semapen

Staying hydrated on weight loss injections

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 10:09:59 GMT

Hydration is especially important while taking weight loss injections. Find out why and get simple tips for staying hydrated.

Staying hydrated is a crucial component of a healthy diet. This is true whether or not you're using weight loss injections like Wegovy or Mounjaro .

However, it's worth paying special attention to your fluid intake when using weight loss injections. Dehydration is bad for your overall health and can make it harder to manage the side effects of Wegovy and Mounjaro .

In this guide, we cover the key facts about hydration on weight loss injections, how to spot signs of dehydration and tips for staying hydrated.

Key points you need to know

Staying hydrated is vital for nutrition and overall health.
Hydration is especially important when taking weight loss injections. Being dehydrated can make certain side effects, such as nausea and constipation, worse.
Weight loss injections can make it harder to remember to stay hydrated. Along with reducing appetite, they can reduce thirst. However, even if you don't feel thirsty, you should still make sure to drink enough fluids throughout the day.
You may find it uncomfortable to drink the recommended fluid intake at first. That's because Wegovy and Mounjaro slow stomach emptying and make you feel full more quickly. However, this discomfort should pass as you adjust to the medication.

How much water should I drink on weight loss injections?

The UK government's Eatwell Guide recommends drinking six to eight glasses of fluids per day. This is just an average. You may need to drink more in certain cases, such as on hot days, when you're physically active or if you're unwell.¹

For good health and nutrition, aim to drink water, low-fat milk or sugar-free drinks.¹

These guidelines also apply to people taking weight loss injections. You don't usually need to change your fluid intake while using Wegovy or Mounjaro.

However, diarrhoea and vomiting can lead to rapid dehydration. If you experience these side effects, it's important to drink regularly to replace these lost fluids.

How can I tell if I'm dehydrated on weight loss injections?

Wegovy and Mounjaro can dull thirst and make it harder to track fluid intake. However, if you notice any of these signs, it's a clue that you may need to drink more fluids.

Urine colour: lots of things can affect the colour of urine (pee), including certain foods and medications.² However, darker urine can also be a sign of dehydration.
Dryness: a dry mouth, dry skin or cracked lips can be signs that you need to increase your fluid intake.
Tiredness and dizziness: feeling tired, dizzy or weak can signal dehydration.
Headaches: if you have a persistent headache, dehydration could be the cause.
Rapid heart rate: dehydration can make the heart pump faster to supply oxygen to the body.

Tips for staying hydrated on weight loss injections

Remember: on Wegovy or Mounjaro, hydration is your friend. It can help you manage side effects, replace lost fluids and adjust to the medication, as well as benefit overall health.

If you find it hard to get enough fluids, try these tips:

Set reminders: use alarms on your phone or dedicated hydration apps to schedule regular water breaks.
Carry a water bottle: keep a bottle with you as you work or go about your day. That way, it's easy to remember to take a sip now and then.
Drink little and often: it's much easier to drink small amounts frequently than gulping a full glass all at once – especially when you feel full.
Try flavoured water: water is good for you, but some people don't like the taste. If that's you, try adding natural flavourings like lemon, mint or cucumber.
Don't forget foods: your food intake can help with hydration, too. Try incorporating water-rich foods, such as cucumber and soups, into your daily diet.

Founded by UK obesity specialists, Semapen offers guided online programmes to help people lose weight and learn healthy habits. Our treatments include expert-led Wegovy and Mounjaro programmes , as well as the drug-free SemaHealth meal replacement programme . Why not take our quick online consultation to find out if you're eligible?

Sources

1. NHS (2023) Water, drinks and hydration. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-guidelines-and-food-labels/water-drinks-nutrition/

2. East London Health & Care Partnership (n.d.) All you need to know about Urine! [leaflet]. Retrieved from https://northeastlondon.icb.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/MM-ELHCP_All_about_Urine_leaflet.pdf

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Nutritionist, on 11 April 2026.

Mounjaro KwikPens: what's changing and does it affect me?

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:41:58 GMT

The Mounjaro KwikPen is changing. Learn what this means for you and what to look out for as a patient in the UK.

Mounjaro's manufacturer, Eli Lilly, has announced changes to its KwikPen¹ – the medical device used to inject the medication.

The most important thing to know is that these changes don't affect how you use the KwikPen . Nor do they change your dose or affect the medication in any way. However, you may notice that the KwikPen looks slightly different when you start receiving the new version.

Let's take a closer look at these changes and what they mean for you.

Mounjaro KwikPen changes: the key facts

Mounjaro KwikPens have received a design update.
The changes don't affect your Mounjaro doses, how you take your injections or how the medication works.
The main purpose of the changes is to reduce leftover medication in the KwikPen.
You might notice a few visual differences when you start receiving the new KwikPens.
You could start receiving the new version as early as this month (April 2026).

Why are Mounjaro KwikPens changing?

If you take Mounjaro for weight loss or type 2 diabetes, you'll be very familiar with the KwikPen and how it works.

Each KwikPen comes loaded with four doses – one for each week of the month. It's designed to measure each dose accurately with each weekly injection, so you can be sure you're injecting just the right amount.

However, you may have noticed that there's sometimes a little bit of medication left over. Some people call this leftover medication ' the magic dose ' . However, it's not safe to take this 'magic dose'. It's there to make sure you always have enough medication to cover four doses, even after priming the KwikPen (squirting some liquid out).

Now, with these design changes, that so-called 'magic dose' will do its own vanishing trick. That's because the changes are meant to:

Reduce the amount of liquid left in the device after taking four doses
Make it easier for you to track that you've taken all four doses

However, that doesn't change how you use the pen at all. You should still follow the same instructions and take four doses each month as usual.

Apart from the disappearing 'magic dose', the only other things you might notice are a few small differences in how the KwikPens look.

How does the new KwikPen look different?

The design changes are very subtle, but it's worth knowing about them so you can be confident you've received the genuine article.

Compared to the old design, the new KwikPen has a different:

Plunger design: Eli Lilly has added a new component that extends the length of the internal plunger.
Plunger position: before you use the KwikPen, the plunger will sit further down inside the cartridge. When you've used all 4 doses, it will sit close to the end of the pen. That makes it easier to tell when the pen is used up and should be discarded.

When should I start looking out for the new KwikPen?

Some UK pharmacies will start stocking the new KwikPen this month (April 2026). However, that doesn't mean you'll receive the new design straight away. That's because pharmacies will use up their existing stock before sending out the new pen.

What's important to know is that both versions will be on the market for some time. So, if you receive different designs from month to month, that's nothing to worry about. It will likely be this way until the old stock is finally used up.

Semapen is a trusted UK provider of weight loss treatments, including expert-led programmes using the injectable medications Wegovy and Mounjaro. For more news and advice, follow the Semapen blog .

Sources

1. Lilly UK (2026) An important update on Mounjaro®▼ (tirzepatide) KwikPen® (Lilly Promotional) [email]

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Nutritionist, on 11 April 2026.

Persistent cough and weight loss medications: is there a link?

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 07:09:06 GMT

A 2025 study found that GLP-1 users are at greater risk of chronic cough. However, that doesn't mean one causes the other. Learn why.

The potential side effects of GLP-1 drugs , such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, are well-documented. If patients experience side effects, they're most likely to experience mild to moderate gastrointestinal (stomach) issues, such as nausea, diarrhoea, constipation and vomiting.¹ ²

Our knowledge of these side effects is based on clinical trials involving thousands of participants.³ ⁴ However, that doesn't mean researchers have accounted for every possible complication. Often, when medications start being used by the general public, new side effects come to light.

Case in point: chronic cough.

GLP-1s and chronic cough: the evidence

Many GLP-1 users have noted coughing symptoms. One Reddit user, for instance, reported an extended period of burping after using Victoza (liraglutide). 'When that stops,' they wrote, 'I've got a sore throat and a bit of a cough. This won't go away!'

Meanwhile, one Mounjaro patient reported a worsening cough after previously being diagnosed with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). '…My cough got worse, especially at night, and [I'm] starting to have post-nasal drip where I'm clearing my throat every two to three minutes, it seems.'

A study published late last year appears to bear out this anecdotal evidence. Researchers found that patients who use GLP-1s are at greater risk of developing chronic cough.⁵

Case closed, then? Not quite. A key question remains: are GLP-1 medications directly responsible for cough symptoms, or are other factors at play?

Let's look at the study in a little more detail, then explore what those other factors might be.

What the study found

For the study, researchers examined medical records for more than 427,000 patients in the US. Specifically, they looked at patients who:⁵

Were prescribed GLP-1 medications, such as semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro)
Were prescribed another type 2 diabetes medication, such as 'gliptins', SGLT2 inhibitors or sulfonylureas

The study authors wanted to learn whether the GLP-1 group was at greater risk of developing chronic cough. They found that:⁵

GLP-1 users were significantly more likely to develop a new chronic cough compared to the non-GLP-1 group.
This increased risk existed even among those not previously diagnosed with GORD, a common cause of chronic cough for people living with obesity.

Why we still can't be sure there's a link

At first glance, this study may seem conclusive. GLP-1 users are more at risk of chronic cough, therefore GLP-1s cause chronic cough – right?

The truth is that it's not quite that simple. Several factors could be at play, including:

Existing conditions: people taking GLP-1s may be at increased risk of conditions that can make coughs worse, such as asthma and sleep apnea.
Other medications: some drugs, such as certain blood pressure medications, can cause a chronic cough. If patients take these drugs alongside GLP-1s, that could help explain the increased risk.

All this means that we can't yet identify a direct causal link between GLP-1s and chronic cough. In other words, it seems that GLP-1 users are more at risk of cough – but that doesn't mean GLP-1s cause the cough.

As one expert told Medscape , "Primary care clinicians should view these findings as a reminder to expand their differential diagnosis when evaluating persistent cough, but understand that this is currently a correlation."⁶

In plain language, this is a reminder to keep an open mind. Doctors should be aware that there may be a link between GLP-1s and chronic cough, but should also consider other factors when diagnosing patients.

As it stands, a chronic cough should rarely mean stopping GLP-1 treatment, unless it's very severe. However, if you do experience a persistent cough on GLP-1s, be sure to inform your healthcare team so they can make recommendations and rule out other factors.

Founded by Professor David Kerrigan, former president of the British Obesity & Metabolic Specialist Society, Semapen is a UK provider of expert-led weight loss treatments. For more news and advice, follow our blog .

Sources

1. Novo Nordisk (n.d.) WHAT YOU MIGHT EXPECT WITH WEGOVY®. Wegovy.com. Retrieved from
https://www.wegovy.com/obesity/is-wegovy-right-for-me/safety-side-effects.html

2. Eli Lilly & Company (n.d.) How to use Mounjaro. Lilly.com. Retrieved from https://mounjaro.lilly.com/how-to-use-mounjaro

3. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

4. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

5. Gallagher, J. et al. (2026) "Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists and Chronic Cough" JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery , 152(2) https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaoto.2025.4181

6. Peck, J. (2026) Chronic Cough in Patients Taking GLP-1s: What Primary Care Clinicians Should Know. Medscape. Retrieved from https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/chronic-cough-patients-taking-glp-1s-what-primary-care-2026a10005tb

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Nutritionist, on 3 April 2026.

Nutrition guide: carbohydrates and their role in a balanced diet

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 07:32:31 GMT

Get the key facts about carbohydrates. Learn about their role in weight management and where they fit into a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates are often one of the first things people cut down on when trying to lose weight.

Given their reputation, it's easy to understand why. Carbs are labelled as 'fattening' and blamed for blood sugar spikes. In some popular diets and crash diets, they're eliminated entirely.

But the truth is, carbohydrates are not the enemy. In fact, they're often misunderstood.

See, carbohydrates are one of the primary sources of energy for the body. When chosen wisely, they play a crucial role in a healthy, balanced diet.

In this guide, we explain what carbohydrates are and how they affect weight and blood sugar. Most importantly, we explain how to include them in your meals sensibly, so you can feel the full benefits of well-rounded nutrition.

What are carbohydrates?

Alongside protein and fat, carbohydrates are one of the three main macronutrients. These are the nutrients that are most important for our daily bodily needs.

Carbohydrates are found in lots of foods, including:

Bread
Rice
Pasta
Potatoes
Beans and pulses
Sugary snacks and drinks
Fruit and vegetables
Milk and yoghurt

When we eat carbohydrates, the body breaks them down into glucose. This is a type of simple sugar that the body uses for energy.

Vital organs and tissues (the brain in particular) rely heavily on glucose to function properly.

Not all carbohydrates are created equal

We can divide carbohydrates into two broad categories.

Simple carbohydrates: these are digested quickly and can cause rapid rises in blood sugar. You'll find them in things like white bread, cakes and sugary drinks.

Complex carbohydrates: these are higher in fibre and are digested more slowly. Good sources include wholegrain bread, brown rice, oats, beans and vegetables.

The key difference between the two types of carbohydrate is their fibre content. High-fibre foods slow digestion, improve fullness and support overall gut health.

Carbohydrates and weight gain – what's the truth?

The simple answer is that carbohydrates themselves do not directly cause weight gain.

Weight gain happens when overall calorie intake (the energy we get from food) consistently exceeds the body's calorific needs (the energy we burn).

That said, some high-carbohydrate foods are easy to overeat – especially ultra-processed products that are high in both sugar and fat.

Highly refined carbohydrates can increase hunger shortly after eating. That means we often compensate by eating larger portions and snacking frequently. All this can make maintaining a calorie deficit more difficult.

However, removing all carbohydrates is rarely necessary and is often unsustainable.

Carbohydrates and blood sugar

When the body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, blood sugar levels rise.

The hormone insulin plays a key role in blood sugar regulation. Insulin helps move glucose from the bloodstream into cells for energy or storage.

However, people living with excess weight or obesity sometimes develop insulin resistance. This means the body becomes less responsive to insulin, which can affect blood sugar regulation.

By choosing high-fibre carbohydrates and pairing them with good protein sources and healthy fats, we can help slow glucose absorption. This, in turn, can support steadier blood sugar levels.

Do you need to ditch carbs to lose weight?

It's true that low-carbohydrate diets can lead to weight loss, particularly in the short term. But these diets can be difficult to sustain

Many different dietary approaches, including balanced diets containing carbohydrates, can be just as effective – as long as they create a sustainable calorie deficit.

When trying to lose weight, what matters most is:

Overall calorie intake
Eating good-quality sources of protein and fibre
The long-term sustainability of a nutrition plan

For many people, moderate carbohydrate intake within a balanced diet is much easier to maintain than restriction.

How much carbohydrate do you actually need?

Carbohydrate needs vary depending on activity levels, body size and metabolic health, as well as personal preference.

Rather than focusing on exact percentages, many people benefit from taking a practical 'plate-based' approach. This is laid out in the UK government's Eatwell Guide .

The approach involves aiming for certain proportions of each food group. For example, when preparing your meal, you should aim for:¹

Around a third of the plate to be vegetables
Around a third high-fibre carbohydrates
A healthy portion of protein
A little dairy and healthier (unsaturated) fats

This easy visual reference can help you naturally balance fibre, protein and energy intake.

Carbohydrates and appetite

One reason carbohydrates sometimes get blamed for weight gain is appetite fluctuation.

Refined carbohydrates tend to digest quickly, leading to rapid blood sugar spikes. This is followed by insulin release and a subsequent drop in blood sugar, which circles back to increased hunger.

This cycle can make it harder to manage portions.

By contrast, wholegrain, high-fibre carbohydrate sources digest more slowly and keep you feeling fuller for longer. These are known as 'high-satiety foods'.

What about fruit?

Fruit contains natural sugars, but it also provides fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Whole fruit is not comparable to sugary drinks or desserts.

For most people, fruit can and should be included in a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates and weight loss medications

Medications such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) work by reducing appetite, slowing stomach emptying and improving blood sugar regulation.

In clinical trials, people using tirzepatide lost an average of 21% of their starting body weight over 72 weeks.² People using semaglutide lost an average of 15% over 68 weeks.³

These medications do not require eliminating carbohydrates. Instead, they can make it easier to reduce portion sizes, feel satisfied with balanced meals and manage cravings.

Many people find that when appetite is better regulated, making balanced carbohydrate choices becomes more manageable.

Signs your carbohydrate intake may need adjusting

You may benefit from reviewing your carbohydrate choices if you notice:

You're experiencing frequent energy crashes
You're often hungry
You're relying heavily on sugary snacks and drinks

Even making small changes such as swapping white bread for wholegrain, or adding protein to your breakfast, can make a difference.

A balanced approach

Instead of asking how to cut down on carbs, a more helpful question is, 'What kind of carbohydrates am I eating most often?'

A balanced carbohydrate approach usually includes a range of these:

Wholegrain bread, pasta or rice
Potatoes (steamed or boiled)
Oats
Beans and pulses
Vegetables
Fruit

It's also helpful to limit highly processed, sugary foods, such as cakes, crisps and chocolates, to occasional treats rather than frequent snacks.

This supports energy levels, digestive health and sustainable weight management.

Above all, remember that carbohydrates are not inherently good or bad. They are an important source of energy and, like all nutrients, their impact depends on type, portion and overall dietary pattern.

For many people living with excess weight or obesity, balanced nutrition combined with increased physical activity can lead to meaningful and sustainable weight loss. And for those who need an extra helping hand, injectable weight loss medications can make it easier to build and maintain healthy habits.

Semapen provides specialist weight loss support with custom programmes built and led by UK experts. For more dietary advice and nutrition guides, follow our blog .

Sources

1. NHS (2022) The Eatwell Guide. Retrieve from https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-guidelines-and-food-labels/the-eatwell-guide/

2. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

3. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Nutritionist, on 3 April 2026.

Basic weight loss tips: diets, calories and exercise for beginners

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 22:22:57 GMT

Just starting out on your journey to sustainable health? Explore simple, evidence-based weight loss tips for beginners.

For almost everyone who tries it, losing weight feels overwhelming at the beginning.

That's not surprising, given the hundreds of diets, conflicting advice on social media and strong opinions in opposite directions about what 'really works' and what doesn't.

For many people living with excess weight or obesity, the hardest part can be simply knowing where to start.

The good news is that the fundamentals of how weight loss works are actually well understood. While every person's situation is different, the core principles remain surprisingly consistent.

This step-by-step guide breaks down the basics clearly, simply and without any alarming extremes.

Understanding calories: the foundation of weight loss

In the simplest terms, weight loss happens when your body uses more energy than it takes in over time.

Energy is measured in calories. We consume calories through food and drink. Our bodies use calories for every one of their functions, including:

Breathing
Sleeping
Circulating blood
Digesting food
Physical movement
Brain function

If you consistently consume more calories than your body uses, weight increases. If you consistently consume fewer, weight decreases.

Consistently consuming fewer calories than your body uses is known as a 'calorie deficit'.

However, this does not require severe calorie restriction. In fact, overly aggressive dieting often backfires . For safe weight loss, the NHS recommends that the average person reduces their daily calorie intake by around 600 calories.¹

Diets: what actually matters?

The truth is, there is no single 'best' diet for everyone.

Low-carb, low-fat, Mediterranean-style, plant-based, keto… Research shows that many different dietary approaches can support weight loss, as long as they help you maintain a calorie deficit.

What tends to matter most is:

Sustainability
Nutritional balance
Portion awareness
Protein intake
Fibre intake

Instead of focusing on eliminating entire food groups, many beginners benefit from starting with a few simple changes. These can include adjusting habits, as well as the foods you eat:

Eating more vegetables
Choosing lean protein sources
Reducing ultra-processed snacks
Drinking fewer sugary beverages
Reducing portion sizes
Using smaller plates
Eating more slowly

Extreme diets may promise fast results, but consistency matters more than speed.

Protein and fullness

Protein plays a key role in weight loss because it increases satiety (the feeling of fullness after eating).

Eating meals high in protein can help reduce:

Snack cravings between meals
Late-night eating
Portion sizes

Protein also helps preserve muscle mass during weight loss, which supports metabolism. Metabolism refers to the bodily processes that turn food and drink into energy – and remember, the more energy you burn, the more weight you lose.

You don't have to start buying powders and drinking protein shakes to make an impact. Some good, everyday protein sources include:

Eggs
Greek yoghurt
Chicken or turkey
Fish
Tofu
Beans
Cottage cheese

Including a protein source at each meal is one of the simplest and most effective ways to support gradual and consistent weight loss.

Fibre: often overlooked, but vital for weight loss

Fibre is perhaps the unsung hero of weight loss support. It slows digestion and improves feelings of fullness.

Foods high in fibre include:

Vegetables
Fruit
Whole grains
Lentils and beans
Oats

Increasing fibre intake gradually can help reduce hunger as well as improve your overall digestive health.

Exercise: important, but not the starting point

Many assume exercise is the primary driver of weight loss.

In reality, nutrition typically plays a more important role in creating a calorie deficit.

That said, physical activity remains extremely important for:

Cardiovascular health
Blood sugar control
Mental well-being
Maintaining muscle
Long-term weight maintenance

For beginners, the goal is not intense training. It might simply be things like:

Walking for 20 to 30 minutes each day
Adding some light strength training once or twice a week
Increasing daily movement by taking the stairs rather than lifts, using a standing desk or even doing household chores

Consistency matters more than intensity.

Strength training and metabolism

By including some resistance (strength) training in your routine, you can help preserve muscle during weight loss.

Muscle is really important for long-term weight management. That's because muscle tissue burns more energy than fat tissue, even when you're resting.

This doesn't mean you need to spend money on a gym membership. Two 20- to 30-minute sessions at home each week can make a meaningful difference.

You can start out with exercises that use resistance bands, light weights or even your own bodyweight.

Sleep and stress

Weight loss isn't just about food and exercise. Improving sleep quality and managing stress can also support better long-term results.

It might be hard to see the link at first, but it's true. Sleep deprivation or poor quality sleep increases hunger hormones and can make cravings stronger. Chronic stress can also affect appetite and food choices.

Minimising stress can be easier said than done, but some simple ways to improve your sleep quality include:

A hot bath or shower in the evening
Avoiding screen time for at least an hour before bed

What about weight loss medications?

For some people living with obesity, lifestyle changes alone may not be enough to achieve meaningful or sustainable weight loss.

In cases like this, injectable weight loss medications, such as tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and semaglutide (Wegovy) , might be a suitable avenue of treatment.

These medications are also known as 'GLP-1 receptor agonists'. They work by:

Reducing appetite
Slowing digestion
Improving blood sugar regulation

In clinical trials:

Tirzepatide users lost an average of 21% of their starting body weight over 72 weeks²
Semaglutide users lost an average of 15% over 68 weeks³

Despite what you might have heard, these medications don't 'melt away fat'. Rather, they support weight loss by making it easier to maintain a calorie deficit alongside healthy eating and activity.

As prescription-only treatments, they should always be used under medical supervision.

Avoiding common mistakes

Some early pitfalls include:

Cutting calories too drastically
Skipping protein
Expecting immediate results
Comparing progress to others

Weight loss is rarely linear , and plateaus are completely normal. The goal should not be quick results, but steady progress towards a sustainable, healthy lifestyle.

A simple starting plan

If you're unsure where to begin, consider this practical approach:

Eat 3 structured meals per day
Include a protein source at each meal
Fill half your plate with vegetables
Reduce liquid calories (sugary drinks, for example)
Walk daily

Small, repeatable habits build momentum.

Final thoughts

Healthy, sustainable weight loss doesn't require extreme dieting or punishing exercise.

Everyone is different, and certain factors can make it harder for some people than others. However, many people find that these are enough to start getting results:

A modest calorie deficit
Nutritional balance
Movement
Patience
Medical support where needed

For some, medication with clinical support throughout can make these steps more achievable. For others, gradual lifestyle adjustments are enough.

The most effective plan for weight loss is one you can sustain – not for a few weeks or months, but for years to come.

Semapen is a UK provider of expert-guided weight loss treatments. If you want specialist support to lose weight, why not learn more about our medicated weight loss programmes or our SemaHealth meal replacement programme ?

Sources

1. Better Health (n.d.) Calorie counting. NHS. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/lose-weight/calorie-counting/

2. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

3. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Nutritionist, on 3 April 2026.

Mounjaro and warfarin: interactions and safety advice

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 22:49:53 GMT

Taking Mounjaro weight loss injections might affect how warfarin tablets are absorbed into the body. Learn what this means for you as a patient.

If you're thinking about losing weight with Mounjaro injections , it's important to let your healthcare team know about any medications you're currently taking.

That's because medications can interfere with each other. One medication can affect how the other is absorbed into the body, change how it works or lead to unpleasant (or even dangerous) side effects. When this happens, we call it a 'drug interaction'.

In this guide, we look at potential interactions between Mounjaro and the blood-thinning medication warfarin.

What is warfarin?

Warfarin belongs to a class of medications called 'coumarins'. Coumarins are anticoagulants – commonly known as 'blood thinners'. Medications like these help to prevent blood clots in the body.

Your doctor might recommend that you take warfarin if you've had a blood clot or are at risk of developing them in future. That includes people who have:¹

Had a blood clot in the leg (deep vein thrombosis)
Had a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
Had an operation to replace a heart valve
Thrombophilia or another blood-clotting disorder
An irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation)

You take warfarin as a tablet. Most people take it once daily, in the morning.

In the UK, doctors sometimes prescribe warfarin under the brand name ' Marevan '. If you're in the US, you might know it as ' Coumadin ' or 'Jantoven '.

Do Mounjaro and warfarin interact?

The UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends that doctors closely monitor patients who take Mounjaro and warfarin together.²

That's based on advice from Mounjaro's manufacturer, Eli Lilly. In its information for doctors, the manufacturer states:

"Mounjaro delays gastric emptying and thereby has the potential to impact the absorption of concomitantly administered oral medications."³

In plain language, that means Mounjaro makes the stomach take longer to process food and tablets. Because you take warfarin as a tablet, Mounjaro might affect how it's absorbed and how well it works.

This is of particular concern for warfarin because it's a drug with a narrow therapeutic index . In other words, small changes in how the body absorbs the medication can significantly impact its safety and effectiveness.

Can I take Mounjaro and warfarin together?

While there's a risk of interaction between Mounjaro and warfarin, you still might be able to take them at the same time. It all depends on what your healthcare team thinks is safe and appropriate for you.

However, it's especially important that you let them know that you're taking warfarin before you start treatment with Mounjaro. This way, they can keep a close eye on potential interactions and make sure you stay safe throughout your treatment.

The same goes if it's the other way around – if you're already taking Mounjaro and your doctor recommends warfarin. For your safety and well-being, you should tell your doctor about your Mounjaro injections before they prescribe warfarin.

Semapen is a UK weight loss clinic founded by Professor David Kerrigan, former president of the British Obesity & Metabolic Specialist Society. For more tips, read our GLP-1 guides or follow our blog .

Sources

1. NHS (2022) About warfarin. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/warfarin/about-warfarin/

2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (n.d.) Tirzepatide: Interactions. Retrieved from https://bnf.nice.org.uk/interactions/tirzepatide/

3. Mounjaro (2026) [package insert]. Indianapolis, IN: Eli Lilly and Company. Retrieved from: https://uspl.lilly.com/mounjaro/mounjaro.html

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Nutritionist, on 28 February 2026.

What is compounded semaglutide?

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 22:39:38 GMT

Compounded semaglutide is an unlicensed version of the active ingredient found in Wegovy. Get all the straight facts in our quick guide.

When you buy Wegovy online , it's important to make sure you're dealing with a legitimate provider that supplies the genuine, licensed medication via a valid prescription.

The UK's medicines regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), has warned against sellers offering fake and illegal weight loss injections online.¹ These counterfeit products may contain the wrong ingredients – or none at all – and can pose serious health risks.

Alongside these illegal products, you might also come across compounded semaglutide . This is an unlicensed preparation of the active (main) ingredient found in Wegovy.

When prescribed and supplied properly, compounded medicines are legal in the UK. However, they haven't gone through the same approval and testing process as the licensed medication.

In this quick guide, we take a closer look at compounded semaglutide. What is it, how is it different from licensed Wegovy, and what should you know before starting treatment?

What is compounded semaglutide?

Wegovy is a licensed medication in the UK. That means it's been tested and the UK's medicines regulator has approved its use.

Compounded semaglutide is an unlicensed version of semaglutide – the active ingredient in Wegovy. Unlike licensed Wegovy, which is manufactured at a large scale by Novo Nordisk, compounded semaglutide should be made specifically for individual, named patients.

This can be legal. In the UK, doctors may prescribe an unlicensed medication (a 'special') if they believe a licensed product isn't suitable for a particular patient. They must supply this unlicensed medication against a valid prescription.

However, because it's unlicensed, compounded semaglutide hasn't gone through the same testing and approval process as licensed Wegovy.

It's also not supposed to be advertised directly to the public. So, if you see compounded semaglutide promoted like a normal retail product, that may raise questions about whether the seller is following the rules.

Are unlicensed medications dangerous?

Unlicensed drugs are not inherently dangerous if they're made and supplied according to UK medicine rules.

However, there are important differences between licensed and unlicensed drugs that are worth keeping in mind:

They haven't been tested and approved in the same way as licensed medications. Licensed drugs are backed by large clinical trials and are closely monitored for safety. While unlicensed medications are regulated, they're not regulated to the same standards.
They're not made to a fixed, approved formula. They may follow a different recipe from the 'real thing', and might not have exactly the same effects.
They can't be advertised directly to the public. Clinics and pharmacies can promote licensed medications in accordance with strict UK advertising rules. However, they're not allowed to promote unlicensed medications at all.

How to stay safe when buying semaglutide online

As we've seen, compounded semaglutide isn't automatically unsafe or illegal. In some cases, doctors can prescribe an unlicensed drug if there's no suitable licensed alternative.

However, in the UK, unlicensed medicines should not be advertised directly to the public .

So, if you see a seller openly promoting compounded semaglutide on a website, Instagram page or Facebook ad, that's a big red flag. It raises questions about:

Whether what you'll receive really contains semaglutide
Whether the supplier is following UK medicine regulations
Whether the product has been made and stored correctly
Whether the supplier is prescribing the medication with proper medical oversight

Our advice: think hard before you buy. The safest way to access semaglutide in the UK is to get a valid prescription from an NHS doctor or legitimate private healthcare provider. That means one that:

Requires a full medical consultation and provides a prescription
Supplies licensed Wegovy in clear, branded packaging
Is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council
Has a named team of medical experts overseeing your care

And remember to shop smart. That means taking a moment to think and asking 'Does this look right?', and 'Is this too good to be true?'. When your health and well-being are at stake, you can never be too careful.

Semapen is a UK-based weight loss clinic and NHS partner led by a multidisciplinary team of obesity and diet specialists.

We're registered with the CQC and the General Pharmaceutical Council, and as part of Phoenix Health, we've helped people lose weight for over 20 years. Learn more about our expert-led weight loss programmes .

Sources

1. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (2023) MHRA warns of unsafe fake weight loss pens. [press release] Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mhra-warns-of-unsafe-fake-weight-loss-pens

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Nutritionist, on 28 February 2026.

Orforglipron: new GLP-1 pill beats Rybelsus for weight loss

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 08:02:12 GMT

A new tablet-based medication has beaten oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) for weight loss. Let's unpack the results to see what they really mean.

You've probably heard of Wegovy and Mounjaro , the two most popular weight loss medications available in the UK. But did you know other, similar drugs are in development?

One of these new drugs, orforglipron, has recently undergone a phase 3 clinical trial – the final trial phase before a drug goes to market.

And here's where things get interesting. Recently published trial results show that orforglipron is more effective for weight loss than oral semaglutide (available in the UK as Rybelsus).¹

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Wegovy. Does that mean that orforglipron could be a viable, tablet-based alternative to Wegovy injections?

Well, it's not quite as simple as that. But these new results are interesting nonetheless – especially for those who use oral GLP-1 medications for both weight loss and type 2 diabetes.

Let's take a closer look at the results and what they really mean.

Going head to head: orforglipron vs oral semaglutide

The study, dubbed 'ACHIEVE-3', is part of a series of phase 3 clinical trials looking at orforglipron for weight loss and type 2 diabetes. It's the first 'to directly compare the efficacy and safety of two oral GLP-1 receptor agonists in a randomised controlled trial', reports Medscape .²

The part about 'directly comparing' the two drugs is important. Because the researchers studied orforglipron and oral semaglutide under identical conditions, they can make firm conclusions about which is safer or more effective.

Nearly 1,700 people took part in the study. After 52 weeks of treatment, the researchers found that:

Those taking the highest dose of orforglipron lost 9.2% of their body weight on average. Those taking the highest dose of semaglutide lost an average of 6.2%.³

High-dose orforglipron users saw blood sugar reduced by 1.91% on average, compared to 1.47% for semaglutide.³

These results show that orforglipron is more effective for weight loss and blood sugar management than the currently available doses of oral semaglutide.

Unpacking the results

The ACHIEVE-3 study is good news for Eli Lilly, the company behind orforglipron. It adds weight to the growing evidence that orforglipron will prove to be an effective, tablet-based treatment option for obesity and type 2 diabetes.

However, there are a few caveats to keep in mind.

The study only looked at people with type 2 diabetes

ACHIEVE-3 exclusively studied the drugs' effects on adults with type 2 diabetes.¹ That means we can't be sure how these effects will translate to people without diabetes.

Injectable semaglutide (Wegovy) isn't part of the picture

The trial didn't compare orforglipron with semaglutide injections (Wegovy), so we can't make a like-for-like comparison. However, we know from previous trial results that injectable Wegovy yields an average weight loss of 14.9%⁴. That suggests Wegovy and other injectable weight loss medications remain the most effective options for those looking to lose weight.

The doses match Rybelsus, but Rybelsus isn't an option for weight loss

The study compared 12mg and 36mg doses of orforglipron with 7mg and 14mg doses of oral semaglutide. Those oral semaglutide doses match Rybelsus – the only tablet-based drug containing semaglutide that's currently available in the UK.

However, Rybelsus isn't licensed for weight loss in the UK. It's only meant to be prescribed to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar, with weight loss as a secondary benefit.

Higher-dose oral semaglutide is now available, but the study didn't look at it

Novo Nordisk has recently launched an oral semaglutide tablet in the US.⁵ Like the semaglutide injection, it's sold under the name 'Wegovy' and is designed as a weight loss treatment.

This new Wegovy tablet is available in doses as high as 25mg, because higher doses have proven more effective for weight loss.⁶ However, the ACHIEVE-3 study didn't compare orforglipron with these higher doses.

Orforglipron seems to have stronger side effects than Rybelsus

In the ACHIEVE-3 study, more orforglipron users (around 58%) reported side effects than semaglutide users (37% to 45%). In addition, around twice as many orforglipron users discontinued treatment because of side effects.

In its favour, orforglipron has a simpler dosing schedule than Rybelsus. It only needs to be taken once per day and can be taken at any time. Rybelsus, on the other hand, must be taken daily on an empty stomach, with doses planned around mealtimes.

Ultimately, then, orforglipron might suit those who want the most effective option for weight loss and blood sugar and are willing to accept stronger side effects. Rybelsus, meanwhile, may suit those who want to trade milder side effects for tighter dosing rules and less powerful effects.

Semapen is a UK-based provider of expert-led weight loss programmes, including options that harness the latest injectable weight loss medications . For more news, follow our blog .

Sources

1. Rosenstock, J. et al. (2026) "Efficacy and safety of once-daily oral orforglipron compared with oral semaglutide in adults with type 2 diabetes (ACHIEVE-3): a multinational, multicentre, non-inferiority, open-label, randomised, phase 3 trial" The Lancet https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(26)00202-3

2. Yasgur, B.S. (2026) New Oral GLP-1 Beats Oral Semaglutide for A1c, Weight Loss. Medscape . Retrieved from https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/new-oral-glp-1-beats-oral-semaglutide-a1c-weight-loss-2026a10006jd

3. Livingston, R. (2026) ACHIEVE-3: Orforglipron Achieves Superiority to Oral Semaglutide in Poorly Controlled T2D. HCPLive . Retrieved from https://www.hcplive.com/view/achieve-3-orforglipron-achieves-superiority-to-oral-semaglutide-in-poorly-controlled-t2d

4. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

5. Gronholt-Pedersen, J. & Satija, B. (2026) Novo launches Wegovy weight-loss pill for sale in US. Reuters . Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/novo-nordisk-sell-wegovy-pill-us-self-pay-patients-starting-149-per-month-2026-01-05/

6. Wharton, S. et al. (2025) "Oral Semaglutide at a Dose of 25 mg in Adults with Overweight or Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 393(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2500969

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Nutritionist, on 22 March 2026.

What's the best way to lose weight on Mounjaro?

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 09:12:05 GMT

Is there a secret to maximising weight loss on Mounjaro? Follow our step-by-step guide for straight facts and evidence-based tips.

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is one of the most effective weight loss medications currently available.

In a clinical trial, people living with obesity who used tirzepatide lost an average of 21% of their starting body weight over 72 weeks.¹

That figure is impressive, but it can also lead to some misunderstanding about how the medication works. Despite what some may have said, Mounjaro doesn't 'melt away fat' – and it isn't a substitute for healthy habits.

So, let's clear up the myths. What is the best way to lose weight on Mounjaro?

The honest answer? It's the same way you'd lose weight without it. That means consistent calorie reduction, balanced nutrition and movement. But with Mounjaro, you're supported by better appetite control and blood sugar regulation.

Let's get into it.

How Mounjaro actually works

Tirzepatide works by mimicking two natural hormones involved in appetite and blood sugar regulation: GLP-1 and GIP.

These helpful hormones are involved in several bodily functions, including:

Slowing down digestion
Increasing feelings of fullness
Reducing hunger
Improving blood sugar control

As a result, many people on the medication find they feel satisfied with smaller portions. Cravings often reduce. Snacking becomes less frequent.

So, the weight loss happens because you eat fewer calories over time – not because the medication burns fat.

Understanding this is important. Mounjaro supports weight loss, but it doesn't replace the fundamentals of a healthy lifestyle. Here's how you can maximise its impact in the safest, most sustainable way.

Step 1: focus on protein and nutrient density

Because appetite decreases on Mounjaro, you may naturally eat less. That makes your food choices even more important. You should prioritise:

Lean protein like chicken, fish, eggs, tofu and Greek yoghurt
Fibre-rich vegetables like sweet potato, broccoli and leafy greens
Whole grains like brown rice, oats, whole wheat and quinoa
Healthy fats in moderation , like oily fish, nuts and seeds, and avocado

Protein is particularly important. That's because proteins are the building blocks that help preserve your muscle mass during weight loss, keeping you feeling full and helping you stay strong.

When portion sizes shrink, every bite needs to work harder to support you nutritionally.

Step 2: eat slowly and stop when satisfied

Mounjaro slows gastric emptying, which means food stays in your stomach for longer.

That makes it really important to be mindful of how quickly you're clearing your plate. Eating too fast or ignoring fullness signals can lead to uncomfortable bloating, indigestion and nausea.

Eating slowly, chewing thoroughly and pausing between bites helps your body adjust and ensures you stay feeling comfortable.

Many people find that smaller, balanced meals feel more manageable than large ones.

3: manage side effects properly

Common side effects of tirzepatide include:

Nausea
Diarrhoea
Constipation
Mild abdominal discomfort

These are usually temporary and often improve as your body adapts to the medication.

You can help reduce discomfort by:

Avoiding fatty or fried foods
Limiting alcohol, or even better, cut it out altogether
Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water or low-sugar squash
Gradually increasing your fibre intake
Eating smaller portions

If symptoms are persistent or severe, seek medical advice. If you're a Semapen subscriber, you can always reach out to our team through WhatsApp or the SemaPen app.

The list above isn't exhaustive. To learn more about side effects, read our guide or refer to the manufacturer's advice .

Step 4: increase activity (realistically)

Don't worry – you don't need to suddenly adopt a high-intensity gym routine.

However, incorporating some resistance training and regular movement can:

Protect your muscle mass
Support your metabolism
Improve long-term weight maintenance
Improve your mental well-being

You can make a meaningful difference with some low-impact activity, like going for a daily walk or a gentle bike ride.

Even resistance training doesn't require weights and a squat rack. You can engage your core and other muscles through simple daily tasks like:

Taking the stairs instead of the lift
Carrying the shopping back from the supermarket instead of having it delivered
Gardening
Household chores like vacuuming, mopping and doing the laundry

The key thing is to make an effort to move more. With time, you may find that physical activity feels easier and the idea of a proper workout feels less intimidating.

Step 5: follow the dose escalation properly

Each Mounjaro injection pen contains four weekly doses. After completing one pen, your dose typically increases, gradually moving toward a maintenance dose. This step-based approach helps minimise side effects and allows your body to adapt.

Skipping steps or increasing the dose too quickly will not necessarily accelerate your weight loss. Instead, it may increase side effects and disrupt your treatment.

Patience is the key to better long-term results.

Step 6: think long-term, not short-term

Remember that in the main Mounjaro clinical trial, participants lost an average of 21% of their starting body weight over 72 weeks.¹

While impressive, this is still more than a year.

Sustainable weight loss is worth the time it takes. Mounjaro is most effective when used as part of a structured programme that includes ongoing medical support, nutritional guidance and monitoring of progress.

Rapid weight loss is often not better. Losing weight too quickly can increase the risk of muscle loss, nutritional deficiencies or gallstones.

Learn what to expect with monthly weight loss on Mounjaro .

What about Wegovy?

Wegovy (semaglutide) works in a similar way to Mounjaro. However, it only targets GLP-1, rather than both GLP-1 and GIP.

In a clinical trial, people using semaglutide lost an average of 15% of their starting body weight over 68 weeks.²

Both medications are effective. Tirzepatide has shown greater average weight reduction in studies, but the best option depends on your individual needs, budget and medical advice.

Who can get Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is only available on prescription.

When prescribed privately in the UK, it's typically available to adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above, following a medical assessment. (If you have an obesity-related health condition, it can be prescribed at a BMI of 27 or greater.)

With Semapen, your assessment begins with a digital consultation in the Semapen app . If prescribed, you'll receive ongoing medical support, not just medication.

That's the Semapen difference. Our subscribers get tailored support from a team of real obesity specialists, including doctors, nurses, dietitians and psychologists. Our advice isn't just about the best way to take Mounjaro – we focus on the big picture to help you learn healthy lifelong habits.

Mythbusting

The biggest myth about Mounjaro is that it does the work for you – it doesn't. However, for many people, it does make the work more achievable.

By reducing hunger and stabilising appetite, it creates a window of opportunity. That window enables you to make consistent food choices, build sustainable habits, reduce emotional eating and maintain calorie control without back-and-forth struggles.

Medication and behaviour work together. With the right structure and medical supervision, tirzepatide can be a powerful tool to support you on your way to a happy, healthy lifestyle.

Sources

1. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

2. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Nutritionist, on 28 February 2026.

Travelling with Wegovy or Mounjaro: storage, security and more

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 07:00:49 GMT

Are you planning to take your Wegovy or Mounjaro weight loss pens abroad? Here are all the key facts you need to know.

Are you planning to go on holiday this year?

It's nice to have sand and sunshine to look forward to. But if you're travelling with weight loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy, those daydreams of paradise can come with serious questions attached.

Questions like:

Is it legal to travel with weight loss injections?
Do I need a letter from my doctor?
Is it OK to take needles through airport security?
How should I store my medication while I'm travelling?
Do I need to let my insurer know about my injections?

In this guide, we answer all these questions to help you plan a stress-free trip. Happy holidaying!

Is it legal to travel with Wegovy or Mounjaro?

Yes, broadly speaking, it's legal to travel with weight loss injections – so long as:

The medication is prescribed to you.
You can show your prescription label with your name visible.

Travelling within the UK

It's legal to travel with prescription medications in the UK. Just be sure to carry the medication in its original packaging with the prescription label attached and your name and prescription details visible.

Travelling abroad from the UK

The same guidelines apply here. However, there might be additional considerations, because each country has its own rules covering medications and travel.

Be sure to:

Check the rules in your destination country . Some countries have stricter rules than others. If possible, check well before travelling so you have plenty of time to prepare.

Only take what you need. The rules for travelling to the UK say you shouldn't take more than a three-month supply. Other countries may have different rules and guidelines.

Do I need a doctor's letter to take Wegovy or Mounjaro abroad?

That depends on the rules of the country you're travelling to.

Check before you travel – it's always better to be safe than sorry. You can usually find the information you need on the country's official embassy, health or travel website.

In practice:

Most countries will allow medication in its original packaging with the prescription label attached.
But this isn't a guarantee. Some countries have very strict rules and require a doctor's letter or medical certificate, as well as a prescription label.
In any case, a doctor's note can be useful to help explain what the medication is for.

Is it OK to take Wegovy or Mounjaro injections through airport security?

Yes. But there are a few things to keep in mind.

You should keep your injections in your hand luggage , not your hold luggage. That's because an aeroplane's hold gets very cold – cold enough to freeze the medication and make it unusable.
You'll need to declare your medication when you pass through security. Make sure it's in its original packaging and has a prescription label attached.

It's best to keep all your needles safely together . It helps keep things simple and keep things moving.

You shouldn't need to worry about the 100ml liquid limit because that rule doesn't apply to essential prescription medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro. However, if you're using ice packs to keep your injection pens cool, you should make sure they're still frozen when you pass through security.

How should I store weight loss injections when I travel?

It's important to properly store your weight loss pens as you travel to make sure the medication remains safe and effective.

The basic storage guidelines are broadly the same for Wegovy and Mounjaro:¹ ²

Before use, you should store the pens between 2°C and 8°C (36°F and 46°F).
After opening , it's still best to store the pens between 2°C and 8°C. If you can't, it's OK to keep them
between 8°C and 30°C (46°F and 86°F)
in their original packaging
with the cap on
for up to 28 days (Wegovy) or 30 days (Mounjaro).
You should never allow the pens to freeze. If they do freeze, they're unsafe to use and must be thrown away.

That means:

You might need to bring ice packs to keep new pens cool as you travel.
If you need to store new pens when you arrive, it's best to check whether your accommodation has a refrigerator . If not, you might want to bring a plug-in cool box.
You should always pack your pens in carry-on luggage, so they don't freeze in the aeroplane hold.

Do I need to let my travel insurer know I'm taking Wegovy or Mounjaro?

Yes.

This is very important. Using prescription medication can affect the price or content of your insurance policy. That includes Wegovy and Mounjaro injections.

If you fail to declare your medication to your insurer, you risk invalidating your policy. That could leave you with expensive and unexpected medical bills.

Your Wegovy and Mounjaro travel checklist

Before travelling, make sure:

��‍⚕️ You've checked the rules on travelling with prescription medication in your destination country.
�� You have the medication in its original packaging with a prescription label attached, as well as a doctor's note (if necessary).
�� You've packed enough doses to cover the trip . That might mean ordering your next dose or repeat prescription ahead of time.
�� You've packed the medication safely and securely in your hand luggage , with the cap on.
�� You've got ice packs ready to keep the pen cool as you travel (if you're taking a new, unopened pen).
�� You've checked whether your accommodation has a refrigerator for any new, unopened pens.
�� You've declared your medication with your travel insurer.

