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Weight Loss

Many people try different crash diets and exercise plans and just can’t seem to lose any weight. It can be frustrating for some, and they often look for alternatives to help shift some of the extra weight.

At Pharmacy Online, we have a range of weight loss medications, including injectable medications such as Wegovy and Saxenda, as well as weight loss tablets and capsules such as Xenical and Orlistat.

Before you undergo any weight loss programme or start taking any weight loss medication, consult a healthcare professional.

Understanding weight loss

Maintaining a healthy weight is fundamental for overall well-being. Weight management plays a key role in ensuring optimal health. Understanding how weight loss works, recognising the various factors that lead to weight gain, and appreciating the health risks associated with obesity are vital components of this journey.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a commonly used measurement that helps assess an individual's weight in relation to their height. It's a useful tool to gauge whether someone is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.

BMI is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in metres.

  • Formula: BMI = (Weight in kilograms) / (Height in metres)^2

The general BMI ranges include:

  • Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
  • Normal Weight: BMI between 18.5 and 24.9
  • Overweight: BMI between 25.0 and 29.9
  • Obesity: BMI of 30.0 or higher

These ranges serve as a starting point for understanding weight-related health risks, but it's important to remember BMI has limitations. For example, it doesn't take into account factors such as muscle mass, body composition, and distribution of weight.

For a more accurate assessment of your health, consult with a healthcare professional who can consider additional factors and provide personalised guidance if you need to lose weight.

Causes of excess weight

Excess body weight can be attributed to a combination of genetic, lifestyle, even environmental factors.

Genetic factors:

Genetics plays a significant role in determining your predisposition to weight gain. Some people may have a genetic makeup that makes it easier for them to gain weight or have a slower metabolism.

Lifestyle factors:

Your daily habits matter. What you eat, how active you are, how you manage stress, and even how well you sleep - they all contribute to your weight management.

  • Diet and nutrition: Poor eating habits, such as emotional eating or excessive consumption of sugary beverages, can lead to weight gain.
  • Physical activity Levels: Lack of physical activity can lead to an imbalance between calories consumed and calories burned, resulting in weight gain over time.
  • Stress and mental health: Chronic stress can lead to emotional eating and changes in hormones, contributing to weight gain. Also, certain mental health conditions and medications used to treat them have been associated with weight gain.
  • Sleep patterns: Disrupted or inadequate sleep can affect the body's regulation of hunger hormones, potentially leading to overeating and weight gain.

Health risks associated with obesity

Obesity is a complex disease that involves having too much body fat. It's not just a cosmetic concern. It's a medical problem that increases the risk of many other diseases and health problems including:

 

The benefits of losing weight

Losing weight isn't just about fitting into smaller clothes; it's about feeling better and living a healthier life. When you shed those extra pounds, several positive changes happen inside your body.

  • Weight loss can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease and strokes.
  • Weight loss can help you in the fight against type 2 diabetes by improving your body's ability to manage blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of developing this chronic condition or helping you manage it better if you already have it.
  • Perhaps surprisingly, losing weight can also lower your chances of certain cancers, including breast, colon, and prostate cancers.
  • And it's not just your physical health that gets a boost. Shedding extra pounds can improve your mood, reduce symptoms of depression, and boost your self-esteem.

 

The different methods to lose weight

Diet and nutrition

A reduced calorie diet isn't about starving yourself; it's about making smart, sustainable choices. Not all calories are created equal. A hundred calories of broccoli and a hundred calories of chocolate affect your body in very different ways.

Aim for nutrient-dense foods that give you the most bang for your buck in terms of nutrition. That means plenty of fruits, veggies, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. These foods give you the energy and nutrients you need without excess calories.

Here's a little secret: portion sizes matter. Even healthy foods can add up in calories if you're eating too much of them. Pay attention to serving sizes and try not to go back for seconds unless you're genuinely hungry.

Physical activity

While dieting alone can help you lose weight, physical activity is a powerhouse when it comes to managing your weight. Not only does it torch calories, but it also revs up your metabolism, helping you burn more even when you're not working out. Plus, it builds lean muscle, giving your metabolism an extra boost.

Exercise isn't one-size-fits-all. There are plenty of options, the key is to find activities you enjoy, that way, staying active becomes a pleasure, not a chore. Whether it's dancing in your living room, going for a hike, or joining a local sports team, find what lights you up and go for it!

Behaviour modification

We're all creatures of habit, so changing behaviour can also help lose weight and keep it off. For example, create new, healthy routines and stick to them - plan meals ahead of time, schedule regular exercise, or find ways to manage stress that don't involve food.

Medication for weight loss

For some people, despite their best efforts, they need additional support on their weight loss journey, and weight loss medications can be a valuable tool towards achieving a healthier weight.

