GLP-1 medications — including Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Ozempic — have had extensive media coverage. If you're thinking about asking your GP or pharmacist about them, here are five things worth knowing first.
1. Your GP probably can't prescribe them directly
This surprises a lot of patients. NHS GPs in England cannot currently prescribe GLP-1 medications purely for weight loss. It's not that they're being unhelpful — it's an NHS prescribing restriction. The pathway for non-diabetic patients goes through specialist services like Oviva, which we can refer you to if you're eligible.
If you have type 2 diabetes, different rules apply — your GP may be able to prescribe via a diabetes management pathway.
2. BMI alone isn't enough to qualify
You need a BMI of 30 or above — but that's not sufficient on its own. You also need at least one weight-related health condition: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnoea, or heart disease.
If you're not sure whether you have any of these, your GP or pharmacist can check. A blood pressure check and a routine blood test are all it takes.
3. They work — but they're not magic
Clinical trials have shown real, significant results. Average weight loss in trials for Wegovy was around 15% of body weight; Mounjaro showed even higher averages. But these are averages across large populations, they take time, and they work best alongside changes to diet and lifestyle.
Coming in expecting to lose a specific amount in a specific time is likely to lead to disappointment. Coming in ready to make broader changes alongside medication is a much better starting point.
4. Side effects are common, especially at the start
Nausea, vomiting, and digestive discomfort are very common — particularly when starting or when doses are increased. For most people, these settle over a few weeks. Doses are increased gradually to help manage this.
If you've seen people stop these medications because of side effects, it's usually early in the process before the body adjusts. It's worth persisting with support.
5. Stopping the medication often means regaining weight
This is the part that doesn't always make the news. Studies show that a significant proportion of weight lost is typically regained within a year of stopping GLP-1 medication. This is why the NHS structures these as longer programmes with lifestyle support built in — the goal is not just to lose weight on medication, but to change habits that outlast it.
Ready to have an honest conversation?
If you'd like to discuss whether GLP-1 medication might be right for you, book an appointment with one of our Clinical Pharmacists. They can review your health record, confirm eligibility, and walk you through next steps.
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