Are you a Semapen subscriber and are planning to go abroad this year? Please let our team know via WhatsApp or the SemaPen app. We can arrange to send additional doses to cover your trip if necessary.

Are you thinking of switching to another Wegovy or Mounjaro supplier? Join the Semapen community and you'll benefit from expert, tailored support and a host of helpful weight loss tools – including the unique Semapen app. Learn more about our weight loss programmes .

Sources

1. novoMEDLINK (n.d.) Resources: Frequently Asked Questions. Retrieved from https://www.novomedlink.com/obesity/products/treatments/wegovy/resources/frequently-asked-questions.html

2. Eli Lilly (2024) How should patients store the Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) KwikPen® during transport and travel? Retrieved from https://medical.lilly.com/uk/products/answers/how-should-patients-store-the-mounjaro-tirzepatide-kwikpen-during-transport-and-travel-217602

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Nutritionist, on 15 March 2026.

Is obesity caused by genetics?

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 12:22:52 GMT

There are many causes of obesity, but can genetics play a part? Learn how our DNA can influence our weight, and what we can do about it.

Obesity is a disease caused by excess body fat. It can impact a person's mental and physical health in many ways, and is associated with severe complications like heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers.

In 2024, it was estimated that more than one billion people globally were living with obesity.¹ Experts have called it 'a growing global public health epidemic'.²

But what's causing it? And could genetics play a part?

There are many factors involved. So many, in fact, that it's all but impossible to identify a single root cause for one person, never mind one billion people worldwide.

However, experts agree that our genetic makeup – the DNA building blocks that shape how our bodies work – has a big influence on our weight.

In this guide, we look at what causes obesity and how the genes you're born with can make it more difficult to lose weight.

What causes obesity?

There is no single cause for obesity, even on an individual level. Instead, our weight is influenced by a wide range of internal (bodily) and external (environmental) factors – only some of which we can control:

Calorie intake: on the most basic level, obesity is caused by getting more energy (calories) from food than we need. This excess energy is stored as fat.
Lifestyle factors: people who eat a poor diet and don't exercise regularly are more likely to develop obesity.³

Environmental factors: the places we live, the foods we can access and the society we interact with can all impact our weight.
Medical factors: people living with certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid), can find it harder to lose weight.
Genetic factors: the genes we inherit from our parents can influence how our bodies store fat and use energy, as well as our relationship with food.

Learn more about what causes obesity .

How our genes can make obesity more likely

Your genes are the building blocks that shape how your body works. You inherit them from your parents.

Humans have around 22,500 genes.⁴ Some contain instructions to help the body perform essential functions. Others come in different 'versions', which determine natural traits like:

Hair, eye and skin colour
Your biological sex
Some aspects of your personality
How likely you are to develop certain medical conditions

There are more than 400 genes associated with obesity.⁵ These can influence things like:

How the body stores fat
How quickly you burn calories
Your appetite
How satisfied you feel after eating
Your food preferences
Your ability to control impulses, such as snacking

It's quite rare for one gene to have a significant effect on our weight. Most of the time, obesity is polygenic, meaning it's the result of multiple genes working in tandem.

In other words, if you inherit the versions of these genes associated with obesity, you're more likely to develop the condition. And the more you inherit, the more likely it is.

That's why we call obesity a hereditary condition – it can be inherited from your parents. In fact, people are six times more likely to develop obesity in middle age if both their parents had the condition at that age.⁶

That doesn't mean genetics alone makes it six times more likely. However, it does suggest there's more at play than lifestyle and environmental factors alone.

What percent of obesity is caused by genetics?

By one estimate, genetics accounts for 'around 40% to 50% of the variability in body weight status'.⁷

In other words, when scientists study large groups of people, about half the differences in body weight can be linked to genetic differences between them.

The word 'groups' is important here. That '40% to 50%' doesn't mean that any one person's weight is 40% to 50% genetic – it's a statistic based on studies of lots of individuals.

Interestingly, though, the further you move towards the higher end of the weight spectrum, the more strongly genetic differences seem to matter. Among groups of people living with obesity or severe obesity, around 60% to 80% of the differences in body weight are linked to genetic variation.⁷

Does this mean some people are 'born with obesity'?

No.

People born with certain versions of certain genes are more likely to gain weight and have a harder time losing it. That's because genes can change the way our bodies work, as well as how we manage impulses and interact with food.

But genes are highly unlikely to be the only factor. Our lifestyles and the environments in which we live can also influence our chances of developing obesity.

Think of it as a recipe. Genetics is one major ingredient, especially in those with a higher body weight. But other ingredients, such as diet, activity, sleep, stress and our environment, also shape the final result.

There are two key things to take away here:

Obesity is never just 'your fault': with so many factors influencing obesity, from genetics to environment, a person's weight is rarely – if ever – simply a matter of personal lifestyle choices.
Genes aren't destiny: they influence our weight, but they're only one of many factors at play. With the right support, almost anyone can achieve a healthy weight and enjoy a healthier life – no matter their genetic makeup.
Semapen: healthy weight loss with expert support

Have you tried diet and exercise, but still find it hard to lose weight?

Here at Semapen, we offer expert-led weight loss programmes with tailored support built in . With help from our team of doctors, dietitians and psychologists, you can expect to:

Access the latest generation of weight loss medications or dietitian-approved meal replacements (if eligible).
Get support and feedback to help you keep your weight loss journey on track.
Learn healthy habits that you'll remember and use for life.

It's easy to get started. Simply download the Semapen app and take our self-service medical consultation. You'll find out if you're eligible straight away, and our experts will recommend the best weight loss treatments for you.

Sources

1. Phelps, N.H. et al. (2024) "Worldwide trends in underweight and obesity from 1990 to 2022: a pooled analysis of 3663 population-representative studies with 222 million children, adolescents, and adults" The Lancet , 403(10431) https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(23)02750-2

2. Balasundaram, P. & Daley, S.F. (2025) "Public Health Considerations Regarding Obesity" In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK572122/

3. McGrosky, A. et al. (2025) "Energy expenditure and obesity across the economic spectrum" Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences , 122(29) https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2420902122

4. MedlinePlus (2024) What is a gene? Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/basics/gene/

5. Harvard Medical School (2019) Why people become overweight. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/why-people-become-overweight

6. Mikkelsen, M. et al. (2025) "Tracing Obesity From Parents to Adult Offspring: The Tromsø Study 1994–2016" Journal of Obesity , 8834694 https://doi.org/10.1155/jobe/8834694

7. Bouchard, C. (2021) "Genetics of Obesity: What We Have Learned Over Decades of Research" Obesity , 29(5) https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.23116

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Nutritionist, on 14 March 2026.

How does obesity cause kidney stones?

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 07:34:29 GMT

Learn about the link between obesity and kidney stones, and whether weight loss medication can help to reduce risk.

Kidney stones are common. They are also painful.

Research shows that people living with obesity are more likely to develop kidney stones than those of a lower body weight.¹ But why?

The answer lies in how excess body fat affects metabolism, urine chemistry and overall health.

In this guide, we explain:

What kidney stones are
Their symptoms and complications
How obesity increases risk
Whether weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy can help

What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones are hard, crystal-like deposits that form inside the kidneys.

They develop when certain minerals and salts in urine become highly concentrated and stick together. Over time, these crystals can harden into stones.

There are a few different kinds. The most common are calcium oxalate stones, but there are also uric acid stones, struvite stones and the rarer cystine stones.

Stones can stay in the kidney or travel into the ureter (the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder). When they move, they can cause considerable pain.

Symptoms of kidney stones

Small stones may cause no symptoms at all. However, larger stones can lead to:

Severe pain in the lower back or side
Pain that radiates to the groin
Nausea and vomiting
Blood in urine
Frequent or painful urination
Fever, if an infection develops

The pain, often called renal colic, can come in waves and may be intense. And if an infection occurs alongside a blockage, it becomes a medical emergency.

How common are kidney stones?

Very common. Kidney stones affect around one in 10 people at some point in their lives.²

The risk is higher in men, those with a family history of kidney stones, people living with diabetes and people living with obesity.

In the last few decades, rates of kidney stones have increased.³ Rising obesity levels are believed to be part of the reason.

How does obesity increase the risk of kidney stones?

Obesity's link to kidney stones is down to the metabolic changes that occur alongside excess body fat. For example:

1. Changes in urine composition

People living with obesity are more likely to have:

Higher levels of calcium in their urine
Higher levels of oxalate
Higher levels of uric acid
Lower urine pH, meaning their urine is more acidic

These changes increase the likelihood that crystals will form.

Uric acid stones, in particular, are more common in people with obesity and insulin resistance.

2. Insulin resistance and acid levels

Obesity is strongly linked to insulin resistance.

Insulin resistance affects how the kidneys handle acid. It can lower urine pH, promoting uric acid stone formation.

This metabolic pathway helps explain why kidney stones are more common in people with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

3. Chronic low-grade inflammation

Excess body fat is metabolically active. That means it produces inflammatory chemicals that affect the whole body.

Chronic inflammation can influence kidney function and mineral balance, contributing to stone formation.

4. Dietary habits

Obesity doesn't cause kidney stones on its own. Some nutritional patterns associated with weight gain can be a factor.

Diets high in salt, processed foods, sugary drinks and animal protein can increase kidney stone risk.

Low fluid intake is another major factor. Dehydration concentrates the urine, making stone formation more likely.

Complications of kidney stones

Most small stones pass on their own.

However, complications can include recurrent stones, urinary tract infections and even long-term kidney damage from repeated blockages.

You should seek urgent medical care if you experience:

Severe, persistent pain
Fever alongside urinary symptoms
Inability to pass urine
Blood in the urine

If you have had kidney stones before, discussing prevention with a GP or specialist is advisable.

People who develop one kidney stone are at increased risk of developing another. This makes prevention important.

Can weight loss reduce the risk?

In many cases, yes.

Losing excess weight can improve:

Insulin sensitivity
Urine pH balance
Inflammation
Blood sugar control

These improvements may reduce the metabolic drivers of stone formation.

Crash dieting is not recommended. Very rapid weight loss or high-protein/low-carb crash diets may actually temporarily increase the risk of kidney stones in some people.

Gradual, medically supervised weight loss is much safer.

Can Mounjaro or Wegovy help?

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are medications designed to support weight loss by reducing appetite and improving blood sugar regulation.

In clinical trials:

Tirzepatide users lost an average of 21% of their starting body weight over 72 weeks⁴
Semaglutide users lost an average of 15% of their starting body weight over 68 weeks⁵

Significant weight reduction can improve metabolic health markers linked to kidney stone formation, including insulin resistance and inflammation.

However, it's important to note that these medications are not preventative or direct treatments for kidney stones. Through sustained weight loss and improved metabolic function, they may have indirect benefits.

If you have a history of kidney stones, it is important to discuss this with a prescribing medical professional before starting any medication.

Practical steps anyone can take to reduce kidney stone risk

While the risk may be higher for people living with obesity, kidney stones can affect anyone. Here are some prevention strategies everyone can take:

Stay well hydrated: aim for clear or pale yellow urine. Diluted urine reduces crystal formation.
Reduce excess salt: high sodium increases calcium in urine.
Eat balanced protein: extremely high animal protein intake may increase stone risk in some individuals.
Maintain a healthy weight: gradual, sustainable weight loss can reduce metabolic risk factors.
Go easy on the sugar: improving insulin sensitivity supports healthier urine chemistry.

The bigger picture

Kidney stones are unpleasant, but they are also a signal from your body – they often reflect underlying metabolic stress.

For people living with obesity, the increased risk of kidney stones is one of several health complications linked to insulin resistance and chronic inflammation.

Sustainable weight loss, whether achieved through lifestyle changes alone or with medications like Mounjaro or Wegovy, may help to reduce this risk over time.

Semapen's weight loss programmes are designed and led by UK obesity experts, including Professor David Kerrigan, former president of the British Obesity & Metabolic Specialist Society. Do you want to lose weight with structured clinical support? It's quick and easy to get started in the SemaPen app .

Sources

1. Taylor, E.N. et al. (2005) "Obesity, weight gain, and the risk of kidney stones" JAMA , 293(4) https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.293.4.455

2. National Kidney Foundation (2025) Kidney Stones. Retrieved from https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/kidney-stones

3. Romero, V. et al. (2010) "Kidney Stones: A Global Picture of Prevalence, Incidence, and Associated Risk Factors" Reviews in Urology , 12(2–3) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20811557/

4. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

5. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Nutritionist, on 28 February 2026.

Nutrition guide: what is protein and how much do I need?

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 07:39:47 GMT

Want to improve your diet? Learn what protein is, how much you need and how good nutrition supports healthy weight loss.

If you're embarking on a health and fitness journey, you're bound to come across lots of information about protein. That's because protein is really important. It's one of the three main macronutrients our bodies need to function (the other two are carbohydrates and fats).

But what exactly is protein? Why does it matter so much for health and weight loss? And how do you figure out how much you actually need?

This guide explains the basics of protein intake. It includes plenty of practical advice you can use, whether you're trying to improve your diet, build strength, lose body fat or all three.

What is protein?

Protein is a nutrient made up of building blocks called 'amino acids'.

Think of protein as a kind of construction material. Your body uses it to:

Build and repair muscle
Support your immune system
Produce hormones and enzymes
Help maintain healthy hair, skin and nails
Keep you feeling full after meals

Unlike carbohydrates and fats, your body does not store large amounts of protein. That means you need to eat it regularly, because your body uses it up quickly.

Why is protein important for weight loss?

Protein plays a key role in healthy, sustainable weight loss. Here's why.

1. It helps you feel fuller for longer

Protein slows digestion and increases feelings of fullness. This can naturally reduce the urge to snack and overeat.

For people using a weight loss medication like Wegovy (semaglutide) or Mounjaro (tirzepatide) , appetite is already reduced. This means eating enough protein becomes even more important because you'll likely eat smaller portions, and those portions still need to meet your nutritional needs.

2. It helps preserve muscle

When you lose weight, you don't just lose body fat. You can also lose muscle .

Eating adequate protein helps protect muscle mass during weight loss. This is important because muscle supports metabolism, strength and long-term health.

3. It supports steady blood sugar

Protein slows the absorption of carbohydrates, which can help reduce blood sugar spikes and crashes. Stable blood sugar can reduce energy dips and cravings.

How much protein do I need per day?

Here's where it gets technical. The amount of protein you need depends on your weight, age and activity level.

In the UK, general guidance says adults need 0.75 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day.¹

This is a simple calculation – just multiply your body weight in kilograms by 0.75. For example:

However, many experts suggest that people trying to lose weight or preserve muscle may benefit from slightly higher amounts. That often works out to around 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight per day.

This can help maintain muscle during calorie reduction.

If you are living with obesity and actively losing weight, a healthcare professional can help tailor this range to your needs.

What does 100 grams of protein look like?

It can be hard to picture protein in grams. Here are some rough examples:

�� 1 medium chicken breast = 30 grams
�� 2 eggs = 12 grams
�� 1 tin of tuna in water = 25 grams
�� 200g Greek yoghurt = 20 grams
�� 100g tofu = 12 grams
�� 1 cup cooked lentils = 18 grams

You don't need to get all your protein from one source. Ideally, you should spread it across your three daily meals, with each containing about 15 grams to 20 grams of protein.

What are the best sources of protein?

Both animal and plant-based foods can be excellent sources of protein.

Animal-based sources

Chicken and turkey
Lean beef
Fish, such as salmon, cod and tuna
Eggs
Milk, yoghurt and cheese

These are all complete proteins, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids your body cannot make on its own.

Plant-based sources

Lentils
Chickpeas
Beans
Tofu and tempeh
Quinoa
Nuts and seeds

While plant proteins can often lack one or more essential amino acids, this is easily solved by eating a variety of these sources across the day.

Is it possible to eat too much protein?

For most healthy people, eating moderately higher amounts of protein is safe.

However, extremely high protein diets are not necessary for weight loss and may not be suitable for everyone, especially for people with certain kidney conditions.

Balance is important. Protein should form part of a varied diet that also includes:

Fibre-rich carbohydrates
Healthy fats
Fruits and vegetables
Good hydration

If you're unsure about the right intake for you, speak to a healthcare professional. Semapen subscribers can get in touch with our support team via WhatsApp or the Semapen app .

Should I eat protein at every meal?

Ideally, yes. Including protein at each meal can help:

Maintain fullness
Reduce cravings
Support muscle retention

Here's an example of what a good spread of protein sources could look like in a day:

Even small additions, such as adding seeds to porridge or beans to soup, can boost your protein intake without dramatically increasing calories.

What about protein supplements?

Protein powders and shakes can be convenient, especially if your appetite is reduced.

For people taking injectable weight loss medications like Wegovy or Mounjaro, portion sizes may naturally shrink. If you're struggling to eat enough protein from food alone, a supplement may help.

However, whole foods should usually be your first priority. They provide essential fibre, vitamins and minerals alongside the protein.

Think of supplements as exactly that – supplementary. They're not a replacement for real nutrition.

Protein and medically supported weight loss

Medications such as Mounjaro and Wegovy work by slowing digestion, increasing feelings of fullness and helping regulate appetite.

Despite what some headlines say, they do not 'melt away fat'. Weight loss still happens because you eat fewer calories over time.

That makes nutrition even more important.

If appetite is reduced, every bite counts. Prioritising protein can help protect muscle, maintain energy and support long-term success.

At Semapen, our weight loss programmes are designed by dietitians and obesity experts who understand the importance of balanced nutrition alongside medication. Our subscribers have access to expert support through our app, including guidance if weight loss is too fast or too slow.

That's because we know the medication works best when combined with expert support and informed food choices.

The key takeaways

Protein is essential for muscle, immunity and overall health.
It helps you feel full and supports healthy weight loss.
Most adults need at least 0.75 grams per kilogram of body weight per day.
People who are losing weight may benefit from slightly higher protein intake.
Protein should come from a mix of whole food sources where possible.

You don't need to follow extreme diets or eliminate entire food groups. Far from it – small, consistent improvements, including adequate protein, can make a meaningful difference over time.

If you are considering medically supported weight loss, building a strong nutritional foundation is one of the most powerful steps you can take.

Are you interested in losing weight with specialist diet support? Semapen is an online weight loss clinic led by an expert team of dietitians, doctors, psychologists and nurses. Explore our weight loss treatments today to learn how our expertise can support your success.

Sources

1. British Nutrition Foundation (2023) Protein. Retrieved from https://www.nutrition.org.uk/nutritional-information/protein/

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Nutritionist, on 28 February 2026.

What are the best meal times for weight loss?

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 06:57:25 GMT

Can meal times affect weight loss? Join us as we bust some metabolism myths and explain why sustainable eating patterns matter.

You may have heard that eating after 6 pm causes weight gain. Or perhaps you've read that skipping breakfast boosts fat burning. Or maybe someone once told you that you need to eat every three hours to keep your metabolism active.

There's a lot of noise around meal timing to support weight loss. So, what's the truth?

The short answer? The best meal schedule is one you can follow consistently while maintaining a calorie deficit and balanced nutrition.

Now for the longer answer. Let's look at what the science actually says.

Does meal timing matter for weight loss?

Weight loss ultimately happens when you consume fewer calories than your body uses over time. That principle does not change based on the clock.

However, meal timing can influence other factors, such as:

Hunger levels
Energy stability
Food choices
Blood sugar control
Difficulty sticking to a diet routine

So, while timing doesn't override calories, it could affect how easy or difficult weight loss feels for you.

Is breakfast important?

Everyone has heard at some point that breakfast is 'the most important meal of the day'.

The evidence is mixed. Some people who eat a high-protein breakfast report reduced hunger later in the day, fewer cravings and better portion control at dinner time. Others feel naturally less hungry in the morning and prefer to eat later.

There's no universal rule that everyone must eat breakfast to lose weight.

The key question is this: does eating breakfast help you manage your own hunger and avoid overeating later?

If yes, keep it. If not, forcing it may not be necessary.

What about intermittent fasting?

Intermittent fasting is when you deliberately refrain from eating for a certain amount of time. For example, one popular method sees you restrict eating to within an eight-hour daily window.

Intermittent fasting has become quite popular in recent years, and research suggests it can support weight loss. However, that's mainly because it reduces overall calorie intake, not because fasting itself has any special metabolic effect.

For some people, time-restricted eating helps simplify decisions and reduce snacking. For others, it can lead to overeating during the eating window, low energy and difficulty sustaining the routine.

If you are using medications such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide) or Wegovy (semaglutide) , appetite is already reduced. Strict fasting shouldn't be necessary. In fact, it could make it harder to meet your nutrient needs.

Consistency is what matters, not intensity.

Is eating late at night bad?

Late-night eating is often blamed for weight gain. However, the real issue is usually not the time itself, but what and how much is being eaten.

Evening eating can become a problem when it routinely involves high-calorie snacks, eating out of boredom, and alcohol.

Your metabolism doesn't switch off at 7 pm. But if regular midnight snacks are pushing you into a calorie surplus, it will affect your weight.

If cutting down on evening snacking is a challenge, try eating more balanced meals earlier in the day. Be sure to include a good protein source, and have some healthy, structured snacks available if needed.

Should you eat small, frequent meals?

The idea that eating every two to three hours boosts metabolism is a myth. Your total calorie intake over 24 hours matters more than how often you eat.

Some people prefer three substantial meals per day, while others favour three smaller meals plus one or two planned snacks in between.

Neither approach is inherently better – it's all subjective. The best pattern is the one that helps you:

Avoid extreme hunger
Maintain stable energy throughout the day
Keep portion sizes under control
Stick with the plan long term

What about blood sugar?

Yes, meal timing can influence blood sugar regulation.

Eating balanced meals consisting of protein, fibre and healthy fats helps to slow digestion and prevent sharp spikes.

For people living with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes, spacing meals evenly and avoiding large late-night carbohydrate loads may support better control.

Medications like tirzepatide and semaglutide help regulate blood sugar and slow digestion, which may naturally stabilise hunger patterns across the day.

What's the best meal timing if you're using Mounjaro or Wegovy?

If you're prescribed a weight loss injection like Wegovy or Mounjaro, you may experience a significantly reduced appetite. Eating large meals can feel uncomfortable, and you may feel nausea or indigestion if you overeat.

Many people find it helpful to eat smaller portions and prioritise protein early in the day. It's also a good idea to avoid heavy, high-fat meals and to eat slowly.

Because these medications slow digestion, eating past fullness can increase side effects. That means listening to your body's fullness signals is more important than the timing of your meals.

What does the research show overall?

There is no single 'best' eating schedule for everyone. Research consistently shows that:

Calorie balance drives weight loss
Higher protein intake supports fullness
Fibre improves satiety and digestion
Consistency is key to success

Structured patterns often work better than unplanned, unstructured eating.

A practical approach

If you want a simple starting point, consider incorporating the following into your routine:

Eat within a 10-hour to 12-hour daytime window, if it feels natural.
Include a good protein source, such as lean meat, fish, or tofu, at each meal.
Eat plenty of fibre to boost the sense of fullness and aid digestion.
Avoid skipping meals if it leads to binge eating later.
Reduce unplanned evening snacking.
Stop eating as soon as you feel comfortably satisfied.

Extreme fasting or denying yourself food after sunset isn't necessary. Just aim to give yourself some structure you can maintain.

The bigger picture

Weight loss is influenced by many factors, including appetite, hormones, sleep quality, stress levels, environment and access to support.

Medications such as Mounjaro and Wegovy work by reducing hunger and increasing fullness, making calorie control more achievable.

In clinical trials:

Tirzepatide users lost an average of 21% of their starting body weight over 72 weeks¹
Semaglutide users lost an average of 15% of their starting body weight over 68 weeks²

However, those results occurred alongside lifestyle changes and ongoing medical support – not through strict meal timing alone.

The best meal times are those that prevent extreme hunger, fit your daily routine, support portion control and feel sustainable in the long term.

For most people, this means structured, balanced meals, spaced consistently throughout the day. If you can find a routine that works for you, there's no need to follow strict rules.

Are you looking for expert support for your weight loss journey? With the Semapen weight loss app , you get access to tailored advice and a host of useful tools to help you achieve your goals. Learn more about our weight loss programmes .

Sources

1. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

2. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Nutritionist, on 28 February 2026.

Emotional eating: what it is, what causes it and how to curb it

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 11:07:58 GMT

Do you ever eat because of an emotion, rather than physical hunger? That's emotional eating. Learn more about this common eating habit.

We all deal with emotions in different ways. For some of us, raiding the snack cupboard – to cope with stress, perhaps, or boredom – is a hard habit to shake.

Habits like this might be a sign of what many experts call 'emotional eating'. In other words, eating to satisfy our emotions, not our physical hunger.

Let's learn a little more about emotional eating: what it is, what causes it and what steps you can take to stop it.

What is emotional eating?

The simplest definition of emotional eating is 'eating because of a feeling, not because of real hunger'.

That feeling could be stress, anger, anxiety, sadness or even boredom. Some people emotionally eat in response to happy emotions, too, such as happiness, excitement and love.

The key thing is that we're not emotionally eating because we're hungry. Our bodies aren't telling us we need energy from food. We're eating the food because it makes us feel good, often because it helps soothe negative emotions or bolster positive ones.

Studies have linked emotional eating to weight gain,¹ an increase in BMI (body fat percentage)² and poorer weight loss outcomes.³ It has also been associated with depression.²

What causes emotional eating?

It's different for everyone.

For some, emotional eating is only triggered occasionally – for instance, by stressful life events like bereavements, divorce or losing a job. Or by positive events, such as receiving good news or winning a promotion at work.

For others, emotional eating can become a habit and a coping mechanism. This habitual emotional eating can be particularly problematic, as it can quickly become a vicious cycle.

When is emotional eating a problem?

It's not unusual for people to use food as a reward or as a source of comfort when things go wrong. However, emotional eating can be a problem when:

We eat more calories than we need, which can lead to weight gain.
We rely on eating to distract us from difficult emotions or problems in our lives, rather than dealing with those emotions or problems directly.
We enter into a vicious cycle of eating, feeling guilty about eating, and then eating more as a way to cope with that guilt.

The emotional eating cycle

When we let emotions guide our eating, it can quickly become a habit – and that habit can become a cycle. In other words, emotional eating stirs up negative emotions and triggers more emotional eating as a way to cope with those emotions.

The cycle usually looks something like this:

We feel an emotion, such as boredom, sadness or anxiety.
The emotion triggers the desire to eat.
We eat, and we feel better for a little while.
We start to feel guilt or shame about emotional eating.
These feelings make us eat more.

This kind of cycle is problematic because it makes it more likely we'll eat more than we need. If we don't break the cycle, it can cause weight gain and lead to weight-related health problems.

Emotional eating vs binge eating

It's important to note that emotional eating isn't a diagnosis. There's no disorder called 'emotional eating'. Rather, it's a useful way for dietitians, psychologists and other professionals to classify and talk about certain patterns of behaviour.

This is different from binge eating. Binge eating is a recognised eating disorder in the UK. The NHS describes it as a 'serious mental health condition', which involves 'regularly eating a lot of food over a short period of time until you're uncomfortably full'.⁴

Here's a quick look at the differences.

But while they're different things, emotional eating and binge eating disorder are sometimes linked.

In one 2009 study, people who reported more emotional eating also showed more frequent and more severe binge-eating symptoms.⁵ This suggests that eating in response to negative emotions is closely linked to episodes of binge eating.

How to curb emotional eating

There's no one way to curb emotional eating. What works well for one person won't work for everyone.

That said, there are a few techniques you can try that have worked for others. Most of these techniques focus on recognising the differences between physical hunger and emotional hunger .

This isn't always quick or simple – it often takes time and patience to get it right. In essence, you need to train your brain to spot emotional hunger when it strikes and respond appropriately .

Techniques include:

Pausing and reflecting: before you eat, get into the habit of asking yourself why. Are you eating because you're hungry, or are you eating because you're feeling a certain way, or want to feel a certain way?
Mindful eating: this takes the 'pausing and reflecting' method a few steps further. It involves using techniques from meditation to help build a more positive relationship with food.
Redirection: think about what other activities make you feel happy or bring you comfort, aside from food. Make a list. Now, next time you feel an emotional eating trigger, try to engage in one of those activities instead.

Don't be too hard on yourself

Remember: while emotional eating can be a negative habit, eating because of emotions isn't always a bad thing.

If you've identified an issue with your behaviour, you should be proud that you're looking for a way to change that and improve your health. But don't beat yourself up for treating yourself to a takeaway or chocolate bar every now and then.

The important thing is that treats like these still feel like treats – you enjoy them from time to time, in moderation. As long as you don't let them become a habit or a coping mechanism, they can be part of a successful weight loss journey.

Semapen's expert-led weight loss programmes harness the latest, clinically proven treatments alongside tailored specialist support. You can download the Semapen app today and complete our simple digital consultation to find out instantly if you're eligible.

Sources

1. Koenders, P.G. & van Strien, T. (2011) "Emotional Eating, Rather Than Lifestyle Behavior, Drives Weight Gain in a Prospective Study in 1562 Employees" Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine , 53(11) https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0b013e31823078a2

2. Hanna, K. et al. (2010) "Emotional eating and physical activity self-efficacy as pathways in the association between depressive symptoms and adiposity indicators" The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition , 92(5) https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.2010.29732

3. Canetti, L. et al. (2008) "Psychosocial predictors of weight loss and psychological adjustment following bariatric surgery and a weight-loss program: The mediating role of emotional eating" International Journal of Eating Disorders , 42(2)
https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.20592

4. NHS (2023) Overview - Binge eating disorder. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/binge-eating/overview/

5. Ricca, V. et al. (2009) "Correlations between binge eating and emotional eating in a sample of overweight subjects" Appetite , 53(3) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2009.07.008

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Nutritionist, on 28 February 2026.

Prescribing Wegovy: what doctors take into account

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 06:58:17 GMT

Doctors look at several things when prescribing Wegovy. Find out what questions you'll be asked – and why.

Wegovy is a prescription-only weight loss medication. That means you must have a consultation and get a prescription from an authorised medical professional before you can begin treatment.

This is for your own safety. It means doctors can make sure that it's safe and appropriate for you to take the drug.

If you're new to Wegovy, you may wonder what kinds of questions doctors ask and whether you're likely to be approved.

That's what this guide is for. We break down the key Wegovy prescribing criteria so you know what to expect before you have your consultation.

But first, a quick refresher on Wegovy and what it does.

What is Wegovy and how does it support weight loss?

Wegovy is a weight loss injection for people living with obesity. Taken once weekly over 52 weeks, it's clinically proven to reduce body weight by 15% on average .¹

The active ingredient (semaglutide) works in a few different ways:

It helps you feel full more quickly
It helps you feel full for longer
It stabilises blood sugar, which helps reduce snack cravings

This is a triple bullseye for weight loss, because these are some of the most common ways people struggle with traditional diets.

Why do you need a prescription for Wegovy?

In the UK, many drugs are only accessible through a prescription from a qualified medical professional. There are two main reasons for this:

It prevents people from taking medications they don't need.
It helps keep people safe when they do take it.

Prescription-only drugs (POMs) are regulated by the MHRA. This is the UK's main regulator for medications and healthcare products. The MHRA makes sure that drugs are available in the right dosages to the right people, and that the controls are based on medical studies. It also monitors side effects via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

What is Wegovy licensed for?

Wegovy has a specific licensed use in the UK. It is only approved for the treatment of obesity.

There's another medication called 'Ozempic', which contains the same active ingredient as Wegovy (semaglutide). However, Ozempic is licensed for type 2 diabetes, not weight loss.

The licenses differ because the clinical trials, dosages and regulatory approvals were tailored to each intended use:

Wegovy: higher doses studied and approved for weight loss
Ozempic: lower doses studied and approved for type 2 diabetes

What do doctors consider when prescribing Wegovy?

Your Wegovy weight loss journey starts with a medical consultation. This could be face-to-face with a doctor or online.

When you join SemaPen, you take a self-service questionnaire through the SemaPen smartphone app . You can do this in your own time, and it covers all the same ground as a traditional face-to-face consultation.

But what sorts of things will you be asked about? This isn't an exhaustive list, but we'll cover some of the most important questions and why we ask them.

Your weight and height

We ask about your weight and height because we use this to calculate your body mass index (BMI). Your BMI is an estimate of whether you're at a healthy weight.

As per MHRA prescribing criteria, Wegovy should only be prescribed to adults who are living with obesity. That means those with a BMI of 30 or greater .

A couple of quick notes:

This 30+ BMI cutoff is lower for those from certain ethnic backgrounds or those with certain weight-related health conditions – more on that later.
The NHS uses different criteria. To access Wegovy on the NHS, you must have a BMI of at least 35 and a weight-related health condition.²

You can check your BMI using the BMI calculator on the SemaPen homepage.

Your ethnic background

We ask about your ethnic background because people from certain backgrounds are more at risk of obesity-related health concerns.

If you're from one of these ethnic backgrounds, you may be eligible for a private Wegovy prescription at a BMI of 27.5 or greater .

Your assigned sex at birth

Biological sex can affect how your body responds to medication and treatment. We ask about it because it helps us make the best clinical decisions for your safety and care.

Your medical history and current health conditions

We ask about your medical history and current conditions for three reasons:

Having certain medical conditions might make it less safe for you to take Wegovy. For instance, while the risk is thought to be very low, pancreatitis is listed as a possible side effect of the medication.³ Out of an abundance of caution, we don't prescribe Wegovy to anyone who has had pancreatitis.
People with certain weight-related health conditions can access Wegovy at a lower BMI. This is to make sure that the people who could most benefit from the drug can access it. If you have one of these weight-related health conditions, you may be able to access Wegovy at a BMI of 27 or greater.
Knowing your health helps us provide better clinical support. With SemaPen, you get expert support through every step of your weight loss journey. Having a full picture of your health means we can provide truly tailored care and advice.

What medications you're taking

We ask about medications you're taking right now. This is so we can be sure it's safe for you to take Wegovy alongside them, and so we can provide the proper clinical supervision.

That's because Wegovy interacts with certain other medications . Taking them together could result in unpleasant or even dangerous side effects.

These medications include:

Insulin medications
Sulphonylureas (such as gliclazide and glipizide)
DDP4 inhibitors
Other weight loss and diabetes medications that work similarly to Wegovy

It doesn't necessarily mean you can't use Wegovy if you're taking a medication that interacts with it. However, you might have to adjust your dose or switch to a safer alternative.

Ready to find out if you're eligible?

With SemaPen, it's quick and easy to find out if you're eligible to start treatment with Wegovy. All you have to do is download the SemaPen app to your smartphone and take our simple, self-service consultation.

Our weight loss experts will review your answers and recommend the best treatment option for you. That might be a weight loss injection, such as Wegovy or Mounjaro , or our drug-free SemaHealth diet programme .

Along the way, you'll get expert, tailored advice to help you stay healthy and achieve your weight loss goals. You'll also enjoy a host of weight loss tools through the SemaPen app, including:

A comprehensive health dashboard with weight tracking and more.
A set of smart scales that link directly to the app.
The SemaPen Academy – a complete health and nutrition course that teaches you good lifelong habits.
Customer support chats through the app, plus access to clinical support by email whenever you need it.

Want to find out if you can take Wegovy? When you take your digital consultation in the SemaPen app , we'll let you know right away if you're eligible for a prescription.

Sources

1. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

2. Department of Health and Social Care (2023) Accessing Wegovy for weight loss: Everything you need to know [blog post]. Retrieved from https://healthmedia.blog.gov.uk/2023/09/04/accessing-wegovy-for-weight-loss-everything-you-need-to-know/

3. novoMEDLINK (n.d.) Efficacy & Safety. Retrieved from https://www.novomedlink.com/obesity/products/treatments/wegovy/efficacy-safety/safety-profile.html

This article was reviewed and approved by Sarah Abdula, Specialist Dietitian, on 3 February 2026.

Mounjaro for metabolic syndrome: can it help manage MetS?

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 18:39:05 GMT

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that can lead to complications like type 2 diabetes. Could Mounjaro help treat it? Let's find out.

If you're familiar with Mounjaro, you probably know all about its weight loss effects. When taken as part of a specialist support programme, this injectable medication yields an average weight loss of around 21%.¹

However, weight loss might only be the start. Researchers are also studying Mounjaro as a possible treatment for all sorts of conditions – including metabolic syndrome (MetS).

But what is metabolic syndrome, exactly? And what does the data show about Mounjaro's potential as a treatment?

Let's dig into the facts.

What is metabolic syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome isn't a single medical condition. It's a cluster of conditions that, together, increase the risk of developing serious health issues like type 2 diabetes and heart problems.

These conditions are:

Abdominal obesity: having excess fat around the waist (a 'beer belly').
High fasting blood sugar: also known as 'hyperglycaemia', this is when a person has higher-than-normal levels of glucose in their blood. It's linked to insulin resistance, which is when the body stops responding well to insulin – a key hormone for blood sugar management.
High blood pressure, or 'hypertension' – when the pressure in the arteries is too high, and the heart has to work harder to pump blood.
High triglycerides: triglycerides are a type of fat stored in the blood. They're our main source of stored energy from food, but having too much can lead to health problems like heart disease and pancreatitis.
Low HDL cholesterol: you might have heard this referred to as 'good cholesterol'. It helps the body 'clean up' excess cholesterol from arteries and tissue s.

Doctors look for three or more of these conditions when diagnosing metabolic syndrome. However, having even one can put you at greater risk.

Metabolic syndrome is very common. It's estimated to affect around one in four adults in the UK.²

What causes metabolic syndrome?

We don't know exactly what causes metabolic syndrome.³ It's likely a mix of:

Lifestyle factors (such as diet and activity levels)
Genetic factors (being born with a tendency to develop metabolic syndrome)
Environmental factors (the places we live and the food we have access to, among other things)

However, we do know that certain things increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome. These are called 'risk factors', and include:

Living with obesity (having a BMI of 30 or more)
Low levels of physical activity
Eating a diet high in saturated fat
Smoking
Drinking lots of alcohol
Age (you're more likely to develop the syndrome as you get older)

People of certain ethnic backgrounds are more at risk of developing metabolic syndrome, too. That includes people from South Asian and Hispanic backgrounds.

Symptoms of metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome often has no obvious symptoms. You might not know you have it until you visit your GP for a checkup.

Your doctor will look for signs of the conditions that make up MetS, including high blood pressure, high triglycerides and abdominal obesity.

You might also notice physical symptoms – though this is far from guaranteed. Physical symptoms, if they do occur, can include:

Feeling tired
Feeling thirstier than usual
Having blurred vision

If you notice any of these symptoms or think you might have metabolic syndrome, book an appointment with your doctor. They can run tests and recommend the best course of treatment for you.

How is metabolic syndrome treated?

Losing weight is one of the most effective ways to treat metabolic syndrome.

Doctors often recommend lifestyle changes to help with weight loss and improve cholesterol levels. These changes usually involve improving your diet and increasing physical activity.

Sometimes, doctors also prescribe medication to manage some of the risk factors of metabolic syndrome. These can include:

ACE inhibitors (for blood pressure)
Statins (for cholesterol)
Weight loss injections , such as Mounjaro (for weight management and blood sugar control)

How might Mounjaro help treat metabolic syndrome?

Mounjaro can certainly benefit metabolic syndrome by aiding weight loss.

Right now, Mounjaro is the most effective weight loss medication available in the UK. Taken once weekly alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise, it leads to an average weight loss of 21%.¹

We also know that Mounjaro can help manage blood sugar levels . In fact, Mounjaro was first developed as a blood sugar medication for people living with type 2 diabetes.

In its phase 3 diabetes trial, Mounjaro 'showed robust improvements in [blood sugar] control… without increased risk of [low blood sugar]'.⁴

Results like these show that Mounjaro is effective at treating some of the conditions that make up metabolic syndrome . But we can dig deeper – because researchers have also looked at Mounjaro's effects on metabolic syndrome as a whole .

Let's take a quick look at a couple of these studies.

Study one: Mounjaro leads to 'significantly greater' reductions in metabolic syndrome

This study was a post-hoc analysis of the results from Mounjaro's main type 2 diabetes trials. In other words, researchers looked back at the trial data to try to learn something new.

Specifically, they were looking for evidence that Mounjaro might have reduced the number of patients who showed signs of MetS.

They found that treatment with Mounjaro led to 'significantly greater' reductions in patients who met the criteria for metabolic syndrome compared to other treatments. That included semaglutide (Wegovy), as well as two common insulin treatments.⁵

Study two: Mounjaro reduces the odds of metabolic syndrome by 72%

This study was a meta-analysis – it looked at data from several trials to draw new conclusions.

The researchers wanted to see whether Mounjaro reduced a variety of risk factors related to metabolic syndrome. By studying the trial data, they found that Mounjaro:⁶

Reduced the odds of low HDL ('good') cholesterol by 34%
Reduced the odds of elevated BMI (obesity) by 96%
Reduced the odds of metabolic syndrome as a whole by 72%

Can I get a Mounjaro prescription for metabolic syndrome?

These results suggest that Mounjaro is an effective treatment for metabolic syndrome. They don't tell us why – only that it benefits several risk factors and that people taking Mounjaro are less likely to show signs of MetS.

Weight loss is likely the biggest contributor to these improvements. But there might be other factors at play, too.

It's important to keep in mind that these were retrospective studies. They looked at data from other studies that weren't specifically designed to test Mounjaro's effects on metabolic syndrome.

That's one reason why Mounjaro isn't currently licensed in the UK as a treatment for MetS. That means you can't get a prescription for Mounjaro specifically to treat metabolic syndrome .

However, if you're living with obesity, you are eligible to get Mounjaro on private prescription as a weight loss treatment. And, as we've seen, weight loss is one of the most effective ways to treat MetS.

For most people, that means having a BMI of 30 or more. However, the BMI cutoff is reduced to 27.5 or more for those with certain obesity-related health conditions. That includes high blood pressure – one of the main warning signs for metabolic syndrome.

Get expert, wraparound support with SemaPen

Are you considering losing weight with Mounjaro? SemaPen's Mounjaro programme is led by UK obesity experts and includes specialist support to help you lose weight safely and learn healthy lifelong habits.

And it's easy to find out if you're eligible. When you download the SemaPen app and take our digital consultation, we'll let you know right away whether Mounjaro is right for you. If not, we'll recommend other treatment options that can help you achieve your weight loss goals.

Sources

1. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine, 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

2. Heart UK (n.d.) Metabolic syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.heartuk.org.uk/genetic-conditions/metabolic-syndrome

3. NHS (2023) Metabolic syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/metabolic-syndrome/

4. Rosenstock, J. et al. (2021) "Efficacy and safety of a novel dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist tirzepatide in patients with type 2 diabetes (SURPASS-1): a double-blind, randomised, phase 3 trial" The Lancet , 398(10295) https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(21)01324-6

5. Nicholls, S.J. et al. (2024) "Reduction of prevalence of patients meeting the criteria for metabolic syndrome with tirzepatide: a post hoc analysis from the SURPASS Clinical Trial Program" Cardiovascular Diabetology , 23(1) https://doi.org/10.1186/s12933-024-02147-9

6. Aminorroaya, A. et al. (2025) "Effects of Tirzepatide in Type 2 Diabetes: Individual Variation and Relationship to Cardiometabolic Outcomes" JACC , 85(19) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2025.03.516

This article was reviewed and approved by Sarah Abdula, Specialist Dietitian, on 28 January 2026.

Itchy skin on Wegovy? What it means and what to do

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:42:02 GMT

Have you noticed itchiness when taking Wegovy (semaglutide)? Learn what's normal and when to be concerned.

It's quite typical for people taking Wegovy (semaglutide) to experience side effects – especially when starting treatment or changing their dose. Among the most common are nausea, constipation and upset stomach.¹

But there are less talked-about side effects, too – including injection site reactions.² In other words, you might experience swelling, sensitivity or itchiness of the skin around the place where you injected Wegovy. You may even notice small red bumps or an itchy rash.

In the vast majority of cases, these reactions are mild and should settle down after a couple of weeks. However, on very rare occasions, Wegovy can cause serious allergic reactions. If you suspect an allergic reaction, stop using Wegovy and seek medical advice straight away .

Why am I itchy after injecting Wegovy?

Skin is the first line of defence for your body, protecting you from the outside world. While medically safe, injecting a needle into your skin can send a signal that it needs to bolster its defensive barriers.

When this happens, immune cells gather around the site. This can cause a small firm lump and itchiness. It's a normal immune response and should get better by itself after a few days.

When it could be more than typical Wegovy itchy skin

If the pain is localised (only around the immediate injection area) and persists for several days, talk to your health provider or pharmacist. They can determine whether an antihistamine or other treatment is required.

If the injection site gets more painful or the skin becomes inflamed, scabs or leaks pus, this could be a sign of infection. Ask a medical professional to take a look as soon as possible.

Allergic reactions

Most people who experience itching around injection sites when taking Wegovy are experiencing typical bodily reactions to the injection. However, in rare cases, it could be a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

Always seek medical advice if you are unsure about any itching sensations, swelling or hotness. Stop taking the medication and seek medical help immediately if you think it's an allergic reaction to Wegovy. This may include any of the following symptoms:

Severe itching or a severe rash
A red patch that tracks along the skin
Peeling or blistering skin (with or without a fever)
A swollen face, lips, tongue, mouth or throat
Difficulty breathing, talking or swallowing
A very rapid heartbeat
A tight chest
Wheezing
Feeling dizzy or fainting

On rare occasions, Wegovy can cause a skin sensitivity reaction that feels like burning or tingling. This is called "dysesthesia" and affected 2% of users in Wegovy clinical trials.³ If this happens, contact your health provider for advice.

Follow instructions to minimise the risk of infection

It's important to follow directions carefully when taking Wegovy. This will help minimise the risk of injection site reactions and infections.

You'll receive full injection instructions with your Wegovy pen. We've also created this video to help you take Wegovy with confidence.

Are you taking Wegovy and thinking about switching to a different supplier? With SemaPen, you get access to tailored, expert advice throughout your weight loss journey. It's easy to find out if you're eligible by downloading the SemaPen app .

Sources

1. Wegovy.com (n.d.) What you might expect with Wegovy®. Retrieved from https://www.wegovy.com/obesity/is-wegovy-right-for-me/safety-side-effects.html

2. Novo Nordisk (2026) wegovy® FlexTouch® [patient information leaflet]. Retrieved from https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.13800.pdf

3. novoMEDLINK (n.d.) Efficacy & Safety. Retrieved from https://www.novomedlink.com/obesity/products/treatments/wegovy/efficacy-safety/safety-profile.html

This article was reviewed and approved by Sarah Abdula, Specialist Dietitian, on 3 February 2026.

How does obesity cause hypertension?

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 14:22:32 GMT

There's a strong link between obesity and hypertension (high blood pressure). But what causes it? And what can you do to lower your risk?

You might know that living with obesity can put you at a greater risk of hypertension (high blood pressure). In turn, this can increase the risk of serious complications like heart attack, stroke and kidney disease.

But what causes this link, exactly? And can losing weight help?

In this guide, we explain the key facts about obesity and hypertension, including:

What hypertension is
How obesity causes hypertension
What you can do to improve your blood pressure
How SemaPen's weight loss programmes can help

What is hypertension?

Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. This is when the force of the blood pushing against your artery walls is too high, so your heart has to work harder to pump blood.

Think of it like this. Your heart works like a pump, pushing blood through a network of flexible tubes – your arteries – that are designed to stretch a little.

Blood pressure is a measure of how hard the blood is pushing on those artery walls. Normal pressure means the blood is running smoothly. High pressure means blood pushes too forcefully, putting strain on the arteries.

If your blood pressure stays too high for too long, your arteries can become stiffer and less elastic. Other organs also suffer from the added pressure. Combined, these problems increase your risk of heart attacks, strokes and organ failure.

Hypertension is very common – particularly in older people. However, it can be tricky to spot.

What are the symptoms of hypertension?

The danger of hypertension is that it often has few or no symptoms. Some people go for years without realising they have it.

It can show up as headaches, blurred vision or chest pain. The majority of people, however, find out through routine check-ups or medical screenings. Some UK pharmacies offer free blood pressure checks for people over 40.

What increases your risk of hypertension?

Being overweight or living with obesity is a major risk factor for hypertension.

A 2001 study found that a 5% weight gain among participants led to a 20% to 30% increase in the odds of hypertension.¹ Another, from 2020, suggested obesity was responsible for up to 78% cases of primary hypertension (when the condition has no single identifiable cause).²

Other risk factors include:³

Age – you're more likely to develop hypertension as you get older
Having a family history of hypertension
Coming from a South Asian, Black African or Black Caribbean background
Eating a high-salt diet (or an unhealthy diet, generally)
Drinking too much alcohol
Smoking
Prolonged stress

How does obesity cause hypertension?

As we've learned, hypertension means your blood pressure is too high.

Obesity raises blood pressure because excess body fat – especially around the abdomen – changes how the heart, blood vessels, kidneys and hormones work. These changes make the body hold onto more fluid, tighten blood vessels and force the heart to work harder.

Let's look at some of these changes in a little more detail.

More body tissue makes the heart work harder

Increasing body mass increases the need for nutrients and oxygen. To meet the demand, your heart has to circulate more blood and pump harder, both of which increase blood pressure.

Blood vessels get strained

Obesity is linked to chronic low-level inflammation – another thing that isn't easy to spot. Over time, vessels might get stiffer and less flexible, which can increase resistance against blood as it circulates.

Sleep apnoea puts strain on arteries, too

Sleep apnea is a common side effect of obesity. In simple terms, this means a person isn't breathing properly during sleep, which restricts how much oxygen they take in. To counter this, the body must push itself harder during the night to provide the right amount of oxygen to organs and cells.

Kidneys become less effective

The kidneys are responsible for excreting sodium (salt), but they become less effective when a person is carrying excess weight. As a result, the body retains more water, which ends up as fluid in the bloodstream. More blood volume equals higher pressure.

How can I improve my blood pressure?

Being diagnosed with hypertension doesn't mean you're stuck with high blood pressure for life. By making positive lifestyle changes and sticking to them, it's possible to reverse the condition and manage it effectively.

These include:

Losing weight: if you're overweight or living with obesity, your doctor will likely recommend losing weight through diet and exercise. That's because losing weight is one of the single most effective ways to improve blood pressure. In one study, people who lost weight saw their blood pressure fall by roughly the same amount you'd expect from starting a blood-pressure medication.⁴
Drinking less alcohol: alcohol is packed full of empty calories, which can get in the way of your weight loss. It also causes inflammation, which will worsen hypertension.
Managing stress: stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol cause heart rate spikes, which increase blood pressure. Plus, when we're stressed, we're more likely to use negative coping strategies that are also bad for blood pressure, such as drinking, smoking and overeating.

Blood pressure and weight loss medications

Your doctor might also prescribe medication to help manage your blood pressure. That could include antihypertensives like ramipril, atenolol or amlodipine. These work by causing blood vessels to relax.

Weight loss medications, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, are another option. These work by mimicking natural hormones involved in hunger and digestion. By making weight loss simpler, these drugs can help you address one of the main root causes of hypertension.

And they're clinically proven to be highly effective. In clinical trials:

People taking Wegovy for 68 weeks lost an average of 15% of their starting weight⁵
People taking Mounjaro for 72 weeks lost an average of 21% of their starting weight⁶

SemaPen: weight loss programmes with expert support built in

Are you worried about hypertension and want medical support to lose weight?

Welcome to SemaPen. We're a trusted UK weight loss clinic that combines cutting-edge obesity treatments with a wraparound programme of tailored, expert support.

When you join our community, our specialists will recommend the best weight loss treatments for you. That could be a weight loss medication, such as Wegovy or Mounjaro . Or it might be our SemaHealth programme – a drug-free option that swaps daily meals for tasty, nutritionally complete soups and shakes.

Along the way, you'll enjoy easy access to our weight loss experts. Plus, you'll unlock a wide range of tools to help you achieve your goals and learn healthy habits. That includes:

The SemaPen app: an all-in-one daily weight loss manager
Smart scales , so you can track your weight in the app
The SemaPen Academy: a unique learning tool packed with diet and lifestyle tips
A 10-month online fitness programme from Sword Health

Ready to take the next step on your weight loss journey? You can get started today by downloading the SemaPen app and taking our simple digital consultation.

Sources

1. Vasan, R.S. et al. (2001) "Assessment of frequency of progression to hypertension in non-hypertensive participants in the Framingham Heart Study: a cohort study" The Lancet , 358(9294) https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(01)06710-1

2. Shariq, O.A. & McKenzie, T.J. (2020) "Obesity-related hypertension: a review of pathophysiology, management, and the role of metabolic surgery" Gland Surgery , 9(1) https://doi.org/10.21037/gs.2019.12.03

3. NHS (2024) High blood pressure. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-blood-pressure/

4. Yang, S. et al. (2023) "Effect of weight loss on blood pressure changes in overweight patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis" The Journal of Clinical Hypertension , 25(5) https://doi.org/10.1111/jch.14661

5. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

6. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

This article was reviewed and approved by Sarah Abdula, Specialist Dietitian, on 3 February 2026.

What can I eat on Mounjaro?

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 12:44:11 GMT

Mounjaro can be a big helping hand for weight loss – but that doesn't mean you can eat anything and still lose weight. Learn what dietitians recommend.

Have you started taking Mounjaro to lose weight? Are you considering it?

Congratulations. With the right support, this could be the start of a life-changing weight loss journey. On average, people who take Mounjaro for 52 weeks lose 21% of their starting body weight.¹

That means if you weigh 20 stone (127kg) when your treatment begins, you could expect to weigh around 16 stone (100kg) in a year's time.

But that journey isn't always easy. Losing weight on Mounjaro requires hard work – including making changes to your diet.

There's a lot of confusing information out there about what you can and can't eat on Mounjaro. In this quick guide, we'll keep it simple.

Key facts

Mounjaro isn't a miracle drug – to lose weight safely and effectively, you still need to make changes to your diet and lifestyle.
Mounjaro works by slowing digestion and controlling appetite, which makes losing weight feel simpler for most people.
To lose weight safely and effectively on Mounjaro, you should eat a healthy, balanced diet made up of all the key food groups.

Can I eat anything I want on Mounjaro?

No.

This is one of the biggest myths about Mounjaro – that you can eat anything you want and still see the pounds drop off.

But Mounjaro doesn't work that way. It makes losing weight easier for most people, but it doesn't change the underlying mechanisms that lead to weight gain and weight loss.

See, Mounjaro works by mimicking natural hormones in the body involved in digestion and appetite. By mimicking these hormones, Mounjaro can help you:

Feel full for longer by slowing digestion
Have less of an appetite by reducing 'hunger signals' to the brain
Better control snack cravings by controlling blood sugar levels

That's a big help, especially if you're prone to snacking or find it difficult to control portion sizes. But to lose weight, you still need to maintain a calorie deficit. In other words, you must burn more calories through daily activities than you eat through food.

That's why the advice for what to eat on Mounjaro is the same for any weight loss diet. You should aim to eat a balanced range of foods from all the key food groups. And most people should reduce their calorie intake, too – as a rule of thumb, the NHS recommends cutting 500 calories per day.²

Learn more about planning a calorie deficit .

What should I eat on Mounjaro?

The key thing is to eat a healthy, balanced diet while sticking to your daily calorie deficit. This means eating the right amounts of foods from the five key food groups.

The NHS Eatwell Guide recommends a diet made up of:³

Five portions of fruits and vegetables each day. These can be fresh, tinned, frozen, dried or juiced.
About ⅓ starchy foods , such as potatoes, bread, rice and pasta. These foods are good energy sources.
About ⅐ proteins , which help prevent muscle loss while losing weight. Try to eat lean cuts of meat and aim for at least two portions of fish each week.
About ⅒ dairy products , such as eggs, low-fat milk and low-sugar yoghurt. These contain calcium, which is good for bone health.
A small amount of healthy, unsaturated fats .

You should aim to limit foods that are high in fat, salt or sugar . That includes everyday items like butter and ghee, as well as treats like chocolate, crisps and ice cream. Most highly processed foods also fall into this category.

And don't forget to stay hydrated . The UK government recommends drinking six to eight cups of healthy fluids per day.³ Healthy fluids include water, low-fat milk and sugar-free drinks.

Losing weight on Mounjaro is still a challenge – but with the right support, it can feel much simpler. SemaPen's Mounjaro programme is built by UK experts and includes tailored, specialist support at every stage of your weight loss journey. With our guidance and unique weight loss tools, your target weight could be closer than you think. Why not download the SemaPen app and take our digital consultation to find out if you're eligible?

Sources

1. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine, 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

2. NHS Better Health (n.d.) Calorie counting. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/lose-weight/calorie-counting/

3. NHS (2022) The Eatwell Guide. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-guidelines-and-food-labels/the-eatwell-guide/

This article was reviewed and approved by Sarah Abdula, Specialist Dietitian, on 3 February 2026.

Amgen's obesity drug: what you need to know about MariTide

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 15:37:42 GMT

Several new weight loss treatments are in development, including Amgen's MariTide. Get the key facts about this US-made injectable medication.

If you're considering losing weight, you've probably heard of the two main weight loss medications available in the UK.

First, there's Wegovy (semaglutide) – sometimes incorrectly called 'Ozempic'. When taken alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise, this weekly injectable medication yields an average weight loss of around 15%.¹

Then there's Mounjaro (tirzepatide), which – like Wegovy – is taken weekly as an injection. On average, Mounjaro users lose around 21% of their starting body weight.²

Wegovy and Mounjaro have been hitting headlines in recent years. But they're not the only treatments of their kind. Behind the scenes, researchers are studying several new injectable medications that work in similar ways.

One of these new treatments is MariTide , from the American drug company Amgen.

Could MariTide be a viable alternative to Mounjaro and Wegovy? Let's learn more about this new weight loss medication and see what the research says.

What is MariTide?

MariTide is Amgen's name for a drug called 'maridebart cafraglutide'. Like Wegovy and Mounjaro, it's an injectable medication that works by acting on natural hormones involved in digestion and appetite.

Right now, researchers are studying MariTide in phase 3 clinical trials. Phase 3 trials are the final and most in-depth study phase before a drug is approved for treatment.

What's different about MariTide?

MariTide has two main differences compared to Wegovy and Mounjaro: the way it works and how often you take it.

How it works

Wegovy, Mounjaro and MariTide are part of the same broad family of medications. They all work by acting on natural hormones in the body. However, MariTide works on different hormones in different ways:

Wegovy is a single agonist. It activates the body's receptors for a single hormone called 'GLP-1'. This hormone is involved in managing blood sugar and regulating appetite.
Mounjaro is a dual agonist. It activates GLP-1 and GIP receptors. When you take Mounjaro, GIP works together with GLP-1 to boost appetite suppression, as well as promote healthy fat storage. This dual action is likely why Mounjaro tends to yield better results than Wegovy.
MariTide is both a hormone agonist and an antagonist. It combines drugs that activate GLP-1 receptors and block GIP receptors. This is based on research that showed beneficial effects in animals treated with a similar combination of drugs.³

How often you take it

Another big difference with MariTide is its dosing schedule (how often it's taken).

Wegovy and Mounjaro are taken once weekly. However, Amgen is proposing that MariTide only needs to be taken once per month – or perhaps even less frequently than that.⁴

Once-monthly dosing could prove easier to manage for people who struggle with Wegovy and Mounjaro's more frequent dosing schedule. But the question remains: how well does it actually work ?

Is MariTide effective for weight loss?

Early results from MariTide studies were very positive.

In November 2023, Amgen announced initial findings from its MariTide phase 2 trial. The new medication, they claimed, yielded an average of up to 20% weight loss after 52 weeks .⁴

This result suggested that MariTide was more effective than Wegovy (15% average weight loss¹) and only slightly less effective than Mounjaro (21%²).

What's more, the weight loss didn't significantly slow down even as the trial drew to a close. That suggested that patients could lose even more weight if they kept taking the drug.⁴

Unfortunately for Amgen, more recent results have been less impressive.

In June 2025, Amgen unveiled the full data from its phase 2 trial. The company now claimed that MariTide only resulted in up to 16% average weight loss among study participants, not 20% as previously claimed.⁵

The discrepancy is down to how the results were calculated. The 20% figure, it turns out, only factored in participants who completed the study – not those who discontinued treatment because of side effects.

What's next for MariTide?

Despite these mixed results, Amgen is pushing forward with phase 3 trials for MariTide.⁶

You might wonder why, considering that the full phase 2 trial data only showed a mild improvement on Wegovy's average weight loss. But the company hopes to differentiate MariTide by marketing it as an option for long-term weight maintenance.

'Maritide is a true differentiation compared to what's available in the market', said Amgen's Murdo Gordon. 'We hope to go into this market not just to reduce the weight of patients who struggle with obesity, but also to help deliver on the medical benefit of managing that weight.'⁶

For Amgen, everything now hinges on the results of those phase 3 trials. We'll be sure to keep you posted when we know more.

Do you want to lose weight using clinically proven injectable treatments like Wegovy or Mounjaro? At SemaPen, we do so much more than provide the medication. Our weight loss programmes are built by UK obesity experts and include wraparound support to give you the best chance of success. Why not learn more about our programmes , or get started by downloading the SemaPen app and taking our simple digital consultation?

Sources

1. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

2. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

3. Véniant, M.M. et al. (2024) "A GIPR antagonist conjugated to GLP-1 analogues promotes weight loss with improved metabolic parameters in preclinical and phase 1 settings" Nature Metabolism , 6:290–303 https://doi.org/10.1038/s42255-023-00966-w

4. Amgen (2024) AMGEN ANNOUNCES ROBUST WEIGHT LOSS WITH MARITIDE IN PEOPLE LIVING WITH OBESITY OR OVERWEIGHT AT 52 WEEKS IN A PHASE 2 STUDY [press release]. Retrieved from https://www.amgen.com/newsroom/press-releases/2024/11/amgen-announces-robust-weight-loss-with-maritide-in-people-living-with-obesity-or-overweight-at-52-weeks-in-a-phase-2-study

5. Amgen (2025) RESULTS FROM AMGEN'S PHASE 2 OBESITY STUDY OF MONTHLY MARITIDE PRESENTED AT THE AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION 85TH SCIENTIFIC SESSIONS [press release]. Retrieved from https://www.amgen.com/newsroom/press-releases/2025/06/results-from-amgens-phase-2-obesity-study-of-monthly-maritide-presented-at-the-american-diabetes-association-85th-scientific-sessions

6. Manalac, T. (2025) Amid Obesity Bidding War, Amgen Believes It Can Stand Out in Crowded Space. BioSpace. Retrieved from https://www.biospace.com/business/amid-obesity-bidding-war-amgen-believes-it-can-stand-out-in-crowded-space

This article was reviewed and approved by Sarah Abdula, Specialist Dietitian, on 28 January 2026.

Wegovy information: the key facts you need to know in 2026

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 08:49:11 GMT

Are you considering using Wegovy for weight loss? Read our beginner's guide to get the key information you need in one place.

Wegovy (semaglutide) is a clinically proven weight loss treatment that you take once weekly as an injection. It launched in the UK in September 2023¹ and remains a popular option for those wanting a safe and effective way to lose weight.

If you're considering using Wegovy for weight loss , you probably have lots of questions. Questions like 'How does it work?', 'How much weight can I expect to lose?' and 'Is it still the best option for losing weight?'

That's what this guide is for. We've compiled all the key Wegovy information you need to know in 2026, so you can make an informed decision on whether it's right for you.

How does Wegovy work?

Wegovy contains the active ingredient semaglutide. An active ingredient is the main ingredient in a medication, and the one that causes the drug's effects.

Semaglutide works by mimicking a natural human hormone called 'glucagon-like peptide-1' (GLP-1). This hormone is involved in hunger and blood sugar regulation.

Mimicking GLP-1 aids weight loss in three main ways:

It regulates appetite, helping you feel full and less preoccupied about eating.
It slows digestion (gastric emptying), which helps you feel fuller for longer after eating.
It regulates blood sugar levels and prevents energy dips – a common trigger for craving high-calorie foods.

How much weight will I lose on Wegovy?

Taken once per week over 52 weeks, Wegovy is clinically proven to reduce body weight by an average of 15% .²

Let's say you weighed 93kg (14st, 9lbs) when you started taking Wegovy. Losing 15% of your body weight would put you at 79.05kg (about 12st, 6lbs).

Or, if you started at 108kg (17 stone), you'd weigh 91.8kg (14st, 6lbs) after losing 15%.

However, there are a couple of important points to bear in mind:

This is the average result, and it won't work out the same for everyone. Some people lose more, and some lose less.
The 15% average is based on patients who undertook lifestyle changes as part of their Wegovy treatment. That includes eating a healthy diet and doing more exercise. This is one reason why choosing a good support programme is so important.

How do I take Wegovy?

Wegovy comes in the form of a special injection pen. This is designed to make it easy to inject yourself at home.

You should inject yourself once weekly on the same day each week. It can feel tricky or even scary at first, but most people get used to it quite quickly.

Your Wegovy pen will come with full instructions on how to take the medication. We've also created this quick video to help you inject yourself safely and confidently.

How does Wegovy dosing work?

Most people who take Wegovy start with a 0.25mg dose. Each pen contains four doses – one per week for a month.

After this, you gradually increase your dose to allow your body to adjust. You'll keep increasing your dose until you hit the maximum dose of 2.4mg, or until you reach the highest dose you can tolerate.

The typical Wegovy dosage schedule looks like this:

Month 1: 0.25mg
Month 2: 0.5mg
Month 3: 1mg
Month 4: 1.7mg
Month 5+: 2.4mg

In January 2026, the UK's medicines regulator approved a higher 7.2mg dose of Wegovy .³ Your healthcare provider might recommend this dose from month six onwards if they believe it will benefit your health.

Will I experience side effects?

Like all medications, Wegovy can cause unwanted side effects. These tend to be felt more in the first few weeks as your body adjusts to treatment. You might also feel a temporary spike in side effects when you increase your dose.

In clinical trials, the most common side effects were nausea and stomach problems, including tummy pain, diarrhoea and vomiting. You can find out more in your patient information leaflet or in our guide to the side effects of Wegovy .

For most people, side effects are mild and short-lived. However, they can be stressful and unpleasant – especially if you don't have expert support on hand. At SemaPen, our team is always ready talk through any specific challenges you might be facing.

How do I get Wegovy?

Wegovy is approved as a weight loss treatment in the UK. However, it's a prescription-only medication. That means it must be prescribed by a medical professional after a personal consultation.

This is to protect patients. It makes sure a medical professional can review their needs and make proper recommendations about what treatment could be best for them.

As of 2026, Wegovy is available from private healthcare providers like SemaPen. It's also available to a limited subset of patients on the NHS.

There are different eligibility criteria for each route.

Private eligibility criteria

To get Wegovy on a private prescription , you must:

Have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater, or
Have a BMI of 27 or greater and a weight-related health condition, or
Have a BMI of 27.5 or greater and belong to certain ethnic groups

Other factors, such as your medical history, could affect your eligibility. We'll ask you about these when you take your online consultation in the SemaPen app.

NHS eligibility criteria

Wegovy is available on the NHS in England through specialist weight management clinics. Your doctor will need to refer you to one of these clinics before you can get an NHS Wegovy prescription.

To qualify for Wegovy on the NHS, you must have health problems caused by your weight. You must also:⁴

Have a BMI of 35 or greater, or
Have a BMI of 32.5 or greater and belong to certain ethnic groups, or
Have a BMI of 30 or greater and meet other criteria for treatment from a specialist weight management clinic

If you belong to certain ethnic groups and meet other criteria for treatment, the BMI cutoff is lowered to 27.5.

Is Wegovy still the best option in 2026?

That depends on your unique needs and circumstances.

There is a popular alternative to Wegovy called 'Mounjaro' . This is also an injectable medication, and it works in a similar way to Wegovy.

Mounjaro is proven to be more effective than Wegovy for weight loss. In a 72-week head-to-head trial (where researchers compare drugs under identical conditions):⁵

Those taking Mounjaro lost 20.2% of their starting weight
Those taking Wegovy lost 13.7% of their starting weight

However, Mounjaro is typically more expensive than Wegovy when accessed privately. Depending on your budget and your starting weight, it might make more sense from a financial and weight loss perspective to choose Wegovy over Mounjaro.

How will I know if I'm getting the right support?

Experts agree that expert support and medical supervision are crucial to making the most of weight loss treatments like Wegovy and Mounjaro.

However, this kind of support isn't always available to patients like you. Many online pharmacies simply send you the medication while offering little in the way of long-term advice.

At SemaPen, we've put expert support at the heart of our Wegovy and Mounjaro weight loss programmes. When you join us, you can expect:

Access to our customer support team via WhatsApp or the SemaPen app
Clinical support by email, whenever you need it
Digital health tracking with smart scales (included) – so we can track your weight and overall health together through the app
Regular check-ins to help you stay on track to meet your goals
A 10-month, tailored online fitness programme from Sword Health
A host of tools to help you manage your weight and learn healthy habits – including our unique SemaPen Academy lessons

Want the right support to lose weight – right from day one? Simply download the SemaPen app and take our simple digital consultation. You'll find out instantly whether you're eligible for our expert-led programmes.

Sources

1. Department of Health and Social Care (2023) Accessing Wegovy for weight loss: Everything you need to know [blog post]. Retrieved from https://healthmedia.blog.gov.uk/2023/09/04/accessing-wegovy-for-weight-loss-everything-you-need-to-know/

2. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

3. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (2026) Medicines regulator approves up to 7.2mg dose of semaglutide (Wegovy) for patients with obesity only [news story]. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/news/medicines-regulator-approves-up-to-72mg-dose-of-semaglutidewegovy-for-patients-with-obesity-only

4. NHS England (n.d.) Weight management injections. Retrieved from https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/prevention/obesity/medicines-for-obesity/weight-management-injections/

5. Aronne, L.J. et al. (2025) "Tirzepatide as Compared with Semaglutide for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 393(1) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2416394

This article was reviewed and approved by Sarah Abdula, Specialist Dietitian, on 28 January 2026.

Can eating too few calories slow weight loss?

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 18:44:00 GMT

Did you know that extreme calorie-cutting can make losing weight more difficult? Learn why – and what to do instead.

Losing weight is rarely easy. But when it comes to the underlying chemistry behind weight loss, the formula is surprisingly simple.

We get energy from food, which we call 'calories'. The body burns calories through physical activity, whether that's high-intensity exercise or simply going about your day-to-day life. If we burn more calories than we consume (maintain a calorie deficit), we lose weight over time.

But it's not quite so simple as 'slash calories and succeed'. You probably know, for instance, that eating the right amount of calories – and a wide variety of foods – is important for your health. That's true whether or not you're trying to lose weight.

But did you know that eating too few calories can actually hinder your weight loss?

It's true. Drastically cutting calories or avoiding entire food groups can:

Cause weight loss plateaus, where your weight loss stalls for a time
Make it harder to maintain long-term results

The reason for this is rooted in the body's natural survival mechanisms. Let's explore the science.

Your body runs on energy

We tend to think of calories in terms of eating and exercise. We check foods to see how many calories they contain. And we judge a workout based on how many calories it burns.

But we don't only need calories for exercise. We also need them for essential bodily functions like breathing, thinking, digestion and keeping our hearts beating.

Everyone needs a certain amount of calories to function. This is called your basic metabolic rate (BMR) .

We all have a different BMR. It varies widely by age, weight, height, gender, muscle mass and genetics.

When you eat slightly fewer calories than your body needs, it turns to stored fat for extra energy. This leads to weight loss.

However, things can change if your calorie intake drops too low for too long. Your body may interpret this extreme calorie deficit as a threat and burn fewer stored calories to protect itself. That's one reason why dietitians recommend maintaining a calorie deficit that's reasonable and sustainable.

Why eating too little can backfire

Not too long ago, humans didn't have easy access to calorie-dense food as we do now. Evolution moves much more slowly than the food industry, so our bodies still have many prehistoric defence tactics to carry us through periods of scarcity.

These responses were once critical to our survival. Now, however, they can make it harder to lose weight as quickly as we might want to.

Metabolic adaptation

One of the body's survival techniques is metabolic adaptation .

Remember BMR? Well, that's metabolism. Your body can slow down your metabolism if it needs to conserve energy.

A slower metabolism means the body burns fewer calories throughout the day, even during basic activities. So, the same calorie intake that once yielded weight loss may stop working.

In extreme cases, we can stop losing weight entirely despite eating very little. Of course, this can lead to frustration and confusion.

It's much better (and less frustrating) to eat a healthy amount of calories and a wide variety of foods. This isn't just preferable in terms of overall health. It also means there's less chance of weight loss plateaus – and less chance of giving up because your diet lacks variation.

Hormonal shifts

Your body might also start talking to you directly through hormone triggers . When food intake drops too low, levels of hormones can shift in ways that slow down weight loss.

Leptin , which signals fullness and helps regulate energy balance, often drops during prolonged calorie restriction. Lower leptin levels can increase hunger and reduce calorie burning.
Cortisol can make it even worse. This is a stress hormone associated with fat storage, particularly in the abdominal (stomach) area.
At the same time, levels of ghrelin – a hormone that stimulates appetite – tend to rise.

Yo-yoing hormones can leave people feeling constantly hungry or tired. In turn, this can increase the likelihood of overeating or binge eating.

Here, the problem is simple. If you try to cut down energy sources too much, your body's hormonal signals will keep getting louder until you can't ignore them.

When this happens, the most accessible (and most desirable) foods are often highly processed and full of salt, sugar and fats. Exactly what your body wants – but hardly helpful when the goal is to build healthy habits.

These hormonal changes not only slow weight loss but can also make dieting mentally and emotionally exhausting. The good news is that these changes are not permanent. Eating enough to support your body will help rebalance those hormones and should lead to healthy, sustainable results.

Physical activity gets harder

Being too restrictive with calories can get in the way of healthy exercise habits. This is for two main reasons:

Loss of muscle mass
Feeling too tired

If we eat too little, we have less energy overall. We might notice this when we start struggling at the gym or feeling too drained to go on a short walk after work.

What you might not notice as easily, though, is a decrease in non-exercise movements like walking speed, body gestures or fidgeting.

Less daily movement means a reduction in non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) . This is the total energy expended from physical activities that aren't sleeping, eating or doing structured exercise.

With a lower NEAT, you can expect a significantly lower total calorie expenditure. Even small declines in daily activity can offset the calorie deficit created by eating less, further stalling weight loss.

Then there's muscle loss. Losing weight, generally speaking, can lead to a reduction in muscle mass .¹ However, severely restricting calories can make it worse² – particularly if you don't get enough protein or don't do resistance exercises.

Muscle tissue is metabolically active, meaning it burns more calories than fat tissue. When muscle mass decreases, the body becomes less efficient at burning calories.

Finding the right calorie balance

While eating fewer calories is essential for weight loss, eating too few calories can have the opposite effect. Severe calorie restriction can slow metabolism, reduce muscle mass, disrupt hormones, decrease physical activity and make weight loss harder to sustain.

These are just a few of the many problems with extreme diets. Rather than accelerating results, they often lead to plateaus, frustration and weight regain.

That's why carefully planning your calorie deficit is essential for safe, healthy weight loss. The right deficit is different for everyone, but as a rough guide, the NHS recommends reducing your daily intake by 600 calories per day.³

To give yourself the best chance of achieving a healthy, sustainable result, you should pair a sensible calorie deficit with:

A diet that has a good amount of protein
Exercise habits that include strength training and a good amount of rest

And don't forget to vary your food intake. Eating a wide variety of foods not only means getting more nutrients, but also keeping your diet interesting. After all, dieting should be about enjoying the food we consume and forming a healthier relationship with eating – not extreme diets or boring, bland meals.

Good luck!

Do you want to lose weight without extreme calorie-cutting? At SemaPen, we offer three expert-led programmes that harness specialist, tailored support alongside the latest proven weight loss treatments.

It all starts with our digital consultation. Simply download the SemaPen app and our experts will recommend the best treatment options for you.

Sources

1. Hall, K.D. (2018) "Metabolic Adaptations to Weight Loss" Obesity , 26(5) https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.22189

2. Janssen, T.A.H. et al. (2023) "The impact and utility of very low-calorie diets: the role of exercise and protein in preserving skeletal muscle mass" Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care , 26(6) https://doi.org/10.1097/MCO.0000000000000980

3. NHS Better Health (n.d.) Calorie counting. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/lose-weight/calorie-counting/

This article was reviewed and approved by Sarah Abdula, Specialist Dietitian, on 28 January 2026.

Tirzepatide clinical trials: what we've learned about Mounjaro

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 08:04:48 GMT

Clinical trials have shown that Mounjaro is safe and effective as a treatment for obesity and type 2 diabetes. Let's explore their findings in more detail.

Unless you're a medical researcher, it might feel as if injectable weight loss medications popped into existence out of thin air.

One moment, people are working hard to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. Next, we have access to game-changing injectable medications like Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) – and for thousands, losing weight seems simpler than ever.

However, the truth is that all new drugs must go through extensive clinical trials before they can be approved or sold. This is so we can study how the drugs affect patients, and decide whether they're safe and effective enough to recommend as treatments.

Mounjaro and Wegovy are no exception. The first major Mounjaro trial, for instance, took place in 2019.¹ However, the drug wasn't approved for type 2 diabetes in the US until 2022.² Its approval as a weight loss treatment came even later, in November 2023.³

And while the medications are now firmly established and widely used, we're still learning more about their potential benefits. Several ongoing Mounjaro trials, for example, are exploring the drug's effects on lifespan, body weight maintenance and more.

In this guide, we look at the key tirzepatide clinical trials and reflect on what they taught – and are teaching us – about this revolutionary medication.

The key clinical trials for Mounjaro

The SURPASS programme: evaluating tirzepatide as a type 2 diabetes treatment

SURPASS was the phase 3 clinical trial programme looking at Mounjaro as a treatment for blood sugar control in adults living with type 2 diabetes. A phase 3 trial is the final research phase before a drug is approved.

The core SURPASS tirzepatide trials began in 2019⁴ and were completed in 2021.⁵ Supplementary studies are ongoing – more on these below.

Here are the core trials and what they taught us:

SURPASS-1: this trial tested three doses of tirzepatide against placebo (a dummy drug) in adults with type 2 diabetes. It found that the drug significantly improved blood sugar control⁶ and laid the groundwork for its approval.
SURPASS-2: the second trial compared the effects of tirzepatide and semaglutide for blood sugar control, finding that tirzepatide was more effective.⁷
SURPASS-3: this trial compared tirzepatide against a common insulin treatment (insulin degludec). It showed that tirzepatide was more effective.⁸
SURPASS-4: like SURPASS-3, this trial compared tirzepatide with an insulin treatment (insulin glargine). However, it specifically studied patients with type 2 diabetes and a higher risk of heart problems. As with the last trial, tirzepatide was found to be more effective.⁹
SURPASS-5: the final core trial evaluated the effectiveness of tirzepatide when used alongside insulin glargine. The combination demonstrated significant improvements in blood sugar control.¹⁰

The SURMOUNT programme: tirzepatide trials for weight loss

Researchers already knew that similar drugs, such as Wegovy, were beneficial for weight loss as well as blood sugar control.

That's why Mounjaro's manufacturer was keen to study the drug's effectiveness as a weight loss treatment. To this end, it launched the SURMOUNT weight loss trial programme alongside the SURPASS diabetes studies.

The SURMOUNT Mounjaro trials ran from 2019¹¹ until 2024.¹² Here's what we learned:

SURMOUNT-1: this was the main trial looking at tirzepatide as a weight loss treatment for adults living with obesity (but not diabetes). Over a 72-week treatment programme with tirzepatide, alongside lifestyle support, participants lost around 21% of their starting body weight on average.¹³
SURMOUNT-2: the second SURMOUNT trial evaluated tirzepatide's effectiveness as an obesity treatment in adults with type 2 diabetes. Participants lost around 15% of their starting body weight on average.¹⁴
SURMOUNT-3: the third trial examined the effects of tirzepatide as an add-on therapy after achieving weight loss through intensive lifestyle changes. Participants saw around 21% additional weight loss on average and found it easier to maintain their initial weight loss.¹⁵
SURMOUNT-4: this trial studied long-term treatment with tirzepatide among adults who had already lost around 21% of their weight using the drug. Those who continued taking tirzepatide lost another 5.5%, while those who switched to placebo regained 14%.¹⁶
SURMOUNT-5: the final core SURMOUNT trial compared tirzepatide and semaglutide under identical conditions. It demonstrated that tirzepatide is more effective than semaglutide , with tirzepatide users achieving 6.5% more weight loss on average.¹⁷

The SUMMIT trial: tirzepatide for heart health

Published in 2024, the SUMMIT study looked at tirzepatide's effects on heart health. It found that tirzepatide led to a lower risk of death from cardiovascular events (heart attack or stroke) and improved the health of patients with heart failure.¹⁸

Ongoing tirzepatide trials

While Mounjaro is considered safe and effective when prescribed by a medical professional, there are still unanswered questions about the drug.

The original SURMOUNT programme, for instance, only studied the effects of Mounjaro on adults living with obesity. Could tirzepatide also be a safe treatment option for adolescents?

Researchers are seeking to answer these questions – and more – in a series of ongoing studies. Here's a snapshot of what they're looking at right now.

SURMOUNT-ADOLESCENTS: this is a series of two trials examining tirzepatide as a treatment option for adolescents living with obesity or overweight. The first is studying whether the drug is a safe and effective treatment for weight loss in this age group.¹⁹ The second looks at weight loss in conjunction with heart health.²⁰ They're projected to finish in 2029 and 2030, respectively.¹⁹ ²⁰
SURMOUNT-MMO: this trial is looking at tirzepatide's effects on morbidity (disease) and mortality (death) rates in adults living with obesity. The researchers hope to find more evidence for Mounjaro's potential health benefits in this treatment group. The study is projected to end in October 2027.²¹
SURMOUNT-MAINTAIN: we know that Mounjaro is highly effective for weight loss, but can it also be used long-term to maintain a healthy weight? That's the question this trial seeks to answer. We'll soon find out, because the study is projected to finish in May 2026.²²

The importance of professional support

The key Mounjaro weight loss trials all had one thing in common. Participants were given expert dietary and lifestyle support as part of their treatment.

This specialist support is crucial because Mounjaro is not a magic wand for weight loss . By controlling appetite and snack cravings, it can make losing weight feel simpler and more manageable. But as with any weight loss treatment, you still need to eat a healthy, balanced diet and exercise regularly to see the best results.

Unfortunately, this support is often lacking. Some online pharmacies more or less send you the Mounjaro pen and leave you to figure things out on your own.

That's where SemaPen is different. When you join our Mounjaro programme , you're joining a guided treatment plan created by real UK obesity experts. For you, that means:

Simple weight monitoring with smart scales connected to the SemaPen app.
Expert check-ins with tailored advice to help keep your health and weight on track.
Exclusive content and lessons to help you learn healthy habits that stick.
Clinical support from real medical professionals by email.

Thinking of joining – or switching from another Mounjaro supplier? It's easy to find out if you're eligible. Simply take our digital consultation and we'll recommend the best treatment options for you.

Sources

1. National Library of Medicine (n.d.) A Study of Tirzepatide (LY3298176) in Participants With Type 2 Diabetes Not Controlled With Diet and Exercise Alone (SURPASS-1). Retrieved from https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03954834

2. Eli Lilly and Company (2022) FDA approves Lilly's Mounjaro™ (tirzepatide) injection, the first and only GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes [press release]. Retrieved from

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fda-approves-lillys-mounjaro-tirzepatide-injection-the-first-and-only-gip-and-glp-1-receptor-agonist-for-the-treatment-of-adults-with-type-2-diabetes-301547339.html

3. U.S. Food & Drug Administration (2023) FDA Approves New Medication for Chronic Weight Management [press release]. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-medication-chronic-weight-management

4. National Library of Medicine (n.d.) A Study of Tirzepatide (LY3298176) in Participants With Type 2 Diabetes Not Controlled With Diet and Exercise Alone (SURPASS-1). Retrieved from https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03954834

5. National Library of Medicine (n.d.) A Study of Tirzepatide (LY3298176) Once a Week Versus Insulin Glargine Once a Day in Participants With Type 2 Diabetes and Increased Cardiovascular Risk (SURPASS-4). Retrieved from https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03730662

6. Rosenstock, J.R. et al. (2021) "Efficacy and safety of a novel dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist tirzepatide in patients with type 2 diabetes (SURPASS-1): a double-blind, randomised, phase 3 trial" The Lancet , 398(10295) https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(21)01324-6

7. Frías, J.P. et al. (2021) "Tirzepatide versus Semaglutide Once Weekly in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes" The New England Journal of Medicine , 385(6) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2107519

8. Ludvik, B. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly tirzepatide versus once-daily insulin degludec as add-on to metformin with or without SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes (SURPASS-3): a randomised, open-label, parallel-group, phase 3 trial" The Lancet , 398(10300) https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(21)01443-4

9. Del Prato, S. et al. (2021) "Tirzepatide versus insulin glargine in type 2 diabetes and increased cardiovascular risk (SURPASS-4): a randomised, open-label, parallel-group, multicentre, phase 3 trial" The Lancet , 398(10313) https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(21)02188-7

10. Dahl, D. et al. (2022) "Effect of Subcutaneous Tirzepatide vs Placebo Added to Titrated Insulin Glargine on Glycemic Control in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: The SURPASS-5 Randomized Clinical Trial" JAMA , 327(6)

https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2022.0078

11. National Library of Medicine (n.d.) A Study of Tirzepatide (LY3298176) in Participants With Obesity or Overweight (SURMOUNT-1). Retrieved from https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04184622

12. National Library of Medicine (n.d.) A Study of Tirzepatide (LY3298176) in Participants With Obesity or Overweight With Weight Related Comorbidities (SURMOUNT-5). Retrieved from https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05822830

13. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

14. Garvey, T. et al. (2023) "Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity in people with type 2 diabetes (SURMOUNT-2): a double-blind, randomised, multicentre, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial" The Lancet , 402(10402) https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(23)01200-X

15. Wadden, T.A. et al. (2023) "Tirzepatide after intensive lifestyle intervention in adults with overweight or obesity: the SURMOUNT-3 phase 3 trial" Nature Medicine , 29:2909-2918 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-023-02597-w

16. Aronne, L.J. et al. (2023) "Continued Treatment With Tirzepatide for Maintenance of Weight Reduction in Adults With Obesity: The SURMOUNT-4 Randomized Clinical Trial" JAMA , 331(1) https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2023.24945

17. Aronne, L.J. et al. (2025) "Tirzepatide as Compared with Semaglutide for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 393(1) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2416394

18. Packer, M. et al. (2024) "Tirzepatide for Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction and Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 392(5) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2410027

19. National Library of Medicine (n.d.) A Study of Tirzepatide (LY3298176) Once Weekly in Adolescent Participants Who Have Obesity or Overweight With Weight-Related Comorbidities. Retrieved from https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06075667

20. National Library of Medicine (n.d.) A Study of Tirzepatide in Adolescents With Obesity and Weight-Related Comorbidities (SURMOUNT-ADOLESCENTS-2). Retrieved from https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06439277

21. National Library of Medicine (n.d.) A Study of Tirzepatide (LY3298176) on the Reduction on Morbidity and Mortality in Adults With Obesity (SURMOUNT-MMO). Retrieved from https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05556512

22. National Library of Medicine (n.d) A Study of LY3298176 (Tirzepatide) For the Maintenance of Body Weight Reduction in Participants Who Have Obesity or Overweight With Weight-Related Comorbidities. Retrieved from

https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06047548

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Dietitian, and Sarah Abdula, Specialist Dietitian, on 5 January 2026.

Wegovy and kidney health: the semaglutide FLOW study explained

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 23:44:51 GMT

Discover more about the FLOW study semaglutide trial, which looked at how Wegovy could lower risks in people with chronic kidney disease.

Wegovy (semaglutide) is an injectable weight loss medication that was approved in the UK in 2021.¹ It's clinically proven to be safe and effective, with patients losing an average of 15% of their starting weight after 68 weeks.²

However, weight loss isn't the only benefit. The UK's drug authority has already approved Wegovy as a treatment for serious heart problems.³ And research is being conducted to learn more about the drug's potential for heart, liver and kidney health.

One such study was the FLOW trial . Published in May 2024, this study explored whether Wegovy could help protect the kidneys and heart in people living with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

Let's look at the study in more detail.

The Wegovy FLOW study explained

The trial design⁴

A total of 3,533 people took part in the trial, receiving either semaglutide or a placebo (a harmless dummy drug) for up to five years. In both groups, participants administered injections once weekly.

To make sure the study was truly representative, researchers established certain inclusion criteria – essentially, a checklist a person must meet to be considered eligible.

The main conditions were:

They had to have a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This is defined by medical measurements like eGFR (how well the kidneys filter blood) and UACR (how much protein is in the urine)
They had to have a medical diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.

What the trial looked at

The FLOW trial sought to learn whether semaglutide reduced the risk of serious kidney failure or death related to kidney or heart disease.⁴

There's a reason the researchers looked at heart health, as well as the drug's benefits for CKD. People can potentially become very ill because of heart problems before progression to end-stage kidney disease.

So, if semaglutide can potentially reduce the risk of heart problems, that would be very good news for people living with CKD.

Results from the FLOW study

The main things the study looked at (its primary outcomes) were:

Serious kidney failure
Death related to kidney or heart disease

The study found that people in the semaglutide group saw a dramatically lower risk of these issues.

Breaking the results down, researchers saw:

A 24% lower risk of serious kidney failure or death caused by kidney or heart disease
A 21% lower risk of kidney-specific conditions (such as failure or the need for a transplant)
A 19% lower risk of heart-specific conditions
An 18% lower risk of major cardiovascular events (such as a heart attack)
20% lower risk of death by any cause

What the results show us

In short, the treatment group taking semaglutide were less likely to die or develop serious kidney or heart problems compared to those taking a placebo.

This provides compelling evidence to support semaglutide's use as a treatment for those living with chronic kidney disease and obesity. Whether the drug gains approval for this use remains to be seen.

What the trial didn't show, however, was exactly how semaglutide protects the kidneys. Or, in medical terms, it demonstrated a clinical benefit – not a mechanism . More research is needed to understand exactly what's happening in the body to bring about this benefit.

SemaPen is a UK weight loss clinic founded by Professor David Kerrigan, former president of the British Obesity & Metabolic Surgery Society. If you're looking for expert guidance to help lose weight, why not take our simple digital consultation ? You'll find out today if you're eligible for our expert-led treatment programmes.

Sources

1. Novo Nordisk (2021) Wegovy™ recommended for approval for the treatment of obesity by the European regulatory authorities [press release]. Retrieved from https://ml-eu.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/360b666a-28f8-45b6-855e-052fe0206cef

2. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

3. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (2024) MHRA approves GLP –1 receptor agonist semaglutide to reduce risk of serious heart problems in obese or overweight adults [press release]. Retrieved from

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mhra-approves-glp-1-receptor-agonist-semaglutide-to-reduce-risk-of-serious-heart-problems-in-obese-or-overweight-adults

4. Perkovic, V. et al. (2024) "Effects of Semaglutide on Chronic Kidney Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes" The New England Journal of Medicine , 391(2) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2403347

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Dietitian, and Sarah Abdula, Specialist Dietitian, on 5 January 2026.

Can Mounjaro (tirzepatide) improve heart health?

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 23:11:58 GMT

Excess weight can increase the risk of heart problems. Could Mounjaro injections help? Explore the key findings of the SUMMIT clinical trial.

It might sound like an odd thing to say, but weight loss isn't just about losing weight.

While everyone's journey is different, it's common to see improvements in sleep quality, fitness and energy levels as the numbers tick down on the scale.

People feel better in themselves, even if they're not sure exactly why. That's because carrying excess weight impacts the body in ways we can't always see.

One of the affected organs is the heart. Medical professionals have long known that living with obesity significantly increases the risk of heart problems – and that losing weight can improve heart health.¹

But can weight loss injections like Mounjaro (tirzepatide) help, too? According to one recent study , the answer may be 'Yes'.

Published in November 2024, the SUMMIT trial found that tirzepatide reduced the rate of worsening problems in people living with obesity and a certain type of heart failure.²

Let's unpack what this all means.

First, what do we mean by 'a certain type of heart failure'?

The SUMMIT trial studied one group of patients, all of whom lived with obesity and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF – pronounced 'huff-puff').

'Ejection fraction' (EF) means how well the heart pumps blood, shown as the percentage of blood squeezed out per beat. A typical healthy EF score is 50% or more.

' Preserved ejection fraction' means the heart is squeezing properly. However, a person can still have heart failure symptoms (such as shortness of breath, fatigue or swelling) because the heart doesn't relax and fill properly between beats.

HFpEF is associated with a higher risk of heart-related complications and is more commonly seen in people living with overweight or obesity.

However, what's most important to keep in mind is that this study only looked at people with HFpEF. That means we can't draw firm conclusions about tirzepatide and other heart conditions.

What we learned in the tirzepatide cardiovascular outcomes trial (SUMMIT)

In the study, 364 patients received up to 15mg of tirzepatide for at least 52 weeks. Meanwhile, another 367 received a placebo (a harmless dummy drug with no clinical effects).²

As this was a double-blind study, neither the patients nor the medical professionals knew which treatment a person would receive. This approach helps to prevent bias.

After 52 weeks, researchers found that the tirzepatide group:²

Were less likely to have heart failure problems that had worsened over the study (8% compared to 14% in the placebo group)
Saw fewer cardiovascular deaths (1.4% compared to 2.2% in the placebo group)

And it wasn't just medical health that improved. Participants also reported a better quality of life after taking tirzepatide.²

How researchers measured the drug's effectiveness

Researchers used a metric called the 'Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Clinical Summary Score (KCCQ-CSS)'. This questionnaire measures how bad heart failure symptoms are and how much they affect daily life.

On average, participants who took tirzepatide improved their score by 20 points (on a scale from zero to 100).² This is considered a 'large improvement' in clinical thresholds, meaning it was big enough for patients to notice in their everyday lives.

People taking the placebo also saw improvements, but only by about 13 points.²

That 6.9 difference in the score between groups doesn't sound huge. However, in medical terms, it's considered statistically significant and shows that people with HFpEF felt noticeably better after a year of treatment with tirzepatide.