Prescription medications for weight loss aren't a magic pill, it's important to note that weight loss medicine is typically prescribed in conjunction with lifestyle changes, including a balanced diet and regular exercise.

The risks and side effects of weight loss medication

You need to know about these so you can make informed decisions about whether or not to use medication for weight loss.

While weight loss medications can be effective, they're not suitable for everyone. Certain medications may have contraindications for individuals with specific medical conditions or those taking certain medications. It's important to fully disclose your medical history to your healthcare provider to ensure the safest and most effective treatment plan.

In rare cases, you could experience allergic reactions to certain weight loss medications. These can include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing. Any signs of an allergic reaction should be reported immediately.

The weight loss medications Pharmacy Online stocks

At Pharmacy Online, we have a specialist weight management service, with several types of weight loss medications available, each with its own mechanism of action. These include appetite suppressants, which help reduce feelings of hunger, or medications that affect how the body absorbs or utilises nutrients.

Before starting any weight loss medication, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional. They'll assess your individual health profile, taking into consideration factors such as current medications, medical history, and any existing health conditions. This ensures that the chosen medication is safe and appropriate for your specific situation.

Wegovy

Wegovy (semaglutide) is a new to the market weight loss treatment used for weight loss in adults with severe obesity or overweight who have at least one weight-related medical condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.

The active ingredient in Wegovy is semaglutide, a synthetic version of a naturally occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 is released in the gut after eating and helps regulate appetite and calorie intake. Wegovy works by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, which in turn reduces appetite and food intake.

Wegovy is given as a once-weekly injection under the skin. The starting dose is 0.25 mg and follows a dosage increase schedule every four weeks until you reach the full dose of 2.4 mg.

Wegovy is not for everyone. You should not use Wegovy if you have a history of pancreatitis, medullary thyroid cancer, or an allergy to semaglutide or any of the ingredients in Wegovy.

If you are considering using Wegovy, talk to your doctor or a healthcare professional.

Saxenda

Saxenda (liraglutide) is another weight management medication used for weight loss in adults with obesity or overweight.

The active ingredient in Saxenda is liraglutide, again another synthetic version of the naturally occurring hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Saxenda works in the same way as Wegovy by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, reducing appetite and food intake. It doesn't result in as significant weight loss as Wegovy.

Saxenda is also given as a daily injection under the skin. And again, like Wegovy, Saxenda is not for everyone.

You should also not use Saxenda if you have a history of pancreatitis, medullary thyroid cancer, or an allergy to liraglutide or any of the ingredients in Saxenda.

If you are considering using Saxenda, talk to your doctor or a healthcare professional.

Orlistat

Orlistat (brand names: Alli, Xenical) is a prescription medication also used for weight loss in adults with obesity or overweight. The active ingredient in Orlistat is orlistat, a lipase inhibitor. Lipase is an enzyme that helps the body break down fat.

Orlistat works by blocking the action of lipase, which prevents the body from absorbing about 30% of the fat in the food you eat. Orlistat isn't an injectable medication, you take it by mouth with each meal.

Again, Orlistat is not for everyone. You should not use Orlistat if you have a history of kidney stones, liver problems, or an allergy to orlistat or any of the ingredients in Orlistat.

Speak to us about weight loss treatments

If you struggle with weight loss, get in contact with a member of our team for advice on which weight loss drugs are the best option for you. Once you decide, we'll be able to offer you a prescription for weight loss pills or injectable medication - subject to your consultation.

Our convenient service gives you access to effective medicines without compromising your safety. We look forward to helping you.

Orlistat

Medication Pharmacy Online
120mg x42 £17.45
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120mg x84 £33.99
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120mg x168 £67.99
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120mg x252 £98.99
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Xenical

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120mg x84 £45.99
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120mg x168 £90.99
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120mg x252 £130.99
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Saxenda

Medication Pharmacy Online
6mg/ml x1 Saxenda Pen (3ml) £75.00
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6mg/ml x2 Saxenda Pens (3ml) £150.00
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6mg/ml x3 Saxenda Pens (3ml) £225.00
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6mg/ml x4 Saxenda Pens (3ml) £300.00
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6mg/ml x5 Saxenda Pens (3ml) £375.00
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6mg/ml x10 Saxenda Pens (3ml) £690.00
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Wegovy Injection

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0.25mg - Green £149.00
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0.5mg - Pink £169.00
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1mg - Orange £169.00
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1.7mg - Blue £219.00
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2.4mg - Black £249.00
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Mounjaro

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Mounjaro - 2.5mg x 1 £159.00
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Mounjaro - 5mg x 1 £159.00
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Mounjaro - 7.5mg x 1 £174.00
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Mounjaro - 10mg x 1 £174.00
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Mounjaro - 12.5mg x 1 £189.00
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Mounjaro - 15mg x 1 £189.00
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Mounjaro - 2.5mg x 1 and 5mg x 1 £300.00
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