood sugar levels (hypotension). Do not use it if you have a history of pancreatitis or gallstones.
Rybelsus	Tablet	Reduces your appetite by delaying stomach emptying.	Nausea, diarrhoea, headaches, skin reaction, tiredness and other stomach issues.	Can cause low blood sugar levels (hypotension). Do not use it if you have a history of pancreatitis or gallstones.
Mysimba	Tablet	Alters parts of your brain responsible for appetite.	Nausea, diarrhoea, headaches, skin reaction, tiredness and other stomach issues.	Do not use it if you have a history of severe mental illness or seizures.
Orlistat	Tablet	Decreases the amount of fat absorbed from your diet	Oily stools, headaches, stomach pain, flu, diarrhoea and wind.	Can cause low blood sugar. Do not use it if you have chronic malabsorption.

*Has been licensed for weight loss in the UK

They all differ in how they work, how you use them and what unique benefits they have.

What are weight loss injections?

Injections are a new way to try to lose weight. They come as injection pens that you give yourself. You start with a small amount of the medicine and then you gradually take more of it over time.

There are three weight loss injections available on the market: Saxenda, Ozempic, and Wegovy. Wegovy contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic but has been licensed for weight loss (rather than diabetes). It is also available in higher doses.

They have been clinically proven to help with weight loss. Research Trusted source The New England Journal of Medicine Peer-reviewed Journals Medical Research and Review Go to source has found patients lose upwards of 35 lbs after 15 weeks of use.

How do weight loss injections work?

Weight loss pens help you lose weight by reducing your appetite. They make your body create more of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone controls how hungry you feel.

Increasing the level of this hormone slows down your digestion and delays the stomach-emptying process. Doing so makes you feel fuller for longer and means you eat less. Over time, this results in fat loss.

What is Rybelsus?

Rybelsus is an oral alternative to injections. It contains the same ingredient as Ozempic, semaglutide. It is also a diabetes medicine that is available off-label for weight loss.

It works the same as weight loss injections as it curbs your appetite by altering your hormone levels. Except, you do not have to inject yourself. It's a tablet you take once daily and gradually increase the dose.

What is Mysimba?

Mysimba is a different form of medication that also works to reduce your appetite. You gradually increase your dose throughout the weeks until you reach the maximum maintenance dose (4 tablets per day).

How does Mysimba work?

Mysimba contains two active ingredients: naltrexone and bupropion. Together, they alter the parts of your brain responsible for food intake.

In particular, it affects the parts of your brain that get pleasure from eating food. It reduces the pleasant feeling you get from food, which causes you to eat less.

Mysimba is effective in many patients. Studies Trusted source European Medicines Agency (EMA) Government Source Medication Regulation and Research (EU) Go to source show that 28-46% of patients using Mysimba lose 5-10% of their original body weight.

What is Orlistat?

The final weight loss medication available in the UK is known as Orlistat. It is available under several brands, including Xenical and Alli.

It is available as a 120mg tablet that you take 3 times a day. In addition, it is the only treatment that is available over the counter at a lower dose (60mg).

How does Orlistat work?

It works differently from the other medications on the list in that it affects your digestive system. It decreases the amount of fat your body absorbs from your diet.

It is a lipase inhibitor; it stops the digestive enzyme lipase from breaking down dietary fat. This prevents fat from being used or stored for energy, which causes fat loss. Studies Trusted source IOPscience Peer-reviewed Journals Physics Research Go to source have shown Orlistat can reduce fat absorption by 30%.

The excess dietary fat then passes through your digestive system and leaves your body through your bowel movements.

What are the benefits of prescription weight loss pills and injections?

The main benefit of prescription treatment is that they are safe and regulated. Many herbal products claim to help you lose weight naturally and quickly. However, because they are not regulated, there is no guarantee they are safe or effective.

Products that claim to burn fat quickly or slim your waist with just natural ingredients are most likely not very effective. This includes supplements, “slimming pills”, teas or other natural slimming products.

If you are buying any herbal products, always check with your doctor first, especially if you take any other medications or have other health conditions. If you are buying online, ensure the site is credible and run by registered healthcare professionals.

Do I need to change my lifestyle whilst on weight loss treatment?

The medications only do half of the work. They are a tool to help with weight loss and will not work as well without a healthy diet and exercise regime.

Aim to eat a balanced and reduced-calorie diet. This involves reducing high-fat, processed and sugary foods. Try to incorporate more lean proteins and vegetables into your diet instead.

In terms of physical activity, you should aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week, such as a brisk walk or household chores. Alternatively, you could do 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity a week, such as jogging or cycling.

These positive lifestyle changes will not only help you reach a healthy weight, but they will also improve your health and well-being overall.

How do I get weight loss treatment?

If you are considering treatment, you should first consult your doctor. They will decide if it's right for you. Then, they will advise you on how to get treatment.

They may refer you to a specialist weight management clinic if you want treatment on the NHS. However, there is usually a waiting list. You can also buy Orlistat 60mg over the counter. Ask your pharmacist.

You can also get weight loss treatment privately from an online or in-person weight loss clinic.

Can I buy weight loss treatment online?

Yes, you can buy weight loss treatment online. However, you must ensure the website is reputable. The website should be approved by relevant health agencies and the staff must all be registered practitioners.

At HealthExpress, you can buy weight loss treatment online. All you have to do is complete an online consultation. Then our doctors will decide whether you are suitable for treatment. Once approved, your treatment will be delivered with free next-day delivery to your front door.

Our clinical team is registered with the GMC and GPhC, respectively. The CQC (Care Quality Commission) also regulates our service.