What the results tell us

In short, the study showed that tirzepatide reduced heart failure events and improved quality of life – only for patients living with obesity and HFpEF.

From these results, we can't say whether tirzepatide is similarly effective for people living with other heart conditions. Nor did the study prove that tirzepatide directly improved heart health. Instead, weight loss was likely the main driver of the improvements.

However, the SUMMIT trial was useful because it highlighted tirzepatide's potential as a HFpEF treatment and provided more evidence for medical benefits beyond weight loss. In the world of medicine, more evidence is always a good thing.

SemaPen is a trusted UK clinic specialising in expert-led, non-surgical options for weight loss . For more news and specialist tips, follow our blog .

Sources

1. Powell-Wiley, T.M. et al. (2021) "Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association" Circulation , 143(21) https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000973

2. Packer, M. et al. (2024) "Tirzepatide for Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction and Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 392(5) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2410027

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Dietitian, and Sarah Abdula, Specialist Dietitian, on 5 January 2026.

Weight loss diets from the past (and what we've learned since)

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 22:51:53 GMT

Weight loss diets have been around since at least the mid-1800s. But does this old-timey advice stand up today? Let's find out.

Humans have long understood the link between diet and health.

Take the Ebers Papyrus. Believed to date to the 16th century BC, this 20-metre scroll is packed with hieroglyphic recipes and remedies. Among them, you'll find an anti-diabetic 'diet' consisting of plant fibres, green dates, cucumber flowers, milk and beer.

The Ebers Papyrus is significantly older than the Parthenon, the Tower of London and the United States of America. But you might be surprised to learn that the notion of dieting to lose weight is relatively modern.

Physicians began drawing clear links between weight and well-being in the 19th century, with the first popular weight loss diets following soon after. By the early 1900s, the idea that excess body fat poses significant health risks was fast becoming the medical consensus.

Of course, medicine has come a long way in the last century or so. While there's always more to learn, doctors now have a much better understanding of what causes obesity, its health risks and how to treat it.

With that in mind, let's look back on a couple of history's most influential weight loss diets. Did these early dietitians have the right idea? And what can we learn from their mistakes?

William Banting's low-carb diet from 1863

William Banting wasn't a medical professional – he was an English undertaker and coffin maker. However, he did have first-hand experience of living with obesity.

Determined to lose the weight, Bunting tried a whole host of remedies. 'I have tried sea air and bathing…', he wrote. He had 'taken gallons of physic and liquor potassæ'. He took up walking and horseback riding.¹ Unfortunately, none of these seemed to do the trick.

Frustrated but undeterred, he developed his own diet plan. It consisted of four meals a day, with a heavy focus on meats, fruits and green vegetables.

His diet worked. And in 1863, he published his findings in a now-famous pamphlet called Letter on Corpulence .

It was a huge success. So much so that the word 'banting' – as a synonym for 'dieting' – is still sometimes used today.

What we've learned since

Despite his lack of medical training, some of Banting's ideas were forward-thinking – and many still hold water.

Banting noted that certain foods are high in 'starch and saccharine matter, [which tend] to create fat'.¹

And it's true – starchy foods like white bread and potatoes are high in simple carbohydrates. Eating too many simple carbs causes blood sugar spikes, which lead to energy crashes and increased snack cravings. The same goes for foods with a high sugar content, or what Banting called 'saccharine matter'.

With his Letter on Corpulence , Banting effectively created one of the first low-carb diets. And even today, many diet books advise limiting carbs – or even cutting them out completely.

That's where we'd chime in with a word of warning. See, high-carb foods aren't inherently bad – in fact, they're one of the body's main energy and nutrient sources.

If you want to lose weight safely and sustainably, it's important to maintain a healthy, balanced diet. This means eating the right types of carbs in the right proportions .

Modern dietitians recommend swapping simple (processed) carbs for complex carbs. Think whole grains like oats and quinoa, as well as healthier swaps like brown bread and brown pasta. You should aim to make these foods account for about a third of your overall diet.²

Lulu Hunt Peters' calorie-counting diet from 1918

Lulu Hunt Peters was an American physician and writer who made her name as a dietary expert in the early 20th century.

By the 1910s, Hunt Peters had already gained a loyal following with her featured newspaper column. But her ideas reached a much wider audience with the release of her book, Diet and Health; With Key to the Calories , in 1918.

It would be no exaggeration to claim that Diet and Health changed the face of dieting forever. Through the book, Hunt Peters first popularised the concept of counting calories to lose weight.

Diet and Health was a hit. It remained a top 10 bestseller until 1926 and continues to influence health writers today.

What we've learned since

With Diet and Health, Lulu Hunt Peters nailed the basic formula for weight loss as we understand it today. She recognised calories as fuel for the body. And she popularised the notion that when we eat fewer calories than we burn, we lose weight. This is what modern dietitians call a 'calorie deficit'.

That's not the only recommendation that stands up to modern scrutiny. Hunt Peters advised readers that weight loss isn't a one-time fix – it requires ongoing maintenance. And while oversimplified by today's standards, her calorie calculations aren't a million miles away from current guidelines.

However, there are plenty of claims that would make a 21st-century dietitian wince. For one, Hunt Peters frames obesity as a simple problem of laziness or overeating – not a complex societal issue as it's understood today. 'Food, and food only (sometimes plus alcohol)', she wrote, 'maketh fat.'³

Moreover, for Hunt Peters, food was calories. In her world, high-calorie foods were bad and low-calorie foods were good. Plain and simple.

It's true that calories are important. But Hunt Peters overlooks the wider world of nutrition – and in at least one case, is outright hostile towards it.

'Because there are no calories in some of the very vital elements of foods – the vitamines and the mineral salts', she wrote, '…it is not necessary to know about them.'³

Dietitians still recognise calorie counting as a useful tool for weight loss. However, none would claim that it's 'not necessary' to learn about vital nutrients. Today, we've learned that calories must be considered together with food quality, nutritional value, lifestyle and overall metabolic health.

In other words, calories are important – but they're not everything .

Discover modern, clinically proven weight loss treatments from SemaPen

Even today, weight loss is rarely easy. But thanks to modern medical advancements, it's simpler to lose weight now than it's ever been.

At SemaPen, we offer expert-led programmes that harness the latest medical innovations to support healthy, sustainable weight loss:

Our Wegovy programme uses the once-weekly injectable drug semaglutide, alongside tailored clinical support. On average, subscribers lose 15% of their starting weight.⁴
Our Mounjaro programme uses the newer injectable medication, tirzepatide. With our support, subscribers lose around 21% of their starting weight on average.⁵
The SemaHealth programme is our unique drug-free option. Guided by our specialist dietitians, you'll swap daily meals for tasty, nutritionally complete shakes and soups. The average weight loss is between 12% and 15%.⁶

Along the way, you'll enjoy real-time weight tracking and bespoke advice from our team of UK weight loss specialists. For you, that means a more straightforward route to success – and the specialist guidance you need to stay on track.

To find out if you're eligible, you can take our simple, self-service digital consultation . We'll get back to you straight away with tailored treatment options for your unique needs.

Sources

1. Banting, W. (1865) Letter on Corpulence . Mohun & Ebbs. Retrieved from www.gutenberg.org/files/57545/57545-h/57545-h.htm

2. NHS (2022) The Eatwell Guide. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-guidelines-and-food-labels/the-eatwell-guide/

3. Hunt Peters, L. (1918) Diet and Health: With Key to the Calories . The Reilly and Lee Co. Retrieved from https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/15069/pg15069.txt

4. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

5. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

6. Valabhji, J. et al. (2024) "Early findings from the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme: a prospective evaluation of real-world implementation" The Lancet, 12(9) https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-8587(24)00194-3

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Dietitian, and Sarah Abdula, Specialist Dietitian, on 5 January 2026.

Weight loss drugs and fasting: is it safe to restrict your diet?

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 22:26:58 GMT

Is it safe to take weight loss injections during Ramadan or while fasting intermittently? Learn what experts say and what precautions to take.

Billions of people fast all around the world – and for all sorts of reasons.

That includes the two billion Muslims who, during Ramadan, abstain from eating and drinking from dawn until sunset. Many others engage in intermittent fasting (taking long breaks between meals) as a dietary choice. And some fast temporarily for medical reasons – for instance, when preparing for certain surgeries.

Meanwhile, injectable weight loss medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro are becoming more and more popular. That begs the question: 'Is it safe to fast while taking Wegovy or Mounjaro?'

The short answer is yes. Fasting on Wegovy or Mounjaro is generally considered safe. However, it's important to take precautions and watch for signs of side effects.

In this guide, we look at the research on fasting with Wegovy or Mounjaro. We also share some tips to help you stay safe and comfortable as you fast.

Fasting on Mounjaro or Wegovy: the key facts

It's generally considered safe to fast while taking Wegovy or Mounjaro.
Because Wegovy and Mounjaro suppress appetite, they could make fasting feel easier.
The risk of certain side effects may increase while fasting, so it's important to take precautions.
Above all, you should listen to your body and be ready to change course or seek professional advice if something doesn't seem right.

What experts say

In 2024, a group of researchers investigated the effects of combining weight loss medications with fasting and physical activity.

The team conducted interviews with 10 adults who were using Mounjaro or Wegovy and who planned to fast during Ramadan. They found that the combination of fasting, injectable weight loss medications and physical activity may actually increase weight loss , compared to only using injections.¹

Moreover, participants generally reported:¹

Improvements in physical and mental health
An enhanced quality of life
Better management of diabetes symptoms (among those with diabetes)

However, while fasting on Wegovy or Mounjaro may have a positive effect on weight loss and well-being, that doesn't mean it's always easy for everyone. Fasting while using weight loss medications carries the risk of side effects, and it's important to manage these side effects properly to stay safe and healthy.

That's one reason why expert-guided weight loss programmes are so beneficial. With structured, specialist support on hand, you're better equipped to manage your weight loss and your fasting according to proper medical guidelines.

As one participant in the study said, 'The most important thing is to follow up with a doctor and pay attention to one's health. It should not be taken just from the pharmacy without medical supervision.'¹

Advice for fasting while using weight loss injections

Speak to your medical team

It's always a good idea to speak to your GP or medical team before making significant changes to your diet. They can offer tailored advice to help you stay safe and comfortable while fasting.

Remember: if you're a SemaPen subscriber, you can contact our support team at any time via WhatsApp. Here's the link: https://wa.me/message/F4UOIVRQPJDXP1

Stick to a strict schedule

Doctors recommend taking your weekly Wegovy or Mounjaro injection on the same day each week. This is to help maintain a stable and consistent level of the drug in your body.

While fasting, this consistency is especially important. Try to take your injection on the same day and at roughly the same time each week. It's OK to take your injection during a fasting period.

If you're fasting for Ramadan: try taking your weekly dose around 30 minutes before your Iftar meal. This gives the appetite-suppressing effects time to kick in, and means you might be less likely to overeat when breaking your fast.

Be mindful of side effects

Fasting while taking Wegovy or Mounjaro might increase the risk of certain side effects, such as dizziness and weakness. Be sure to listen to your body and look out for signs of side effects like these. Your SemaPen team or GP can advise on how to proceed.

If you're fasting for dietary reasons, take it slow and steady

Remember that everyone's body works differently, and we all experience hunger in different ways. Some people find that the appetite-suppressing effects of weight loss injections make fasting feel easier. For others, however, it can increase the challenge.

If you're able to change your fasting schedule, it's worth experimenting to see what works best for you. Consider starting with a shorter fasting window (12 to 16 hours) and make note of how your body responds. You can then increase or decrease the window depending on how comfortable you feel.

Stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of fluids is crucial for our overall health and well-being. The UK government recommends drinking six to eight glasses of healthy, sugar-free fluids per day.²

But you should pay special attention to your hydration while fasting and using weight loss medications. This is because:

Your body releases more water and salt in urine while fasting, especially during the first few days of a fast. This can lead to dehydration.
Certain side effects of Wegovy and Mounjaro , such as vomiting and diarrhoea, can also increase dehydration.
It can be harder to remember to stay properly hydrated when you're not eating regularly.

Look out for signs of dehydration. If you develop severe headaches, feel dizzy while standing or notice dark urine when you go to the toilet, seek immediate medical advice.

If you're fasting for Ramadan: make sure to drink plenty of water when you're allowed to. Consider adding electrolytes to your water, too. These help maintain fluid balance in the body during long periods without food or drinks.

Don't go overboard with exercise

Fasting can affect energy levels, so you should take extra care when exercising. This is especially true for Ramadan fasts, where eating and drinking are restricted for long periods.

During fasts, focus on low-intensity activities such as light yoga, walking or dynamic stretching. And if you do want to engage in high-intensity exercise, try to schedule your workouts right before meals or during your eating window. This way, you can fuel up with calories soon after.

Again, your body should tell you what activity level is right for you. If you feel especially tired while exercising or experience symptoms like dizziness or heart palpitations, take it as a sign to slow down.

Eat the right food in the right portions

Eating a healthy, balanced diet is the single most important thing you can do to lose weight safely and sustainably. This means eating the right amounts of the right kinds of food.

Again, this is especially crucial while fasting. When you can eat, be sure to prioritise:

Low-fat proteins, such as lean meats and fish, as well as eggs, beans and pulses. Protein helps keep us full and protects our muscles.
Fibre, which helps stave off hunger and promotes digestive health. Good sources include fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Small portions of healthy but calorie-dense snacks. Think foods with healthy fats like nuts and avocados. These will give you a welcome energy boost when you break your fast.

Don't be tempted to overeat when you break your fast, either. That's because weight loss injections slow down the digestive system. Overeating could lead to digestive discomfort, so start with small portions and eat slowly.

Have expert support at hand

At SemaPen, we offer tailored guidance to all our Wegovy and Mounjaro patients. That's because we know that expert support is vital in achieving healthy, sustainable weight loss.

Our support helps our subscribers stay on track and stay motivated. But more than that, it means they can access real-time advice tailored to their health, their diet and their circumstances.

This is hugely beneficial if you're undergoing a significant lifestyle change, like a period of fasting. With SemaPen, you'll never go through your fast alone. Instead, you'll have a team of experts on hand to help keep you safe and comfortable throughout.

And you can find out today if you're eligible for our programmes. All you have to do is complete our simple digital consultation . We'll respond straight away with recommended treatment options for your unique needs.

Sources

1. Almaqhawi, A. et al. (2025) "Impact of Fasting on Physical Activity Motivation and Weight Reduction in Patients Administered Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Agonists: A Qualitative Study" Patient Preference and Adherence , 19:19–28

https://doi.org/10.2147/PPA.S496613

2. NHS (2022) The Eatwell Guide. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-guidelines-and-food-labels/the-eatwell-guide/

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Dietitian, and Sarah Abdula, Specialist Dietitian, on 5 January 2026.

Where to buy Wegovy safely: a patients' guide

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 13:17:09 GMT

Unscrupulous and unregulated Wegovy sellers are everywhere. Learn the risks and how to keep yourself safe.

Buying Wegovy online shouldn't feel like a gamble. But it often is.

This revolutionary weight loss medication is now readily available from trusted private suppliers. Certain people can also access it on the NHS . However, despite this ease of access, knock-off injections and dodgy suppliers run rife. So much so, in fact, that organisations like the WHO, the MHRA and Wegovy's manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, have issued public warnings against them.¹ ² ³

Clearly, plenty of people are purchasing Wegovy from unlicensed sources – and it's not necessarily their fault. After all, it's difficult to make an informed decision when you don't have the full facts. And some of these dodgy suppliers make promises that, while impossible to back up, also feel impossible to resist.

However, it's important to stay vigilant and stay informed. Buying illegal Wegovy can have grave consequences for your health, as well as your wallet.

This guide shows you where to buy Wegovy online without being caught out by scams and shady suppliers. We start by looking at the risks of buying unregulated Wegovy and then share tips to help you find a safe and regulated supplier.

The risks of buying Wegovy from illegitimate suppliers

Fakes and compounded medications

Non-branded Wegovy falls into two main categories: compounded medications and outright fakes. Both come with risks attached.

Compounded Wegovy is made by third-party pharmacies, not the official manufacturer. It may be made using a non-standard recipe. It might contain a different (and untested) form of the active ingredient semaglutide. And while official Wegovy pens contain pre-measured doses, compounded Wegovy often needs to be manually measured and injected from vials.

Crucially, compounded medications are not regulated in the same way as branded (licensed) medications. All this can add up to more risk for you, the user.

Fake Wegovy , meanwhile, is an illegal, black-market product. It's completely unregulated and very dangerous. Counterfeit Wegovy may contain inaccurate doses, a different active ingredient (such as insulin) or harmful chemicals. In short, you never know what you're getting – and the risks can be life-threatening.

Lack of medical oversight

Wegovy is prescription-only for a reason. The medication is only licensed to treat certain people who meet certain criteria.

That's why you must have a medical consultation before you can get a prescription. It's to make sure you meet the criteria and it's safe for you to take the drug.

Dodgy Wegovy sellers often promise to sell Wegovy without a prescription. This is illegal and puts your health at risk. If you take Wegovy when you don't meet the criteria for treatment, you risk experiencing heightened side effects, dangerous drug interactions and more.

But the importance of medical oversight goes beyond the prescription. It's crucial to get the right support and supervision throughout your treatment journey, too. This way, you'll have experts on hand to help you manage dosages, deal with side effects and know what to do if things don't quite go to plan.

Needless to say, you can't expect this kind of support from an unregulated seller.

Financial scams

It happens. Scammers might promise to send you Wegovy but take your cash and run instead.

If you're lucky, this could be a blessing in disguise. Your wallet has suffered, but at least you're safe from the dangers of counterfeit medication.

If you're unlucky, you could find yourself the victim of identity theft or financial fraud. And that's a whole other kettle of complications.

How to buy Wegovy safely

1. Watch out for red flags

It's not always easy to spot an illegitimate Wegovy supplier. Some appear more trustworthy than others.

However, dodgy suppliers tend to engage in certain patterns and behaviours that you'll never see from a legitimate clinic or pharmacy. If you spot any of these red flags, you should be very cautious indeed.

No prescription requirement

This is the big one.

See, Wegovy is a prescription-only drug – and it should only be prescribed by a medical professional after an online or face-to-face consultation.

If anyone promises to supply Wegovy without a prescription, you can bet that they don't follow regulations and don't have your best interests in mind.

False or misleading promises

Wegovy is effective for weight loss – but it's not a magic wand. To see the best results, you must still eat a healthy, balanced diet, maintain a calorie deficit and exercise regularly.

Illegitimate suppliers often promise rapid weight loss, but conveniently leave out the parts about exercising and eating healthily. Remember: if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Very low prices

Illegal Wegovy suppliers often try to attract customers using enticing offers and unreasonably low prices.

Don't let yourself be blinded by pound signs. These offers almost always indicate that you're not getting the real deal.

Selling through social media

It's perfectly OK for a Wegovy supplier to have a social media page. But they shouldn't sell their products through platforms like Facebook, TikTok or Instagram.

If you can only buy through social media and can't find a legitimate website, protect your health and take your business elsewhere.

Dodgy-looking or insecure websites

Even legitimate suppliers make occasional mistakes. But if a website is riddled with spelling mistakes and grammar errors, you should be very wary.

Check security credentials, too. You should only send payment through trusted sources with secured (HTTPS) web portals. Requests for cash, bank transfers or money sent through digital wallet apps are major red flags.

2. Review your supplier's registrations

Legitimate Wegovy suppliers should be registered with certain official regulators. In the UK, there are two main regulators to look out for:

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC): this is the regulator for pharmacies and pharmacists in the UK. Your supplier should list a 7-digit GPhC registration number on its website. This shows that the supplier uses fully qualified pharmacists and abides by the GPhC's care and safety standards.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC): this is the regulator for health and adult social care in the UK. It makes sure care providers deliver safe and effective care to their service users. That includes hospitals, care homes and GPs, as well as online care providers like SemaPen. To find out if a supplier is registered, look for a 10-digit CQC Location ID on its website.

If in doubt, double-check the registration numbers using the GPhC's register search and the CQC's care service search tool .

3. Make sure you're getting the right support

In the key Wegovy clinical trial, participants lost an average of 15% of their body weight when taking the medication over 68 weeks.⁴

That's an impressive result. But there's an important point that people often miss. Those trial participants had expert guidance on hand to help them improve their diet and lifestyle.

This expert support is crucial because Wegovy doesn't just work . As with any weight loss treatment, you must eat a calorie-controlled diet and engage in regular physical activity to achieve the best results.

Plus, with proper medical oversight, you're better equipped to manage side effects and find the best dose for your unique needs.

Unfortunately, this kind of wraparound support is often lacking – even from established, registered pharmacies. Many do little more than send you the medication and let you figure things out on your own.

At SemaPen, however, we do things differently. We keep expert support at the core of our Wegovy programme because we know how crucial it is to long-term success.

When you choose us for Wegovy treatment , you can expect:

A wraparound support programme designed by real UK obesity experts
Real-time weight tracking with smart scales that link to the SemaPen app
Check-ins from our support team to help keep you on track
Advice from our clinical team by email
Exclusive content and lessons to help you learn healthy habits that stick

Want to find out if you're eligible for our Wegovy programme? When you take our digital consultation , we'll review your answers and let you know instantly which of our weight loss programmes is right for you.

Sources

1. World Health Organisation (2024) WHO issues warning on falsified medicines used for diabetes treatment and weight loss [press release]. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news/item/20-06-2024-who-issues-warning-on-falsified-medicines-used-for-diabetes-treatment-and-weight-loss

2. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (2024) UK medicines regulator warns against buying weight loss medicines without a prescription this New Year [press release]. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-medicines-regulator-warns-against-buying-weight-loss-medicines-without-a-prescription-this-new-year

3. Novo Nordisk (n.d.) Our position on the illicit compounding of semaglutide. Retrieved from https://www.novonordisk.com/sustainable-business/esg-portal/principles-positions-and-policies/illicit-compounding-position.html

4. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Dietitian, and Sarah Abdula, Specialist Dietitian, on 5 January 2026.

Could a new pill help curb weight regain after stopping Wegovy?

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 13:37:58 GMT

A new weight loss pill helped Wegovy users maintain 95% of their weight loss after they stopped taking injections. Let's investigate.

Ask any medical professional to list the biggest advancements of recent years, and they'll likely mention injectable weight loss medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro.

The results speak for themselves. People who take Wegovy alongside healthy lifestyle changes lose, on average, around 15% of their starting body weight.¹ With Mounjaro, the average is even higher, at around 21%.²

But they're not magic wands and they're not perfect. As with most weight loss treatments, users tend to regain at least some of their weight when they stop taking their weekly injections.

This is a problem that researchers are keen to solve. And going by recently announced trial results, a new once-daily weight loss pill could help solve it.

What are the new trial results and what do they tell us?

The new results centre on a drug called 'orforglipron' and its potential for weight management after treatment with injectable weight loss medications.

The headline news, as announced by Eli Lilly , is that orforglipron helped participants maintain all but 0.9kg of the weight they lost using Wegovy (on average).³

Mounjaro users lost more weight on average than Wegovy users (24.9kg versus 18.5kg), but also regained more weight while using orforglipron (5kg versus 0.9kg).³

These results show impressive potential – particularly for weight maintenance after treatment with Wegovy.

Research shows that, on average, Wegovy users regain 11.6% of their lost weight 52 weeks after stopping treatment.⁴ In the new orforglipron trial, Wegovy users regained an average of just 4.9%.

In a key Mounjaro trial, meanwhile, eight out of 10 participants regained at least 25% of the weight they'd lost.⁵ While it's not a like-for-like comparison, these new results suggest a small improvement, with Mounjaro users regaining 20% on average.

How did the trial work?

The new trial, dubbed 'ATTAIN-MAINTAIN', is an extension to the landmark SURMOUNT-5 study. SURMOUNT-5 compared the effects of Wegovy and Mounjaro, proving for the first time that Mounjaro is more effective under identical trial conditions.⁶

In the ATTAIN-MAINTAIN trial, SURMOUNT-5 participants who had taken Wegovy or Mounjaro for 72 weeks were offered the chance to try orforglipron for weight maintenance.³

These participants were randomly selected to receive orforglipron or a placebo (dummy drug) for an additional 52 weeks.³

What is orforglipron?

Orforglipron is a weight loss drug developed by Eli Lilly. It works similarly to Mounjaro and Wegovy. However, unlike Mounjaro and Wegovy, it's taken as a once-daily pill rather than a once-weekly injection.

These new results show that orforglipron has promise as a weight maintenance treatment. However, the drug has yielded impressive results for weight loss, too. In a 2025 phase 3 trial, orforglipron users lost an average of 11.2% of their starting weight after 72 weeks of treatment.⁷

Eli Lilly has submitted orforglipron for approval by the FDA,⁸ so it might not be too long before we see it on the US market. It remains to be seen when – or if – it's approved in the UK, but we'll be sure to keep you posted.

SemaPen is a weight loss injection clinic founded by Professor David Kerrigan, former president of the British Obesity & Metabolic Surgery Society. For more news and analysis, follow our blog .

Sources

1. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

2. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

3. Eli Lilly and Company (2025) Lilly's orforglipron helped people maintain weight loss after switching from injectable incretins to oral GLP-1 therapy in first-of-its-kind Phase 3 trial [press release]. Retrieved from https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lillys-orforglipron-helped-people-maintain-weight-loss-after

4. Wilding, J.P.H et al. (2022) "Weight regain and cardiometabolic effects after withdrawal of semaglutide: The STEP 1 trial extension" Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism , 24(8) https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.14725

5. Aronne, L.J. et al. (2024) "Continued Treatment With Tirzepatide for Maintenance of Weight Reduction in Adults With Obesity: The SURMOUNT-4 Randomized Clinical Trial" JAMA , 331(1) https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2023.24945

6. Aronne, L.J. et al. (2025) "Tirzepatide as Compared with Semaglutide for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 393(1) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2416394

7. Wharton, S.W. et al. (2025) "Orforglipron, an Oral Small-Molecule GLP-1 Receptor Agonist for Obesity Treatment" The New England Journal of Medicine , 393(18) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2511774

8. Eli Lilly and Company (2025) What to know about orforglipron: An investigational oral GLP-1. Retrieved from https://www.lilly.com/news/stories/what-to-know-about-orforglipron

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Dietitian, and Sarah Abdula, Specialist Dietitian, on 5 January 2026.

MHRA approves 'triple-strength' Wegovy dose: what now?

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 16:36:02 GMT

A new, higher dose of Wegovy saw patients achieve nearly 21% weight loss – and it's just won UK approval. Find out what this means for you.

On 6 January 2026, the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved a new, higher dose Wegovy for people living with obesity.¹

The injectable weight loss medication has previously been available at a maximum dose of 2.4mg. Now, with the MHRA's backing, doctors can prescribe a maximum dose of 7.2mg. This has led some outlets to refer to the 7.2mg dose as 'triple-strength Wegovy'.²

It's triple the strength – but is it triply as effective? Not quite. But clinical trial results are positive, with some participants losing close to 21% of their starting body weight when taking the 7.2mg dose.³

What does this mean for you as a Wegovy patient? Let's learn more about 'triple-strength' Wegovy – its dosing schedule, its benefits and its availability.

What are the new Wegovy doses?

Wegovy is taken once weekly as a subcutaneous (under-the-skin) injection. Patients typically start at the lowest possible dose (0.25mg), administering four weekly injections before stepping up to a stronger dose.

All being well, the patient continues stepping up their dose every four weeks until they reach the so-called 'maintenance dose'. Until now, the maximum maintenance dose has been 2.4mg.

Following the MHRA's announcement, however, doctors can now prescribe a higher maintenance dose of 7.2mg.

Doctors can only prescribe the new 'triple-strength' Wegovy after patients have taken the 2.4mg dose for at least four weeks.¹

Currently, the 7.2mg dose is administered as three 2.4mg doses, taken one after the other on the same day.¹ However, as Medscape reports, a single 7.2mg injection pen is in development and will likely become available later in 2026.⁴

How effective is 'triple-strength' Wegovy?

The MHRA's backing of the new dose follows the publication of trial data showing significant benefits for patients taking 'triple-strength' Wegovy.

In the STEP UP trial, participants who received the 7.2mg dose lost an average of 18.7% of their starting body weight.³ At the previous maximum dose, the average weight loss is 14.9%.⁵

The benefits were even more pronounced for participants who rigidly stuck to their treatment, including diet and exercise. These participants lost 20.7% on average³ – just a little shy of Mounjaro's average of 20.9%.⁶

Compared to those taking a placebo (a harmless 'dummy drug' with no effects), the higher-dose participants were also:³

Around 12 times as likely to lose at least 5% of their body weight
More than 25 times as likely to lose at least 20%
More than 100 times as likely to lose at least 25%

How can I access 'triple-strength' Wegovy?

With the MHRA's backing, doctors in the UK can now offer 7.2mg Wegovy on private prescription.

However, it's not available for everyone. To be eligible for the new dose, patients must:¹

Be living with obesity (have a BMI of 30 or greater)
Have previously taken the 2.4mg dose for at least 4 weeks

Crucially, the new dose is only available to people with a BMI of 30 or greater. Patients who would be eligible for the 2.4mg dose at a lower BMI are not automatically eligible for the 'triple-strength' dose.

And while 7.2mg Wegovy can now be offered privately, it remains to be seen whether the NHS will follow suit. Typically, a drug is first recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), after which NHS England is obligated to fund the medication. However, this process takes time and is far from guaranteed.

Finally, will we be offering 'triple-strength' Wegovy at SemaPen? We keep a close eye on new treatment options and are evaluating the 7.2mg dose. As ever, our most important consideration is whether it benefits our patients – both in terms of health benefits and cost. Watch this space.

SemaPen is a UK-based weight loss injection clinic founded by Professor David Kerrigan, former president of the British Obesity & Metabolic Surgery Society. For more news and advice, follow our blog .

Sources

1. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (2026) Medicines regulator approves up to 7.2mg dose of semaglutide (Wegovy) for patients with obesity only [news story]. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/news/medicines-regulator-approves-up-to-72mg-dose-of-semaglutidewegovy-for-patients-with-obesity-only

2. Lang, K. (2026) "What is 'triple strength' Wegovy, and why has the MHRA approved it?" BMJ , 392:s111 https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.s111

3. Wharton, S. et al. (2025) "Once-weekly semaglutide 7·2 mg in adults with obesity (STEP UP): a randomised, controlled, phase 3b trial" The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology , 13(11) https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-8587(25)00226-8

4. Meredith, S. (2026) MHRA Backs Higher-Dose Wegovy After 20% Weight Loss [news story]. Retrieved from https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/mhra-backs-higher-dose-wegovy-after-20-weight-loss-2026a10001lq

5. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

6. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Dietitian on 20 January 2026.

What new weight loss drugs are in development for 2026?

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 09:14:00 GMT

Results are in for retatrutide, orforglipron and CagriSema. But are they as effective as Wegovy and Mounjaro? Find out in our guide.

The injectable weight loss medications Wegovy and Mounjaro have been available in the UK for several years. And they're still the most effective treatments of their kind on the market.

As we move into a new year, however, it's natural to ask, 'What's next?'

With phase 3 trials underway for three similar weight loss medications, we might not have to wait long to find out. Let's explore some of the latest information on these new medications, as well as how they stand up to tried-and-tested treatments like Wegovy and Mounjaro.

Retatrutide

Wegovy is a single hormone receptor agonist. It mimics an important gut hormone called 'GLP-1'. Mounjaro is a dual agonist. It mimics GLP-1, as well as another hormone called 'GIP'.

Well, retatrutide has them both beaten – at least on quantity alone. It's the world's first triple agonist of its kind, mimicking GLP-1, GIP and the blood sugar hormone glucagon.
Combining all three aims to:

Suppress appetite (GLP-1)
Improve insulin action (GLP-1 and GIP)
Increase calorie burning and fat loss (glucagon)

It's hoped that the triple mechanism will be even more helpful for weight loss compared to single- or dual-agonist drugs like Wegovy or Mounjaro. Early findings from clinical trials suggest it might.

In a phase 2 trial, 83% of people who took retatrutide saw weight loss of 15% or more, and 100% saw at least 5% weight loss.¹ That's a promising start.

Now, with the phase 3 TRIUMPH programme, researchers are further exploring its potential benefits for weight loss.
The TRIUMPH programme

Eli Lilly, the company behind retatrutide, is currently assessing the drug in a phase 3 trial programme known as 'TRIUMPH'. Across four separate trials, the programme will assess the drug for weight loss, sleep apnoea and knee osteoarthritis in people living with obesity or overweight.

Phase 3 trials commonly test things like dosage and include many more participants than phase 2 studies. In the case of TRIUMPH, around 5,800 people from several countries will test 4mg, 9mg and 12mg doses of retatrutide. That means we'll have plenty of data from different population groups – and in medicine, the more varied the data, the better.

What we know so far – and when we'll know more

The TRIUMPH researchers are expected to publish some of their findings in 2026 and 2027. As of now, we have early results from the TRIUMPH-4 study, which looks at the drug's potential benefits for knee osteoarthritis. This is a common health issue among people living with obesity.

These early results are very promising. After 68 weeks, participants taking 12mg of retatrutide:²

Reported a 75.8% improvement in pain scores. More than 1 in 8 retatrutide users said they were completely free of knee pain by the trial's end.
Saw an average weight loss of 28.7%. That's around 14% more than Wegovy's average and 8% more than Mounjaro's.³ ⁴

As with Wegovy and Mounjaro, side effects have been mostly mild and manageable. Nausea, diarrhoea and constipation are among the most common.²

Between 9% and 20% of people experienced dysesthesia (itching or unusual sensations in the skin) when taking retatrutide. So far, this side effect also seems to be relatively mild and, in the study, rarely led to discontinuation of treatment.²
CagriSema

CagriSema has been developed by Novo Nordisk, the company behind Wegovy. It combines two powerful medications into one injection:

Semaglutide: the active ingredient in Wegovy, which mimics the body's GLP-1 hormone.
Cagrilintide: this new medication is an amylin analogue, meaning it mimics another digestive hormone called 'amylin'. This hormone is involved in many of the same bodily functions as GLP-1.

The theory is that the two medications will work together to trigger weight loss more effectively than semaglutide alone. We've previously explored the outcomes from the phase 3 CagriSema trial , which was published earlier this year. There, CagriSema users experienced an average weight loss of 20.4%.⁵ That's 5.5% more than semaglutide (Wegovy) alone,³ 9.6% more than cagrilintide alone,⁶ and just a little shy of Mounjaro's average of 20.9%.⁴

Even more impressive results have emerged since we last discussed CagriSema. According to a recent Novo Nordisk press release, CagriSema achieved an average of 23% weight loss 'when evaluating the treatment effect if all patients stayed on treatment'.⁷

Will CagriSema be available soon?

Novo Nordisk has submitted CagriSema for FDA approval, which is expected to be reviewed in 2026.⁷ That means injectable CagriSema may be available in the US as an alternative to Wegovy and Mounjaro in the not-too-distant future.
There are a number of other Phase 3 trials still ongoing. These include:

REDEFINE 3 , which looks at heart-related conditions⁸
REDEFINE 11 , which looks specifically at the impact CagriSema may have over a longer timeframe for patients with a BMI of 30 or greater⁹

Orforglipron

Orforglipron – also made by Eli Lilly – is a little different to our other examples. That's because it's taken orally (as a pill) rather than injected. It's also taken once daily instead of once each week.

We've previously looked at the results from the ATTAIN-1 clinical trial . In this study, participants lost 11.2% of their body weight on average when taking a 36mg dose of orforglipron over 72 weeks.¹⁰

Orforglipron appears to be less effective than Wegovy (15%)³ and Mounjaro (21%).⁴ However, these results show it could offer a viable alternative for people who can't use injections.

There's hope that it can be useful for maintaining weight after using injections, too.

Eli Lilly has asked the FDA to approve orforglipron for weight loss, and it has been selected for the National Priority Review Voucher pilot program.¹¹ Potentially, this means that it could reach the US market soon.

When will these medications be available in the UK?

It's still too early to say whether retatrutide, CagriSema or orforglipron will be approved in the UK, or when, or what they might cost. For now, people who are looking for an effective weight loss medication can rely on several approved treatments, depending on their unique needs.

Wegovy and Mounjaro are both available from reputable providers like SemaPen. When combining the medications with a healthy lifestyle and the support of our experts, users can expect to lose between 15%³ and 21%⁴ of their starting weight.

Want to learn more? You can simply take our digital consultation to find out which option might be best for your needs.
Sources

1. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2023) "Triple–Hormone-Receptor Agonist Retatrutide for Obesity — A Phase 2 Trial" The New England Journal of Medicine , 389(6) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2301972

2. Eli Lilly and Company (2025) Lilly's triple agonist, retatrutide, delivered weight loss of up to an average of 71.2 lbs along with substantial relief from osteoarthritis pain in first successful Phase 3 trial [press release]. Retrieved from https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lillys-triple-agonist-retatrutide-delivered-weight-loss-average

3. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overw eight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

4. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine, 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

5. Garvey, W.T. et al. (2025) "Coadministered Cagrilintide and Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 393(7) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2502081

6. Lau, D.C.W. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly cagrilintide for weight management in people with overweight and obesity: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled and active-controlled, dose-finding phase 2 trial" The Lancet , 398(10317) https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(21)01751-7

7. Novo Nordisk (2025) Novo Nordisk files for FDA approval of CagriSema, the first once-weekly combination of GLP-1 and amylin analogues for weight management [press release]. Retrieved from https://www.novonordisk.com/content/nncorp/global/en/news-and-media/news-and-ir-materials/news-details.html?id=916470

8. National Library of Medicine (2025) REDEFINE 3: A Research Study to See the Effects of CagriSema in People Living With Diseases in the Heart and Blood Vessels (REDEFINE 3). Retrieved from https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05669755

9. Barrie, R. (2025) Novo Nordisk plans new study for CagriSema, targets 2026 submission. Pharmaceutical Technology . Retrieved from https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/news/novo-nordisk-plans-new-study-for-cagrisema-targets-2026-submission/

10. Wharton, S.W. et al. (2025) "Orforglipron, an Oral Small-Molecule GLP-1 Receptor Agonist for Obesity Treatment" The New England Journal of Medicine , 393(18) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2511774

11. Eli Lilly and Company (2025) What to know about orforglipron: An investigational oral GLP-1. Retrieved from https://www.lilly.com/news/stories/what-to-know-about-orforglipron

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Dietitian, and Sarah Abdula, Specialist Dietitian, on 5 January 2026.

Losing weight in 2026: is it time to ditch New Year's resolutions?

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 14:26:00 GMT

Are New Year's resolutions doing more harm than good? Some experts say yes. Learn why and explore healthier ways to stay motivated.

If you celebrate Christmas, you might have found yourself falling into a familiar trap.
It's the festive season, so we do the usual – we eat, we drink and we make merry. Then, as the tinsel comes down and the last leftovers disappear, we step onto the scales. Yet again – we've put on weight.
At this juncture, many of us would reach for the nearest notepad and start scribbling down New Year's resolutions. Top of the list: a weight loss diet. And this time, we say to ourselves, we'll stick with it.
But is this really the best route to self-improvement? Many experts say no. In fact, they claim, New Year's resolutions might be harming our mental health.
Let's look at the reasons why – and how you can stay motivated without falling into harmful ways of thinking.

The case against New Year's resolutions

They almost always fail

According to Mental Health UK, 90% of people fail to complete their New Year's resolutions and a whopping 25% quit by week two.¹ Only around a third of people are still committed to their goals by February.²
But you probably don't need statistics to tell you that. Many of us have made New Year's resolutions in good faith, only to see them fail. According to one survey, 43% of people expect to have dropped their resolution after one month.³
That doesn't mean it stings any less when we don't succeed, though. 'Our "failure" to achieve these goals can lead us to believe we are also "failures"', writes Mental Health UK. 'This way, New Year's resolutions can have a negative impact on our self-esteem, our confidence, and our motivation to change.'¹

They're often unrealistic or vague

New Year's resolutions are often abandoned because they're overambitious or hard to pin down. Do any of these sound familiar?
'I'm going to start going to the gym 5 times a week' (is that a realistic goal if you're not already a dedicated gym-goer?) 'I'll cut out carbs completely' (extreme diet changes are often the most difficult to maintain) 'I'll improve my health' (but what does this mean, exactly?)

Overambitious resolutions typically fail because we tend to ask too much of our future selves. 'People are generally bad at ignoring their current state when making decisions about how they will feel in the future', writes one panel of experts. They add that we 'commonly underestimate the strength of the future cravings and desires that could derail [our] resolution'.⁴
Vague resolutions, meanwhile, often fail because it's hard to define what success looks like. What does it mean to 'get fit' or 'stay active'? And how will we know if we've succeeded?
In any case, the outcome is usually the same. We fail to live up to our own expectations and feel disheartened, regretful and shamed. Talking of which…

Too many resolutions are fueled by shame

Much of the chatter about resolutions is designed to shame us into change.
Take gym advertising, for instance. Every January, like clockwork, gyms offer incentives to sign up – knowing there'll be a fresh batch of resolutes ready to put their goals into action.
Self-improvement is no bad thing. But much of this advertising focuses on achieving an 'ideal' body image – not improving our overall health. It's a shame-based motivator rather than a positive one.
'Shame is not a good motivator', warns Mental Health UK, 'and anything that makes us feel bad about ourselves ultimately places us on an unsteady foundation to change.'

Resolutions are a lonely pursuit

Every year, billions of Muslims celebrate Ramadan – a month-long holy festival centred on spiritual reflection, devotion and fasting (abstaining from food and drink).
Fasting for a month isn't easy. But 93% of all Muslims worldwide say they observe the tradition.⁵ Why are so many capable of this impressive feat, yet New Year's resolutions so often go awry?
The answer, according to experts at the University of Plymouth, might have to do with the power of community.
'In Ramadan', they write, 'everyone shares some behaviour goals and, in countries with a large Muslim population, it is uncommon to come across tempting foods or people eating during the day.' They go on to point out that communal events like Dry January and Stoptober have demonstrated 'similar levels of social support'.

So, perhaps it's not so much the resolutions themselves that are the problem. It's the fact that we're facing them – and the prospect of failure – on our own.

What to do instead

Ditching New Year's resolutions doesn't have to mean giving up on your goals. Striving to improve yourself and your health, after all, is never a bad thing.
But if you're keen to lose weight in 2026, there are healthier ways to go about it. Try these tips and you might find that safe, sustainable weight loss becomes that little bit easier.

Be realistic: if a goal feels insurmountable today, it will probably feel just as impossible in three months. Be kind to yourself and aim for small, achievable goals that you can accomplish step by step.
Set measurable goals: when you set clear boundaries of success, your goals will feel more measurable and achievable. Don't say, 'I'll exercise more' – say, 'I'll exercise for 20 minutes, four days a week'.
Stay positive: focus on self-improvement rather than negative self-image. Remind yourself that you're losing weight to improve your health and well-being, not because other people think you should.
Use your support network: if you're lucky enough to have friends and relatives around you, don't be afraid to seek their support and encouragement. You could even adopt a joint resolution with a pal. That way, you can help each other stay motivated as you go.
Don't fall into the 'failure' trap: focus on the journey and take each roadblock as it comes. The goal is to improve your health step by step, not to punish yourself over an arbitrary game of win or lose.

Are you looking for extra support to achieve healthy, sustainable weight loss this year? Our sensible weight loss plans harness clinically proven medications alongside tailored guidance from dietitians and other specialists. For you, that means a better chance of success and a support network of real UK obesity experts.
You can find out if you're eligible today. Simply take our digital consultation and we'll recommend the best treatment options for you.
Sources
1. Mental Health UK (2024) New Year, New Me? Why New Year's resolutions can be unhelpful, and how to set healthy goals. Retrieved from https://mentalhealth-uk.org/blog/new-year-new-me-why-new-years-resolutions-can-be-unhelpful-and-how-to-set-healthy-goals/
2. Dickson, J.M. et al. (2021) "Self-Regulatory Goal Motivational Processes in Sustained New Year Resolution Pursuit and Mental Wellbeing" International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health , 18(6) https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18063084
3. Sundried (n.d.) Research Shows 43% Of People Expect To Give Up Their New Year's Resolutions By February.
4. Campling, J. et al (n.d.) Are New Year's resolutions a waste of time? University of Plymouth. Retrieved from https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/news/pr-opinion/are-new-years-resolutions-a-waste-of-time
5. Ghani, F. (2013) Most Muslims say they fast during Ramadan. Pew Research Centre. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2013/07/09/global-median-of-93-of-muslims-say-they-fast-during-ramadan/
This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Dietitian, and Sarah Abdula, Specialist Dietitian, on 5 January 2026.

Can Wegovy and Mounjaro really cause 10 years of muscle loss?

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 10:00:00 GMT

A recent article suggested Wegovy and Mounjaro cause muscle loss equivalent to 10 years of ageing. Is that true? Get the full facts in our guide.

If you follow the news in the UK, you might have seen a curious headline in The Times . 'Weight loss drug users told to do weights or risk ageing 10 years', it warned .

The problem, the article explained, centres on a phenomenon called 'muscle loss'. This is the tendency for people to lose muscle, as well as fat, when experiencing rapid weight loss.

Citing a study from 2024, the writer claims that using Wegovy or Mounjaro causes more muscle loss than you'd usually expect in a decade.

Is this true? As is often the case in medicine, the answer is a little more complicated than a straight 'yes' or 'no'. Let's dig into the facts.
What the article says

The first thing we'll say is this: don't let that headline worry you. To say that Wegovy and Mounjaro users 'risk ageing 10 years' isn't strictly incorrect. But it's certainly stretching the meaning of the word 'ageing'.

The truth is that ageing is a complex process tied up in many biological mechanisms – and which isn't yet fully understood. Muscle loss is one component of ageing, sure. But claiming you've aged 10 years because you've lost some muscle tissue is a bit like saying you've shrunk an inch because you've had a haircut. It's only one piece of a 10,000-piece puzzle.

Dive further into the article and it all becomes clearer. 'An evidence review published last year found that use of the drugs caused a "rapid and significant loss of lean mass", averaging about 6kg per person', it says. This, it points out, is more than you'd expect to lose in a decade.

This is correct. The study indeed found that weight loss drug users lose around 10% of their lean mass on average – or around 6kg.¹
We all lose muscle tissue as we age. After age 30, our muscle mass decreases by around 3% to 8% each decade. And after we hit 60, the rate of muscle loss increases.²

So far, so accurate. However, there's more to the story when you scratch beneath the surface. Let's learn more about why muscle loss happens and what it means for your weight loss journey.

What you need to know about Wegovy/Mounjaro and muscle loss

1. Lean mass and muscle mass aren't the same thing

In the study cited by The Times , researchers noted that weight loss medications tended to cause a loss of lean mass . Lean mass is defined as your total body weight minus the weight of body fat. It includes muscle tissue. It also includes bones, skin, organs and water.

Losing lean mass while losing weight is a real concern. After all, more than 50% of lean mass is made up of skeletal muscle tissue.³ These are the muscles that let you walk, run and move around – pretty essential, to say the least.

