GLP-1 for Weight Loss

GLP-1 agonists are a type of medication that mimics the way the natural hormone, GLP-1, works. They manage blood sugar and stabilise hunger to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes.

GLP-1 agonists are self-injectable medications, supplied in an injection pen. You can inject them yourself into designated areas of the body (abdomen, thighs, or upper arms) on a weekly or daily basis, depending on the type you have been prescribed.

GLP-1 agonists are also referred to as:

• GLP-1 receptor agonists
• incretin mimetics
• GLP-1 analogs

Examples of GLP-1 agonists to treat obesity include:

• Wegovy (semaglutide)
• Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
• Saxenda (liraglutide)

You may have also heard of Ozempic. However, Ozempic is not available for weight loss and is only licensed for people with type 2 diabetes. Wegovy contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic, but is available to help you lose weight.

No matter which GLP-1 agonist you use, it will be most effective when used alongside lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and regular exercise.

GLP-1 receptor agonists work by mimicking the effects of 1 or 2 naturally produced digestive hormones – glucagon-like peptide -1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). Wegovy and Saxenda mimic GLP-1 while Mounjaro mimics both GLP-1 and GIP.

Weight loss injections work by:

1. Slowing down the food travelling through your digestive system so you feel more full.
2. Suppressing your appetite so you can reduce your calories without feeling hungry.
3. Increasing the amount of insulin your body makes to control blood sugar levels. This is more helpful for diabetes but can also help with weight management as unmanaged blood sugar can cause cravings.
4. Reducing the amount of sugar your liver makes. Most sugars are stored as fat, so this works for both diabetes and weight management.

GLP-1 agonists may also have benefits for heart health, with research suggesting that they can reduce the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and death caused by cardiovascular disease by 20% compared to a placebo.

GLP-1 receptor agonists act like the naturally produced hormone, GLP-1. This means that the man-made active ingredient – semaglutide, tirzepatide, or liraglutide – binds to the same receptors.

Normally when you eat, this triggers the release of GLP-1 and signals are sent to the brain telling it you are full, so you stop eating. However, the GLP-1 hormone has a very short half life, meaning it doesn’t last very long in your system. Active ingredients like semaglutide, tirzepatide, or liraglutide can make your body think that GLP-1 levels are lasting longer than they usually would.

Therefore, using GLP-1 agonists has the same effect and so signals to the brain that you are full, which helps you to reduce the amount of food you eat, and promotes weight loss because you are less likely to snack or overeat.

The effectiveness of GLP-1 agonists for weight loss will depend on the brand or active ingredient. However, tirzepatide (Mounjaro), Wegovy (semaglutide), and liraglutide (Saxenda) have all been shown to effectively support weight loss.

Clinical trials involving Mounjaro have shown that people can lose up to 22.5% of their starting body weight while injecting the maximum maintenance dose of 15mg per week after 72 weeks.

The active ingredient in Wegovy can help people lose up to 15% of their initial body weight when they are taking the highest 2.4mg maintenance dose after 68 weeks.

For Saxenda (or generic liraglutide) users, the average weight loss on the maximum maintenance dose is 8% over 56 weeks.

Currently, only Wegovy and Mounjaro are available for weight loss from Asda Online Doctor. Saxenda is long-term out of stock but will be replaced with generic liraglutide injections soon.

Ozempic, Rybelsus. Victoza, and Trulicity are only licensed for type 2 diabetes in the UK and are not currently available from us.

GLP-1 medication for weight loss

In the UK, the following GLP-1 agonist drugs are available for weight loss:

• Mounjaro
• Wegovy
• Saxenda (the generic version, liraglutide, will also be available by the end of 2024)

The comparison table below includes more information on the active ingredients, how they work, how often they are used, and the effectiveness of each:

GLP-1 medication for diabetes

In the UK, the following GLP-1 drugs are available for diabetes:

• Ozempic – a weekly injectable treatment containing semaglutide in lower doses than Wegovy
• Rybelsus – oral tablets containing semaglutide
• Trulicity – a weekly injectable treatment containing dulagutide
• Victoza – a daily injectable treatment containing liraglutide

Even though GLP-1 receptor agonists can support weight loss and help you control blood sugar levels, they can also cause side effects. Some of the common side effects associated with these medications include:

• feeling sick (nausea)
• being sick (vomiting)
• constipation
• stomach pain
• weakness or tiredness
• headache
• dizziness
• gas
• bloating
• mood changes
• heartburn or indigestion
• injection site reactions

Some of the less common but severe side effects include:

• allergic reactions
• hip fractures
• inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis)
• kidney or bladder stones

Most mild side effects will clear up on their own within a few months, once your body has got used to the new medication. However, if you are concerned or are experiencing side effects that are difficult to manage, you should speak to your doctor.

GLP-1 agonists are not suitable for everyone and there are specific criteria you will need to meet to get a prescription. In most cases, GLP-1 receptor agonists will be prescribed for weight loss if either of the following apply to you:

• a BMI of 30 or more
• a BMI over 27 and you have a weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure, high blood fat levels, or obstructive sleep apnoea

GLP-1 agonists for weight loss will not be prescribed to you if you are not overweight or obese.

GLP-1 agonist medications may be available on the NHS or via a private prescription from an online doctor service such as Asda Online Doctor. Weight loss injections are not available over the counter.

You can request Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Saxenda from Asda Online Doctor quickly and easily. Simply:

1. Complete a short set of medical questions that will be reviewed by one of our doctors.
2. Create a free patient account, if you don’t already have one and make payment. Then, choose the delivery options that suit you.
3. Our doctors will check your medical questionnaire and prescribe your chosen weight loss injection, if suitable. If it isn’t, they may be able to offer an alternative weight loss treatment.
4. Your medication will be dispatched and sent to your chosen address in discreet packaging.
5. We’ll also provide a weight loss package to help you get started, containing information on how to follow a diet and exercise plan.