Weight Loss Medication

The most recognisable Weight Loss Medication, GLP-1 Receptor Agonists, are injectable treatments. There are a few different types, based on different active ingredients; however, they work in a similar way.

Semaglutide

Medication Names

• Wegovy
• Ozempic
• Rybelsus

Semaglutide Eligibility

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance suggests the following criteria for patients seeking Semaglutide treatment:

• BMI of 35 or over, with at least one weight-related health condition
• Patients who have a BMI below 35 may be eligible if they have been selected for specialist weight management services
• Lower thresholds apply for patients of South Asian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Black African, or African-Caribbean backgrounds

How does Semaglutide work?

Semaglutide medications work by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1. This has several effects on the body:

• Stimulates the release of insulin after eating to lower blood sugar
• Prevents the liver from releasing glucagon and raising blood sugar
• Slows down the speed which food moves through the stomach
• Supresses your appetite by acting on the area of your brain which controls how hungry you feel

How is Semaglutide administered?

Semaglutide is given as a self-administered weekly injection, and courses usually last for up to two years. During this time, you will be supervised by a weight loss specialist who will monitor your progress, health, diet and exercise to ensure your safety and that you are meeting your goals.

Semaglutide availability

Of the three types of Semaglutide medication, only Wegovy is licensed as a Weight Loss Medication. Both Ozempic and Rybelus are primarily treatments for Type II Diabetes, and their availability has been affected by the increase in off-license prescribing for weight loss.

Medication manufacturers have been working to ensure that suitable levels of all of these drugs are maintained for their intended purposes. You may find that your specialist recommends an alternative option, which means your access is less likely to be disrupted.

Liraglutide

Medication Names

• Saxenda

Saxenda Eligibility

NICE guidance for Liraglutide eligibility includes the following criteria

• BMI of 35 or over with no Prediabetes and a high risk of cardiovascular concerns

How does Liraglutide work

Liraglutide works in the same way as Semaglutide, mimicking the GLP-1 hormone to:

• Reduce blood sugar levels
• Suppress your appetite

Keep you feeling full for longer

However, randomised studies have shown that Liraglutide is slightly less effective for managing blood sugar levels than Semaglutide, hence the risk of Type II Diabetes plays a key part in the eligibility guidance.

How is Liraglutide administered?

Liraglutide is a self-administered daily injection. You will be carefully monitored, and if you haven’t lost at least 5% of your initial body weight in the first 12 weeks of treatment, you may be moved on to a different Weight Loss Medication. If Liraglutide is successful for you, treatment can be continued for up to two years for most patients.

Very similar to GLP-1 Agonists, Dual GIP/GLP-1 Agonists are another popular and recognisable injectable Weight Loss Medication.

Tirzepatide

Medication Names

• Mounjaro

Mounjaro Eligibility

Under the NICE guidelines, patients are considered suitable for Mounjaro treatment if they meet the following criteria:

• BMI of 35 or over with at least one weight-related health condition

Under the NHS, eligibility criteria differ slightly, requiring patients to have a BMI of 40 or over, along with four or more weight-related health conditions.

How does Mounjaro work?

As well as GLP-1, Mounjaro also mimics the effects of the hormone GIP. This controls blood sugar and suppresses appetite, similar to Semaglutide and Liraglutide medications, but some studies suggest that the effect is strengthened as two hormones are being mimicked rather than just one.

How is Mounjaro administered?

Mounjaro is a self-administered injection which is taken one a week. A medical professional will monitor your progress, dosage and health while you are taking Mounjaro, to ensure you are meeting your weight loss goals, and that side effects aren’t impacting you.

Orlistat is an alternative Weight Loss Medication which is taken orally as a tablet, instead of being an injection.

Medication Names

• Xenical
• Alli

Orlistat Eligibility

Patients who are considering Orlistat medication should be aware of the following eligibility criteria:

• BMI of 30 or over
• BMI of 28 or over if additional risk factors are present, such as Type II Diabetes

How does Orlistat work?

Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor which prevents around a third of the fat from the food you eat from being absorbed. When paired with a controlled diet, this can help to avoid further weight gain and may also help patients to lose weight.

How is Orlistat administered?

Orlistat is a tablet, which is taken up to three times a day either with liquids during a meal, or up to an hour after eating. It is also important that the amount of fat you eat while you are taking Orlistat is reduced. A medical professional will monitor your progress and health while you are taking Orlistat to ensure you are healthy and meeting your goals.