However, let's not forget those other components of lean mass – particularly water. Our fat tissues contain water, so when we lose fat, we always lose a little lean mass.

How much lean mass? Scientists have tried to answer this very question.

In a 2019 review, researchers looked at the impact of three different kinds of diet and exercise changes on adults with obesity. They found that participants lost 9kg on average – including 2.7kg of lean mass.⁴

However, that figure included lean mass in fat tissues. When the researchers eliminated this from their calculations, they saw that the loss of lean mass was markedly reduced. For one group, who undertook resistance training during their treatment, lean mass actually increased by 0.3kg on average after the calculations were adjusted.⁴

This isn't to say we can forget about maintaining lean mass when losing weight. (We most definitely shouldn't.) However, it does raise an important point: the type of lean mass matters.

2. It's probably the weight loss, not the weight loss medication

Wegovy and Mounjaro are relatively new treatments, with each gaining UK approval in 2021 and 2023 respectively.

Where new treatments are concerned, it's natural and sensible to be wary of new and undesirable effects. And in this case, it would be natural and sensible to assume that rapid muscle loss occurs as a direct result of taking Wegovy or Mounjaro.

However, the evidence suggests that weight loss medications cause about as much muscle loss – proportionally speaking – as traditional treatments like diet and exercise.

In other words, if you lose a lot of weight rather quickly, you also lose rather a lot of muscle. And this seems to be true whether or not you're using weight loss medications.

This is borne out by a 2025 study comparing weight loss through lifestyle interventions and injectable medications. The authors found that 'body composition changes […] were similar following both treatments'.⁵

The same goes for an expert article published last year in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology . The authors noted that muscle loss with weight loss medications ranged from 25% to 39%, as a proportion of total weight loss. However, they also pointed out that 'this substantial muscle loss can be largely attributed to the magnitude of weight loss', rather than the injections themselves.⁶

This is an area that needs more study. However, based on the best current evidence, we can be reasonably sure that the amount of muscle loss seen with weight loss medications isn't unusual . It's about equal to what we'd expect to see with any substantial and relatively rapid case of weight loss.

3. Getting the right support is important

The study cited by The Times was a narrative review. That means it looks at existing research on a topic and summarises what we know.

In all, the authors looked at 15 studies that measured changes in body composition (fat and lean mass) in participants using weight loss injections. Looking at a wide variety of studies means they have more data to back up their analysis.

However, what's not clear is how much dietary support was provided in these studies. By this, we mean tailored guidance by qualified dietitians to help participants lose weight safely and sustainably.

Experts agree that this kind of dietary support is vital to achieving healthy weight loss and minimising the loss of lean mass. One narrative review, for instance, recommends 'nutritional strategies' as part of a 'comprehensive lifestyle approach, including physical activity programs, management of side effects, adequate sleep' and more.⁷

4. You should still be concerned about muscle loss

None of this is to suggest that muscle loss doesn't happen or that it isn't a real concern. It does – and it is.

As with any weight loss treatment, it's important to take steps to preserve muscle mass while using Wegovy or Mounjaro. That's because preserving muscle helps you maintain energy, feel strong and burn more calories at rest.⁸

The good news is that healthcare professionals have studied the risks and consequences of muscle loss during periods of rapid weight loss. And that means there are plenty of expert recommendations to help you stay lean and strong as you lose weight. That includes:

Do regular resistance training: as the Times article points out, regular resistance exercise is one of the best ways to avoid muscle loss while losing weight. Experts recommend two to three sessions of bodyweight training, free weights or resistance bands each week.⁹

Don't starve yourself: as with most weight loss treatments, Wegovy and Mounjaro rely on maintaining a calorie deficit to burn fat. However, you should still eat a sensible amount of calories to help preserve energy and muscle. The NHS recommends cutting your calories by about 600 per day to achieve healthy, sustainable weight loss.¹⁰

Eat a healthy, balanced diet: it's not just the calories you consume that are important . Eating the right nutrients helps your body build and repair muscle tissue as you lose weight. Aim to eat a range of healthy options from all food groups, including plenty of lean protein.

Look beyond the scale: if you're building muscle while you burn fat, your body will change in ways that won't reflect on the bathroom scale. That's why it's important to look beyond body weight and use other measures, such as waist-to-height ratio, to help gauge your success.

And remember – it's always easier to lose weight safely and sustainably when you have structured, expert support on your side. When you purchase Wegovy or Mounjaro through SemaPen, you join a trusted weight loss programme designed and led by UK obesity experts. For you, that means tailored lifestyle and dietary support to help you lose weight, preserve muscle and learn healthy lifelong habits.

It's easy to find out if you're eligible. Simply complete our digital consultation and we'll recommend the best treatment options for your individual needs.

Sources

1. Locatelli, J.C. et al. (2024) "Incretin-Based Weight Loss Pharmacotherapy: Can Resistance Exercise Optimize Changes in Body Composition?" Diabetes Care , 47(10) https://doi.org/10.2337/dci23-0100

2. Volpi, E. et al. (2010) "Muscle tissue changes with aging" [author manuscript] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2804956/

3. Loomba-Albrecht, L.A. (2018) "Pubertal Development", in Skinner, M.K. (ed) Encyclopedia of Reproduction (Second Edition) (pp. 100–104). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-801238-3.64365-9

4. Abe, T. et al. (2019) "Body Fat Loss Automatically Reduces Lean Mass by Changing the Fat-Free Component of Adipose Tissue" Obesity , 27(3) https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.22393

5. Moolla, A. et al. (2025) "Randomised trial comparing weight loss through lifestyle and GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy in people with MASLD" JHEP Reports , 7(5) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhepr.2025.101363

6. Prado, C.M. et al. (2024) "Muscle matters: the effects of medically induced weight loss on skeletal muscle" The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology , 12(11) https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-8587(24)00272-9

7. Dias, D.D. et al. (2025) "Nutritional Approaches to Enhance GLP-1 Analogue Therapy in Obesity: A Narrative Review" Obesities , 5(4) https://doi.org/10.3390/obesities5040088

8. Hall, K.D. (2018) "Metabolic Adaptations to Weight Loss" Obesity , 26(5) https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.22189

9. Hollis, M. (2025) How to maintain muscle loss during weight loss. Sword Health. Retrieved from https://swordhealth.com/articles/maintain-muscle-during-weight-loss

10. NHS (n.d.) Calorie counting. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/lose-weight/calorie-counting/

Why is weight loss not linear?

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 11:11:00 GMT

Discover why weight loss naturally slows over time, and learn how to move past plateaus with confidence.

If you've tried to lose weight before, this story might sound familiar.
In the beginning, the pounds seem to melt off. Your new diet and exercise regime is working. Things are looking positive.
But at some point, everything slows down. Your exercise routine doesn't lead to the same results. It starts to become harder to resist sugary snacks when it feels like healthy eating isn't getting you anywhere.
At this point, you might start wondering, 'Is my weight loss plan working – or am I doing something wrong?' It can be tempting to give up at this point, but it's important that you don't. That's because losing weight is not linear . It often starts fast, tends to slow down, and sometimes stops completely – at least for a while.
When weight loss stops temporarily, we call it a 'weight loss plateau'. Most people who are trying to lose weight will reach a weight loss plateau at some point.
Learning why plateaus happen – and strategies to overcome them – is one of the keys to unlocking long-term results and sustainable, life-long achievement.
Let's break down a few of the reasons weight loss can look different at different stages of your journey.

Weight loss is not a quick fix, but a long-term journey

Most people experience a rapid reduction in weight when they first make positive lifestyle changes.
When calorie intake is reduced, the body responds by drawing glycogen (stored energy) from the muscles and liver as a way to get energy quickly. Each gram of glycogen holds three grams of water.¹ So, when these reserves are reduced, the body loses water weight as well as fat.
We lose body fat more slowly than water. That's because the body needs to break down fat cells before it can use them as an energy source.
So, while the scale might show positive progress, the truth is that you're probably not losing lots of fat to begin with. Instead, you're shedding glycogen and water, or what some people call 'water weight'.

Sustainable weight loss is the goal

We know it might be disheartening to see quick progress to begin with, only to learn that much of the weight you lost was water.
But remember that almost everyone goes through weight loss plateaus. And besides, rapid weight loss isn't the goal. Instead, you should aim for sustainable weight loss.

By 'sustainable weight loss', we mean weight loss that's healthy and is achieved through the right balance of diet and lifestyle changes. If you can build good long-term habits, rather than aiming to shed weight as quickly as possible, you'll be:

More resilient to plateaus
Less likely to regain
More likely to be able to enjoy the secondary benefits of weight loss

After all, losing weight isn't just about fitting into a smaller clothing size. It's about enjoying a better quality of life than you had before. At SemaPen, we never do fad diets or aim for fast-but-unsustainable weight loss. Whether it's injectable weight loss medications , meal replacements or bariatric surgery , our programmes are designed by real obesity experts and include ongoing specialist support.
It's all about addressing the physical and psychological aspects of a real weight loss journey. With Semapen, the goal is to lose weight for good – not just for a month or two.

Five reasons why weight loss is not linear

A 2021 study found many factors are associated with stalling weight loss.² These can be loosely grouped into five categories.

1. Biological

Genetics, anthropometry (body shape and dimensions) and metabolism impact how you lose weight. Taller or heavier people, for instance, typically have a higher basal metabolic rate compared to shorter or lighter patients.

In other words, your height and starting weight can affect how quickly or effectively your weight loss programme works.
Metabolism is how quickly your body burns energy. It's a key cause of weight plateaus because it defines how many calories you need to sustain your current weight.

Losing weight reduces your base calorie requirement. This can explain why the same diet or exercise plan doesn't yield the same results later down the line.
There's also something called 'metabolic adaptation'. Put simply, once your body realises you're consuming less energy (fewer calories), it will start conserving energy by reducing your metabolism.
To overcome this and avoid weight plateaus, you must reevaluate your calorie deficit at different points throughout your weight loss journey.

2. Medical

In the study, certain medical conditions (polycystic ovary syndrome, thyroid conditions and vitamin D deficiency) were associated with hindered weight loss. However, these relationships aren't yet fully understood.

Links have also been made to medications (insulin, antidepressants and oral contraceptives). Again, however, these are only potential factors for weight loss.
That doesn't mean you should stop taking these medications if you're trying to lose weight, though. You should always consult with a health professional before stopping or changing a medication.

3. Interventional

Initial weight loss success increases motivation and confidence. But many people don't realise fluctuations are normal , so they tend to get frustrated when they plateau.
Glycogen levels, constipation, even the accuracy of a measuring device like a bathroom scale… With so many things happening in the background, it can sometimes be hard to know whether to trust a weight loss strategy or change it.

4. Lifestyle

Ultra-processed foods, alcohol, poor quality sleep… Even in a calorie deficit, these factors affect how successful and consistent a weight loss plan can be.
A good weight loss programme will prioritise a diet rich in nutritious food, good sleep and minimal alcohol consumption, as well as calorie reduction.

5. Environmental

Stress and a lack of social support can impact weight loss. Studies have shown that people who include stress management techniques are more successful when trying to lose weight.³

What our experts say

'Weight loss journeys tend to be like a staircase: you lose, then maintain, lose, then maintain.
'There are a few reasons why weight loss can slow down during the maintenance stages. It could be that your body has got used to the changes you've made, so they don't work as effectively. Or it might be that you're losing inches and reshaping.
'These stages are when people are most likely to quit. That's why it's important to look beyond the scale and find other ways to celebrate your success. For instance, you could look at your body measurements, body fat percentage, energy levels or even sleep quality. These can all continue to improve, even if pound-by-pound weight loss slows down.'
Sarah Abdula, Specialist Dietitian at SemaPen

Ways to kickstart weight loss after a plateau

Revisit your diet. Reducing simple carbohydrates can help regulate blood glucose levels and reduce overall calorie intake. Adding more protein helps prevent muscle mass loss, which can help avoid weight loss dips and falls.
Reduce or cut out alcohol. Not only can this reduce the likelihood of plateaus, but minimising alcohol consumption also improves blood pressure and sleep quality. What's more, it can reduce fatty deposits that build up around the liver.
Stay positive. Weight loss plateaus are a normal part of trying to lose weight. Remember to celebrate the achievements you've made, and encourage yourself to push past the plateau.
Get support. Whether it's professional advice or joining a weight loss programme, losing weight is easier when you've got the right social and professional support.

Are you looking for specialist support to lose weight safely and sustainably? Designed by UK dietitians, the SemaHealth meal replacement programme includes face-to-face online consultations so you can get tailored feedback from real experts. Why not take our digital consultation to find out if you're eligible?

Sources

1. Fernández-Elías, V.E. et al. (2015) "Relationship between muscle water and glycogen recovery after prolonged exercise in the heat in humans" European Journal of Applied Physiology , 115(9) https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-015-3175-z
2. Dabas, J. et al. (2024) "What could be the reasons for not losing weight even after following a weight loss program?" Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition , 43:37 https://doi.org/10.1186/s41043-024-00516-4

3. Xenaki, N. et al. (2018) "Impact of a stress management program on weight loss, mental health and lifestyle in adults with obesity: a randomized controlled trial" Journal of Molecular Biochemistry , 7(2) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6296480/

What we learned from the Wegovy clinical trials

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 14:17:00 GMT

Learn about the main clinical trials for Wegovy (semaglutide), including STEP, SURMOUNT, FLOW and ESSENCE.

Before any medication can be approved for sale, it must go through a series of painstaking clinical trials. These studies investigate whether a drug is safe and effective enough to recommend as a treatment.
But approval is just the start. By running further clinical trials, we can learn more about how a drug works and its wider effects on our health and well-being.
Take Wegovy (semaglutide) . This injectable weight loss treatment went through several trials before its approval as a treatment for type 2 diabetes and weight management. But researchers are still running new studies as we learn more about its potential benefits for heart and liver health.
Let's investigate some of the most important Wegovy clinical trials and look back at what we've learned.

Key Wegovy trials for type 2 diabetes and weight management

For a deeper dive into the stages of the STEP and SURMOUNT trials, read our guide to key weight loss drug trials .

2016: the SUSTAIN programme

The SUSTAIN trials looked at semaglutide's effectiveness as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. As researchers wrote in a summary of the trials, semaglutide was 'superior at reducing [blood sugar]… when compared with multiple antidiabetic medications'.¹ As a result of the trials, semaglutide was approved as a type 2 diabetes medication by the FDA and other regulatory authorities under the brand name 'Ozempic'.
But SUSTAIN showed something else, too – semaglutide caused more weight loss in participants than any other drug on the market at the time. Across the 10 trials, participants treated with 1.0mg of semaglutide lost 5.1kg on average.¹ Curious to learn more, semaglutide's manufacturer launched the STEP programme. This was a series of six separate studies involving 5,000 people, designed to explore how semaglutide could aid weight loss over several years.

2021: The STEP programme

The STEP programme's findings were revolutionary for our understanding of semaglutide. For the first time, they demonstrated the drug's safety and effectiveness as a weight loss treatment for people without diabetes. The STEP 1 trial (the largest of the studies) found that non-diabetic patients lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight . Those taking a placebo (a harmless 'dummy' drug) lost just 2.4% on average.²

It was clear that semaglutide had potential beyond a diabetes medication. So, in 2022, the National Institute for Health Care and Excellence (NICE) recommended semaglutide as an option for weight management on the NHS.³

2025: SURMOUNT 5

The SURMOUNT programme investigated the effects of a newer injectable weight loss drug called 'tirzepatide' – the active ingredient in Mounjaro .
As far as Wegovy goes, the important study here is SURMOUNT-5. This was the first study that directly compared the effects of semaglutide and tirzepatide.
SURMOUNT-5 proved that Mounjaro is better than Wegovy for weight loss – but both still yielded strong results. After 12 months of treatment, those taking semaglutide lost 8.3% of their body weight on average. However, those taking tirzepatide lost an average of 15.3% .⁴

Looking beyond weight loss

As more studies explore the effects of semaglutide, we're gaining a better understanding of the drug's potential. Could Wegovy have benefits beyond weight loss and blood sugar control?
According to two recent, large-scale studies, the answer is 'yes'. Let's take a look.

2024: The FLOW trial finds semaglutide has a positive impact on chronic kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes

In the FLOW trial, 3,533 patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease were assigned either a weekly 1mg dose of semaglutide or a placebo.
The results showed that, compared to the placebo group, the semaglutide users saw improved risk levels for a number of health concerns:⁵

24% lower risk of 'major kidney disease events' (e.g. kidney failure)
18% lower risk of cardiovascular events (e.g. heart disease, stroke)
20% lower risk of death from any cause

2025: The phase 1 ESSENCE trial measures the effect of semaglutide on liver conditions

ESSENCE is an ongoing Phase 3 trial. It aims to understand the effect of semaglutide on liver injury and liver scarring, and its potential as a treatment for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).
In the two-part trial, 1,197 participants receive either a 2.4 mg dose of semaglutide or placebo, as well as standard care. They report results at 72 and 240 weeks.⁶ Part one's findings were presented at the 76th annual American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) meeting in November 2025. They showed that, after 72 weeks, the semaglutide group saw improvements in both liver injury and liver scarring across various ages, genders, races and ethnicities. ⁶

What is MASH?

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, or MASH, is a condition caused by the build-up of fat around the liver.
Previously, this condition has been associated with terms like 'non-alcoholic steatohepatitis' (NASH) or 'fatty liver disease' (FLD). 'MASH' is used more commonly nowadays as it's considered more accurate and less stigmatising.
MASH is one of the most common – and fastest-growing – causes of chronic liver disease worldwide. It affects an estimated 6% of adults, and more than 30% of people living with obesity or diabetes.⁷
MASH often yields very few symptoms early on. However, if left untreated, it can lead to cirrhosis, cancer or needing a liver transplant.
With some experts predicting liver deaths to increase by 178% by 2030,⁸ it's no surprise there's growing interest in semaglutide's potential for liver health.

The ESSENCE trial: what we know so far

ESSENCE part one

The goal of part one was to show that taking semaglutide 2.4 mg for 72 weeks leads to improvements in liver tissue health. Of the almost 1,200 participants, 800 were selected at random and their results reviewed.
After 72 weeks of treatment, patients who had received semaglutide saw drastically better results compared to the placebo group:⁹

62.9% saw a reduction in steatohepatitis (fat build-up and inflammation), compared to 34.3% in the placebo group.
36.8% saw improvements in liver fibrosis (scar tissue), compared to 22.4% in the placebo group.

Those receiving semaglutide also saw improvements in liver enzymes and other blood measures of liver fibrosis, plus an average of 10.5% weight loss.⁹

ESSENCE part two

Part two will measure the impact of semaglutide after 240 weeks and is expected to finish in 2029.
For close to five years, the study will continue to follow almost 1,200 participants from 37 countries.
So, by the end of phase two, we'll have a much better understanding of semaglutide's impact on liver health across diverse populations.
As for what exactly we'll learn – only time will tell. We'll be sure to let you know as soon as the news breaks.
SemaPen is a UK clinic specialising in non-surgical weight loss treatments . For more guides and helpful tips from our experts, follow our Wegovy and Mounjaro blog .

Sources

1. Singh, G. et al. (2021) "Wegovy (semaglutide): a new weight loss drug for chronic weight management" Journal of Investigative Medicine , 70(1) https://doi.org/10.1136/jim-2021-001952
2. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
3. Mahase, E. (2022) "NICE recommends weight loss drug semaglutide for obese adults" BMJ , 376:o340 https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.o340
4. Aronne, L.J. et al. (2025) "Tirzepatide as Compared with Semaglutide for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 393(1) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2416394
5. Perkovic, V. et al. (2024) "Effects of Semaglutide on Chronic Kidney Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes" The New England Journal of Medicine , 391(2) https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa2403347
6. Novo Nordisk (2025) "Novo Nordisk's Wegovy® (semaglutide 2.4 mg) was associated with liver health-related benefits not solely based on weight loss in adult patients with MASH with liver scarring, according to a new post hoc analysis" [Press release]. Retrieved from https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/novo-nordisks-wegovy-semaglutide-2-4-mg-was-associated-with-liver-health-related-benefits-not-solely-based-on-weight-loss-in-adult-patients-with-mash-with-liver-scarring-according-to-a-new-post-hoc-analysis-302610170.html
7. King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (2025) "Research trial reveals new way to treat patients with major cause of liver disease". Retrieved from https://www.kch.nhs.uk/news/research-trial-reveals-new-way-to-treat-patients-with-major-cause-of-liver-disease/
8. Estes, C. et al. (2018) "Modeling the epidemic of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease demonstrates an exponential increase in burden of disease" Hepatology , 67(1) https://doi.org/10.1002/hep.29466
9. Newson, P. (2025) "Semaglutide treats liver disease in two thirds of patients" King's College London . Retrieved from https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/semaglutide-treats-liver-disease-in-two-thirds-of-patients This article was reviewed and approved by Sarah Abdula, Specialist Dietitian, on 17 December 2025.

Can you take Trulicity injections for weight loss?

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 09:02:00 GMT

Trulicity is not an approved treatment for weight loss, but Wegovy and Mounjaro are effective and approved alternatives. Learn more in our guide.

Injectable weight loss medications are getting more popular as a convenient and effective way to lose weight alongside a healthy diet and lifestyle.
The two most commonly prescribed weight loss injections are Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) . These medications are known as 'GLP-1 receptor agonists' – they mimic a natural hormone called 'GLP-1', which is involved in appetite control and blood sugar management.
Trulicity (dulaglutide) is also a GLP-1 receptor agonist. So, it's natural you might wonder whether you can use Trulicity injections for weight loss, too.

Can you use Trulicity injections for weight loss?

The short answer is no. While Trulicity has yielded some weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes,¹ this is not the primary purpose of the drug. Trulicity was designed as a type 2 diabetes drug and is only licensed in the UK for blood sugar control.
That means it shouldn't generally be prescribed for weight loss – and any prescriptions of this nature would be considered 'off-label'. This is when a drug is prescribed for something it isn't licensed for.
Where losing weight is the goal, medical professionals and regulatory bodies recommend using licensed and clinically proven weight loss treatments. That includes Mounjaro and Wegovy.

Why is Trulicity not approved for weight loss?

Regulatory bodies – such as the FDA in the US and the MHRA in the UK – conduct clinical trials to ensure a drug is safe for use.
However, these trials generally focus on one particular use for the drug. Wegovy and Mounjaro, for example, underwent extensive trials that focused explicitly on weight loss as the end goal.² ³

Trulicity's trials focused on testing the drug as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. During these trials, researchers also looked for changes in weight among participants – but this wasn't the main goal of the studies.⁴
This doesn't mean it isn't safe as a weight loss treatment. However, it does mean that its safety and effectiveness as solely a weight loss drug are not fully understood.

H3: Could Trulicity become a licensed weight loss treatment?

Perhaps. However, it's worth considering that a comparison study has already shown that Wegovy outperforms Trulicity in terms of weight loss.⁵
In the SUSTAIN 7 trial, those receiving the highest tested dose of semaglutide lost 6.5 kg on average. However, those receiving the highest tested dose of dulaglutide – the active ingredient in Trulicity – lost an average of 3kg.
Trulicity is an effective treatment for type 2 diabetes. However, you could argue that there's little point in licensing it for weight loss when more successful treatments like Wegovy are already available.

H3: Access expert-supported, clinically proven weight loss treatments with SemaPen

SemaPen is a weight loss clinic specialising in expert-led treatments for obesity . That includes the clinically proven weight loss injections Wegovy and Mounjaro, as well as SemaHealth – our dietitian-led meal replacement and fitness programme.
When you join our programmes, you can expect:

Around 21% weight loss with Mounjaro³
Around 15% weight loss with Wegovy²
Between 12% and 15% weight loss with SemaHealth⁶

But it's our expert support that really sets us apart. All our programmes are designed by UK obesity specialists and include tailored support to help you achieve your goals and learn healthy lifelong habits.

Ready to take the next step on your weight loss journey? You can find out if you're eligible today by taking our simple digital consultation .

Sources

1. Bonora, E. et al. (2021) "Effect of dulaglutide 3.0 and 4.5 mg on weight in patients with type 2 diabetes: Exploratory analyses of AWARD‐11" Diabetes Obesity Metabolism , 23(10) https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.14465
2. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

3. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine, 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
4. Frias, J.P. et al. (2021) "Efficacy and Safety of Dulaglutide 3.0 mg and 4.5 mg Versus Dulaglutide 1.5 mg in Metformin-Treated Patients With Type 2 Diabetes in a Randomized Controlled Trial (AWARD-11)" Diabetes Care , 44(3) https://doi.org/10.2337/dc20-1473

5. Pratley, R.E. et al. (2018) "Semaglutide versus dulaglutide once weekly in patients with type 2 diabetes (SUSTAIN 7): a randomised, open-label, phase 3b trial" The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology , 6(4) https://doi.org/10.1016/s2213-8587(18)30024-x

6. Valabhji, J. et al. (2024) "Early findings from the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme: a prospective evaluation of real-world implementation" The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology , 12(9) https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-8587(24)00194-3

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Dietitian, and Sarah Abdula, Specialist Dietitian, on 3 December 2025.

What is class 3 obesity? The different obesity classes explained

Sat, 20 Dec 2025 00:34:00 GMT

What, exactly, is class 3 obesity? What about class 1 and class 2? Learn about the different obesity classes and what they mean for our health.

Obesity is a global health concern.
Worldwide, the number of adults living with obesity has doubled since 1990.¹ And the most recent Health Survey for England estimates that 28% of adults in England are living with obesity. A further 36% are overweight.²
Class 3 obesity (also referred to as 'severe obesity') is particularly concerning to medical professionals. That's because this class is the most severe and carries the highest risk of weight-related issues like type 2 diabetes and heart problems.
Experts predict that almost five million people will be living with class 3 obesity across England, Scotland and Wales by 2035.³ This is more than just a worrying statistic. It represents a huge impact on people's lives and significant pressure on our health services.
So, what does class 3 obesity mean – and what's the difference between class 1, class 2, and class 3 obesity? To explain that, we first need to look at BMI: the standard measure of obesity.

How do doctors determine whether someone has obesity or is overweight?

Doctors in the UK use body mass index (BMI) to determine whether a person is overweight or has obesity. You can calculate a person's BMI by dividing their weight in kilograms by the square of their height in metres. For example, 23kg/m2 would be a BMI score of 23.

A healthy weight falls between 18.5 and 24.9
Overweight is 25 to 29.9
With a BMI of 30 or more, a person is considered to have obesity

However, BMI isn't perfect . It provides a rough idea of body fat and is quick and easy to measure. However, it's not necessarily the best way to predict whether someone is at greater risk of weight-related health problems.
That's because everyone carries weight differently. Gender, age, ethnicity and body structure should also be considered alongside the BMI calculation.

Limitations of BMI

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends that doctors use clinical judgement when interpreting the healthy weight category.⁴ This is because a person may have a healthy BMI but still have central adiposity (fat around the abdomen).
People of South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean descent are particularly prone to central adiposity. That puts them at a higher risk of health problems at a lower BMI.

What is central adiposity, or abdominal obesity?

Ever heard of the 'apple body shape'? This is one characteristic of central adiposity – the accumulation of fat around the abdomen.

Even in a healthy BMI bracket, having central adiposity increases your risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Medical practitioners often measure central adiposity alongside BMI to make better, more personalised predictions for a patient's risk of weight-related health problems. They measure this using:

Waist circumference
Waist-to-hip ratio
Waist-to-height ratio

Why we need classes of obesity

The problem of central adiposity demonstrates one of the major flaws of BMI: it can't paint a full picture of a person's health. As we've seen, people with a BMI in the healthy weight category can still be at risk if they have central adiposity. The BMI calculation is simply too imprecise to pick up on this health risk.
The same is true at the other end of the scale. Often, anyone with a BMI of 30 or greater is simply labelled as 'obese'. However, this isn't enough to understand what challenges they might be experiencing in their daily lives, or their health risks.

What are the three obesity classes?

Based on a person's BMI results, obesity is further defined into three different classes depending on severity.

What is class 3 obesity?

Class 3 obesity is the most severe form of obesity. In fact, it's sometimes known as 'severe obesity'. In the past, it was often called 'morbid obesity'. However, this term is considered stigmatising and is used less frequently nowadays.
As you might imagine, people living with class 3 obesity face the greatest weight-related health risks. What you might not know, however, is that people with class 3 obesity find it harder to get the support they need.
Prevention is still the primary target for obesity management. However, once a person develops class 3 obesity, 'it becomes increasingly difficult for them to achieve substantial and sustained weight loss without intervention'.⁵
Access to NHS treatment is the number one issue faced by patients in the UK. As of May 2024, there were 8,000 people on the NHS waitlist for bariatric (weight loss) surgery. These patients faced wait times of one to two years.⁵

Bariatric surgery is available privately from providers like Phoenix Health . But what if a person living with class 3 obesity doesn't want to consider bariatric surgery or needs to improve their health while they wait?
In cases like this, the new generation of injectable weight loss medications can be potentially game-changing.

H3: How weight loss injections can help

The good news is that, no matter which obesity class you fall under, losing weight in a sensible and sustained way is very much possible.
The once-weekly injectable medications Wegovy and Mounjaro can help. These work by slowing down digestion and controlling blood sugar. This leads to:

A reduced appetite
Fewer snack cravings
Feeling full for longer after eating

Both drugs are clinically proven to work in 95% of patients – and the results can be truly life-changing. On average, patients can expect to lose 15% of their body weight using Wegovy⁶ and 21% on Mounjaro.⁷
Both treatments are available on prescription to people living with obesity, following consultation with a trusted provider like SemaPen.

H3: Start your weight loss journey with SemaPen

Whether it's class 1, class 2 or class 3 obesity, we know that being given a label can cause a lot of complex emotions.
It's important to remember that these terms are designed to help make medical treatments for obesity more effective. By better understanding the problems a person might face based on their obesity class, we can deliver better, more targeted medical care.
This focus on targeted treatments is central to what we do at SemaPen. We tailor our treatments to you because we know that no two people and no two weight loss journeys are the same.
When you complete our digital consultation , we'll assess your information and recommend the right approach based on your unique needs and medical history. That might be:

An injectable drug for weight loss , such as Wegovy or Mounjaro
SemaHealth – our dietitian-led meal replacement programme
For those who most need it, bariatric surgery performed by trusted UK surgeons

Throughout, you'll be supported by specialists who'll check in to provide tailored advice where needed. Ready to take the next step? You can find out if you're eligible today by completing our digital consultation .
Sources

1. World Health Organization (2025) Obesity and overweight. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight
2. UK Parliament (2025) Research Briefing: Obesity statistics. Retrieved from https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn03336/
3. Keaver, L. et al. (2020) "Morbid obesity in the UK: A modelling projection study to 2035" Scandinavian Journal of Public Health , 48(4) https://doi.org/10.1177/1403494818794814
4. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2025) Obesity: How should I confirm if a person is overweight or obese? Retrieved from https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/obesity/diagnosis/identification-classification/
5. Byrne, J. (2024) "Severe obesity and current treatment in the UK: a call for radical reshaping of services" The Bulletin of the Royal College of Surgeons of England , 106(6) https://doi.org/10.1308/rcsbull.2024.108
6. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
7. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine, 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Dietitian, and Sarah Abdula, Specialist Dietitian, on 27 November 2025.

Got body aches on Wegovy? Here's what might be to blame

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 08:01:00 GMT

Body aches aren't listed as a side effect of Wegovy. So, why do so many people report feeling achy or tired? Join us as we explore the facts.

If you're undergoing treatment with Wegovy, you've no doubt experienced its positive effects.
This once-weekly injectable medication can help us manage our portion sizes, control snack cravings and start building a better relationship with food. With continued use and a sensible exercise programme, you can expect to lose around 15% of your body weight on Wegovy.¹
As with any drug, however, there's the potential for negative side effects . Novo Nordisk, Wegovy's manufacturer, lists headaches, nausea, diarrhoea and constipation among the most common.²
Some people also report experiencing body aches. But Novo Nordisk doesn't list body aches as a side effect – common or otherwise.
That doesn't mean people are imagining this symptom, though. The body aches are real, but the medication probably isn't to blame. Not directly, at least.
Let's dig deeper.

What causes Wegovy body aches?

Body aches might not be listed as a side effect of Wegovy, but you don't have to look far to find reports of the symptom online.
'I get body aches the first two days', wrote one user on Reddit. 'I get this flu feeling the next day after every injection', reported another on Facebook. 'The collar bone ache is the worst!'
It's possible that body aches are a direct – but little-understood – side effect of Wegovy. However, like any drug that makes it to market, Wegovy underwent an extensive phase 3 clinical trial. Body aches weren't noted as a side effect during this trial, either.¹
That means it's more likely that other factors are at play. These could include:

Rapid weight loss

If you lose weight too quickly, you risk not just losing fat but also muscle – and sometimes even bone tissue. Bones and muscles depend on the stress of supporting your weight to maintain strength, but rapid weight loss can weaken them. This, in turn, could lead to muscle or joint aches as your body readjusts.
Bones and muscles rely on adequate nutrition to stay strong, too. If you're losing weight but aren't eating a healthy, balanced diet, this could also make aches more likely.

Exercising more

Health professionals recommend lifestyle changes when taking Wegovy. By improving your diet and increasing physical activity, you stand the best chance of achieving safe, sustainable weight loss.
But exercise can come with side effects of its own, including aching muscles. Plus, these aches are likely to be more intense if you're not used to exercising. It's easy to imagine people taking up Wegovy alongside an exercise routine and assuming that the drug, not the exercise, is causing their aches.

Dehydration

Many people who take Wegovy experience gastrointestinal side effects, such as vomiting and diarrhoea. These side effects can lead to dehydration, and dehydration can cause all sorts of problems for the body. That includes body aches, as well as more serious complications like confusion and low blood pressure.

What to do if you experience body aches on Wegovy

Drink plenty of fluids: staying hydrated doesn't just make body aches less likely. It's also really important for our overall health and well-being. The NHS recommends drinking 6 to 8 cups per day.³
Don't over-exercise: we know it's tempting to push yourself when you begin an exercise programme. But to avoid body aches and other problems, it's best to start slow and exercise within your limits.
Take painkillers: pain relief tablets like paracetamol should help relieve body aches. You could also try applying a pain relief gel or cream to the affected area.
Know when to get help: seek medical advice if your body aches don't get better with painkillers or they significantly affect your day-to-day life.

Remember: if you're a SemaPen subscriber, our dietitians can support you to maintain muscle and bone health while using Wegovy. You can get in touch via WhatsApp here: https://wa.me/message/F4UOIVRQPJDXP1
Founded by UK specialists, SemaPen is an online weight loss clinic specialising in expert-led treatments for obesity . For more useful information and tips, read our Mounjaro and Wegovy guides .
Sources

1. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
2. Novo Nordisk (2025) Getting started with Wegovy® [brochure]. Retrieved from https://www.wegovy.co.uk/content/dam/nnsites/wegovy-co-uk/en/support-materials/pdfs/Wegovy-WM-Adult-Patient-Brochure-2025.pdf
3. NHS (2023) Water, drinks and hydration. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-guidelines-and-food-labels/water-drinks-nutrition/
This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Dietitian, and Sarah Abdula, Specialist Dietitian, on 3 December 2025.

Mounjaro: how quickly does it work?

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 08:26:26 GMT

When should you start feeling the effects of Mounjaro? And how long until you start losing weight? Get the answers in our quick guide.

Maybe you've just begun your Mounjaro weight loss journey. Or perhaps you've heard good things about this weekly weight loss injection and want to find out more.

In any case, you're in the right place. As part of Phoenix Health, SemaPen has delivered clinically proven weight loss treatments for more than 20 years. And with our expert-led Wegovy and Mounjaro programmes, we're helping more people than ever lose weight safely and effectively.

As you might imagine, we get a lot of questions from people like you. And one of the most common questions we're asked about Mounjaro is 'How long does it take to work?'

The short answer is that it's different for everyone. Factors like your diet, your starting weight and your physical activity level can all change how quickly Mounjaro works.

And then there's the simple fact that we all respond to drugs differently. So, while one person might notice results after a few weeks, it could take longer for somebody else.

That said, let's look at a typical weight loss journey with Mounjaro. Your own journey might be different, but it should give you a good idea of what to expect.

When does Mounjaro start working?

Technically speaking, Mounjaro starts working almost straight away.

Mounjaro is designed to be absorbed slowly into the bloodstream. That's why you only need to take one injection each week.

However, it only takes a few hours for the medication to start having an effect. It's working – but you might not notice it just yet.

When will I start feeling the effects of Mounjaro?

Most people start feeling the effects of Mounjaro within one or two days. You might experience:

Reduced appetite: Mounjaro mimics natural hormones that tell our bodies when we're full. For most people, that means a reduced appetite and feeling fuller after eating less.
Fewer snack cravings: Mounjaro also helps balance blood sugar levels. This means you're less likely to crave sugary or high-calorie snacks.
Side effects: as with any medication, Mounjaro can cause unwanted side effects . Some of the most common include nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (being sick) and stomach problems like constipation and diarrhoea.

When you first take Mounjaro, you'll probably notice that your appetite comes back after a few days. That's because it takes time for your body to adjust to the medication.

The good news is that the side effects tend to get better as your body adjusts, too.

When will I start noticing weight loss on Mounjaro?

This is what most people mean when they ask, 'How quickly does Mounjaro work?'

After all, you're taking Mounjaro to lose weight. And it's easier to celebrate that weight loss when you can see it happening in front of your eyes.

Again, it's different for everyone. But generally speaking, people tend to notice visible weight loss by around month two or three of their treatment.

Here's a breakdown of a typical Mounjaro weight loss journey:

By the end of month 1, you might have lost a few pounds, but you probably won't notice much visible weight loss. Keep going – your body is still getting used to the medication.
By month 3, you should expect to have lost around 8-10% of your starting body weight. You'll probably notice visible results, and others might too.²
By month 5, you should have lost around 15% of your weight.²
Month 6 onwards: if you've followed the dosage schedule, you'll now be at the maximum dose of Mounjaro. On average, people lose around 21% of their body weight by this stage.¹ You'll certainly have noticed changes to your appearance, and you'll likely feel healthier and more energised. Well done!

Are you interested in losing weight with Mounjaro? When you subscribe with SemaPen, you join a trusted weight loss programme designed by UK experts and backed by tailored, real-time support from qualified dietitians. Why not learn more about our Mounjaro medication programme or take our digital consultation to find out if you're eligible?

Sources

1. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

2. Rosenstock, J. et al. (2021) "Efficacy and safety of a novel dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist tirzepatide in patients with type 2 diabetes (SURPASS-1): a double-blind, randomised, phase 3 trial" The Lancet , 398(10295) https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(21)01324-6

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Dietitian, and Sarah Abdula, Specialist Dietitian, on 27 November 2025.

What should my caloric intake be for weight loss?

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 08:06:00 GMT

Most adults should eat 600 fewer calories per day to lose weight. But there's more to weight loss than calories alone. Learn why in our guide.

Anyone who's tried to lose weight knows it's rarely easy. For many of us, it means unlearning old habits, changing our diets and getting used to a regular exercise regime.

And let's not forget the hardest hurdle of all: sticking to this new routine for life.

With all these factors to think about, it might surprise you to learn that weight loss – on a biological level – is very basic indeed.

When we consume energy (measured in kcal or calories), our bodies store that energy as fat. When we reduce our calorie intake by eating less or burn calories by exercising, our bodies start using up those fat reserves. Over time, this leads to weight loss.

That's the formula. More calories equals weight gain. Fewer calories equals weight loss.

With that in mind, you might wonder how many calories you should eat for weight loss .

The straightforward answer is that you should aim to cut your usual calorie intake by about 600 calories per day.¹ For most people, that tends to result in a safe and sustainable rate of weight loss.

However, there's more to weight loss than just counting calories. Let's learn more about maintaining a calorie deficit and the importance of eating a healthy, balanced diet.

How many calories should I eat a day for weight loss?

The recommended daily calorie intake for men is 2,500kcal. For women, it's 2,000kcal.¹

To lose weight, the NHS recommends reducing your daily calorie intake by about 600kcal.¹ If we take the recommended intake as a baseline, that means:

Most men should eat around 1,900 daily calories to lose weight.
Most women should eat around 1,400 daily calories to lose weight

The idea is to burn more calories through exercise and daily activities than you gain by eating food. When we burn more calories than we consume, this is called a 'calorie deficit'.

For most people, cutting 600 calories a day leads to weight loss of around 0.5kg to 1kg (1lb to 2lbs) per week.² This is considered a safe and sustainable rate of weight loss.

However, it's important to note that the NHS's recommendation is a general guideline. We all have different daily calorie requirements, and these can vary depending on several factors. That includes:

Your age
Your assigned sex at birth
Your weight and height
Your activity level
Your metabolism (how quickly you burn calories)
Medical conditions you might have – hyperthyroidism, for instance, can slow your metabolism

Eating too few calories can be hard to maintain and can cause side effects like constipation, headaches and fatigue. That's why it's important to get advice from medical professionals if you're unsure how many calories you should eat to lose weight.

How many calories do I need for weight loss when taking Wegovy or Mounjaro?

The guidelines are the same for people using injectable weight loss medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro.

There's a simple reason for that. While these injections are effective for most people, they don't burn fat . Instead, they mimic natural hormones that limit your appetite and help you feel full after eating.

That can make Wegovy or Mounjaro a useful helping hand for weight loss because they can help you control food cravings and portion sizes. However, you should still aim to cut your calorie intake just as if you were dieting normally.

If you take these medications alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise, you can expect to lose:

Around 15% of your body weight with Wegovy³
Around 21% of your body weight with Mounjaro⁴

Are calories everything?

On the surface, it all seems quite simple. If you eat fewer calories than you burn, you will lose weight – though it takes longer for some people than others.

But calories aren't everything. They only measure the energy levels of food – not its nutritional content.

To stay healthy, we all need to eat a balanced diet that's rich in essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals. If you only pay attention to calories, you risk missing out on these nutrients.

In the short term, that can lead to ill effects like feeling tired, digestive issues and hair thinning. Long-term health consequences, meanwhile, can include a weakened immune system, bone health problems and an increased risk of heart disease.

On top of that, it's important to combine your calorie-cutting with increased physical activity. Regular exercise boosts your metabolism in the long term, so you lose weight more quickly as time goes on.

It's good for your overall health, too. Exercise strengthens your bones, heart and muscles, reduces the risk of serious illnesses like heart disease and can even boost your mood.

How to cut calories safely

Here are some tips to help you lose weight safely and sustainably while maintaining a calorie deficit.

Eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet: aim to eat a sensible variety of foods from all food groups. That includes fruits and vegetables, high-fibre carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, and dairy or dairy alternatives. The NHS Eatwell Guide can help you build a balanced plate.
Cut simple carbs: swap white bread, rice and pasta for wholemeal alternatives. These have a higher fibre content, which helps you feel full for longer.
Avoid 'empty calories': some foods are dense in calories but have little or no nutritional value. Examples include sugary drinks, desserts, chocolate, crisps and many pre-packaged meals.
Fill up on the right foods: a plateful of vegetables or salad will fill you up without piling on the calories. When you're mindful of your food choices, you're more likely to stay satisfied and stick to your healthy eating routine.
Drink plenty of fluids: staying hydrated is good for you and can help suppress appetite cravings. The NHS recommends drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water or sugar-free drinks per day.⁵
Exercise within your limits: adults aged 19 to 64 should aim to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week.⁶ But be careful not to rush into it. If you do too much, too fast, you risk burning out and giving up before you can feel the benefits.

Should I count calories?

It's up to you.

Some people find that counting calories helps them manage their eating habits and track their progress. But you can get the same results by practising good portion control and sticking to lower-calorie, nutrient-rich foods.

What's most important is that you eat a healthy, balanced diet, stay active and have fun doing it. Remember that a healthy diet doesn't have to mean eating bland, boring meals. If you cook up a wide variety of foods and find the fun in your dietary regime, you're more likely to form habits that stick. Good luck!

As part of Phoenix Health, SemaPen has helped people in the UK lose weight for more than 20 years. If counting calories isn't working for you, why not learn more about our clinically proven, expert-led weight loss programmes ?

Sources

1. NHS (n.d.) Calorie Counting. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/lose-weight/calorie-counting/

2. NHS (2023) Treatment: Obesity. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/obesity/treatment/

3. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine ,

384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

4. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

5. NHS (2022) The Eatwell Guide. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-guidelines-and-food-labels/the-eatwell-guide/

6. NHS (2024) Physical activity guidelines for adults aged 19 to 64. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/physical-activity-guidelines-for-adults-aged-19-to-64/

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Dietitian, and Sarah Abdula, Specialist Dietitian, on 27 November 2025.

Can Mounjaro cause depression?

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 07:50:35 GMT

You might have heard that Mounjaro is linked with depression and anxiety. Let's look at the facts behind the claims.

Today, many people living with obesity are turning to injectable medications like Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) to kickstart their weight loss journeys.

This new generation of weight loss drugs is helping transform lives. When taking the drug alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise, Wegovy users can expect to lose around 15% of their body weight.¹ With Mounjaro, meanwhile, the average weight loss is around 21%.²

However, as with all medications, there's the possibility of side effects . The most common are gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting and constipation. But it's reasonable to wonder, 'Could Mounjaro impact my mental health, too?'

Establishing the facts: the situation with Wegovy

In a previous article, we discussed whether Wegovy is linked to depression .

After reviewing the available data, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) concluded that no causal link has been found between GLP-1 medications and suicidal thoughts or self-harm.³

This stance hasn't changed. The MHRA still licenses both Wegovy and Mounjaro in the UK, and both drugs are considered safe when prescribed by a medical professional.

So, what about Mounjaro and mental health?

So far, anecdotal evidence suggests there is little risk of Mounjaro impacting mental health. This is despite in-depth clinical trials and ongoing risk assessments by medical bodies.

Let's look at two examples of how medical bodies continuously monitor the safety of drugs available in the UK and Europe.

The EudraVigilance database

EudraVigilance is a centralised EU database maintained by the European Medical Agency (EMA).

Experts examined the anonymous reports within the database for a 2024 report. They found that psychiatric events account for only 1.2% of the total reports associated with semaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide.⁴

The MHRA's Yellow Card scheme

Medical guidance issued by the UK government considers feedback submitted via the Yellow Card scheme, which helps safeguard users of medical products in the UK.

The most common side effects reported by actual users of Mounjaro are gastrointestinal, and mostly mild and temporary as the patient adjusts to the dosage. Depression, suicidal thoughts or mood disorders are not called out as significant Yellow Card submissions.⁵

What NICE says

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) also provides guidance and support for the NHS and other UK medical bodies.

NICE's appraisal of tirzepatide does not list depression or mood disorders under common, rare, or significant side effects. Since the guidelines were published, there has been no requirement for investigation.⁶

The key facts

In recent years, the relationship between GLP-1 medications and depression has been assessed, with no significant relationship identified.
While product information can mention depressive or suicidal thoughts as a precaution, neither clinical trials nor market reports suggest a definite link.
Appropriate medical bodies report no concerns between the injections and mental health. However, they do recommend that users should seek advice from a healthcare professional if they're experiencing depression, anxiety or suicidal thoughts.

