Weight Loss Medication

Over the last few years, there has been a significant increase in the prescribing of weight-loss medication. Most weight-loss medication should be obtained privately unless you have a serious medical condition such as diabetes, then you should discuss this with a health care professional.

Click the link for NHS weight-loss information: Lose weight - Better Health - NHS

Click the link for Coventry and Warwickshire ICB position on weight loss injections: Click here

Private weight-loss medication – important information:

✅ Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) / Semaglutide (Wegovy) / Liraglutide (Saxenda)  is privately prescribed by online pharmacies for:

✔️ Patients with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² (Obesity)

✔️ Patients with BMI ≥ 27 kg/m² (if they have weight-related conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease)

When Should You Stop taking Weight-loss Medication?

Once you reach a healthy BMI (19–25 kg/m²), Weight-loss treatment  is generally no longer needed.
Your doctor may recommend stopping OR tapering the dose gradually to prevent weight regain.

Why Should You Stop Weight-loss Medication at a BMI of 19–25 kg/m²?

No longer medically necessary (it’s only approved for overweight & obesity)
Risk of being underweight (can cause weakness, malnutrition, muscle loss)
Side effects may outweigh benefits at a lower weight

When Should You Stop Weight-loss Medication Immediately?

Severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea that doesn’t improve
Signs of pancreatitis (severe abdominal pain)
Development of thyroid tumours or other serious health conditions

Can I Stay on Weight-loss Medication to Maintain My Weight?

In some cases, your doctor might suggest a low-dose maintenance plan if you have:

A history of severe obesity & weight regain
A medical condition that makes weight regain dangerous

Important Reminder:

Always talk to your doctor before stopping Weight-loss Medication
Maintain weight loss with healthy eating & exercise
If you stop, monitor for weight changes & discuss concerns with your healthcare provider

My Private Provider Wants my Medical History / Records

You can provider a copy of your medical records via the NHS App. If accessed via a web browser on a PC you can download a pdf to send to your private provider - https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/

NHS Guidance & Resources

 Overview | Overweight and obesity management | NICE

 

Contraception advice for Weight-Loss medication
Impact on Oral Contraceptives:

Clinical studies have shown that some Weight-loss medication can affect the absorption of oral contraceptives. Specifically, it may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills during certain periods of treatment.

Recommendations for Contraceptive Use:

Additional Contraceptive Measures: If you are taking oral contraceptives, it is advised to use an additional barrier method of contraception, such as condoms, during the following times:

•           For the first four weeks after starting Weight-loss medication treatment.

•           For four weeks following any increase in your Weight-loss medication dosage.

Consideration of Non-Oral Contraceptives:

Given the potential interaction between Weight-loss medication and oral contraceptives, you might consider using non-oral contraceptive methods, such as:

Intrauterine devices (IUDs).
Contraceptive implants.
Contraceptive injections.
Contraceptive patches or vaginal rings.

These methods are not affected by Weight-loss medication and provide effective contraception without the need for additional precautions.

Managing Side Effects:

Weight-loss medication may cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. These symptoms can potentially impact the absorption of oral medications, including contraceptive pills. If you experience vomiting within three hours of taking your oral contraceptive, or if you have severe diarrhoea lasting more than 24 hours, follow the guidance for missed pills as outlined in your contraceptive's patient information leaflet. In such cases, using an additional barrier method or considering a non-oral contraceptive is advisable.

Emergency Contraception:

The effectiveness of oral emergency contraception may be compromised when taking Weight-loss medication The copper intrauterine device (IUD) is recommended as the most effective form of emergency contraception in this context, as its efficacy is not affected by gastrointestinal symptoms or medication interactions.

Planning for Pregnancy:

If you are planning to become pregnant, it is recommended to discontinue Weight-loss medication at least one month prior to conception. This precaution helps ensure that the medication is cleared from your system, supporting a safer environment for pregnancy.

Consult Your Healthcare Provider:

Before starting Weight-loss medication, discuss your current contraceptive method with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice and help you choose the most suitable and effective form of contraception while undergoing treatment with Weight-loss medication.

By taking these precautions and maintaining open communication with your healthcare team, you can effectively manage your health while minimizing the risk of unintended pregnancy during your treatment with Weight-loss medication.