Am I eligible for the weight loss service?
If you have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or over, then you may be eligible (we always take a full medical history). Some people with a BMI of 27 or above and with other conditions may also be eligible, such as pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes, raised blood pressure, blood lipid abnormalities, or obstructive sleep apnoea. Please contact us if you have any questions about possible eligibility.
You can calculate your BMI here
Please click here to make an enquiry.
Where can I get the weight loss service?
Our medicated weight loss service is provided from our registered pharmacies by a team of specially trained pharmacists.
We have pharmacies in Jarrow, Amble, Lanchester, Lynemouth
and Whickham. You can choose which is most convenient for you to attend.
Do I need to book an appointment?
It’s easy to make a convenient appointment with one of our pharmacists. We find that face-to-face appointments work best, so we can discuss your expectations, concerns and ideas as well as to demonstrate how the device is used. Online or phone appointments can be arranged if that is more convenient. Follow-up appointments can be either at the pharmacy or by phone, email or online meeting.
Please click here to make an enquiry.
How should I prepare for my appointment?
You don’t need to prepare for your initial appointment as this will be where we can explain in more detail what the treatment entails. If you have any questions before starting the treatment, then you can ask us prior to the appointment by phone, email or in person at the pharmacy.
Please click here to make an enquiry.
Do I need to ask my GP before commencing treatment?
Our pharmacists will take a full medical history during the initial consultation before recommending any treatment. In most cases there is no need to consult with your GP before starting the medication, but the pharmacist will advise on whether this is necessary. We always encourage patients to inform their GP if they start a new treatment; we will notify your GP on your behalf if you give us consent.
What is the medication used in the injection?
Several options exist, which are prescription medications used in the medicated weight loss service. It is an injection approved for weight management alongside diet and exercise. The active ingredient belongs to a class of medicines known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues. These medicines are commonly used in the treatment of diabetes but work in a different way to insulin.
How do the injections work?
The medication helps to increase the feeling of fullness, decreases hunger and therefore reduces food intake.
How long does the treatment last?
We expect most people to have lost at least 5% of their body weight by 12 weeks of treatment. It is recommended that treatment is continued for the minimum time to achieve the desired weight loss, but it is safe and effective for long-term use if desired.
I’m worried about injecting myself; is it easy to do?
The pen devices are designed to make self-injecting as easy as possible, even for people doing this for the first time. This type of pen is used by millions of people every day around the world.
The needle itself if 5mm long and the width of two human hairs. The injection is usually given subcutaneously into the tummy or sometimes the tops of the legs or arms. Our specially trained pharmacists will demonstrate the device and explain exactly what to do.
What are the side-effects?
Like all medicines, they may cause side-effects although not everyone will get them. The most common side-effects are gastrointestinal, such nausea or vomiting and constipation or diarrhoea. In one study, 93% of these were classified as mild or moderate severity. In most cases these settle within days or weeks.
Side-effects can be managed by careful escalation of the dose and using certain techniques to minimise the impact. Our pharmacists can give hints and tips to help.
How effective is the treatment?
These medications have been proven to be effective at reducing weight, when combined with increased exercise and modified diet. In one study, 63% of participants lost at least 5% of body weight with 33% losing 10% or more.
What is the cost?
Our prices are competitive with online pharmacies, with no hidden extras, recognising that our pharmacists are available to provide full support throughout treatment. All necessary consumables (needles and sharps containers) are included in the price.
No additional costs, no consultation fees.
Why not just buy pens on the internet?
For some people, this is a consideration based on price. We advise that you read the small print when looking online. Some providers charge extra for needles, sharps containers and delivery. Is it ideal to post medicines that should be stored between 2 and 8oC? You should also consider what happens to your medicine if you miss your delivery; will the package be kept at the right temperature in the depot?
Using a local pharmacy ensures that the correct storage conditions are maintained. It is important that the pens are stored at the correct temperature before use. We only use medicines sourced from legitimate UK suppliers.
Our pharmacies are open until 6pm Monday to Friday and 5pm every Saturday. Collection of medication is discrete, quick and easy. Free needles and sharps containers are always available.
How do I know that the medication is working?
Weight is the most obvious measurement to take, but we also encourage people to measure their waist circumference to monitor the effects on their body shape. Most people like to monitor their weight at home, using their own bathroom scales. If preferred, you are most welcome to use the calibrated scales in our private consultation rooms.
What other weight loss options are available?
There are many other ways to maintain a healthy weight other than our medicated weight loss service, so don’t be disheartened if this isn’t the right fit for you. Speak to a member of our team for some advice on maintaining a healthy weight. Other medications are available, which our senior pharmacists can prescribe if appropriate.
Is this service an alternative to healthy diet and exercise?
No, this service is to be used alongside a healthy diet and exercise. Our pharmacists can advise on how best to modify your lifestyle to maintain a healthy weight.
Is this service available on the NHS?
At the current time, these medicines are not routinely available on the NHS in primary care. We offer a private service only.
Is there more information to help me lose weight?
There is lots of good information online, as well as some less than reliable information! Sites that we recommend include:
www.nhs.uk/conditions/obesity/
www.obesityuk.org.uk
Resources:
Reducing regain of weight
Starting medication and dealing with side effects
Understanding obesity and the science
