Weight Loss injection / jab
What are Weight Loss injections in the UK? - Weight loss injections are used as an aid to help people who meet certain criteria lose weight, they work alongside healthy eating and exercise.
These were first introduced in the UK market in 2021 and since then, other types and brands have become available to buy in the UK. These injections are pens with a tiny needle on the end which is injected under the skin into your stomach, thigh or upper arm, these fine needles make the process painless and easy.
How safe are Weight Loss injections ? - You should only use weight loss injections licensed in the UK by (MHRA) Health and Medicines Regulatory Agency. (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/medicines-and-healthcare-products-regulatory-agency).
Like all medicines, these may cause side effects. Read the Patient information leaflet that comes with your medicines. Most common side effects reported include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
Do Weight Loss injections work? - Weight loss injections have been in use since 2017 and there have been well documented clinical trials (see references below) and now great patient testimonials about how effective they are. It is important to take these medicines in addition to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. On average if you stick to your diet and exercise regime, you could lose about 10% by the 6th month. Research evidence shows on average most people lost about 5 - 10% of starting body weight in 6 months
What to expect.
| 0 - 3 months | 3 - 6 months | 6 - 12 months |
| It can take a while to feel the full effects of you medication, but you should see your appetite 0decreasing | You should see at least 5 -10% weight loss by 6 months mark if you strictly keep to your diet and exercise regime |
By now if you carry on with your diet and exercise, it’s expected to loose 15% or more of your starting weight. |
The brands of Weight Loss injections on the UK market - The brands available include Mounjaro (Tirzepatide), Wegovy (Semaglutide), Saxenda (Liraglutide) and Ozempic. Manjaro and Wegovy are the most popular ones.
These injections target the route cause of obesity and work alongside healthy eating and exercise.
This is available to people ages 18 - 74 with Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30kg/m2. Certain people who have BMI over 27 kg/m2 with health conditions for example Diabetes could be treated.
These are pre-filled injection pens with a very fine and tiny needle (painless) which is injected under the skin once weekly into the stomach (lower abdomen / 5cm below belly button), thigh or upper arm (Subcutaneous injection /Pinch the skin) at a 90 degree angle.
How does Mounjaro work ? - The active ingredient (Tirzepatide) helps lower blood sugars and appetite by activating the receptors (GPL-1 & GIP) which then activates the hormones that help control blood sugar levels and appetite.
The starting dose is 2.5mg once a week, after 4 weeks, the dose should be increased to 5 mg once weekly. If needed doses increase can be made in 2.5mg increments after a minimum of 4 weeks on the current dose. The recommended maintenance dose is 5mg , 10mg and 15mg. (15mg maximum once weekly)
| Dose escalation | Weekly dose |
| Week 1– 4 | 2.5 mg |
| Week 5– 8 | Can increase to 5 mg |
| Week 9– 12 | Can increase to 7.5 mg |
| Week 13– 16 | Can increase to 10 mg |
| Maximum Maintenance dose | Can increase to 15 mg Max |
How does Wegovy work? - The active ingredient, a hormone suppresses your appetite and reduces hunger, makes you feel fuller quickly and also slows digestion, hence the need to also exercise as well.
Dosing Regime for Wegovy injections come in the following doses; 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 1.7mg and 2.5mg.
| Dose escalation | Once Weekly dose |
| Week 1– 4 | 0.25 mg |
| Week 5– 8 | 0.5 mg |
| Week 9– 12 | 1 mg |
| Week 13– 16 | 1.7 mg |
| Maintenance dose | 2.4 mg |
