“We’ve seen an extremely good response from our customers,” he says. “No untoward side effects that we didn’t anticipate.” According to Carroll, Hims has not had to report any adverse effects to the FDA. Hims was the sole company that did not offer me GLP-1 meds, even though it accepted my exaggerated weight without verification. It recommended, instead, a combination of the glucose-regulating drug metformin, vitamin B12, the antidepressant bupropion, and naltrexone, a drug used to reduce cravings. It did not permit me to go back to change my answers in a bid to qualify for a GLP-1 medication. Yes, semaglutide tablets are available in the UK under the brand name Rybelsus.
Before injecting yourself, thoroughly wash your hands to reduce the risk of an infection at the injection site. From weeks 5-8, most people move onto a 0.5mg injection every week. A gradual increase in the dosage helps the body adjust to the medication and minimises the chances of side effects. When you begin treatment, your prescriber will start you off on the lowest dose before gradually increasing it (this is called titration).
Although it contains the same ingredient as Wegovy (semaglutide), it’s licensed to treat type 2 diabetes, not for weight loss. Wegovy is most effective when used alongside lifestyle changes including a healthy diet and increased activity. However, you can lose weight in a healthy, sustained way by adopting these lifestyle changes on their own. You should not use Wegovy if you’re pregnant since it’s not yet known how it might affect the unborn child. As a precaution, it’s recommended that you use contraception when taking Wegovy. If you become pregnant, or think you might be pregnant when taking this medicine, let your doctor or healthcare provider know straight away, as you’ll need to stop treatment.
Wegovy is a once-weekly weight loss injection delivered via a pre-filled pen. Each dose is administered under the skin (subcutaneous) in the stomach, thigh, or upper arm. Follow your prescriber’s instructions and the official Instructions for Use leaflet included with your medication.
This nationwide change applies to providers including pharmacies, private clinics, and digital platforms. Our health researcher, Sara Spary, is a highly experienced journalist and researcher who has worked on health and wellbeing content for Which? Since 2023, including the best dentist brands, health products you don’t need and our guides to the best opticians. She focuses on cutting through the hype to explain what you need to know about nutrition and healthy eating. ‘ to the ‘Top gut health myths you need to know about’ and ‘What really works to cut cholesterol’, Shefalee gives no-nonsense advice to help you make healthier choices and save money.
Less common side effects include upset stomach, burping, bloating, acid reflux, and indigestion. These side effects can happen to over 10% of people who take them. Knowing the typical price range can help you avoid fake websites or counterfeit medication because if a price looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Orlistat is ideal for those who are looking for a non-injectable option in their weight loss journey. Whether you choose the prescription strength Xenical or the over-the-counter version Alli, Orlistat can be a valuable tool in achieving your weight management goals. It’s not cheap, but it’s also worth shopping around (at trusted pharmacies only).
It got to a point where everything was stacking up—that it was time to do something about my weight. Yes, Wegovy is available on the NHS, but only for patients who meet strict eligibility criteria. This includes having a BMI of 35 or higher with weight-related health problems. For most people, access is limited, which is why private prescriptions are the most common way to get Wegovy in the UK. The recommendations in this guidance represent the view of NICE, arrived at after careful consideration of the evidence available. When exercising their judgement, health professionals are expected to take this guidance fully into account, alongside the individual needs, preferences and values of their patients.
It is risky to take Wegovy with other weight loss medications – prescription, as well as over-the-counter drugs. Semaglutide is prescribed to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 Diabetes, often when other anti-diabetic drugs or insulin have failed. The medication acts on GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas, leading to greater insulin secretion and reduced glucagon production. After meals and throughout the day, these behaviors help bring down blood sugar levels. Semaglutide is a type of prescription medication known as a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist or GLP-1 RA.
The tablets need to be taken on an empty stomach with a small amount of water, and you have to wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything else to ensure proper absorption. Using too much can make you feel nauseous, be sick or lower your blood sugar. Seek medical attention immediately if you get any side effects that concern you, or signs of a severe allergic reaction. You’ll need to work your way up to the maintenance dose before you see Wegovy regulating appetite fully, but you should start to see weight loss from the first month of use. If you ever want to slow down your dosage schedule, you can speak to a clinician about setting a pace you’re more comfortable with.
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist used to manage type 2 diabetes and support weight loss. It helps regulate blood sugar levels and suppress appetite, making it effective for metabolic health and weight management. In addition to its benefits for individuals with type 2 diabetes, semaglutide has also shown promising results in clinical trials for weight management in individuals without diabetes.
A clinical trialconducted by Clalit Health Services included 6356 adults who were being treated for obesity and type 2 diabetes. Half of the test group were given bariatric surgery while the other received first-generation weight loss injectables, like liraglutide, exenatide or dulaglutide. After a follow-up that took place over 7.5 years, 298 patients had been diagnosed with weight-related cancer in both control groups. In recent news, weight loss jabs containing GLP-1 receptor agonists have been proven to reduce the risk of obesity-related cancer. Like any medications using Wegovy causes side effects that often happens within the gastro-intestinal tract.
After your first dose, you can keep Wegovy at room temperature for 6 weeks (below 30°C) or in a fridge (with a temperature between 2°C and 8°C). You need to keep the buy semaglutide pills cap on to protect it from light and discard it after 6 weeks. You should not use this medicine if you’re breastfeeding, since it’s not known if it passes into breast milk.