SemaPen is a UK weight loss clinic founded by Professor David Kerrigan, former president of the British Obesity & Metabolic Surgery Society. If you're looking for expert guidance to help lose weight, why not take our simple digital consultation ? You'll find out today if you're eligible for treatment.

Sources

1. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

2. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine, 387(3) h ttps://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

3. European Medicines Agency (2024) Meeting highlights from the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) 8-11 April 2024. Retrieved from https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/meeting-highlights-pharmacovigilance-risk-assessment-committee-prac-8-11-april-2024

4. Tobaiqy, M. & Elkout, H. (2024) "Psychiatric adverse events associated with semaglutide, liraglutide and tirzepatide: a pharmacovigilance analysis of individual case safety reports submitted to the EudraVigilance database" International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy , 46(2) https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-023-01694-7

5. Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (2025) Guidance: GLP-1 medicines for weight loss and diabetes: what you need to know. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/glp-1-medicines-for-weight-loss-and-diabetes-what-you-need-to-know/glp-1-medicines-for-weight-loss-and-diabetes-what-you-need-to-know

6. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (n.d.) Tirzepatide. Retrieved from https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/tirzepatide/

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Dietitian, and Sarah Abdula, Specialist Dietitian, on 27 November 2025.

Can smoking cause obesity?

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 09:06:49 GMT

Did you know that people living with obesity are more likely to be smokers? Let's explore the links between smoking and body weight.

Did you know that people living with obesity are more likely to smoke?

A 2018 UK study looking at more than 400,000 medical samples found that the risk of smoking rose as body mass index (BMI) increased.¹ BMI is a measure of body fat, and is the most common way of determining whether a person has obesity.
A 2010 study of 1,022 participants found that those living with severe obesity were nearly two and a half times more likely to smoke.²

With all this in mind, you might be wondering: does one cause the other? If people living with obesity are more likely to smoke, does that mean smoking can cause obesity?

The simple answer is 'probably not'. While there are links between smoking and body weight, it's unlikely that smoking would be the sole cause of weight gain.

Let's explore the facts.

What are the links between smoking and body weight?

We've seen that having a higher BMI also heightens the risk of smoking. Taken as a group, however, smokers typically have a lower BMI than the general population.²

This suggests there's a bidirectional relationship between smoking and weight gain. In other words, they both influence each other. This relationship is complicated and isn't fully understood.

Studies have suggested that:

Light smokers tend to weigh less.³
Heavy smokers tend to weigh more.³
The longer you smoke, the more likely you are to live with severe obesity.⁴

If this all seems confusing, we get it. There are many complex factors involved in the link between smoking and weight.

Some of these factors may be biological (smoking can change how fat is distributed around the body,⁴ for instance). But others likely come from social and personal factors, such as stress, financial pressure or believing that smoking helps manage weight.

In any case, it's important to know that smoking is not a healthy way to manage your weight .

Smokers might have a lower BMI than usual, but that doesn't mean that smoking directly causes weight loss. And with smoking being the largest cause of preventable deaths in England,⁵ it's simply not a gamble worth taking.

Why are people living with obesity more likely to smoke?

Right now, we're not sure exactly why people living with obesity are more likely to smoke. However, experts have identified several potential links.

Lifestyle tendencies

Research suggests that people who smoke are more likely to engage in other risky behaviours, including eating an unhealthy diet and drinking lots of alcohol.⁶ These behaviours can also lead to weight gain.

Socioeconomic factors

These are things like income, education and job status. One study found that women in deprived communities were more likely to smoke heavily and have severe obesity.⁷

Myths about smoking and weight

It's a widely held belief that smoking helps control body weight. Some experts have suggested that heavy smokers might be less likely to quit because they worry they'll gain more weight.⁸

Addiction and the brain

There's evidence to suggest that people who smoke heavily and eat to excess may be more biologically prone to addiction.¹

Changes in body fat distribution

Studies show that smoking can change how fat is distributed around the body9 – and that smokers are more prone to having excess belly (visceral) fat.10 However, this is true for all smokers, whether or not they're overweight.

Insulin resistance

Smoking is known to increase the risk of developing insulin resistance.11 In turn, insulin resistance can make the body more likely to store fat. It's also a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes.

What does this all mean?

In short, it's complicated.

There may be some biological links between smoking and weight gain. However, experts have identified just as many possible causes related to non-biological factors like lifestyle and social status.

It's impossible to unpick all this and say for sure that smoking directly causes weight gain. It may be a contributing factor, but it's unlikely to ever be the only contributing factor.

Will quitting smoking make you gain weight?

It's possible. Research shows that smokers who quit gain around 4.7kg on average after 12 months of quitting.12

But remember that this is an average. Some people gain less weight. Some gain more. Others gain no weight at all.

And in any case, the weight spike often seems to be temporary. One 2018 study suggested that those who "gain a large amount early after quitting are not more likely to gain excessively after one year".13

There are many possible reasons for this tendency to gain weight. Smoking may act as an appetite suppressant, for instance, which could partially account for smokers having a lower BMI on average.

But, again, it's unlikely that smoking itself is the only cause. As with smoking and weight gain, it's all tied up in multiple complex factors – some internal, others external.

The bottom line is that potential weight gain is a very bad reason to stick with cigarettes. Smoking is associated with severe health problems and a reduced life expectancy. But quitting can quickly reduce your risk of heart disease and certain cancers, as well as boost your mental well-being.

A little temporary weight gain is a small price to pay for a happier, healthier and longer life.

Get help losing weight with SemaPen

Quitting smoking might cause a small temporary weight gain. But in the long term, losing weight can be one of the most profoundly beneficial things you can do for your health.

Even a relatively small amount of weight loss (five percent to 10%) can work wonders. It can reduce your risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, lower your blood pressure and increase levels of 'good' cholesterol that protect heart health.

And if you're giving up smoking, too – even better!

As part of Phoenix Health, SemaPen has been helping people lose weight for more than 20 years. We'd love for you to start your weight loss journey with one of our effective weight loss plans .

Built by UK obesity experts, our programmes harness clinically proven injectable weight loss medications or dietitian-approved meal replacements . And along the way, you'll get step-by-step support from our team of qualified specialists.

Are you ready to take the next steps towards better health? You can find out if you're eligible today by taking our digital consultation .

Sources

1. Carreras-Torres, R. et al. (2018) "Role of obesity in smoking behaviour: Mendelian randomisation study in UK Biobank" BMJ , 361:k1767 https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.k1767

2. Chatkin, R. et al. (2010) "Smoking among morbidly obese patients" BMC Pulmonary Medicine , 10(61) https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2466-10-61

3. Clair, C. et al. (2011) "Dose-dependent positive association between cigarette smoking, abdominal obesity and body fat: cross-sectional data from a population-based survey" BMC Public Health , 11(23) https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-11-23

4. Mackay, D.F. et al. (2013) "Impact of smoking and smoking cessation on overweight and obesity: Scotland-wide, cross-sectional study on 40,036 participants" BMC Public Health , 13(348) https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-13-348

5. Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust (2024) "Smoking is the largest preventable cause of death in England" Retrieved from https://www.gatesheadhealth.nhs.uk/news/smoking-is-the-largest-preventable-cause-of-death-in-england/

6. Lohse, T. et al. (2016) "Heavy Smoking Is More Strongly Associated with General Unhealthy Lifestyle than Obesity and Underweight" PLoS ONE , 11(2) https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0148563

7. Hart, C.L. et al. (2011) "Cause specific mortality, social position, and obesity among women who had never smoked: 28 year cohort study" BMJ , 342:d3785 https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.d3785

8. Filozof, C. et al. (2004) "Smoking cessation and weight gain" Obesity Reviews , 5:93-103 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-789X.2004.00131.x

9. Troisi, R.J. et al. (1991) "Cigarette smoking, dietary intake, and physical activity: effects on body fat distribution—the Normative Aging Study" The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition , 53(5) https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/53.5.1104

10. Barrett-Connor, E. & Khaw, K.T. (1989) "Cigarette smoking and increased central adiposity" Annals of Internal Medicine , 111(10) https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-111-10-783

11. Willi, C. et al. (2007) "Active smoking and the risk of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis" JAMA , 298(22) https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.298.22.2654

12. Aubin, H. et al. (2012) "Weight gain in smokers after quitting cigarettes: meta-analysis" BMJ , 345:e4439 https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.e4439

13. Pankova, A. (2018) "Early weight gain after stopping smoking: a predictor of overall large weight gain? A single-site retrospective cohort study" BMJ Open , 8:e023987 https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2018-023987

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Nutritionist, on 22 November 2025.

Mazdutide from Lilly: a new Mounjaro alternative?

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 07:36:19 GMT

Mazdutide is a GLP-1 injection that works similarly to Mounjaro. Discover everything you need to know about this up-and-coming weight loss drug.

Are you looking for an alternative to Wegovy and Mounjaro? A new injectable medication is on the horizon that may be of interest to you.

A drug called mazdutide was recently approved in China , and it's yielding positive results in clinical trials. Here's what you need to know about it.

What is mazdutide?

Mazdutide is a new medication that works similarly to Mounjaro (tirzepatide) .

Like tirzepatide, it's a dual incretin agonist. In other words, it targets two hormones linked with appetite and metabolism.

How does mazdutide work?

Mazdutide acts as a GLP-1 and glucagon receptor dual agonist, meaning it stimulates both of these natural hormones at the same time.

This is promising. Mounjaro, the only dual incretin agonist currently on the market, yields an average weight loss of 21%. A recent mazdutide trial has seen an average weight loss of around 14%.

While that's less than Mounjaro's average, it's comparable to Wegovy (semaglutide) . In a landmark clinical trial, Wegovy produced an average weight loss of around 15%.

How is it different from Mounjaro?

Mounjaro works by stimulating hormones called 'GLP-1' and 'GIP'.

Mazdutide also stimulates GLP-1. However, instead of GIP, it targets another hormone receptor called 'glucagon'. That makes it the first GLP-1 and glucagon dual agonist approved for weight loss.

What do we know from mazdutide studies?

In 2022, a phase 1 randomised trial tested mazdutide in 24 participants with obesity. Over 12 weeks, people taking the drug lost an average of 12% of their body weight, compared to just 1.8% in the placebo group.⁴

Then, in 2025, a phase 3 trial showed even more impressive results over a longer treatment period and at a lower dose. After taking the drug for 48 weeks, participants in this trial lost 14% of their body weight on average.²

This result puts mazdutide roughly on par with semaglutide, where a longer trial saw users lose 14.9% on average over 68 weeks.³

However, these were different trials under different conditions, which makes it difficult to draw any firm conclusions.

That's where the most recent results come in. In a yet-to-be-published head-to-head trial comparing mazdutide and semaglutide under identical conditions, mazdutide came out on top. This trial saw mazdutide users lose an average of 10% over 32 weeks, compared to the semaglutide users' 6% average.⁵

It's worth noting, however, that the head-to-head trial was conducted on patients living with type 2 diabetes. The results for people without diabetes might vary.

When will mazdutide be available?

Mazdutide was approved as a weight loss treatment by China's medical regulators in June 2025.

However, it might not be available in countries like the UK and the US for some time. That's because the drug must go through tests and sign-offs in these countries before it can be approved for sale.

There's no guarantee mazdutide will be approved anytime soon – or at all. For now, Mounjaro injections remain one of the safest and most effective weight loss treatments on the UK market.

Are you considering using tirzepatide for weight loss ? At SemaPen, we offer an expert-led Mounjaro programme created by UK obesity specialists. Why not take our digital consultation to find out if you're eligible today?

Sources

1. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

2. Ji, L. et al. (2025) "Once-Weekly Mazdutide in Chinese Adults with Obesity or Overweight" The New England Journal of Medicine , 392(22) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2411528

3. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

4. Ji, L. et al. (2022) "Safety and efficacy of a GLP-1 and glucagon receptor dual agonist mazdutide (IBI362) 9 mg and 10 mg in Chinese adults with overweight or obesity: A randomised, placebo-controlled, multiple-ascending-dose phase 1b trial" eClinicalMedicine , 54:101691 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101691

5. Turner, D. (2025) "Mazdutide shows superiority to semaglutide in a head-to-head trial" Drug Discovery World . Retrieved from https://www.ddw-online.com/mazdutide-shows-superiority-to-semaglutide-in-a-head-to-head-trial-38374-202510/

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Nutritionist, on 27 November 2025.

What BMI for Mounjaro? NHS and private requirements explained

Sat, 29 Nov 2025 21:38:50 GMT

Want to know if you're eligible to take Mounjaro? Discover the threshold BMI for Mounjaro in private and NHS settings.

Before starting Mounjaro (tirzepatide) , you'll need to know if you're eligible for a prescription. The eligibility requirements are partly based on your body mass index (BMI).

BMI is a basic calculation that estimates body fat based on weight and height. It's not a perfect indicator of health , but it's still the main tool used to decide who can access GLP-1 weight loss treatments in the UK.

Not every health provider has the same Mounjaro BMI requirements. Here's how NHS and private providers compare.

NHS vs private BMI for Mounjaro: a side-by-side look

Mounjaro is available in the UK both on the NHS and through private providers (such as SemaPen). However, the BMI thresholds differ in each setting.

We'll look at these differences in detail below. But first, here's a simple breakdown:

BMI for Mounjaro on the NHS: strict criteria and longer wait times

Mounjaro has been available through private providers in the UK since 2023. The NHS, meanwhile, started rolling it out to a small number of patients on 23 June 2025 .

During this first phase of the rollout, you can only access Mounjaro if your GP refers you to a specialist weight management service.

To qualify, you generally need:

A BMI of 40 or above (or lower depending on ethnic background)*
Four out of five from a list of weight-related health conditions**

These rules have been designed so patients with the most urgent health needs can access Mounjaro first. The downside is that it can involve long waiting times, and only a limited number of people will meet the criteria.

To find out more, see the official NHS guidance .

* Research shows that Black, Asian and other minority ethnic groups with a BMI of 23+ are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and chronic illnesses. Hence, a lower BMI cutoff is recommended.

** Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, obstructive sleep apnoea and high cholesterol.

BMI for Mounjaro privately: faster access at a financial cost

Private providers generally allow more people to access Mounjaro.

They base their prescribing criteria on MHRA guidance, which allows people with a BMI of 30 or above to access Mounjaro. They also tend to take a more personalised and flexible approach to prescribing that's designed around your unique health profile.

You may be eligible to access Mounjaro privately if you meet the following criteria:

You have a BMI of 30 or above.
OR you have a BMI of 27 to 29.9, plus an obesity-related health issue like insulin resistance, prediabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure.
OR you're a person of a certain ethnic background and have a BMI of 27 to 29.9.*

At SemaPen, we ask our patients to fill out a secure online health assessment . One of our experts will then review the assessment to see if Mounjaro is safe and appropriate for you to use. Part of this process involves checking for any health conditions or medications you're taking that could affect your treatment.

This means you don't need a referral from your GP, so the process tends to be quicker and easier. (You must, however, inform your GP that you're taking the treatment.)

SemaPen: more than just BMI checks

Do you want to lose weight safely with Mounjaro and keep it off? If you meet our Mounjaro BMI requirements, our team of obesity experts is here to help you:

Find out if you're eligible quickly and easily online.
Get reviewed by a UK specialist.
Access the best weight loss programme for you, whether that's Mounjaro (tirzepatide) , Wegovy (semaglutide) or the SemaHealth meal replacement programme .

As well as prescription medication, our specialist medical weight loss plans come with smart scales that send weight updates to our team. That means we can watch your progress with you, and step in to provide tailored support to help you stay on track.

Are you ready to see what specialist medical weight loss support can do for you? Take the next step on your weight loss journey today by completing our online health assessment . Our obesity experts will review your answers and recommend the best treatment for you.

Sources

1. NHS England (n.d.) Weight management injections. Retrieved from: https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/prevention/obesity/medicines-for-obesity/weight-management-injections/

2. GOV.UK (2023) Press release: MHRA authorises diabetes drug Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for weight management and weight loss. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mhra-authorises-diabetes-drug-mounjaro-tirzepatide-for-weight-management-and-weight-loss

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Nutritionist, on 31 October 2025.

The hidden costs of shopping for the cheapest Mounjaro

Sat, 29 Nov 2025 21:23:00 GMT

Is buying the cheapest Mounjaro really worth it? Learn the risks of 'bargain' options and why safe support matters.

As with any other purchase, it's natural to want a good deal when shopping around for private healthcare – especially since we're all feeling the pinch.

However, when it comes to prescription-only treatments like Mounjaro, the cheapest price is not always the best choice.

In fact, focusing too much on cost can lead to risks that outweigh the savings. From unregulated websites to unsafe compounded products, the dangers are real.

Choosing the cheapest place to buy Mounjaro may leave you without the medical support you need. If you're unlucky, it might even mean receiving a drug that is not what it claims to be.

In this article, we explore why 'cheap' does not always mean 'safe', and how proper support can make all the difference. But first, let's go over the basics.

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is the brand name for tirzepatide, a prescription-only injection that helps with weight loss and blood sugar control. It works by mimicking the hormones GLP-1 and GIP, which play a part in regulating appetite, digestion and blood sugar levels.

During clinical trials, participants lost around 21% of their body weight with tirzepatide,¹ compared to around 15% with semaglutide (Wegovy).² These results have made Mounjaro one of the most talked-about weight loss treatments in recent years.

But because of that demand, there has also been a surge in online searches for the cheapest price for Mounjaro – and an increase in unsafe options.

The risks of chasing the cheapest Mounjaro

1. Unregulated sellers

A quick search online reveals lots of websites offering Mounjaro at a fraction of the expected cost. Some claim to ship internationally. Some do not ask for a prescription. Others disguise themselves as pharmacies. These are all big red flags.

The problem is that without regulation, there is no guarantee of safety. The medication may be counterfeit , diluted, expired or stored incorrectly. In the worst cases, it may not even contain tirzepatide at all.

2. Compounded or copycat versions

Some companies offer compounded versions of tirzepatide. These are made in local pharmacies rather than by the original manufacturer.

Compounding has a role in medicine when licensed products are unavailable. However, in the case of Mounjaro, it comes with severe risks attached.

Compounded Mounjaro is not subject to the same strict quality checks as the original drug. Doses may vary, it may be contaminated and the long-term safety is unknown. Patients may think they are getting a bargain, but the truth is that they don't know what they're getting at all.

3. No medical oversight

Buying the cheapest Mounjaro from a seller that skips the prescription process also means skipping essential safety checks. Before starting treatment, a clinician should review your medical history and any medication you're currently taking.

Without these checks, there's no guarantee that Mounjaro is safe and appropriate for you to use. The risks range from poor results to serious side effects that could have easily been prevented from the get-go.

4. Hidden costs

Even if you do receive the real deal, looking for the cheapest price for Mounjaro might mean missing out on vital support.

What happens if you experience side effects like nausea or indigestion? Who adjusts your dose if you are struggling? Without medical follow-up, people often abandon treatment or use it incorrectly, which means wasted money and subpar results.

The truth is that the 'cheapest' option can quickly become the most expensive when you factor in the cost of failure.

Why support matters just as much as price

Mounjaro is not a quick-fix injection. It is a prescription treatment that works best as part of a structured weight loss plan , with regular check-ins and gradual dose changes. That is why support is just as important as the medication itself.

With the right guidance, you can:

Start at the right dose and increase safely over time
Manage side effects more comfortably
Track progress in a way that feels encouraging rather than stressful
Stay motivated with clear, realistic expectations

Without that support, people often give up before the medication has time to work properly. That means the money you spent – however little – gets wasted.

Spotting safe providers

If you're looking for a private Mounjaro supplier , the safest approach is to choose a regulated provider. In the UK, that means:

A provider registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) or similar oversight body
A prescription process that includes a full medical assessment
Clear information about side effects , dosing and what to expect
Ongoing support and the option to speak to a clinician if needed

If a website skips these steps or seems focused only on price, it's worth pausing before making a decision.

How SemaPen can help

At SemaPen, we understand that cost is important, but we believe safety and support come first. That's why our medically supervised weight loss programmes are designed to give you everything you need in one place, without hidden risks.

Evidence-based care: our support is built on proven research and more than 20 years of clinical expertise.
Help when you need it: you'll be supported every step of the way by our specialist clinicians.
Smart weight tracking: all our programmes come with smart scales that send updates to our team so we can monitor your progress with you.

Your treatment starts with a full medical assessment to confirm whether Mounjaro (or Wegovy ) is right for you. If prescribed, we supply the right dose at the right time, gradually increasing to help your body adapt. Along the way, we'll step in with advice if needed, so you never feel alone.

We're not just trying to sell you medication – you deserve so much more than that. With SemaPen, you're investing in a structured weight loss programme that will help you lose the pounds safely and keep them off.

Are you ready to begin your weight loss journey with confidence? We're here to help you take the next step. You can take our online assessment to find out if you're eligible today.

Sources

1. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

2. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Nutritionist, on 31 October 2025.

Oral semaglutide weight loss vs injections: are tablets just as good?

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 08:45:53 GMT

Have you heard about semaglutide tablets? Let's compare Wegovy injections and oral semaglutide in terms of weight loss.

There's no denying that weight loss drugs like Wegovy (semaglutide) have changed the game for a lot of people when it comes to losing weight.

However, Wegovy is a once-weekly injectable drug – and some people thoroughly dislike injecting themselves. Others completely avoid Wegovy out of fear of the injections.

Is there another way? Kind of.

Semaglutide exists in pill form under the brand name Rybelsus. Right now, however, Rybelsus is only licensed in the UK for type 2 diabetes, not for weight loss.

What is Rybelsus?

Rybelsus is an oral form of semaglutide designed to be taken as a daily pill to help adults with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar. It works in the same way as injectable semaglutide ( Wegovy and Ozempic ) – by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone. This slows digestion, reduces appetite and helps regulate blood sugar.

In diabetes trials, people using oral semaglutide did lose weight, but not as much as people do with injectable semaglutide.

The OASIS 1 and OASIS 4 trials: higher-dose oral semaglutide weight loss

OASIS 1

In 2023, Novo Nordisk announced results from the OASIS 1 trial. This trial tested a higher 50mg daily dose of oral semaglutide in people living with obesity but not type 2 diabetes.

After 68 weeks, participants taking oral semaglutide lost on average 15.1% of their body weight, whether they adhered to the treatment or not. That's compared to the placebo group, who lost 2.4%. Those who took the medication consistently lost 17.4% .

OASIS 4

In November 2025, Novo Nordisk reported similar results from its OASIS 4 trial. In this study, participants took a 25mg dose of oral semaglutide and experienced 16.6% weight loss on average.

The trial also showed improvements in blood pressure, blood sugar and heart health. However, it's worth noting that participants in the OASIS 4 trial had prediabetes (a forerunner to type 2 diabetes).

That means they were more at risk than the general population. Being more at risk might mean that they see greater benefits more quickly than people living with obesity but not prediabetes.

What these results show

Taken together, these results suggest that oral semaglutide could be just as effective as injections. They're close to the results seen in the STEP 1 trial, where participants lost 15% of their starting weight on average with injectable semaglutide.

However, a much higher dose of semaglutide is needed to achieve similar results (25mg to 50mg orally; up to 2.4mg with injections).

So, can you use Rybelsus for weight loss?

At the moment, no. Rybelsus is currently only licensed for type 2 diabetes management in the UK. Using it for weight loss would be considered 'off-label' and is not recommended – especially since effective, approved options like Wegovy are available.

However, when announcing its OASIS 4 results, Novo Nordisk indicated that it expects to launch its higher-dose oral semaglutide treatment in the US in 2026. That's dependent on the US Food and Drug Administration approving the new drug.

If the drug is approved in the US and sold next year, it might not be long before we also see it in the UK. But again, we'll have to wait to see what UK regulators say before we know for certain.

Until the higher-dose version of oral semaglutide is approved, Wegovy remains the only safe and licensed semaglutide treatment for obesity.

Tablets vs injections: what's the difference?

Convenience: some people would be happy to take a daily pill, while others may prefer the simplicity of a once-weekly injection.
Absorption: pills are absorbed through the gut, which can affect how much medication reaches the bloodstream compared to injections.
Availability: semaglutide injections are licensed and available now for weight loss. Semaglutide pills are not.

How SemaPen can help

At SemaPen, we provide safe, regulated access to licensed medications like injectable Wegovy and Mounjaro to help you on your weight loss journey.

Our specially designed, medically supervised weight loss programmes include:

Expert support: regular check-ins with obesity specialists keep you motivated and on track
Smart scales: a simple way for you and your care team to track your progress
The SemaPen app: full of helpful tools to help you lose weight safely and effectively

If high-dose oral semaglutide weight loss treatments are approved in 2026, we'll be ready to support our patients with the safest and most effective options. For now, we're sticking with our safe and proven treatment programmes: Wegovy, Mounjaro and meal replacement diet plans .

Want to see what a SemaPen weight loss programme can do for you? Complete our online medical assessment or contact our specialist team with questions today.

Sources

1. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

2. Husain, M. et al. (2019) "Oral Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes" The New England Journal of Medicine, 381(9) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1901118

3. Knop, F.K. et al. (2023) "Oral semaglutide 50 mg taken once per day in adults with overweight or obesity (OASIS 1): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial" The Lancet , 402(10403) https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(23)01185-6

4. Gronholt-Pedersen, J. (2025) "Novo Nordisk's Obesity Pill Shows Cardiovascular Benefits, Comparable Efficacy to Injection", Medscape, 5 November. Retrieved from https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/novo-nordisks-obesity-pill-shows-cardiovascular-benefits-2025a1000uil

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Nutritionist, on 17 November 2025.

Visualising your success: weight loss compared to objects

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 09:09:54 GMT

Seeing weight loss compared to objects can help you understand and celebrate your progress. Visualise success with these simple comparisons.

When you're trying to lose weight, the scale can sometimes feel like a set of cold, meaningless numbers.

You might see a drop of seven pounds or three kilograms – but what does that actually mean in real-life terms?

That's where object comparisons can be useful. Comparing your weight loss with everyday items can make the numbers on the scale easier to get your head around.

Look at it this way: would it make you happy to know you've lost the weight equivalent of a bag of flour? A sack of potatoes?

You're not alone. Many people find that visualising their weight loss through everyday objects helps keep them motivated. Plus, it can be pretty fun!

Let's learn why it works and look at some simple comparisons to help you understand your success.

Why visualising weight loss helps

With only numbers on a screen to go by, you may feel disconnected from your weight loss. But if you discover you've lost the equivalent of, say, a small bowling ball, it can be much easier to picture your progress.

Psychologists often highlight the power of visualisation when it comes to motivation. Reaching a goal and having it represented visually can make it feel more real – a physical manifestation of your success. It can also help keep you on track when determination wavers.

When you're trying to lose weight and progress is measured gradually, weight loss object comparisons can also act as milestones. Lost the equivalent of a pumpkin? Pick one up the next time you're in the supermarket to remind yourself how far you've come.

Sharing those milestones can also strengthen support from friends and family. Saying 'I've lost the weight of a large watermelon' might get more of an appreciative response than quoting cold, hard kilograms.

Weight loss compared to objects you know

Need some inspiration? Here are some everyday weight loss object comparisons to help you visualise your progress.

How would you celebrate losing the weight of a whole Olympic barbell?

Visualising weight loss with Wegovy or Mounjaro

Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are weekly weight loss injections available on prescription in the UK.

The results seen in Wegovy and Mounjaro's clinical trials become even more impressive when visualised through objects. In the phase 3 semaglutide trial, participants lost an average of 15% of their body weight. Tirzepatide, meanwhile, yielded a groundbreaking 21%.

For someone weighing 100kg, that represents a loss of 15kg to 21kg. In terms of objects, that's the equivalent of:

A kettlebell or two
A medium suitcase packed with clothes
More than 30 FIFA footballs

Do you see how these impressive results come to life with the help of real-life comparisons? You can use this technique in your own weight loss journey, whether it's to help you track progress, set goals , or both.

Celebrating your milestones along the way

Long-term goals matter, but celebrating milestones along the way is just as important. Each one shows you are moving forward.

At five pounds down, you might tell yourself you have dropped the weight of a laptop. At 10 pounds, you've shed the weight of a pumpkin. At 20 pounds, a watermelon. By 35 pounds, you've lost the equivalent of a whole microwave.

Some people choose to mark each milestone with a non-food reward like a new outfit or a day trip. Others use object comparisons to share updates with friends or on social media.

It can also be useful to take photos to record your progress. Nobody else has to see them if you don't want to share. The key is to keep the journey positive and motivating, not restrictive or punishing.

Why this approach matters

Celebrating weight loss in this way means you're acknowledging that progress is more than numbers on a chart. Seeing weight loss compared to objects reminds you that every step is an achievement, no matter how far you are from your longer-term goals.

It also provides perspective. Losing a stone may sound abstract until you remember it's the weight of a small bowling ball. That (rather impressive) image can help your progress stick in your mind and remind you that all the effort you're putting in is paying off.

How SemaPen can help

At SemaPen, we combine over 20 years of clinical care experience with medical weight loss plans and helpful tools that make your progress feel real.

Here's what you can expect:

Tailored clinical support: a dedicated clinical team helps you stay on track and manages your medication dosage.
Visible results: smart scales show your progress as you go – great for visualising those object milestones, whether it's a suitcase or a sack of potatoes.
The SemaPen app: you'll unlock exclusive content that teaches you healthy lifelong habits.

Your plan starts with a medical review to see which of our weight loss programmes is right for you. That might be injectable weight loss medication like Wegovy or Mounjaro, or it could be SemaHealth – our dietitian-led meal replacement programme .

Once approved, we deliver your treatments securely and provide ongoing support throughout your journey.

Ready to take the next step? Our team of obesity experts is here to help you lose weight safely and sustainably. Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions – or jump right in with our digital assessment today.

Sources

1. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

2. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Nutritionist, on 31 October 2025.

Wegovy and tiredness: is sleepiness a side effect of semaglutide?

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 09:19:56 GMT

Can Wegovy make you sleepy? Learn everything you need to know about Wegovy and tiredness in our guide.

Wegovy (semaglutide) is an injection you take once a week to help you lose weight.

It works by simulating natural hormones in your body that help digest food and regulate appetite. That means you'll feel satisfied eating smaller portions. It also helps control your blood sugar, reducing the risk of hunger-inducing glucose spikes.

This revolutionary drug helps people lose 15% of their starting weight on average. However, like any medication, it can cause side effects – one being tiredness, especially during the first few months.

Tiredness: a common side effect of Wegovy

Tiredness is listed as a side effect on the Wegovy patient information leaflet and is said to affect more than one in 10 people.

The good news? It usually gets better by around the eighth week of treatment. That's because your body gets used to the medication over time.

You may experience it again to a lesser extent when you increase your dosage . However, this is less likely if you increase your dose gradually in line with recommendations.

Do you have type 2 diabetes?

If you are taking Wegovy and have type 2 diabetes, feeling unusually fatigued could be a sign of hypoglycaemia. Keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels and ask your healthcare provider for advice.

What can help with Wegovy and tiredness?

If you are experiencing tiredness with semaglutide, there are some easy steps you can take to feel more energised.

1. Stay hydrated

If you're dehydrated, your body can struggle to work as it should. This can cause you to feel tired.

Dealing with other potential side effects like nausea and diarrhoea can make this even worse, so make sure you're staying as hydrated as possible. Keep a water bottle nearby and sip regularly throughout the day.

2. Support electrolytes

Electrolytes like sodium, potassium and magnesium are vital for energy. Eating less food or drinking more water without replacing these minerals can leave you feeling drained.

A balanced diet usually provides enough of these vital minerals. However, if tiredness persists, ask your GP or SemaPen team about electrolyte support.

3. Eat smaller, balanced meals

Wegovy will naturally make you want to eat smaller portions. However, not eating enough calories or getting the right nutrition throughout the day can make you tired.

Use the SemaPen app or check out the NHS Eatwell Guide for advice on a healthy, balanced diet. And if you're feeling sick, try eating six smaller meals instead of two large ones.

4. Move gently

We know exercising can feel like a chore when you're tired, but it can actually make you feel more energised. Even a brisk 15-minute walk can improve energy by increasing blood flow and oxygen to muscles and the brain.

5. Improve sleep quality

Taking Wegovy can sometimes disrupt sleep patterns, especially on the day you inject.

A regular bedtime, no caffeine after lunch and avoiding looking at your phone before bed can make it easier to get a good night's rest.

If you follow these tips and still feel tired, speak to your GP, healthcare provider or weight loss consultant. And remember: as a SemaPen subscriber, you have direct access to expert support from our team. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us with any questions.

Sources

1. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Nutritionist, on 31 October 2025.

How can we end the social stigma of obesity?

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 08:46:29 GMT

We can't fix obesity without fixing the stigma associated with the disease. Discover what needs to change in our culture and healthcare.

Living as a person with obesity can mean you're often the butt of jokes or the subject of headlines. It can make clinic waiting rooms and everyday conversations feel like a threat. And the problem runs deeper than hurt feelings.

Weight stigma can harm mental and physical health, keep people away from lifesaving healthcare and make behaviour change harder to sustain. If we want better health, we need better culture. That starts with understanding what obesity is and what it is not.

Obesity is a chronic disease on the rise – a disease experienced by one in eight people across the globe in 2022. The World Health Organization defines it as "abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health". It's influenced by our biology and the world we live in.

Why, then, is obesity so often characterised as a failure of willpower?

When our society places all the responsibility on individuals, stigma grows, and outcomes worsen. But the good news is that stigma is not inevitable. There are proven, practical ways to reduce it in healthcare, workplaces, media and everyday life.

Let's explore what they are and how they could work.

The current system isn't working: what changes need to be made?

Shift the story from blame to biology and the food environment

Genes, hormones and access to healthcare and education strongly affect our weight. So do our food environments – the impact of our surroundings on what we eat.

Negative influences on our food environments include the promotion of fast food and the phenomenon of food deserts. These are urban and rural low-income areas lacking adequate access to healthy and affordable food – especially fresh fruit and vegetables.

When we educate people on these factors, they tend not to have such negative attitudes towards people living with obesity. They also tend to become more supportive of helpful policies.

Replace shaming with support

Stigma or 'fat shaming' does not motivate sustainable weight loss. In fact, it can do the opposite. It raises stress, worsens eating patterns and can make people avoid getting the healthcare they need. A supportive approach is much more effective in improving engagement and health outcomes.

Treat the person, not the number

BMI is increasingly considered an outdated metric that doesn't paint a full picture of a person's health. However, it's used in healthcare as a quick and easy tool to measure body fat.

Healthcare providers should focus on goals that matter to the individual, including medication options, nutrition, sleep, physical activity and mental well-being.

Words matter: everyday language that reduces stigma

People want to be treated with dignity and respect. Small changes in language and how we talk to each other can make a real difference:

Use person-first language : say 'person living with obesity', not 'obese person'.
Avoid moral labels: steer clear of words like 'good', 'bad', 'cheating', or 'failing' when talking about food or habits.
Focus on health, not appearance: try 'feeling stronger' or 'improving energy levels' instead of comments about size or shape.
Never assume someone's goals: not every person living with obesity is trying to lose weight. Ask before offering advice or opinions.
Avoid blame or judgment: obesity is a complex medical condition, not a failure of willpower.
Be mindful of tone online: what might seem like casual humour can reinforce shame or stereotypes.

Healthcare settings: where change can start today

Healthcare can lead the way. Yet many people living with obesity report feeling judged in clinics, and some delay or avoid care because of it.

Here are some things we can do to help tackle this.

Train teams on stigma and bias

Educating healthcare professionals on the effect biology and environment can have on obesity, combined with skills practice and patient advocacy, can help reduce biased attitudes.

Make clinics welcoming

Healthcare settings should consider their obese patients by offering things like sturdy seating and appropriately sized cuffs and equipment. They should also make sure to weigh people in a dignified manner. Small practical steps like these signal respect.

Use shared decision-making

Weight loss goals should be decided on together, and a full toolbox of support should be offered. That may include nutrition guidance, activity support, sleep strategies, psychological care and evidence-based medicines like Wegovy and Mounjaro , where clinically appropriate.

Workplaces, schools and media: the important role culture plays

Workplaces

Workplaces should consider adopting anti-discrimination policies that include weight and provide inclusive uniforms and equipment. If offices do have well-being programmes, they should focus on health behaviours rather than weigh-ins and leaderboards.

Schools and universities

Schools can play an important role in addressing obesity stigma by helping teach healthy habits and attitudes from a young age.

That includes teaching media literacy, so young people can think critically about the content they view. And teaching nutrition and exercise as life skills, not weapons to be wield against those perceived as not meetings society's standards.

News and entertainment

The media is perhaps our most powerful tool for shaping public attitudes.¹ However, it's all too common to see weight paraded as a punchline on comedy shows or preached as a moral failing on lifestyle programmes.

Instead, media professionals should:

Choose images that avoid stereotypes
Cover obesity as a health topic with social and environmental drivers, not a personal failing
Invite people with lived experience of obesity to contribute

Policy that makes healthy living simpler

Individual education helps, but the environment we live in plays a much bigger role. People do best when healthy choices are available, affordable and normal.

For instance, policymakers could step in to provide safe, accessible walking and cycling routes that reduce our reliance on cars and public transport. Or implement policies that reduce the cost of fresh food, so preparing healthy, home-cooked meals is less of a financial burden.

Guidelines are starting to reflect this shift. In the UK, NICE recognises obesity as a chronic, relapsing condition that often requires long-term management, including access to lifestyle interventions, medication and bariatric surgery.

We still have a long way to go. But by tackling obesity stigma from all sides, we can continue to push the needle of public opinion in the right direction.

SemaPen is a UK-based healthcare provider specialising in clinically proven treatments for obesity . The company is part of Phoenix Health – the only bariatric surgery provider trusted by the NHS to provide treatment.

Sources

1. Westbury, S. et al. (2023) "Obesity Stigma: Causes, Consequences, and Potential Solutions" Current Obesity Reports , 12(1) https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-023-00495-3

2. Tomiyama, A.J. et al. (2018) "How and why weight stigma drives the obesity 'epidemic' and harms health" BMC Medicine , 16(123) https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-018-1116-5

3. World Health Organization (2025) Obesity and overweight. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight

4. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2025) Overweight and obesity management. Retrieved from https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng246

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Nutritionist, on 31 October 2025.

How much does the NHS spend on obesity?

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 08:22:37 GMT

As one of the UK's biggest health challenges, obesity comes at a great cost to the NHS and others. Learn the true cost of obesity in the UK.

Obesity is often described as one of the biggest health challenges facing the UK today. The obesity rate has almost doubled since 1993, when it stood at 14.9%. It affects millions and places a huge financial strain on the healthcare system.

With that in mind, how much does the NHS spend on obesity each year? And what is the wider cost to society? Let's find out.

How much money does the NHS spend on treating obesity?

It's estimated that the NHS will spend £9.3 billion on treating obesity-related illnesses in 2025 , according to a joint study by Nesta and Frontier Economics. Those health problems include type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and certain types of cancers.

If you add the cost of health problems from being overweight , this figure jumps to an estimated £12.6 billion .

The true cost of obesity

When someone develops health issues linked to obesity, it's not just a question of how much obesity costs the healthcare system. Those costs ripple outwards to other service providers and other corners of society.

Social care costs

People living with obesity are more likely to require some sort of formal social care, whether that's:

Carers coming to their house to help them with daily tasks
Emotional and mental health support
Adaptations to their homes, such as stair lifts or accessible bathing
Medication management

Nesta's report estimated that formal social care for people living with obesity could cost local authorities £1 billion in 2025.

But that's not the only type of social care that puts a financial strain on society. When family members and friends step in to provide support ('informal social care'), that comes at a cost, too.

After all, those informal carers are spending time caring for loved ones for free. That's a very nice thing to do, but it means they're using up time when they could have been earning money or spending on leisure.

The report estimates that these informal social care arrangements could cost society £9.3 billion in 2025.

Lost productivity at work

Obesity and the health problems it can come with can affect people in their place of work. This can have a knock-on effect on the economy to the tune of an estimated £23.8 billion in 2025. Here's how.

Unemployment

People living with obesity are less likely to be employed than those at a healthy weight. One study of more than 17,000 working-age adults in England found that, compared to healthy-weight individuals, employment was:

21% lower in females living with obesity
8.4% lower in males living with obesity

However, it's important to note that factors that aren't always observable to the researcher, such as socioeconomic background, may influence these statistics.

Time off work (presenteeism)

This includes sick days and days off work to attend health appointments, for example.

Workers living with class III obesity (a BMI of 40+) account for more than 40% of presenteeism costs (£3.9 billion out of £9.7 billion). However, they only represent 13% of the workforce with obesity.

Reduced productivity at work

Living with obesity can also influence factors like the quality and quantity of a person's work. For instance, if a person with obesity develops sleep apnoea, it may cause tiredness. In turn, this can make it difficult to concentrate during the working day.

So, as you can see, the cost of obesity goes further than NHS spending. It can affect people's careers and well-being, too.

SemaPen is a weight loss clinic founded by UK obesity experts. As part of Phoenix Health, we've helped people lose weight for more than 20 years.

Sources

1. House of Commons Library (2025) Research briefing: Obesity statistics. Retrieved from https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn03336/

2. Nesta (2025) The economic and productivity costs of obesity and overweight in the UK. Retrieved from https://media.nesta.org.uk/documents/The_economic_and_productivity_costs_of_obesity_and_overweight_in_the_UK_.pdf

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Nutritionist, on 31 October 2025.

Mounjaro and pregnancy: why it isn't safe

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 08:28:32 GMT

It's not safe to use Mounjaro while pregnant. Learn about the risks associated with Mounjaro and pregnancy.

Wondering if Mounjaro is safe for pregnancy?

The answer is clear: If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the next couple of months, you should not use Mounjaro (tirzepatide). That's because the effects of tirzepatide could cause harm to your unborn baby.

Let's explore why in this guide to tirzepatide pregnancy risks.

Why is Mounjaro unsafe during pregnancy?

Mounjaro helps people lose weight by mimicking the natural hormones our bodies produce after eating. When taking the drug, we feel fuller for longer with smaller portions. And because Mounjaro also helps control blood sugar, we experience fewer hunger-inducing glucose spikes.

It can help people lose weight quickly and safely, but rapid weight loss isn't recommended when you're pregnant. Losing weight too quickly while pregnant may be linked to poor fetal development and an increased risk of miscarriage.

Contraception while using Mounjaro

If you take Mounjaro and there's a chance you could get pregnant, you should always use a recommended contraceptive. These include barrier methods like condoms and non-oral contraceptives like implants, coils and patches.

This is important because of:

Unplanned pregnancy risks : Mounjaro is not safe if you get pregnant unexpectedly.
Interactions with oral contraceptives: tirzepatide can make oral contraceptive pills less effective , especially when you first start treatment or increase your dose.

Learn more about the side effects of weight loss drugs .

Thinking about pregnancy in the future?

If you're planning to try for a baby, you must stop taking Mounjaro at least two months before. This gives the medication time to fully leave your system and reduces any possible risk to your unborn child.

If you do become pregnant while on Mounjaro, you must stop treatment straight away and contact your healthcare provider for advice.

Breastfeeding and Mounjaro

Mounjaro and similar GLP-1 medications, such as Wegovy (semaglutide), are not recommended while breastfeeding. Wegovy is known to be excreted in breast milk, so it is safest to avoid both drugs while breastfeeding.

So, what can you do?

We know it might be disappointing that you can't take Mounjaro while pregnant. But the fact is that you shouldn't be actively trying to lose weight in any way while pregnant .

You may be motivated to lose the weight to help reduce the risk of complications and protect your baby, but losing weight won't do this.

The best way to protect your health and the health of your baby is to stay active and eat a healthy, balanced diet. If you weren't active before pregnancy, it's wise to speak to your midwife or doctor before starting an exercise plan.

It's also very important to go to all of your antenatal appointments. This is so your midwife and other health professionals can help with any issues that might crop up.

You can always come back to medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy once you've had your baby and finished breastfeeding. And the obesity experts at SemaPen are always here to help you take them safely and effectively with our supportive medical weight loss plans .

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Nutritionist, on 31 October 2025.

What is a good fruit for weight loss?

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 08:30:38 GMT

We all know eating fruit is good for us, but what is a good fruit for weight loss? Find out how fruit fits into a healthy, balanced diet.

Think of a few examples of healthy foods.

Chances are, your mind conjured up images of fresh, juicy fruit, among other things like vegetables and wholegrains. And rightly so. But are all fruits good for weight loss?

Some articles promote 'superfruits' for slimming, while others warn against bananas or grapes because of their sugar content.

So, what's the truth? What are healthy fruits for weight loss, and are there any you should avoid?

The short answer is that most fruits can play a helpful role in weight management. The key is knowing how to include them in a balanced way and being realistic about what they can (and cannot) do.

How fruit can support weight loss

Fruit offers more than just natural sweetness. It provides fibre, vitamins, minerals and water, all of which help keep your appetite and overall health in check.

High-fibre foods slow digestion. That means you feel full for longer, so you can eat less without feeling deprived.

Fruit is also generally lower in calories compared to processed snacks, but still gives you that sweet fix. Swapping a chocolate bar for an apple cuts calories, increases fibre and provides more nutrients. Over time, these small changes can add up.

What is a good fruit for weight loss?

Different fruits offer different benefits when it comes to weight loss. Here are some examples:

Berries (e.g. strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries): berries are high in fibre, relatively low in sugar and rich in antioxidants. Eat them fresh or frozen.
Apples and pears: both are filling thanks to their fibre content and water content. Be sure to eat them whole, rather than juiced.
Oranges and other citrus fruits: with their high vitamin C and water content, citrus fruits are refreshing and low in calories.
Melons (e.g. watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew): melons are hydrating – just the thing for a hot summer's day. They also contain very few calories.
Kiwi fruit: this nutrient-dense option contains lots of fibre and vitamin C. It also has a slightly tart flavour, which can help curb sugar cravings.

What fruits are not good for weight loss?

No fruit you can buy at the supermarket is 'bad' in the sense of being harmful. However, some are less helpful if eaten in large amounts because they are relatively high in natural sugars and calories.

Examples include:

Grapes: known as 'nature's candy', grapes are higher in sugar per portion than many other fruits. However, they're still much healthier than processed sugar treats, so just make sure to eat them in sensible portions (10 to 12 grapes).
Mangoes: these are delicious but calorie-dense compared to citrus or berries, so make sure to eat only a slice or two at a time.
Bananas: these are nutritious and convenient for on-the-go snacking, but more calorie-dense than apples or melons. Aim for one medium banana a day.
Dried fruit: when dried, fruit becomes a concentrated source of calories and sugar. A small handful of raisins, for example, contains the same sugar as a much larger portion of grapes. Be sure to eat dried fruit in moderation.

This doesn't mean these fruits are off-limits. They can all be part of a balanced diet if enjoyed in moderation.

The key is portion size. For weight loss, it often helps to focus on fruits that are bulky, fibrous and hydrating. Limit higher-sugar fruits and you'll put yourself in good standing to lose weight.

