Does it seem like no matter what you do, you can’t seem to lose weight? For some people, diet and exercise are enough to get into shape. Others may find that they aren’t getting the results they want despite spending hours at the gym and only eating a low-calorie diet. All of our bodies are different, and genetics can make it difficult for some people to lose weight with diet and exercise alone. When this happens, there are medical treatments that can make up for genetics. These treatments, when provided by a doctor or pharmacist, are safe and proven methods of losing weight in those who are obese or substantially overweight. How well the treatments work will depend on the medication you use and your lifestyle habits.

Weight Loss Options in the UK

The most recent weight loss medication to come on the market is Wegovy. Wegovy is the brand name for semaglutide and is an injectable weight loss treatment that shows great promise for people struggling to lose weight. The UK has recently obtained a license to sell Wegovy, so you’ll soon be able to buy Wegovy medication online in the UK from pharmacies like Pharmacy Planet. Until then, you can buy other weight loss treatments from our online pharmacy such as:

1. Ozempic: Ozempic is an injectable medication used to treat type 2 diabetes that needs to be taken once a week. It’s also been shown to be an effective medication for weight loss because it makes you feel fuller, which should reduce how much you eat.
2. Saxenda: Saxenda for weight loss is an injectable medicine that is taken daily. It works by lowering your appetite and needs to be taken alongside diet and exercise.
3. Xenical: Also known as Orlistat Capsules aid weight loss by absorbing 30% of the fat you eat. With a balanced diet and moderate exercise, Orlistat is an effective medication for people who struggle to lose weight.

Semaglutide for Weight Management

Semaglutide was designed as a medication to treat type 2 diabetes. During clinical drug trials, it was found to also be highly effective for obesity. When taken correctly with diet and exercise, semagluttide can work just as well for weight loss as surgery. To be considered for a prescription, you’ll need to have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher. If your BMI is slightly lower than this but you have a weight related comorbidity or are at risk of one, you may still be eligible for semaglutide. Weight related comorbidities include diabetes, pre-diabetes, and high blood pressure. Semaglutide is the generic name for the medication and is named after its active ingredient. In the UK, it’s sold under the brand names Wegovy and Ozempic.

Wegovy Side Effects

There is always a chance of side effects when you start a new medication or treatment. In most cases, any side effects are temporary and will wear off one your body gets used to the medication. Seek medical help right away if any of your symptoms increase in severity or if you develop new, worrying symptoms.

Potential Wegovy side effects include:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Tiredness
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Indigestion
• Dizziness

Wegovy Vs Other Obesity Treatments

There are many differences and similarities in the weight loss medications that are approved in the UK. What they all have in common, however, is that they have been proven to help people struggling with obesity successfully lose weight.

Wegovy vs Ozempic

Ozempic and Wegovy are both medications that use the same active ingredient semaglutide. Ozempic was originally released as a medication for type 2 diabetes before being approved as a weight loss medication. Wegovy was created later only as treatment for obesity. Wegovy also has a higher dosage than Ozempic.

Wegovy vs Saxenda

Wegovy and Saxenda are injectable weight loss medications, but Wegovy is taken weekly while Saxenda is given each day. They work much in the same way (supressing appetite), but Saxenda has a different active ingredient called liraglutide. Studies have shown that Wegovy is more effective overall for weight loss than Saxenda, with people losing 15% of their body weight with Wegovy over Saxenda’s 6%.

Wegovy vs Orlistat/Xenical

Orlistat is an oral medication taken as a tablet 3 times per day with meals. Orlistat works for weight loss by preventing some of the fat you eat from being absorbed by the body. While this medication is effective and better suited for people who don’t like needles, it is be less effective overall than Wegovy. Around 10% of those taking Orlistat lost 10% of their body weight whereas 66% of people taking Wegovy were about to lose 10% of their body weight.

Choosing the Right Weight Loss Solution

Your prescriber will take several factors into consideration before deciding which one best suits your goals and circumstances. This can include things such as your weight, lifestyle, and any health conditions. They can also recommend different weight loss treatments if the one you’ve been taking has not been helping you achieve your goals. Keeping your goals in mind is important. None of these medications will magically melt extra weight away. You’ll need to dedicate yourself to a weight management plan to achieve lasting results. Work with your GP, pharmacist, or dietician to create a feasible and realistic weight loss plan with small goals. The medication you take should fit within these goals and not be the main part of them.

If you have any questions about whether weight loss medications are right for you, our knowledgeable and supportive clinicians can discuss your concerns with you. We are more than just a pharmacy, we are also here to support you and your health.

Where to Get a Wegovy Prescription in the UK

Once Wegovy becomes available in the UK, you can get a prescription from us. We also are able to prescribe other proven weight loss treatments like Saxenda and Orlistat Xenical for Weight loss. Whatever your health needs are, Pharmacy Planet can help. Take this quick assessment to have all your medications shipped quickly and hassle-free to your home.