Weight management FAQs.

The main modern options are GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists — medicines that work with your appetite hormones to increase fullness and reduce appetite. There are also other authorised obesity medicines. Which one is appropriate (if any) depends on your assessment, so the specific medicine is chosen with you in clinic rather than advertised here.

It can be either. These medicines were historically weekly or daily injections, but the UK now also has an authorised oral (tablet) option. The right route depends on your medical situation and your preference, and is decided at consultation.

No. These medicines are licensed for medical weight management — broadly, a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with a weight-related health condition — and not for cosmetic weight loss in people without an appropriate clinical indication. We assess this properly before any treatment.

The most common effects are gastrointestinal (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation). The most important serious risk is acute pancreatitis: in January 2026 the MHRA strengthened its warnings, including rare severe cases. Seek urgent medical attention for severe, persistent tummy pain that may spread to your back, with or without vomiting. Other risks include gallbladder problems and low blood sugar when combined with certain diabetes medicines. Full detail is in the safety section.

No. They are not used in pregnancy, when trying to conceive, or while breastfeeding, and should be stopped before a planned pregnancy. The interval to stop beforehand differs between medicines (for example around two months for semaglutide and around one month for tirzepatide), so we advise you specifically. With the dual GIP/GLP-1 medicine, extra contraception precautions apply around starting and dose increases.

Tell any surgeon or anaesthetist that you take one of these medicines before a planned operation or procedure. Because they slow stomach emptying, current guidance may advise pausing treatment around surgery for safety.

Not necessarily. Doses are increased gradually only as needed and as tolerated. If you are responding well and tolerating a dose, holding it can be the right decision. Dose escalation is a clinical judgement, not an automatic monthly step.

No. NICE criteria decide who can access a medicine free on the NHS, usually via a specialist service — they are access rules, not the limit of the licence. Private eligibility is determined by individual clinical assessment and the licensed indication of the medicine being considered — never cosmetic prescribing.

Treatment options are discussed at consultation, after a proper clinical assessment. We don’t advertise specific treatments on this page because:

(a) the right option depends entirely on your medical history, current health, and eligibility, and (b) under UK law, certain medicines can’t be advertised to the public.

What we can tell you is that the service is comprehensive: lifestyle and dietary support, structured behavioural input, and where clinically appropriate, medical treatment options that are licensed and evidence-based in the UK. We discuss the full range with you in clinic.

Eligibility for the service is assessed at consultation. We follow UK clinical guidelines and consider the whole picture — not just a single number.

If after assessment you’re not a suitable candidate for medical treatment, we’ll explain why and discuss alternative approaches.

Because proper weight management involves examination, measurements, and an honest conversation that’s harder to have through a screen. Because eating-disorder screening and mental health screening work better face-to-face. Because the General Medical Council expects a meaningful clinical relationship before medical treatment is started.

Remote-only weight loss prescribing has been the subject of several regulatory rulings in the UK in 2024–2025. We’ve chosen to do this properly from the start.

Yes, every patient, every time. We use validated screening tools as part of the initial assessment. If we identify concerns, we discuss them with you and may recommend specialist input before any medical treatment is considered.

This isn’t a barrier to access — it’s safe practice. A history of disordered eating doesn’t automatically exclude you from the service, but it changes how we approach it.

Medical weight loss treatments are not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. We can still see you for a general health review and lifestyle consultation, and discuss a plan for after pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

With your consent, yes. We send a brief clinic letter so your full medical record stays joined-up. If you’d prefer we didn’t write to your GP, tell us at booking — we’ll respect that, though it does limit shared-care arrangements.

All medical treatments carry risk. Side effects vary by treatment, dose, and individual. We discuss the specific risk profile of any recommended option in detail at the consultation, and you’ll be given written information to take away. You’re reviewed monthly so any issues can be addressed early.

That depends on your clinical situation and goals. Some patients are with us for several months, others longer-term. We don’t lock anyone into a contract — each monthly review is a separate clinical appointment.

Please bring full documentation of your current treatment, including prescribing letters, dose history, monitoring records, and any side-effects experienced. We’ll review and, if appropriate, take over care. We don’t routinely transfer patients from remote-only providers without re-assessment.