Is tinned fruit good for weight loss?

Tinned fruit is a convenient staple to keep in your cupboard. It can also be a healthy choice, depending on how it's prepared.

In juice: canned fruit stored in its own juice is the best option, as it usually retains fibre and nutrients fairly well. However, some water-soluble vitamins may be reduced.
In syrup: this is less helpful for weight loss because syrup adds extra sugar and calories. If it's your only option, make sure to drain and rinse the fruit to help reduce the sugar content.

Frozen fruit is another good alternative. That's because it usually retains most of its nutrients and can be stored for a long time without spoilage.

Practical ways to include fruit for weight loss

Pair with protein: eating fruit with yoghurt, nuts or cottage cheese helps balance blood sugar and keeps you full for longer. For instance, apple slices with peanut butter make for a tried, tested and delicious snack.
Choose whole over juice: juicing fruit strips away fibre, leaving sugar behind that can spike your glucose levels. It's always better to eat fruit whole.
Use as a swap: replace high-calorie desserts or snacks with fruit for a satisfying but lighter option.
Plan portions: keep fruit portioned up and ready to grab in the fridge or freezer to make healthier choices easier.

Where fruit fits into the bigger picture

While fruit is a healthy choice, it's only one piece of the weight loss puzzle. Weight management is shaped by many factors, including eating a balanced diet, sleeping well, staying active and keeping stress at bay.

That's why focusing too much on the 'best' or 'worst' fruits can be distracting. The bigger question is whether your overall weight loss plan feels sustainable and effective.

For some people, that means committing to an exercise programme or accessing weight loss support through the NHS . For others, it can be a combination of medical treatment and lifestyle changes.

How SemaPen can help

At SemaPen, we take the guesswork out of weight loss. Designed by obesity specialists, our at-home weight loss programmes combine proven treatments with expert support so you can focus on building habits that work for you.

We start with a digital medical assessment to determine which treatment would suit you best. That could be:

Mounjaro (tirzepatide): a once-weekly prescription injection that results in an average of 21% weight loss.
Wegovy (semaglutide): a once-weekly prescription injection that results in an average of 15% weight loss.
SemaHealth: a meal replacement programme with expert support, which results in around 12 to 15% weight loss.

Once prescribed, we handle the practicalities, from providing the correct dose at the right time to adjusting treatment gradually. Along the way, we make sure you always feel supported with:

Smart weight tracking: with your digital smart scales, our clinicians can track your progress remotely.
Regular check-ins: if needed, we'll step in with tailored advice to help keep you on track.
Support when you need it: you'll have direct access to our experts, who can guide you through your treatment and answer your questions.

Ready to take the next step on your weight loss journey? You can start by taking our digital medical assessment . You'll find out instantly which programme is best for you.

Sources

1. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

2. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

3. Valabhji, J. et al. (2024) "Early findings from the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme: a prospective evaluation of real-world implementation" The Lancet, 12(9) https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-8587(24)00194-3

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Nutritionist, on 31 October 2025.

Do weight loss injections work? The evidence explained simply

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 08:25:40 GMT

Do weight loss injections work? Discover the science behind Wegovy, Mounjaro and other GLP-1 drugs.

There's a lot of excitement around weight loss injections at the moment. Perhaps that excitement fills you with confidence. Or maybe it leaves you feeling sceptical.

Many people hear about treatments like Wegovy and Mounjaro through news headlines or friends' success stories and want to know if the results are real.

So, do weight loss injections work? The short answer is yes. When used in the right way and prescribed by a medical professional, these injections can help you safely lose a significant amount of weight.

But don't just take our word for it. Join us as we delve into the science behind weight loss injections and how they work.

What we mean by 'weight loss injections'

Today's most talked-about weight loss injections are a group of medicines called 'GLP-1 receptor agonists'. The most widely prescribed are:

Semaglutide , which is sold as Wegovy for weight loss and Ozempic for treating type 2 diabetes.
Tirzepatide , which is sold as Mounjaro .

How do weight loss injections work?

GLP-1 medications mimic a hormone we all produce after eating. This hormone:

Tells our brains we're full after eating and that we don't need more food at the moment
Slows how quickly the stomach empties, so you feel satisfied for longer
Helps the pancreas release insulin in a steadier way to manage blood sugar effectively

The result? People naturally eat less without having to constantly battle with willpower. You still need to follow a balanced diet, but many users say it becomes easier to make healthier choices and stick to them.

How researchers test these drugs

Before drugs like Wegovy or Mounjaro can be approved for use, they must go through a series of carefully designed clinical trials.

For these trials, researchers used a double-blind, randomised controlled design, often described as the 'gold standard' of medical evidence. These studies are far more rigorous than your standard before-and-after comparisons.

Here's what that means in practice.

Random assignment

Thousands of volunteers are recruited and randomly divided into two groups. One group receives the weight loss medicine while the other receives a placebo – an injection that looks identical but contains no active drug.

Randomisation makes sure the groups are comparable. In other words, it means any difference in weight loss can't be attributed to chance or factors like age, activity level or starting weight.

Double blinding

Neither the participants nor the clinicians know who is getting the real medicine until the end of the trial. This prevents expectations from influencing the results. It means people won't change their behaviour because they think they're on the active treatment or the placebo. It also means doctors can't unconsciously give one group more attention or encouragement.

Lifestyle guidance for everyone

Both groups receive the same healthy eating and exercise advice . That way, if the medicated group consistently loses more weight, researchers can be confident the medication itself is responsible for the extra weight loss.

Careful monitoring

Over many months – often more than a year – participants have regular check-ups. Doctors track weight, blood pressure, blood sugar and other key health markers, while taking note of any side effects. These visits also give researchers a chance to adjust doses gradually and watch for rare reactions like pancreatitis .

Data analysis

Only after the trial ends do scientists 'unblind' the data to see who received the medicine and who received a placebo. Statistical analysis then shows whether the weight loss difference is large and consistent enough to be considered real rather than a fluke.

What the trials show

The results of Wegovy's major weight loss trial were published in The New England Journal of Medicine in 2021. Mounjaro's results were published in the same journal in 2022.

Both were impressive. Here's what researchers learned:

Wegovy: adults taking weekly semaglutide lost about 15% of their body weight on average over 68 weeks, compared with about 2% to 3% in the placebo group.
Mounjaro : participants lost around 21% of their body weight after 72 weeks, again with lifestyle support alongside the injections.

Note that these are averages. Some participants lost more, some less – but the difference compared with lifestyle changes alone was clear.

The bottom line

As you can see, Mounjaro and Wegovy – like all medications – had to go through extremely thorough checks before they were approved. In fact, these were phase III trials – the final phase before a drug can be approved for public use. Researchers put Wegovy and Mounjaro through even more checks in phases I and II.

The trials removed as many sources of bias as possible. That means we can be sure that the injections themselves – rather than lifestyle changes alone – drove the significant weight loss seen in participants.

Why lifestyle changes still matter

Even with a powerful medication, long-term success depends on healthy habits. The phase III clinical trials combined injections with:

A reduced-calorie diet focused on nutrient-dense foods
Regular physical activity
Behavioural support to build sustainable routines

The drugs help by lowering appetite and making these changes feel manageable, but it is not a substitute for them.

How SemaPen can help

At SemaPen, weight loss is never a one-size-fits-all plan. We combine access to proven GLP-1 drugs with ongoing clinical care. That's so you feel supported from your first consultation through each weekly injection.

Here's a taste of the support we provide on our weight loss Programmes:

Private access to trusted medications: if you're eligible, our UK-registered prescribers can provide Wegovy or Mounjaro as part of our comprehensive weight loss Programmes.
Personal medical supervision: our clinicians track progress and adjust your dose when needed, checking in on you regularly to keep you safe and on course.
Lifestyle guidance that fits real life: our coaching and exclusive content help you build habits you can actually maintain – not just quick fixes.
Digital tools for motivation: a connected smart scale and simple progress tracking give you clear feedback, so you can see results and stay motivated.

Are you ready to take the next steps in your weight loss journey? Our team of obesity experts is here to help.

To get started, simply take our online consultation . We'll let you know right away if you're eligible for treatment.

Sources

1. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

2. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

This article was reviewed and approved by Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietitian, on 29 September 2025.

How Wegovy manufacturer Novo Nordisk reshaped weight loss

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 12:03:41 GMT

Discover how Novo Nordisk transformed weight loss with Wegovy, and how our expert-led Programmes can help you make the most of it.

Wondering who makes your Wegovy injections ? Let us introduce you to Novo Nordisk.

This Danish pharmaceutical company has spent over a century refining hormone science, and its work with semaglutide has changed how clinicians think about obesity.

In this article, we share how this breakthrough drug grew from diabetes research and transformed the world of weight loss forever.

From humble beginnings to hormone pioneer

Novo Nordisk started life in Denmark in 1923. At this stage, the company consisted of two small laboratories making insulin for people with diabetes. Insulin was new, and the demand for the life-saving drug was growing across Europe.

Throughout the 20th century, Novo Nordisk's research teams worked to improve formulations, build sterile production lines and train clinicians in modern injection techniques. In the 1980s, they introduced the first disposable insulin pen, making daily treatment easier for millions of people.

The company's focus was on hormone therapy – and on making sure the people who most needed its products could access them. At the same time, it explored new possibilities. All this laid the groundwork for the weight management treatments it would eventually create.

Unlocking the potential of GLP-1s

By the 1990s, Novo Nordisk was studying a gut hormone called 'glucagon-like peptide 1'. This hormone is more commonly known as 'GLP-1'.

GLP-1 lets your body know it's full after eating and slows stomach emptying. It also helps keep your blood sugar stable.

Eventually, Novo Nordisk's researchers developed semaglutide – a synthetic version of GLP-1 with longer-lasting effects.

In 2017, semaglutide launched in the US as a type 2 diabetes treatment under the brand name Ozempic. Studies had shown that semaglutide was very effective at regulating blood sugar levels,¹ so it quickly became a trusted diabetes drug.

However, blood sugar control wasn't the only benefit. As with other GLP-1s, semaglutide users also tended to experience significant weight loss. Keen to study this effect, Novo Nordisk launched the landmark STEP trials.

The STEP trials

Excited about semaglutide's potential for people living with obesity, Novo Nordisk launched the Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity (STEP) clinical programme.

The STEP programme was a series of large, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials conducted across multiple countries with thousands of participants. Participants received either weekly injections of semaglutide or a placebo, and both groups were given healthy lifestyle advice.

The results showed that people in the semaglutide group lost close to 15% of their body weight on average compared to just 2.4% in the placebo group. Those taking semaglutide also saw improvements in blood pressure and waist circumference. This gave the researchers confidence and opened doors for Wegovy – a version of semaglutide approved as a weight loss treatment.

Ozempic manufacturer turned weight loss champion

On the back of STEP's exciting results, regulators approved semaglutide for chronic weight management under a new brand name. When Wegovy arrived in 2021, it saw rapid adoption and was much celebrated in medical literature.

Novo Nordisk, already known as the manufacturer of Ozempic, became the public face of this new era. Searches for 'who makes Wegovy?' spiked as awareness grew.

Word was getting out. The same active ingredient that supported diabetes care now had a vital new role in treating obesity.

Meeting worldwide demand

The rapid success of Wegovy came with challenges. Demand for Ozempic and Wegovy exceeded expectations – and neither is a simple drug to manufacture. Semaglutide is a large, complex molecule that must be produced under tightly controlled conditions. It's then filled into preset pens and shipped within a carefully managed cold chain.

Novo Nordisk responded by expanding its facilities in Denmark, the US and France to keep supply flowing. It also trained new staff and added quality checks to protect its position as the only trusted semaglutide manufacturer.

Changing how the world treats – and talks about – obesity

As Wegovy and other GLP-1s became more widely available, health services began using the treatments as part of wider weight-management care.

But Wegovy hasn't only changed how doctors treat obesity. You could make a strong argument that the rise of Wegovy also helped change how people think and talk about the condition.

Certainly, as GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have become more widely available, people have started talking about obesity more openly. And with this openness has come a growing awareness of obesity as a chronic disease influenced by biology, not just a failure of self-control.

The economic and ethical impact

There's an ongoing debate about cost and access relating to Wegovy and other GLP-1s.

Health services must balance the savings from fewer diabetes cases and hospital stays against the high price of long-term treatment. And insurers and policymakers must look for fair ways to prioritise people facing the keenest health risks.

There are ethical questions, too, such as how to set realistic expectations and how to support healthy habits after weight loss.

These conversations are further evidence that obesity is being treated as a mainstream health priority rather than a personal failing.

Discover expert-led Wegovy treatment with SemaPen

As effective as Wegovy is, we know that weekly injections will only do so much for your health and weight loss journey. That's why we pair Wegovy treatment with structured, professional support from our obesity experts. It's all about giving you the extra help you need to move forward with confidence.

With SemaPen, you get:

A thorough medical check: your health history and goals are reviewed by experienced clinicians to confirm that Wegovy is appropriate and safe.
A guided treatment plan: as a SemaPen subscriber, you'll know exactly what to expect with Wegovy dosing and weight loss from the start.
Ongoing expert contact: you'll stay in touch with our clinicians throughout your treatment. They'll step in to offer advice if you need help getting back on track. And they'll always be there to answer questions and help you stay motivated.
Help creating lasting habits: alongside your weekly Wegovy injections, you also get access to exclusive content through the SemaPen app. With tips and recipes from our expert dietitians, you can form healthy habits that last a lifetime.

Ready to take the next step? Our team is here to answer your questions and guide you through every stage of treatment.

We've created a simple digital consultation to make it easy to get started. All you need to do is take your SemaPen assessment and you'll find out instantly if Wegovy is right for you.

Sources

1. Aroda, V.R. et al. (2019) "Comparative efficacy, safety, and cardiovascular outcomes with once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide in the treatment of type 2 diabetes: Insights from the SUSTAIN 1-7 trials" Diabetes & Metabolism , 45(5) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diabet.2018.12.001

2. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

This article was reviewed and approved by Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietitian, on 29 September 2025.

Wegovy ingredients and what they do

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 22:34:16 GMT

Curious about the ingredients in Wegovy? Discover what's in the injection and the roles that different ingredients play.

Thinking about using Wegovy for weight loss? It's only natural to wonder what is inside the injection you will be taking every week.

You'll receive a patient information leaflet with a full list of the ingredients, but it won't provide much detail about what the ingredients actually do.

That's why we've created this guide. Read on to learn how Wegovy's active ingredient supports weight loss and what the inactive ingredients are used for.

Wegovy ingredients list

Wegovy comes as a pre-filled injection pen designed for you to inject yourself easily at home.

Each pen comes loaded with four weeks' worth of medication . This solution is made up of the following ingredients:

Semaglutide
Disodium phosphate dihydrate
Sodium chloride
Hydrochloric acid/sodium hydroxide
Water

Here's what each ingredient is used for, starting with the active ingredient – semaglutide.

Semaglutide: the active ingredient in Wegovy

The star of the show is semaglutide, a medicine that belongs to a group of drugs known as 'GLP-1 receptor agonists' .

GLP-1 is a hormone our bodies naturally produce after eating. It helps regulate appetite and slows the rate at which the stomach empties. It also supports healthy blood sugar control.

Semaglutide mimics this hormone. It acts on the same receptors to help you feel full sooner and stay satisfied for longer. In a large clinical trial, people who combined semaglutide with healthy lifestyle changes lost around 15% of their body weight on average.

Semaglutide is also the active ingredient in Ozempic, a drug licensed for type 2 diabetes. However, Wegovy contains a higher dose specifically studied and approved for weight management in people who are living with overweight or obesity.

The other Wegovy ingredients and what they do

Alongside semaglutide, Wegovy contains a short list of inactive ingredients. These ingredients do not cause weight loss but play important roles in keeping medicines stable, sterile and comfortable to inject.

According to the European Medicines Agency, you'll find the following inactive ingredients in Wegovy.

Disodium phosphate dihydrate

This buffering agent is used to keep injectable medicines at a steady, skin-friendly pH. That's so they stay stable from factory to fridge to injection.

By preventing the liquid from becoming too acidic or alkaline, it protects the medicine and helps make the injection more comfortable. Its role is purely to maintain the balance and quality of the medication.

Sodium chloride

This familiar compound – ordinary salt – is used to keep injectable solutions close to the body's natural salt balance. That means the injection feels gentle rather than sharp or stinging.

Salt also helps the liquid stay stable while stored and makes sure the active ingredient remains evenly mixed.

Hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide

These two ingredients work together as pH adjusters. If a solution is too acidic, a trace of sodium hydroxide balances it. If it's too alkaline, a little hydrochloric acid brings it back.

During preparation, the two ingredients neutralise one another, leaving only water and harmless salts.

Water

Many injectable solutions contain sterile, purified water. It carries active and inactive ingredients evenly so the dose flows smoothly under the skin.

Anything else?

No – that's the complete list. Wegovy contains no preservatives, colourings or animal-derived ingredients.

Are any of the ingredients in Wegovy unsafe?

For most people, no.

The active ingredient, semaglutide, has been tested in large international trials and is closely monitored by healthcare professionals for its safety and effectiveness.

The other ingredients feature widely in other injectable medicines and are used in very small, approved amounts. Nothing here is unusual or unique to Wegovy.

That said, Wegovy isn't suitable for everyone. There are some scenarios where taking Wegovy could harm you or others. That includes:

If you're allergic to any of the ingredients in the medication
If you use other weight loss medicines or another GLP-1 treatment
If you are taking any medicines that affect semaglutide
If you have type 1 diabetes, severe kidney or liver problems, severe heart failure or serious stomach or bowel issues such as gastroparesis
If you're pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to get pregnant within 2 months (we don't know if Wegovy harms unborn babies or passes into breast milk)

When you take your SemaPen consultation , we'll ask about your allergies, lifestyle and medical history to make sure it's safe for you to start treatment.

Ingredients in Ozempic vs Wegovy ingredients

Because both medicines contain semaglutide, you might wonder if Wegovy and Ozempic are identical.

The two medications share the same active ingredient and have a similar list of inactive ingredients. The key differences are dosage and intended use. Ozempic is approved for blood-sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is licensed for weight management at a higher dose.

How SemaPen supports your weight loss

Starting treatment with a weight loss injection is about more than understanding ingredients. You deserve a safe, expert-led plan that protects your health and helps you achieve the results you want. That's why we offer lots of extra support with our weight loss Programmes.

You can expect:

A clinician-led assessment: our specialists review your health and check for allergies or contraindications. This is to make sure Wegovy is safe for you before giving you the go-ahead.
An expert weight loss plan: SemaPen's Programmes are designed by UK obesity experts to help keep you on track from start to finish.
Ongoing monitoring and support: we check in regularly to track your weight, side effects and overall wellbeing. And you can always contact our experts for advice.
Evidence-based care: our Programmes are built on data from leading studies, including the STEP semaglutide trials, to keep your treatment aligned with the latest science.

With our support, you can focus on building healthy and sustainable habits while we handle your clinical care.

Thinking about Wegovy?

The most important thing for us is that you feel safe and confident while enrolled on our Wegovy or Mounjaro weight loss programmes.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our friendly experts . We're always ready to help.

Ready to take the next steps on your weight loss journey? It's easy to get started. All you have to do is take our digital consultation . We'll recommend the right treatment option for you straight away.

Sources

1. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

2. European Medicines Agency (2025) European Public Assessment Report (EPAR) for Wegovy. Retrieved from https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/wegovy-epar-product-information_en.pdf

This article was reviewed and approved by Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietitian, on 29 September 2025.

Fat-burning exercises: how to work out for weight loss

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 07:35:22 GMT

Learn how to work out for weight loss with science-backed exercise tips and guidance from our obesity experts.

Exercise is one of the best things you can do to lose weight and excess fat. But the link between workouts and fat loss is more nuanced than 'burn calories, lose pounds.'

Healthy diet changes help you lose weight more quickly, but movement shapes your metabolism and preserves the muscle that keeps you feeling strong and healthy. So, it makes sense to combine exercise with healthy nutrition if you want to shift excess fat steadily and sustainably.

In this guide, we explore how to work out for weight loss and suggest some of the best exercises for burning fat.

Why exercise matters when losing weight

Weight loss happens when you consistently burn through more energy than you consume.

A balanced diet does most of the hard work, but physical activity is like the cherry on top . Regular movement increases your daily calorie burn, protects lean muscle, improves insulin sensitivity and stabilises your mood and sleep.

These all play important roles in regulating your appetite and can help you to lose weight successfully and sustainably.

People who stay active during weight loss also maintain their results more effectively. That's because exercise helps prevent the slowdown in metabolism that often comes after a calorie deficit.

How to work out for weight loss

Use cardio to create a calorie gap

Aerobic exercise remains the simplest way to increase the energy you use each day. Brisk walking, running, swimming or cycling elevates your heart rate for extended periods, burning lots of calories while strengthening your heart and lungs.

The NHS recommends that people aged 19 to 64 do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week.

Short on time? High-intensity interval training (HIIT) involves short bursts of hard exercise followed by easier rest periods. This burns more energy in less time and keeps your metabolism a little higher for a while after you finish.

But consistency matters more than intensity. A swim before you go to work, a fast-paced evening walk or a dance class on the weekend can all make a difference if you keep up the momentum.

If you're starting from a low fitness base, begin with shorter exercise sessions and gradually increase the duration.

Incorporate strength training to change body composition

Many overlook resistance exercises when trying to burn fat. Instead, they opt for the sort of cardio that works up a sweat (think running on a treadmill).

But strength training is the single most effective way to protect muscle mass during a calorie deficit. The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn. Two or three full-body sessions a week – using free weights, machines or body weight – can help to:

Stimulate muscle growth
Improve bone health
Create a mild 'afterburn' as your body repairs itself

Some of the best exercises for weight loss include squats, lunges, presses and rows, as they use multiple muscles at once. That means you use more energy per session.

You don't need a gym or heavy weights, especially at first. A simple set of resistance bands or a sturdy floor mat will do.

And stick with it – it's worth it. Over months, progressive strength training changes your body shape by lowering body fat percentage, even if the scale doesn't drop as quickly.

The hidden power of everyday movement

Structured workouts matter, but so does everything you do in between.

One of the worst things you can do for losing fat and getting healthy is sitting around too much. All of the background activity you can squeeze into your day – known as non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) – is good for you, including:

Walking to the shops
Standing while on the phone
Cleaning the house
Gardening

Taken together, these small movements may add hundreds of calories to your daily energy burn without feeling like exercise. Choosing stairs over lifts or breaking up long periods of sitting with short walks can quietly speed up your fat loss and improve circulation.

For many people, focusing on NEAT is an achievable first step. Wearing a pedometer or fitness tracker can help you set small daily goals. That might mean taking an extra 1,000 steps, for instance, or going for a short walk after dinner.

These habits accumulate into a meaningful calorie burn and complement more structured workouts.

Prioritise your recovery

Exercise alone cannot make up for a poor diet, and hard training without fuelling your body's recovery can seriously backfire. Make sure to:

Eat balanced meals that include lean protein to repair muscle, fibre-rich carbohydrates for energy and healthy fats for hormone health.
Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Disrupted rest can increase hunger hormones and make fat loss harder.
Track workouts and note how you feel each day. This helps you celebrate your achievements and keep motivation high.

Don't forget to stay hydrated

Hydration is another often-overlooked factor. Dehydration can reduce exercise performance and make you feel hungrier than you actually are, making it harder to stay on plan.

Drinking water regularly throughout the day helps keep your endurance up. Plus, if you drink it cold, water can slightly increase energy expenditure as the body warms the fluid to core temperature.

How SemaPen can help

Structured exercise is powerful, but pairing it with proven medical support can make fat loss even more achievable. At SemaPen, we offer expert-led weight loss Programmes enhanced by the GLP-1 medicines Wegovy (semaglutide ) or Mounjaro (tirzepatide) .

Here's what that looks like:

A personalised medical plan: our UK experts assess your health before recommending the right treatment, adjusting it as you progress.
Ongoing clinical monitoring: we regularly check in to track your progress and any side effects to determine what's working for you.
Nutrition and activity guidance: you'll unlock exclusive educational content on exercise and nutrition through the SemaPen app.
Clear safety and support: enjoy easy access to clinicians whenever questions arise, plus transparent information about medication.

Take the next step

Building a consistent exercise regimen is one of the most powerful changes you can make for long-term weight management. Whether you enjoy gym sessions or at-home workouts, pairing smart training with professional guidance helps keep you safe and motivated.

Any questions? Don't hesitate to drop our friendly team a message . Or why not get started with your SemaPen assessment today? You'll find out immediately which treatment Programme is right for you.

This article was reviewed and approved by Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietitian, on 29 September 2025.

What makes a good weight loss programme for women?

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 06:31:47 GMT

Need a good weight loss programme for women? Explore your options, from DIY weight loss to clinically proven drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro.

It's not always easy to find good weight loss programmes for women. Apps, meal plans, gym challenges and prescription treatments all claim to be the big new thing for women's weight loss – and advice often conflicts wildly.

The important thing to know is that biological and lifestyle factors can influence how women lose weight. Understanding those factors can help you discover the sort of programme that will work for you.

Let's take a look at the science and run through some of the best weight loss plans for women.

Why women lose weight differently from men

Hormones play a big part in appetite, fat storage and metabolism. Oestrogen and progesterone fluctuate across the menstrual cycle and change again during pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause.

For women and people assigned female at birth, these changes can affect how hungry you feel and where you store fat – especially around the waist. Thyroid function, your contraception choices and some common medicines can also influence your weight.

Women typically have slightly less muscle and a lower resting metabolic rate than men of the same age and size, meaning they burn fewer calories at rest. They also tend to feel hungrier during their period, often opting for high-calorie snacks to stave off the hunger pangs.

After pregnancy, a woman's body needs to recover. But at the same time, a lack of sleep and the pressures of looking after children can make healthy eating and exercise more difficult.

And during perimenopause, falling oestrogen encourages fat gain around the waist and can reduce insulin sensitivity.

Because of these differences, the best weight loss plans for women rarely revolve around a single rule, such as 'eat less and move more'. A more holistic approach is needed.

What belongs in a good weight loss programme for women?

A good weight loss programme for women should begin with carefully considering your health and needs.

Reviewing your health history, any medication you're taking, sleep patterns, stress levels and food preferences helps you and your care team set safe, realistic goals.

Here are some good pointers to begin with.

Getting the right nutrition is key

Think high-protein meals with plenty of vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats that can nourish your body while preserving muscle and keeping you feeling fuller for longer.

Exercise plays an important role

Strength training two or three times a week helps protect your bone health and metabolism. And regular cardio, such as walking or cycling, helps keep your heart healthy.

Progress tracking can keep you motivated

Tracking progress is a good way to stay motivated and keep yourself accountable. It's up to you whether you do it with photos, measurements or by tracking weight through an app.

Weight loss isn't the only focus

A good women's weight loss programme must put solid strategies in place for other essential health areas, including stress management and sleep. This is essential for staying on track during the hard days, not just the perfect ones.

Comparing popular weight loss plans

DIY weight loss

Fancy seeing if you can go it alone? If you enjoy cooking and meal planning, it may be worth seeing if you can do it yourself before considering paid options or NHS support. Remember, though: it's always a good idea to visit your GP if you're concerned about your weight.

As a first step, it can be helpful to focus on what you eat and drink.

Prioritise protein at each meal. Eggs, Greek yoghurt, fish, tofu, chicken, lentils and cottage cheese are all good sources of protein. Aim for 20g to 35g of protein per meal.
Fill at least half of your plate with vegetables for vitamins, minerals and fibre.
Choose smart carbohydrates like oats, wholegrain wraps, potatoes, beans or quinoa in portions that make sense for your activity level.
Try simple batch prepping. For example, you could roast a tray of mixed vegetables or cook a pot of lentil soup to use across several meals.
Drink plenty of water and avoid calorie-laden drinks.
Avoid unhealthy snacks and opt for healthier options. How about yoghurt with berries? Hummus with veg sticks? Or a boiled egg or edamame beans?

When you're ready, you can gradually incorporate more and more exercise . That could be walking, swimming, fitness classes or strength training – anything you enjoy doing that gets you moving.

Group programmes

If you value support and structured goals with a healthy dose of accountability, a weight loss group could be for you.

Not all programmes are created equal, though. Choose reputable programmes that emphasise food quality, flexible portions and positive reinforcement rather than guilt.

NHS and clinical services

Women who are living with obesity -related conditions like pre-diabetes, sleep apnoea or joint pain may find NHS-led weight loss routes more helpful. This is because they can incorporate support for these other conditions into your weight loss programme. It's also worth checking if you're eligible for specialist diet support or medical treatment.

Medication-assisted plans

Feel like you've already tried every trick in the book and haven't found a way to lose weight through lifestyle changes alone?

A medically assisted programme, such as one built around GLP-1 injectable weight loss medications , could help give you that push you need to lose weight sustainably.

How can GLP-1 medications help with weight loss?

Injectable GLP-1 medications mimic a natural hormone that affects appetite and blood sugar. This can make it feel easier to eat less without feeling like you're missing out.

The result? Better communication between your brain and gut, which helps you resist food cravings and make healthier choices.

These medications are prescribed alongside lifestyle changes, not instead of them.

Wegovy (semaglutide)

In a large clinical trial, adults taking a weekly 2.4mg dose of semaglutide lost nearly 15% of their body weight on average. Many also improved their blood pressure and cholesterol.¹ The treatment paired the drug with lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating and increased activity.

Mounjaro (tirzepatide)

Tirzepatide acts on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. In Mounjaro's landmark clinical trial, participants achieved around 21% average weight loss over 72 weeks.² As with Wegovy's trial, the treatment also included positive lifestyle changes.

How SemaPen can help

Are you considering medical support for weight loss? At SemaPen, we provide evidence-based weight loss Programmes for women seeking lasting results.

Our clinical team starts by reviewing your health profile and advises whether GLP-1 treatments such as Wegovy and Mounjaro are suitable. If you get the go-ahead, each step of dosing and monitoring is guided by experienced clinicians.

Our obesity experts will always be on hand to help you with practical, tailored advice. We also check in regularly to help you stay on track and see if your plan needs to be adjusted.

With SemaPen, you'll receive the expert support you need, whenever you need it. Learn more about our prescription drugs for weight loss or take our digital consultation to find out if you're eligible today.

Sources

1. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

2. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

This article was reviewed and approved by Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietitian, on 29 September 2025.

How to address Christmas weight gain before it starts

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 07:04:45 GMT

Dreading Christmas weight gain already? Learn how to avoid it with healthy habits, tips and weight loss treatment options.

December brings with it a heady mix of celebration and temptation.

Yes, for many adults, the Christmas period means endless evenings of socialising – from cosy nights with our nearest and dearest to booze-filled Christmas parties. And these occasions are often accompanied by rich meals, calorie-laden drinks and a mountain of sweet treats. Another chocolate biscuit?

Research by the British Dietetic Association found that the average person consumes an extra 500 daily calories over the festive period. That equates to an average of five pounds in weight gain by the time we get to New Year's Day.

For those who celebrate, it can be hard to avoid Christmas weight gain – but it's not impossible. Stopping it before it starts is much better for your health than embarking on crash diets every January.

And if you don't manage to shift the weight, those small annual gains can add up. That can mean a higher risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, joint problems and other obesity-related conditions.

But don't despair just yet. Let's explore why Christmas weight gain happens and how to put a stop to it before the pounds pile on.

Why weight creeps up over Christmas

Christmas eating patterns make it all too easy to consume more calories than we burn.

Classic holiday foods , such as stuffing, roast potatoes, puddings and cheese boards, are calorie-dense and very easy to overeat.
Throwing alcohol into the mix adds hidden calories and lowers our inhibitions, making it harder to say no to second helpings.
Dark evenings and cold weather mean we tend to stay indoors, not moving very much. Late nights, meanwhile, cut into sleep. This combination can drive hunger hormones into overdrive and seriously slow your metabolism.
Emotional triggers matter, too . For some people, the season brings stress, loneliness or family tension, which can increase comfort eating.

Five tips to prevent Christmas weight gain

1. Start early

To prevent weight gain over Christmas, it's best to begin well before the first mince pie is munched. Establishing healthy habits in late autumn can help you create a solid foundation for when festivities start.

2. Get prepping

Stock up on vegetables, fruit, lean proteins and complex carbs to prepare a few freezer-friendly dishes (think lentil soup or vegetable chilli). Having balanced meals ready to eat or heat up makes last-minute takeaways less tempting.

3. Keep moving

Even a 10-minute walk after meals can help control blood sugar and appetite. And why not throw in a couple of strength training sessions? These help you preserve muscle, which keeps metabolism higher.

4. Prioritise sleep and stress management

Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep a night and try to incorporate stress-relief strategies you enjoy into your daily routine. Reading, for instance, or gentle yoga.

5. Remember: these steps are not about restriction

Depriving yourself of treats entirely is a surefire recipe for the festive blues. Instead, you should aim to enjoy seasonal treats in moderation. There's not much harm in enjoying a piece of chocolate or two when the rest of your day has been healthy and balanced.

Mindful eating at gatherings

When parties and family dinners arrive, awareness is more effective than rigid and restrictive rules. Try to:

Eat slowly and pay attention to taste and texture.
Choose protein-rich foods like turkey, fish or beans first, then add the sides you like most.
Drink water or sugar-free mixers between alcoholic drinks to stay hydrated.
If you fancy a sweet treat after the main event, pick the one you really want instead of sampling everything.

This approach allows you to celebrate while keeping Christmas weight gain in check.

What to do after the holidays

Even with the best intentions, many of us will still eat and drink too much in December. If you notice the scale creeping up in January, avoid the appeal of harsh crash diets . Rapid restriction often leads to nutrient deficiencies and rebounds. Instead:

Return to your normal routine quickly. Prioritise balanced meals of lean proteins, whole grains and colourful vegetables.
Keep the activity going. Start with short walks or gentle gym sessions and build intensity as your energy returns.
Stay hydrated. Water supports digestion and can reduce the false hunger that follows heavy festive meals.
Plan balanced breakfasts with protein and fibre to reduce snacking.
Batch-cook freezer-friendly soups or stews so nourishing options are always available.

These habits can help reverse any weight gain over Christmas without punishing your body.

Structured support for long-term health

If you are already overweight or living with obesity , Christmas over-indulgence may highlight deeper challenges with appetite regulation and metabolism.

In these cases, Christmas weight gain might be a wake-up call to seek a structured weight loss programme . While not all programmes are created equal, they can often make a lasting difference. Evidence-based options include:

Clinically led nutrition programmes

Working with a registered dietitian gives you personalised meal plans and accountability. These programmes often provide practical recipes and digital tools that make healthy eating easier year-round.

NHS weight loss services

Many areas offer free NHS weight management groups focusing on lifestyle change and goal-setting with the help of peer support.

GLP-1 medications

Weight loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro can help people living with obesity achieve significant, sustained weight loss when combined with healthy lifestyle changes.

A pivotal 2021 study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed an average 15% weight loss over 68 weeks with semaglutide.

Tirzepatide, meanwhile, is even more effective. In its trial, participants achieved about 21% weight loss on average in a similar timeframe.

These medicines are prescription-only and can be difficult to access on the NHS. Nonetheless, they show how medical advances are reshaping the landscape of good weight loss programmes.

How SemaPen can help

Holiday indulgence can tip the scales, but lasting weight loss needs more than a January diet. At SemaPen, our Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) weight loss Programmes are clinician-led and medication-based.

Your journey begins with a detailed online consultation reviewed by a UK-registered prescriber. If you're eligible, our team provides:

A personalised dosing schedule with ongoing medical supervision
Regular check-ins to keep weight loss steady and side effects monitored
Nutrition and lifestyle guidance that supports long-term results
A smart scale that connects to the cloud so you and your clinicians can track your progress in real time

Start your medically guided plan today

Got questions? We're always happy to help. Speak with our obesity specialists today to see if prescription GLP-1 treatment is right for you.

Or if you're ready to get started right now, you can start your SemaPen assessment online. We'll review your answers and recommend a tailored treatment option today.

Sources

1. The Guardian (2013) How much weight will I gain at Christmas and how long will it take to lose it? Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/news/reality-check/2013/dec/20/how-much-weight-will-i-gain-at-christmas-and-how-long-will-it-take-to-lose-it

2. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

3. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

This article was reviewed and approved by Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietitian, on 29 September 2025.

Orforglipron: new GLP-1 weight loss tablet yields promising results

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 07:16:25 GMT

Could a daily tablet replace weight loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro? See how the new GLP-1 drug orforglipron measures up.

A new GLP-1 medication is making waves in obesity research. Taken as a once-daily pill, orforglipron could change how people use GLP-1 drugs for weight management.

As Medscape reports , phase III trial results suggest the oral treatment may yield nearly as much weight loss as the popular weekly injection Wegovy.

Let's dive into the data to find out more.

What is orforglipron?

Orforglipron belongs to the same class of drugs as semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy ) and tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro ). Known as 'GLP-1 receptor agonists', these drugs mimic a natural gut hormone that helps slow stomach emptying, steady blood sugar and reduce appetite.

Most GLP-1s are taken as weekly injections. But orforglipron is different. It's taken by mouth once a day – no needles necessary.

What do the latest results show?

The latest results come from ATTAIN-1, a large phase III study testing the effectiveness of orforglipron for people who are overweight or living with obesity.

This international trial is one of the most comprehensive studies of an oral GLP-1 treatment to date. It followed more than 3000 adults across nine countries for 72 weeks.

Results showed that people taking the highest dose of orforglipron lost 11.2% of their body weight on average. Participants also showed improvements in several key health markers, including reduced systolic blood pressure , triglycerides and non-HDL cholesterol.

The most common side effects were mild stomach-related issues like nausea and constipation – similar to the side effects of weight loss injections . However, these were usually only a temporary problem for participants.

With impressive weight loss and relatively mild side effects, these results place orforglipron among the most effective oral weight loss medicines studied so far.

Why an oral option matters

It's normal to be a little nervous when using weight loss injections. Most people quickly get used to injecting themselves. However, for the minority who are severely needlephobic, using these revolutionary treatments may feel like one hurdle too high.

For these people, removing the psychological barrier of needles could be the difference between considering a GLP-1 and avoiding it entirely. A daily pill could make treatment more approachable and easier to weave into everyday routines.

Plus, there's the simple benefit of easier day-to-day management. Tablets don't need ice packs or sharps bins. You can simply pack them in your bag and pop out a pill when you need one.

How it compares with Wegovy and Mounjaro

The million-dollar question: could orforglipron give Wegovy or Mounjaro a run for its money?

Not quite. With weekly Wegovy injections , users typically lose around 15% of their body weight. The average with Mounjaro is closer to 21%.

Phase III trial data for orforglipron show weight loss approaching those levels, but it's still not the Wegovy conqueror some may have hoped for.

Nonetheless, orforglipron looks to be the first oral GLP-1 that gets close to the effectiveness of these established weight loss injections. That's an impressive achievement in itself.

Will SemaPen offer orforglipron?

At SemaPen, we regularly review new and emerging therapies. That's because we want to give our subscribers the freedom to choose what's best for them.

That said, it's still early days for orforglipron. Regulatory approvals and longer-term safety data will determine when – and if – we begin to offer the drug.

For now, we'll continue to offer Wegovy and Mounjaro as part of our structured, expert-led weight loss Programmes. These remain the most proven and effective treatments available today.

SemaPen is a weight loss injection clinic founded by leading UK obesity expert Professor David Kerrigan. For more news and advice, follow our blog .

Sources

1. Wharton, S. et al. (2025) "Orforglipron, an Oral Small-Molecule GLP-1 Receptor Agonist for Obesity Treatment" The New England Journal of Medicine ,

2. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

3. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

This article was reviewed and approved by Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietitian, on 29 September 2025.

Obesity-linked cancer deaths in the US triple in 20 years

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 06:35:03 GMT

US obesity-linked cancer deaths have more than tripled since 1999. See what the data shows and what can be done.

A recent analysis shows a stark and worrying trend: US cancer deaths linked to obesity more than tripled between 1999 and 2020. Researchers say the rise mirrors the rapid increase in obesity rates and highlights the link between excess body weight and cancer risk.

As reported in Medscape , the study analysed CDC mortality records and highlighted growing disparities between demographics. The disparities were especially stark among older adults, women, non-Hispanic Black individuals and people living with obesity in rural areas.

The research was presented at The Endocrine Society Annual Meeting in July 2025.

What the research found

The researchers examined US mortality data from 1999–2020, identifying 33,572 deaths linked to both obesity and cancer. The age-adjusted mortality rate rose from 3.73 per million in 1999 to 13.52 per million in 2020 – more than tripling over two decades.

Disparities were clear. Rates were higher in:

Women than men (7.22 vs 6.59 per million)
Non-Hispanic Black than non-Hispanic White populations (9.20 vs 7.13)
Adults aged 65+ than those aged 25 to 64 (20.82 vs 3.54)
Rural areas than urban areas (9.45 vs 6.40)

The research also linked obesity with 13 cancers (40% of cancers diagnosed annually in the US), including:

Oesophageal adenocarcinoma
Postmenopausal breast cancer
Colorectal cancer
Uterine cancer
Gallbladder cancer
Gastric (upper stomach) cancer
Renal cancer
Liver cancer
Ovarian cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Thyroid cancer
Meningioma
Multiple myeloma

Why excess weight matters

Excess body fat isn't just stored energy. It behaves like an active organ, releasing hormones and inflammatory signals that can create conditions in which cancer cells thrive.

Maintaining a healthy weight can help lower your risk – but doesn't eliminate it.

Prevention and early detection

The bleak statistics hide a hopeful message: gradual weight loss can help lower cancer risk. This is especially true when paired with routine screening (for example, bowel and breast screening), where early detection can dramatically improve outcomes.

Maintaining a healthy weight also helps many screening tests work more effectively.

Moving beyond willpower

Many people who live with obesity already eat healthily and try to stay active. However, factors like genetics, medications and metabolic changes can still make weight loss very difficult.

That's where medical weight management programmes can help. These programmes combine lifestyle guidance with modern medical treatments to help people who have struggled to lose weight through lifestyle changes alone.

Two such treatments are semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) . These injectable medications help control appetite and blood sugar. In major clinical trials, adults lost an average of around 15% of body weight with semaglutide and about 21% with tirzepatide when the drugs were combined with lifestyle support.

How SemaPen can help

Concerned about obesity-related health risks? SemaPen combines clinician-led Wegovy and Mounjaro Programmes with comprehensive support to help you lose weight effectively.

Our support includes:

A thorough digital consultation and ongoing monitoring
Nutrition and lifestyle advice from our expert clinicians
Smart scale tracking so you and our team can track your progress in real time

Our personalised support can help you lose weight safely and sustainably, helping to lower your chances of future health problems. Want to see if our Programmes are right for you? It's easy to get started with our digital consultation .

Sources

1. World Cancer Research Fund (n.d.) Weight, Obesity and Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/topics/weight-and-cancer/

2. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

3. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

This article was reviewed and approved by Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietitian, on 29 September 2025.

Wegovy vs Mounjaro: cost and weight loss calculator

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 11:39:17 GMT

How much weight will you lose with Wegovy or Mounjaro? And how much will it cost? Use our handy interactive calculator to find out.

Are you interested in losing weight using the injectable medications Wegovy or Mounjaro?

If so, you might be wondering just how much weight you can expect to lose and how much it will cost to lose it.

The short answer is that Mounjaro tends to yield more weight loss but is more expensive:

Mounjaro users lose an average of 21% with diet changes and exercise.¹ With SemaPen, it starts at £225 per dose.
Wegovy users lose an average of 15% with diet changes and exercise.² With SemaPen, it starts at £189 per dose.

But this doesn't tell you the full story. The prices change as you work through our Wegovy and Mounjaro Programmes . And what 21% weight loss means for one person could be very different for another person.

That's why we've created this handy weight loss and cost calculator to help you compare Wegovy and Mounjaro.

Mounjaro vs Wegovy calcu lator

How can the calculator help me compare Wegovy and Mounjaro?

The calculator shows you how much weight you can expect to lose after 12 months of taking Wegovy or Mounjaro.

This is handy if you need a quick weight loss estimate. But it gets really useful when you consider price, too.

Our calculations factor in the full cost of Wegovy and Mounjaro across each programme, even as prices change when doses increase.

That means you can see exactly what you'll pay over 12 months, plus the cost of each pound or kilogramme lost.

So, while Mounjaro typically yields more weight loss, it might not offer the best value for you. It all depends on your starting weight. Let's look at an example.

An example

Let's say you weigh 150kg (just under 24 stone). Using the calculator, you can see you'd lose:

A total of 23kg with Wegovy, at a cost of £94.13 per kilogramme
A total of 30kg with Mounjaro, at a cost of £111.16 per kilogramme
An extra 7kg is nothing to sniff at. And it would only cost you an extra £17.53 per kilo. Nice!
But things look different with a lower starting weight. If you start at 90kg (about 14 stone), you can expect to lose:
A total of 14kg on Wegovy, at a cost of £154.63 per kilogramme
A total of 18kg on Mounjaro, at a cost of £186.10 per kilogramme
In this scenario, you're losing an extra 4kg with Mounjaro, which isn't bad at all. However, the cost difference now stands at £31.47 per kilo.

These are the kinds of pros and cons you'll need to weigh up when choosing between Wegovy or Mounjaro. We hope our calculator makes it a little easier to decide.

How are the results calculated?

We've based our calculations on the average weight loss for Wegovy (15%)² and Mounjaro (21%),¹ as seen in clinical trials. The prices are based on the cost of each drug over a 12-month course of treatment with SemaPen. Prices are correct as of 18 September 2025.

Still need help choosing the best weight loss medication for you? Check out our guide to the differences between Wegovy and Mounjaro .

Ready to take the next step towards safe, steady weight loss? Take our online consultation and you'll find out today if you're eligible for treatment.

Sources

1. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

2. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

Our Wegovy and Mounjaro price changes: what you need to know

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 10:01:47 GMT

We've reviewed our prices following market changes. Now, some will pay less and some more. See how it affects you and what your options are.

You might have heard about the recent Mounjaro price increases. On 1 September 2025, Mounjaro's manufacturer, Eli Lilly, raised the wholesale price of Mounjaro in the UK. This price hike has led many providers to raise prices for customers, too.

At SemaPen, we froze the price of Mounjaro and absorbed most of the cost instead. Throughout September, new customers have paid £159 for a starting (2.5mg) dose.

We kept the price at this level because we wanted to give you plenty of time to choose what to do next. After all, it's not fair to rush you when you're making a decision that could affect your health and weight.

However, the offer couldn't last forever. We've reviewed our pricing again and, like nearly all UK suppliers, have taken the difficult decision to change our prices in line with market conditions.

What are the new prices?

As of 1st October, our new prices are as follows:

Mounjaro costs £225 for the starting dose (0.25mg).
Wegovy costs £189 for the starting dose (2.5mg).

As before, the price you pay changes as you step up your dose. Here's how the new prices look, month by month:

Mounjaro

Month 1 (2.5mg): £225

Month 2 (5mg): £225

Month 3 (7.5mg): £299

Month 4 (10mg): £299

Month 5 onwards (12.5mg): £349

Wegovy

Month 1 (0.25mg): £189

Month 2 (0.5mg): £189

Month 3 (1mg): £189

Month 4 (1.7mg): £289

Month 5 onwards (2.4mg): £289

That means 12 months of treatment with Mounjaro now costs £3,840. Previously, it cost £3,290.

Why have Wegovy prices increased, too?

We've increased the starting price of Wegovy from £129 to £189.

However, we've also tweaked the price for each dose that follows. With our new, simplified pricing, long-term treatment with Wegovy is actually cheaper than it was before .

Previously, 12 months of Wegovy cost you £3,238. Now, it costs £3,168.

That's a saving of £70 on the old price – and £672 less than 12 months of Mounjaro.

What are my options?

We know it's frustrating when our prices change. But the important thing is that you're free to make the best decision for you .

If you subscribe to our Mounjaro programme, you can choose to:

Carry on with the new pricing: we'll send your next dose as normal at the new price.
Switch to Wegovy: talk to your SemaPen team and we'll arrange a fast-track medication review. If Wegovy is suitable for you, we'll switch you to Wegovy and you'll pay Wegovy prices from your next dose.
Cancel your subscription: while we'd love you to continue your weight loss journey with SemaPen, you're free to cancel your subscription at any time.*

The same is true if you're a Wegovy subscriber. But don't forget that Wegovy now costs less in the long run compared to the old pricing.

Which medication offers the best value for me?

Remember that Wegovy yields an average weight loss of around 15%.¹ With Mounjaro, it's approximately 21%.²

That extra 6% of weight loss might be more cost-effective for some people than others. As an example:

If you started at 150kg, you could expect to lose 7kg more with Mounjaro. It would cost you around £17 more per kilogramme.
If you started at 90kg, you could expect to lose 4kg more with Mounjaro. It would cost you around £31 more per kilogramme.

Want to see what you could expect to lose – and how much you'd pay per kilogramme for each drug? Try our Wegovy vs Mounjaro cost and weight loss calculator below.

If you have any questions about our price changes, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the SemaPen team .

Sources and small print

1. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

2. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine, 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

* An admin fee may apply for early cancellation. See our terms and conditions .

A guide to storing Mounjaro

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 06:41:34 GMT

Learn how to store Mounjaro KwikPens safely at home or when travelling in our handy guide to storing Mounjaro.

Wondering how to store your Mounjaro medication ? There are a few ground rules to remember. But with a bit of practice, you'll soon know exactly how to keep your KwikPens safe and effective.

When you start a Mounjaro prescription, you're given clear instructions with your KwikPens. These include guidelines on how best to store them. These guidelines are always the most important to follow.

We've created this guide to give you an easy overview of how to store Mounjaro at home and when travelling. However, it should never replace the manufacturer's advice. Always check the leaflet that comes with your medication or the manufacturer's website for the most accurate guidance.

Why storage matters

Mounjaro is a protein-based injectable drug that comes in multi-dose, pre-filled KwikPens. Medicines like this are sensitive to heat, cold and light. If they're not stored properly, they can break down or lose effectiveness.

That's why it's so important to follow the storage instructions carefully. By doing so, you make sure every dose of Mounjaro you take is safe and works as it should.

Storing Mounjaro at home

The safest place to keep unused Mounjaro KwikPens is in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (35.6°F to 46.4°F). You should keep them in their original carton to protect them from light.

Never freeze Mounjaro. If a pen has been frozen, do not use it.

When a pen is taken out of the fridge, it can be kept at room temperature up to 30°C (86°F) for up to 30 days. Do not use it after this time.

Once you start a KwikPen, keep it capped and away from heat and light. Never store a Kwikpen with its needle attached.

You should discard the KwikPen once you've taken the four doses and no later than 30 days after first use. You should throw it away even if there's still some medicine inside.

Travelling with Mounjaro

Starting a treatment like Mounjaro doesn't mean you need to stay at home and put your life on hold. Many people take their KwikPens to work, on short trips or even on long holidays.

Because KwikPens can remain at room temperature for up to 30 days, shorter trips are usually straightforward.

For hotter climates or longer trips, use a medical travel pouch or cool bag. Avoid placing KwikPens directly against ice.

Store KwikPens in original packaging and keep them in your hand luggage, not your checked baggage.

A bit of planning can give you confidence that your medicine will remain safe throughout your journey.

Before each use: quick checks

Before every injection, you should carry out a few simple checks:

Look through the inspection window – the liquid inside should be clear and colourless.
Do not use a KwikPen if the liquid looks cloudy or discoloured or contains floating particles.
Check the expiry date printed on the carton. If the date has passed, do not use the KwikPen.
Use a new needle each time. Remove it from the KwikPen after the injection.
Any expired or unused KwikPens should be disposed of safely. Your pharmacist or prescriber can explain how to return them.

Taking these small steps each time helps keep you safe and the medication effective.

How SemaPen can help

Knowing how to store Mounjaro safely is just one part of using the medication with confidence.

At SemaPen, our subscribers receive more than a prescription. They also enjoy ongoing monitoring and practical guidance on areas such as storage and dosing. This makes treatment easier to manage both at home and while travelling.

With smart scale tracking and structured support from obesity experts, our weight loss programmes are designed to help patients lose weight safely and sustainably.

Want to know more? Explore our weight loss programmes today – or take our simple online consultation to find out if you're eligible for treatment.

Important: this guide is intended as an overview of storing Mounjaro. However, it is not a substitute for the manufacturer's instructions. Always follow the official advice that comes with your medicine, and if you are unsure, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before use.

Sources

Eli Lilly and Company (2025) How should the Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) KwikPen® be stored? Retrieved from https://medical.lilly.com/uk/products/answers/how-should-the-mounjaro-tirzepatide-kwikpen-be-stored-217607

This article was reviewed and approved by Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietitian, on 3 September 2025.

Wegovy drug interactions: 12 medications that affect semaglutide

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 06:51:48 GMT

Which medicines interact with Wegovy? Learn about 12 key drug interactions that might affect your treatment.

Before taking Wegovy (semaglutide) , it's important to let your prescriber know about any drugs you're already taking.

That's because some drugs can affect how other drugs work. When this happens, we call it an 'interaction'.

This isn't something you usually have to worry about. As long as your prescriber knows which medications you're using, they can tailor your treatment to keep it safe and effective. This might mean:

Stopping the drug you're already using
Changing the dose or other aspects of the treatment
Continuing with your current treatment and not starting Wegovy

However, the more you know about drug interactions, the more you can do to keep yourself safe and healthy. That's why we've put together this guide to Wegovy drug interactions. We hope it helps you feel confident as you start your weight loss journey.

A quick note for Ozempic users: Ozempic and Wegovy both contain semaglutide, but they're licensed for different uses and doses. Many semaglutide interactions apply to both drugs, but you should always check the leaflet for the product you're actually using.

The list: 10 medication groups that may interact with Wegovy

Drugs where extra care is needed

1. Insulin and sulfonylureas

Insulin is a hormone that helps move sugar from your blood into your cells for energy. Some people with type 2 diabetes inject insulin to manage their blood sugar. Sulfonylureas, such as gliclazide and glimepiride, are tablets that make your pancreas release more insulin.

Wegovy can make low blood sugar more likely if you also use insulin or a sulfonylurea. If you take one of these drugs, your doctor may lower your dose when starting Wegovy. They may also ask you to check your blood glucose more often.

At SemaPen, we take patient safety very seriously. That's why we do not allow patients taking insulin or sulfonylureas to join the SemaPen programme.

2. Other GLP-1 receptor agonists

Wegovy is part of a group of medicines called 'GLP-1 receptor agonists'. All these drugs work in a similar way. They help lower blood sugar and support weight loss by mimicking a natural hormone that controls appetite and digestion.

Examples of GLP-1 receptor agonists and related medications include:

Wegovy (semaglutide)
Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
Saxenda (liraglutide)
Ozempic (semaglutide) – used to treat type 2 diabetes
Trulicity (dulaglutide) – used to treat type 2 diabetes

Do not use Wegovy together with another GLP-1 receptor agonist. This combination is likely to increase the risk of side effects.

3. DPP4 inhibitors

DPP4 inhibitors are another type of diabetes drug. These work by preventing the breakdown of GLP-1 – the same hormone that Wegovy and similar drugs mimic to stimulate weight loss.

For this reason, it's not recommended to take Wegovy alongside a DPP4 inhibitor. If you're already using a DPP4 inhibitor, ask your doctor to prescribe a safe alternative such as metformin.

Most DPP4 inhibitors have names that end with 'gliptin'. Examples include:

Januvia (sitagliptin)
Trajenta (linagliptin)
Vipidia (alogliptin)
Galvus (vildagliptin)

Other treatments that may interact with Wegovy

4. Other weight-loss treatments

These include prescription treatments, pharmacy products you can buy without a prescription and herbal supplements that claim to curb appetite or burn fat.

It's not recommended to take Wegovy alongside another weight loss treatment. That's because the combination likely hasn't been studied, so we don't know what the effects might be.

If you're already taking one, speak to your prescriber about switching rather than combining. Remember to tell them about any treatments you use, including supplements and herbal medications.

5. Combined oral contraceptives

Also known as 'the pill', these medications include a combination of hormones that help prevent unwanted pregnancy in women and people assigned female at birth.

Studies show Wegovy does not reduce the effectiveness of the pill. However, certain Wegovy side effects , such as nausea and vomiting, may impact the way the pill works.

If you vomit soon after taking a pill or have ongoing vomiting or severe diarrhoea, follow NHS advice .

6. Warfarin and other coumarins

Warfarin (and similar medicines called 'coumarins') are blood thinners used to prevent blood clots. Doses are guided by your INR blood test, which checks how quickly your blood clots.

Wegovy didn't change warfarin levels in studies. However, the manufacturer's leaflet advises extra INR checks when you start or change your Wegovy dose. Your clinic will tell you how often to test. Always seek medical advice if you notice unusual bruising or bleeding.

7. Paracetamol (acetaminophen)

Paracetamol is a common pain and fever reliever you can buy without a prescription.

Wegovy may slow how quickly paracetamol starts to work, but your body still absorbs the full amount. You don't need to change your usual dose.

8. Atorvastatin

Atorvastatin is a statin medicine used to lower cholesterol and protect heart health.

You don't usually have to change dosage when using Wegovy. A study found that peak levels were slightly lower, but the overall effect of the drug stayed the same.

9. Metformin

Metformin is a common tablet for type 2 diabetes that helps lower blood sugar.

Studies haven't shown any clinically meaningful interaction with Wegovy. You probably won't need a dose change. Keep taking it as prescribed and be sure to let your clinician know about all the medications you're taking.

10. Drugs that need fast absorption

These are medicines designed to work quickly (for example, some rapid-acting pain or migraine treatments).

Because Wegovy can slow stomach emptying, these medicines may take longer to start working. When you start Wegovy, your prescriber may suggest:

Taking the drugs at specific times
A different formulation
Extra monitoring

A note on other medications

Researchers haven't tested Wegovy alongside every drug. That's why it's really important to tell your prescriber about all your prescriptions and any supplements you use. That's so they can check for possible interactions and help keep you safe.

What about operations under general anaesthesia?

GLP-1 medicines like Wegovy can slow stomach emptying, meaning food may stay in the stomach longer. That can increase the risk of aspiration (food entering the lungs) during anaesthesia.

If you're having an operation under heavy sedation or general anaesthesia, always let your surgical or endoscopy team know that you're taking semaglutide. This way, they can give you the right fasting advice and make sure the procedure is safe.

Practical tips for patients

Always share your full medicines list (including over-the-counter and herbal products) with your GP or healthcare provider.
Take extra care if you use diabetes drugs or another GLP-1 medication. Your prescriber may need to change your dose or stop treatment.
If you take warfarin or another coumarin, expect extra INR checks when Wegovy is started or adjusted.
Before procedures with anaesthesia or deep sedation, always tell the team you're taking semaglutide.
Know sick-day rules: if vomiting or diarrhoea persist and you can't keep fluids down, contact your care team.

How SemaPen supports you

With SemaPen, you're never left to figure things out on your own. Our Wegovy and Mounjaro weight loss programmes begin with a full clinical assessment. We'll ask about the medications you're taking and make sure any Wegovy drug interactions are accounted for.

And that's just the start. If you're approved for treatment, you'll also get a host of extras to help on your weight loss journey:

Around-the-clock support from a team of real obesity experts.
A digital smart scale that tracks your progress in the cloud.
Check-ins and tips from our team to keep you on track.
Access to exclusive recipes and guides through the SemaPen app.
A money-back guarantee if treatment doesn't work for you.*

Ready to take the next step to better health? It all starts with our simple online consultation . We'll review your answers right away and let you know the best course of treatment for you.

Sources and small print

European Medicines Agency (2025) European Public Assessment Report (EPAR) for Wegovy. Retrieved from https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/wegovy-epar-product-information_en.pdf

Novo Nordisk (2024) Package leaflet: Information for the patient [leaflet]. Retrieved from https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.13800.pdf

* Terms and conditions apply.

This article was reviewed and approved by Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietitian, on 3 September 2025.

PCOS weight loss treatments: what are your options?

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 06:29:56 GMT

Exploring PCOS weight loss treatments? Learn about your options, including lifestyle changes and medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that affects many women and people assigned female at birth.

Alongside symptoms like irregular periods, acne and excess hair growth, PCOS can make healthy weight loss feel harder than it needs to be. Biology plays a big role: insulin resistance and higher androgen levels can influence appetite, fat storage and where weight sits on the body.

If you live with PCOS, you may have struggled to lose weight using conventional methods. But don't give up – there may be PCOS weight loss treatments you haven't tried or aren't aware of.

Most people start with lifestyle changes. Some benefit from tablets like metformin or orlistat. Others do best with newer i njectable weight loss medications , such as Wegovy and Mounjaro .

In this guide, we explore the different ways you can lose weight with PCOS. But first: why is it so hard, anyway?

Why weight loss can be difficult with PCOS

PCOS is closely linked to insulin resistance. This is when the body stops using insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone that helps control blood sugar.

With insulin resistance, insulin levels rise and can make the body more likely to store fat. It can also make hunger harder to manage.

Many people living with PCOS also have higher androgen levels. This can cause weight gain (especially around the abdomen), as well as symptoms like acne or excess hair growth.

All these complications can create a cycle where weight gain makes PCOS symptoms worse, and PCOS makes weight loss tougher. That's why PCOS weight loss treatment often requires more support than diet and exercise changes alone.

Lifestyle changes: a solid start

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is often the first-line polycystic ovary syndrome weight loss treatment in the UK.

It's recommended that people living with PCOS eat a balanced, lower-energy diet that prioritises whole foods, protein and fibre. This can help with satiety and blood sugar control.

Exercise is important, too. Regular activity – including resistance training and aerobic exercise – can improve insulin sensitivity and make weight loss more achievable.

Lifestyle changes can have a positive effect on many PCOS symptoms. As well as promoting weight loss, a healthy diet and regular exercise can improve cycle regularity and fertility.

Counselling from your doctor or a weight loss coach can help the healthy habits stick. For some, though, weight loss remains a challenge – and medication may be a logical next step.

Weight loss medication for PCOS

If changing your lifestyle isn't helping you lose weight, your healthcare provider may discuss tablets or injections for weight loss .

Most of these medications are licensed for obesity or diabetes rather than PCOS itself. However, they can be used off-label to treat PCOS where appropriate. This is where a drug is used to treat a condition it's not licensed for. This should always be done with clinical oversight.

Orlistat

This oral medicine reduces fat absorption from the food you eat. It's available over the counter (as Xenical) or on prescription (as a double-strength tablet).

Orlistat can help you lose weight, but the effects are modest – you can expect about 3% more weight loss than with diet and exercise alone. Gastrointestinal side effects (stomach problems) are common.

Metformin

Metformin is widely used in people with PCOS to target insulin resistance. It's not licensed specifically for PCOS in the UK. However, it's commonly used off-label to support cycle regulation and weight loss – particularly in higher-risk groups.

If you're interested in using metformin, ask your prescriber whether it could work for you.

GLP-1 injections

These weekly injections help regulate blood sugar and reduce food and hunger cravings.

GLP-1 injections are not licensed for PCOS specifically. However, they are approved for obesity and can be considered for people with PCOS who are also living with obesity and meet the medicines' criteria.

Semaglutide (Wegovy)

NICE recommends semaglutide for managing overweight and obesity in adults who meet certain criteria. Within the NHS, it's usually prescribed by specialised weight-management services.

In a large clinical trial, the average weight loss with Wegovy was 14.9% when combined with lifestyle support. And at least one study showed improvements in weight and menstrual regularity among Wegovy users with obesity and PCOS.

However, it's early days. We know that weight loss helps with PCOS. But we need more evidence before we can determine whether Wegovy has direct benefits for people living with the condition.

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)

Mounjaro is currently going through a phased rollout by NHS England . Like Wegovy, it's offered through specialised services – though some areas are planning controlled primary-care access for those at the highest clinical risk.

In a large clinical trial, Mounjaro users saw an average weight loss of 20.9% when taking the drug alongside lifestyle support.

Other treatments for PCOS symptoms

Not every PCOS treatment is about addressing weight. Many target other symptoms, such as fertility, and can work alongside PCOS and weight loss medication when appropriate.

These treatments include:

The contraceptive pill , to regulate periods and reduce the long-term risk of endometrial cancer
Fertility medicines , including letrozole and clomifene, which support ovulation when trying to conceive
Anti-androgens , such as spironolactone, for excess hair growth
Hair reduction treatments , such as prescription creams and laser treatments, for excess hair growth

Your healthcare provider will personalise these treatments to your goals and health history.

Choosing the right PCOS weight loss treatment

There's no single best plan for everyone.

Some people do well with lifestyle changes alone. Others benefit from metformin. And many who meet obesity criteria find that GLP-1s provide the boost needed to lose weight, especially when combined with nutrition, exercise and behavioural support.

The ultimate goal is finding a plan that fits your life and is safe and sustainable.

Avoid unregulated products and crash diets that promise quick results. Evidence shows that clinically guided approaches are safer and more effective in the long run. With the right support, healthy weight loss with PCOS is possible.

Would I qualify for GLP-1 injections?

Remember that GLP-1 injections are not licensed as a PCOS treatment. However, by promoting weight loss, they can indirectly help to improve PCOS symptoms.

That means you could qualify for treatment at a lower BMI threshold. Most private clinics offer these injections to people with a BMI of 30 or more. However, this threshold can sometimes be lowered to 27 when a person has a weight-related condition such as PCOS.

It's important to note that NHS criteria are different. With Wegovy, the usual BMI cutoff is 35 . With Mounjaro, it's 40 . NHS patients must also have weight-related health conditions to qualify.

SemaPen: expert-led weight loss support

Are you living with PCOS and want to lose weight? SemaPen provides regulated, expert-led GLP-1 programmes to help you start PCOS weight loss treatment safely.

Your journey begins with a simple online consultation . If a GLP-1 treatment is appropriate, we can issue a private prescription and build a weight loss programme around you. That includes clinical reviews, nutrition guidance and smart scale tracking so you and your care team can monitor your progress clearly.

Safety always comes first. We screen for contraindications, review other medicines and give clear guidance on side effects and what to do if you experience them. All medicines are UK-licensed and dispensed via regulated pharmacies – and you'll receive clinical support from obesity experts throughout your programme.

If you're ready to begin your weight loss journey, why not start your SemaPen assessment today ? Our friendly team will help you choose the right next step.

Sources

1. Drew, S.B. et al. (2007) "Obesity management: Update on orlistat" Vascular Health and Risk Management , 3(6) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2350121/

2. NHS (2022) Treatment: Polycystic ovary syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos/treatment/

3. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

4. Carmina, E. & Longo, R.A. (2023) "Semaglutide Treatment of Excessive Body Weight in Obese PCOS Patients Unresponsive to Lifestyle Programs" Journal of Clinical Medicine , 12(18) https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12185921

5. NHS (2025) Weight management injections. Retrieved from https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/prevention/obesity/medicines-for-obesity/weight-management-injections/

6. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

This article was reviewed and approved by Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietitian, on 3 September 2025.

What weight loss treatments are available on the NHS? [2025]

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 07:41:14 GMT

Wondering what weight loss treatments the NHS is offering in 2025? Explore your options and next steps here.

Obesity affects millions of people UK-wide and is linked to many health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnoea and certain cancers.

The good news is that several obesity treatments are available on the NHS. The not-so-good news is that these treatments aren't always easy to access.

NHS weight loss treatments range from lifestyle support to prescription medicines. For some, bariatric surgery is even an option. Your chances of accessing these treatments depend on your current health status and where you live.

In this guide, we look at the main NHS obesity treatments, starting with the most common.

Lifestyle interventions: usually the first step

If you go to your GP seeking help for weight loss, they'll likely start you off with a lifestyle programme.

The NHS recommends a balanced, lower-calorie diet with regular exercise, plus support to help you change your behaviours. You may be referred to local weight-management services or the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme . This free, 12-week online plan includes nutritional guidance, exercise plans and habit change tools.

However, the availability of these services is not the same everywhere. Some local systems run robust group programmes and exercise referral schemes. Others have limited capacity and can only signpost you to other services.

If lifestyle support alone isn't enough, your clinician may discuss weight loss medication options with you.

Weight loss medication: your NHS options

The NHS may offer weight loss medicines when lifestyle measures haven't helped you lose weight – provided you meet safety and eligibility criteria.

Current treatments available on the NHS include orlistat, liraglutide, semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) .

Orlistat

Orlistat blocks some of the fat you absorb from food. It works best alongside changes to diet and activity.

Gut side effects like oily stools, wind and needing the toilet urgently are common. However, they often improve if you cut back on dietary fat.

Treatment is usually reviewed at 12 weeks and continued only if you have lost around 5% of your starting weight. Your clinician will check progress and advise on whether it's right to carry on.

GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 injections

These medicines are used alongside lifestyle changes to help you lose weight. They work by regulating blood sugar and reducing food and hunger cravings.

Semaglutide (Wegovy)

NICE, the UK's main health regulator, recommends Wegovy for managing overweight and obesity in adults. It's usually prescribed through specialist weight-management services – and only for patients who meet strict criteria. That means:

Adults with at least one weight-related condition and a BMI of 35 or more
Adults with a BMI of 30 to 34.9 who also have a serious weight-related condition

Ethnicity is also taken into consideration, as people from certain groups can experience health risks with a lower BMI.

A large clinical trial showed an average weight loss of 14.9% when semaglutide was combined with lifestyle changes.

Please note that local prescribing criteria for Wegovy may vary. The requirements above are based on NICE guidelines. However, local NHS services often need to implement stricter criteria to make sure they can treat those who are most in need.

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)

Mounjaro was authorised by the MHRA for weight management in November 2023 and recommended by NICE on 23 December 2024.

In 2025, NHS England began a phased rollout . You usually have to access it through specialist weight-management services. However, in some areas, GPs can prescribe it for people with a very high clinical risk.

Some local services will only prescribe Mounjaro to people with a BMI of 40 or more who also have multiple weight-related conditions. However, this can differ by area. Check your local pathway for exact details.

A large clinical trial showed average weight loss of 20.9% when tirzepatide was combined with lifestyle support.

Liraglutide (Saxenda)

Liraglutide is a once-daily injection. The NHS may prescribe it when healthy eating and activity alone haven't been enough. However, liraglutide has generally been overtaken by weekly injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro. These injections have shown stronger clinical outcomes.

In cases where the NHS does offer liraglutide, it's usually prescribed by specialist weight-management clinics for people who meet strict criteria. Typically, that means:

A BMI of 35 or more (or 32.5 or more in some minority ethnic groups)
Signs of pre-diabetes
A higher risk of heart disease

Your team will check in after about 12 weeks to see if it's helping and whether it makes sense to continue.

Bariatric (metabolic) surgery

You may be offered weight loss surgery if other treatments haven't worked. That's on the condition you're fit for surgery and are willing to commit to long-term follow-ups. Within the NHS you usually have to have shown engagement with a “tier 3” weight management specialist team for at least 12 months before you can be referred to a “tier 4” bariatric service.

Bariatric (metabolic) surgery is usually considered for people with

a BMI over 40, or
a BMI of 35 to 39.9, plus a serious obesity-related condition.

For some ethnic groups, thresholds are lower (a BMI over 37.5, or 32.5 with a related condition). People with type 2 diabetes diagnosed within the last 10 years may be prioritised for assessment via a specialised service.

Are you considering weight loss surgery? Phoenix Health is the only private bariatric surgery clinic trusted by the NHS to provide treatment. Learn more at the Phoenix Health website .

H3: Private care when NHS routes are not available to you

The NHS remains a vital source of support for weight loss – and NHS weight loss treatments have changed many lives. However, strict criteria, variable local resources and phased access mean that not everyone who could benefit will receive a prescription or surgery right away.

If you're finding it difficult to get help with your weight through the NHS, regulated private services can help you access the same MHRA-approved medicines.

At SemaPen, we don't just prescribe weight loss medicines and leave you to it. Our weight loss programmes for Mounjaro and Wegovy are designed by obesity experts and come complete with:

Lifestyle coaching to help you develop healthy habits
Professional medical supervision and personalised dosage adjustment
Progress tracking, a smart scale and expert guidance at every step
A money-back guarantee if our programmes don't work for you*

This gives you a safe and effective way forward while NHS capacity evolves.

H3: How to move forward

Speak to your GP about local weight loss treatments and ask to be referred to specialist services if you feel you need it.
Ask whether you're eligible for the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme while you wait.
If you're exploring private options, use a regulated service that offers clinician-led assessment, ongoing monitoring and clear information about risks and benefits.

Considering the private route? We're ready to support you with clinically proven i njectable drugs for weight loss and tailored advice from UK obesity experts. Why not take our simple online consultation and find out if you're eligible today?

Sources and small print

1. NHS (2023) Treatment: Obesity. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/obesity/treatment/

2. NICE (2023) Semaglutide for managing overweight and obesity. Retrieved from https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta875/chapter/1-Recommendations

3. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

4. NICE (2024) Tirzepatide for managing overweight and obesity. Retrieved from https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta1026

5. NHS England (2025) Weight management injections. Retrieved from https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/prevention/obesity/medicines-for-obesity/weight-management-injections/

6. The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (2025) Newcastle specialist adult weight management service (Tier 3): Guidance for healthcare professionals. Retrieved from https://www.newcastle-hospitals.nhs.uk/services/therapy-services/about-us/dietetics/how-can-you-access-our-services-dietetics/guidance-for-health-care-professionals-on-how-to-refer/newcastle-specialist-adult-weight-management-service/

7. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

* Terms and conditions apply.

This article was reviewed and approved by Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietitian, on 3 September 2025.

Can weight loss affect my period?

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 22:29:37 GMT

Can weight loss affect periods? Learn how losing weight can impact your monthly cycle and menstrual health.

It can be reassuring to get your period on time every month – it's a big green flag when it comes to your overall health. So, when your cycle falls out of sync, we understand that it might be concerning.

Many things can affect your menstrual cycle, including weight loss. That's because weight is closely tied to hormones and ovulation.

For some people, especially those living with obesity or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), gradual weight loss can help restore regular cycles. However, if you lose weight quickly or use extreme methods like crash diets , you may find your periods become irregular or lighter. They might even stop completely.

This guide should help you understand the link between weight loss and menstruation. It covers:

How weight and hormones interact
How weight loss can affect your cycle
When to seek medical advice.

We also take you through some safe and sustainable ways to lose weight and help safeguard your menstrual health.

How weight and hormones are linked

Your menstrual cycle is regulated by a finely balanced network of hormones. These include:

Oestrogen
Progesterone
Luteinising hormone (LH)
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Body fat also plays a big role in hormone regulation by helping your body produce oestrogen. Too much or too little body fat can disrupt ovulation and your natural cycle. And losing weight quickly or doing too much exercise can stop or delay your periods.

If you're living with obesity or PCOS , you may have higher insulin levels and raised androgens. These can also interfere with ovulation.

Healthy, sustainable weight loss can improve these markers and help your cycle settle. NHS guidance on PCOS notes that modest weight loss of just 5% can improve PCOS symptoms and reduce longer-term risks.¹ In turn, this could also help your periods become more regular.

Can weight loss change your period?

Yes. For many people living with obesity or PCOS, gradual weight loss can make cycles more regular and sometimes lighter or less painful.

On the other hand, losing weight too quickly can lead to cycles that are shorter, lighter, farther apart or irregular.

If your usual pattern changes or you're worried about symptoms, you should speak to your GP or a weight loss specialist.

Can weight loss stop your period?

It certainly can. Missing periods for several months after weight loss may be due to a condition called 'hypothalamic amenorrhoea'.

This happens when the brain reduces hormonal signals to the ovaries in response to low energy availability, rapid weight loss or extreme exercise.

You should seek medical advice if you miss three periods in a row. Some research links long-term oestrogen deficiency with bone health risks,² so it's worth addressing early.

Can weight loss cause irregular periods?

Yes, especially in the short term. As weight and hormones shift, your cycle may become irregular in the early stage of your weight loss journey before it settles.

What supports a healthy period while losing weight?

Healthy lifestyle changes can go a long way to maintaining good menstrual health.

Aim for a balanced, lower-energy diet with plenty of nutrients and enough protein and fibre to keep you feeling full. It's also good to stay active by adding regular activity to your day and building it up gradually.

You don't need to go from sitting on the sofa to running a 10K in the same week. Starting with a short, brisk walk each day could make a big difference.

Gentle lifestyle changes like these support insulin sensitivity and make losing weight more sustainable.

Note: if you have asthma, PCOS, thyroid disease or other conditions, speak to your healthcare provider about creating a tailored exercise plan.

Medications that support weight loss

The following medicines are not designed to help with your periods. However, they support weight loss, which can indirectly help regulate your cycle.

Orlistat reduces the amount of fat you absorb from your diet. It can help you lose a small amount of weight (about 3% more than diet and exercise alone). Orlistat is available over the counter and on prescription.
Semaglutide ( Wegovy ) is a prescription drug that helps regulate blood sugar and control hunger and food cravings. It's taken as a once-weekly injection. A large clinical trial showed average weight loss of 14.9% when Wegovy was taken alongside healthy lifestyle changes.
Tirzepatide ( Mounjaro ) is another prescription drug that works similarly to Wegovy. It's also taken as a once-weekly injection. In a large trial, Mounjaro users saw an average weight loss of 20.9% when taking the drug alongside healthy lifestyle changes.

When to seek medical advice

It's important to speak to your GP or healthcare provider if:

You miss three periods in a row
Your periods have stopped after weight loss or heavy training
You have very heavy bleeding, severe pain or new symptoms
You're trying to conceive, but your cycles remain irregular

The bottom line

Many people living with obesity experience irregular periods – and losing weight sustainably can often help promote healthy periods and ovulation.

For some, however, periods may become irregular or stop entirely. This is especially common if a person loses weight too quickly.

The goal is steady progress. This can be achieved through eating enough nutritious foods, exercising regularly and accessing the right medical support if you need it.

And remember: if you live with PCOS, even modest weight loss can improve symptoms.

SemaPen: safe, professional weight loss support

Are you struggling to get help through the NHS, or want to go private? Here at SemaPen, we provide regulated, expert-led medical weight loss plans that are tailored to you.

Your journey starts with a simple online consultation . If we think a GLP-1 treatment could help you, we'll issue a private prescription and build a Wegovy or Mounjouro programme to suit your unique needs.

Our comprehensive plans include progress reviews, nutrition guidance, compassionate support and smart scale monitoring so you can track changes clearly with our team. We also help manage your dosing to keep you on track.

Ready to move forward? It's easy to start your SemaPen assessment today . Our team of experts will help you choose the right next step and support you throughout your weight loss journey.

Sources

1. NHS (2022) Treatment: Polycystic ovary syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos/treatment/

2. Shufelt, C.L. et al. (2017) "Hypothalamic Amenorrhea and the Long-Term Health Consequences" Seminars in Reproductive Medicine , 35(3) https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0037-1603581

3. Drew, S.B. et al. (2007) "Obesity management: Update on orlistat" Vascular Health and Risk Management , 3(6) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2350121/

4. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

5. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine, 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

6. NHS (2022) Irregular periods. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/irregular-periods/

This article was reviewed and approved by Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietitian, on 3 September 2025.

Can obesity cause asthma?

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 07:12:58 GMT

Can obesity cause asthma? Discover the links between obesity and asthma, plus safe options for weight management.

Asthma and obesity are two of the most common long-term conditions in the UK. Up to 5.4 million people in this country receive asthma treatment, and more than a quarter of adults live with obesity.

So, are the two related? Can obesity cause asthma – or is asthma related to obesity in a different way?

While it is true that excess weight increases the risk of developing asthma and can make symptoms harder to control, it's rarely the only cause. Genetics, environment and immune factors also play significant roles.

Let's investigate.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a long-term condition where the airways in your lungs become extra-sensitive.

When they're irritated, the muscles around them tighten and the lining swells. This can make you wheeze, feel short of breath, cough or notice a tight feeling in your chest.

Symptoms can come and go and are often set off by things like:

Pollen or dust
Colds and flu
Cold air
Exercise

How is it treated?

Many people use two types of inhalers to help treat their asthma:

Preventer inhaler: this is used daily to calm the airways and reduce swelling, helping to stop symptoms from starting.
Reliever inhaler: this is used to relax the airway muscles when you have symptoms, so you can breathe more easily.

Some people may also be offered add-on treatments if symptoms aren't well controlled.

Does obesity cause asthma?

Living with obesity doesn't cause asthma for everyone. However, it does raise your chances of developing it.

Research in adults shows a strong, dose-dependent link – the higher the BMI, the higher the risk of new-onset asthma. BMI is a measure of fat in the body.

Why might weight affect asthma?

Pressure on the lungs: extra weight can reduce lung volumes and lead to small airways closing more easily, so breathing feels harder.
Body-wide inflammation: fat tissue releases chemicals that can increase airway inflammation and sensitivity.

Metabolic and hormone changes : insulin resistance and other hormone shifts linked to obesity can make asthma harder to control.

What this means for you

Obesity doesn't explain every case of asthma. However, as we've seen, it can increase the likelihood of developing it. It's also linked to more symptoms and a poorer response to standard treatment for some adults.

Moreover, obesity makes it more likely to develop asthma later in life. There's a recognised obesity-related asthma pattern that often starts in adulthood and can be tougher to manage than childhood asthma.

The impact of weight loss on asthma

Are you living with asthma and obesity? We have some good news: losing weight can improve asthma symptoms.

Studies show that lifestyle changes leading to weight loss improve day-to-day control of asthma symptoms. Bariatric surgery has also been linked with better lung function and fewer symptoms in many patients.

If asthma affects you, a plan that supports gradual, sustainable weight loss alongside your inhalers may help you breathe more easily.

Options for managing weight when you have asthma

Healthy lifestyle changes

Eating a balanced, lower-calorie diet that focuses on whole foods, protein and fibre can help you feel fuller and keep blood sugar steady. And gradually increasing activity (with a mix of resistance and aerobic exercise) can help improve fitness and insulin sensitivity.

All this can improve asthma symptoms – indirectly – by promoting weight loss and reducing the complications that make asthma worse. Your doctor may be able to offer support to help you adjust your lifestyle and reap the benefits of weight loss.

However, before you pursue any lifestyle changes, it's important to talk to your doctor first. That's so they can review your asthma plan and make sure you can exercise safely.

GLP-1 injections for obesity

These medicines are not asthma treatments – instead, they target weight and metabolic drivers. However, these can indirectly improve asthma by reducing strain on the lungs and lowering inflammation.

Wegovy (semaglutide)

Wegovy is a once-weekly injection that helps you feel full and curbs hunger cravings. It works by mimicking a natural hormone (GLP-1) that slows digestion and controls blood sugar levels.

The NHS began offering Wegovy in September 2023. It's currently only available to adults who meet strict eligibility criteria.

In a large clinical trial, Wegovy users lost an average of 14.9% of their starting weight when taking the drug alongside lifestyle changes.

Mounjaro (tirzepatide)

Mounjaro also helps curb hunger cravings and keep blood sugars balanced. It mimics the same hormone as Wegovy (GLP-1), plus another called 'GIP'.

That might be one reason Mounjaro tends to be more effective than Wegovy. In a large clinical trial, Mounjaro users saw a 20.9% average weight loss with lifestyle changes. That's 6% more than Wegovy.

In 2025, NHS England began a phased rollout of Mounjaro – mainly through specialist services with limited primary-care access.

Your next steps

Do you want to lose weight to improve asthma symptoms? It's not always easy – but with the right plan, you might see results more quickly than you think.

It's good to focus on what you can change. Even modest weight loss can improve lung function, reduce day-to-day symptoms and help your medicines work better.

To help with your symptoms, you can pair asthma care with evidence-based weight management. That might include a tailored activity plan, nutrition support and, for some people, weight-loss medicines.

It's best to talk to your healthcare provider first – especially if your asthma is triggered by exercise. They can help you develop an approach that fits your health and goals.

SemaPen: safe, professional support from a trusted private clinic

At SemaPen, we provide a safe and regulated way to begin weight loss treatment with Mounjaro or Wegovy .

Your journey starts with an online consultation reviewed by one of our obesity experts. If an injectable weight loss medication is appropriate, we issue a private prescription and build a weight loss programme around you. This includes progress reviews, nutrition guidance and a smart scale you can use at home to track changes with your care team in real time.

Safety comes first. We screen for contraindications, review other medicines and give clear guidance on side effects and what to do if they occur. You'll also have access to ongoing clinical support – and our pricing is transparent, with a money-back guarantee for your peace of mind.

Want to get started with SemaPen? When you take our online consultation , we'll let you know straight away if you're eligible for treatment.

Sources and small print

1. NICE (2025) Asthma: How common is it? Retrieved from https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/asthma/background-information/prevalence/

2. Office for Health Improvement & Disparities (2024) Obesity Profile: short statistical commentary May 2024. GOV.UK. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/update-to-the-obesity-profile-on-fingertips/obesity-profile-short-statistical-commentary-may-2024

3. Beuther, D.A. & Sutherland, E.R. (2007) "Overweight, Obesity, and Incident Asthma: A Meta-analysis of Prospective Epidemiologic Studies" American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine , 175(7) https://doi.org/10.1164/rccm.200611-1717OC

4. Parasuaraman, G. et al. (2023) "The association between body mass index, abdominal fatness, and weight change and the risk of adult asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies" Scientific Reports , 13(7745) https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-31373-6

5. Peters, U. et al. (2018) "Obesity and Asthma" The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology , 141(4) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2018.02.004

6. Ma, J. et al. (2015) "Behavioral weight loss and physical activity intervention in obese adults with asthma. A randomized trial" Annals of the American Thoracic Society , 12(1) https://doi.org/10.1513/annalsats.201406-271oc

7. Chaaban, T.A. (2019) "Bariatric surgery: a potential cure for asthma?" European Respiratory Review , 28(152) https://doi.org/10.1183/16000617.0003-2019

8. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

9. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

* Terms and conditions apply.

This article was reviewed and approved by Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietitian, on 3 September 2025.

Will insurance cover Wegovy or Mounjaro in the UK?

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 06:20:56 GMT

Will insurance cover Wegovy or Mounjaro in the UK?

Injectable medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro have changed the game when it comes to weight loss.

These treatments belong to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which help regulate appetite and blood sugar. Large clinical trials show Wegovy (semaglutide) typically helps people lose around 15% of their body weight while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) results in an average 21% reduction.

The evidence is clear. Both drugs are powerful tools for managing obesity and its health risks. However, NHS availability is still limited . That's why most people get their medication from private healthcare providers like SemaPen.

That begs the question: can you get Wegovy or Mounjaro as part of your health insurance in the UK?

Let's find out.

How health insurance usually works in the UK

Private health insurance in the UK is structured differently from many systems abroad. Its main purpose is to provide faster access to hospital care, diagnostic tests or surgery. Long-term prescriptions are rarely included, particularly if the same medicines are available on the NHS.

Even the most comprehensive policies tend to put limits on prescriptions. Some policies will fund medicines administered during a hospital stay, but exclude those prescribed for everyday use at home.

That means weight loss treatment covered by insurance is still rare. Bariatric surgery may be considered in very specific situations, but prescription medicines for obesity have historically been excluded.

This reflects how obesity was understood for decades: as a lifestyle issue rather than a chronic medical condition. Although modern science has shown that obesity involves complex biology , insurers have been slow to adapt their policies.

Will insurance cover Wegovy in the UK?

The short answer: not as a core benefit with most insurers.

In 2025, Vitality became the first major UK provider to offer member discounts (up to 20%) on GLP-1 weight-loss medicines. This isn't full cover, but it reduces the private cost.
Bupa makes Wegovy available on a pay-as-you-go basis through its Weight Management Plan.³ This is not an insured benefit, but gives policyholders an easier access route.
Aviva has confirmed that Wegovy and similar medicines are 'not currently a benefit' under its health plans.
AXA Health explicitly excludes outpatient prescriptions, which rules out Wegovy.⁴

So, while some insurers are beginning to incorporate these medicines into policy, none currently reimburse the full cost. For most people, private prescribing means paying out of pocket – even if their insurance helps with related consultations or diagnostics.

What about NHS availability?

On the NHS, Wegovy is offered under strict criteria . The treatment is currently available to:

Adults with a BMI of 35 or above and at least one weight-related health condition, like high blood pressure or sleep apnoea
Adults with a BMI of 30 to 34.9 with a significant obesity-related condition

As people from certain ethnic backgrounds may experience health risks at a lower BMI, this may also be taken into account. Plus, every person must also provide documented attempts to lose weight through lifestyle changes.

Even then, treatment is usually limited to a maximum of two years and provided through specialist clinics with limited capacity. For many people, this makes private prescribing the only reliable option.

What health insurance covers Mounjaro?

As with Wegovy, no health insurance providers in the UK include fully paid-for Mounjaro prescriptions in their policies.

Initially licensed for type 2 diabetes, Mounjaro was authorised by the MHRA in 2023 for weight management. NICE recommended tirzepatide for obesity in December 2024, and in 2025, NHS England began a phased rollout .

Today, Mounjaro is prescribed on the NHS only through specialist weight-management services, with priority given to patients at the highest clinical risk.

On the private side, health insurers haven't yet adjusted their policies to reflect the availability and effectiveness of this new generation of medications. No major UK provider lists Mounjaro as a core insured benefit. Vitality extends its discount scheme to Mounjaro, and Bupa offers private prescriptions.⁴ However, patients are still expected to self-fund.

This paints a similar picture to the Wegovy situation: insurers may help you access these drugs, but they do not pay for the medication itself.

How the UK compares with the US

Health insurance in the UK contrasts with that in the United States, where some insurers do cover GLP-1s for obesity. Coverage there varies widely by employer plan and state, but it shows how different funding models shape access.

In the UK, where private health insurance is built to complement the NHS rather than replace it, the emphasis remains on hospital treatment and short-term interventions. Long-term prescriptions are almost always considered outside the scope of cover.

That distinction explains why weight loss treatment covered by insurance is far more common in the US than in the UK.

Why weight loss treatment is rarely covered by insurance

The lack of insurance cover for Wegovy and Mounjaro comes down to two main factors:

1. The structure of private medical insurance

UK private medical insurance is designed to protect against sudden, high-cost events such as accidents, cancer treatment or surgery. Covering long-term prescriptions would drive up premiums for all members. That's why outpatient medicines are usually excluded.

2. Historic stigma around obesity

For decades, obesity was framed as a lifestyle issue rather than a medical condition. This view shaped insurance policy, with many providers still grouping weight-loss drugs alongside 'cosmetic' or 'non-essential' treatments.

Yet the science tells a different story. In landmark trials, semaglutide users lost around 15% of their body weight on average while tirzepatide users lost about 21%. These medicines address the biology of appetite and metabolism, offering sustained results that lifestyle changes alone often cannot achieve.

Until policies catch up with the science, the gap between medical evidence and insurance cover will likely remain.

How SemaPen makes treatment accessible

While insurance doesn't cover these medicines just yet, safe and reliable options are available. At SemaPen, we provide private access to Wegovy and Mounjaro .

The process is straightforward: you simply fill out an online consultation, which is reviewed by one of our qualified clinicians. If they think treatment is appropriate and safe, we can issue you a prescription as part of one of our expert-led weight loss programmes.

We don't just leave you to it. Our benefits span from smart scale tracking and lifestyle coaching to tailored clinical supervision and personalised dose adjustment. Costs are clear from the start, and if it doesn't work for you, you can get your money back.*

Want to learn more about how we can help you achieve your weight loss goals? Explore our at-home weight loss programmes – or complete our online consultation to find out if you're eligible today.

Sources and small print

1. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

2. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

3. Bupa (2025) Weight loss treatment. Retrieved from https://www.bupa.co.uk/health/payg/weight-management-plan

4. AXA Health (2025) Outpatient health insurance. Retrieved from https://www.axahealth.co.uk/health-insurance/outpatient-option/

5. NICE (2024) Tirzepatide for managing overweight and obesity. Retrieved from https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta1026

* Terms and conditions apply.

This article was reviewed and approved by Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietitian, on 1 September 2025.

Can Mounjaro cause hair loss? Hair thinning side effects explained

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 22:13:08 GMT

Can Mounjaro cause hair loss? Learn the facts about tirzepatide and hair thinning – and how to manage it.

Have you noticed extra hairs in the shower or your hairbrush since starting Mounjaro (tirzepatide) ? You're not alone.

Hair thinning and shedding are listed as side effects of Mounjaro . However, evidence points to quick weight loss as the cause, rather than direct damage to your hair.

Let's unpack what studies say about hair changes with Mounjaro, why rapid weight loss can trigger shedding and what you can do about it.

Is hair loss a known side effect of tirzepatide?

Yes, but context matters.

In pooled obesity trials, reports of hair shedding with tirzepatide were linked to weight loss and were more common in women than men:

Interestingly, no one on tirzepatide stopped treatment because of hair loss, while one person on placebo did.

A similar pattern appears with semaglutide (Wegovy). In EU product information for Wegovy, hair loss was reported in 2.5% of patients on semaglutide versus 1% on placebo. Most cases were mild and occurred more often in people who lost at least 20% of their body weight.

Why can weight loss trigger shedding?

The important thing to know is that Mounjaro does not directly cause hair loss . Instead, hair shedding occurs because of changes in the body triggered by weight loss.

The most likely cause is telogen effluvium. This condition can occur after a significant stress on the body, causing more hairs than usual to move into a resting phase. A few months later, this will cause extra shedding.

Common triggers include illness, big life changes and rapid weight loss or strict dieting. As your weight and nutrition settle, shedding usually eases, and your hair should grow back.

In other words, hair loss with tirzepatide is usually temporary and linked to the stress your body is under. It's not because of any lasting damage to your hair follicles.

Practical steps to lower the risk

Aim for steady weight loss and avoid crash dieting .
Prioritise protein and include iron, zinc and vitamin D-rich foods.
Keep stress in check and make sure you get enough sleep.
Be gentle with your hair care routine.

When to seek medical advice

Book an appointment with your healthcare provider or talk to the SemaPen team if:

You're worried about hair loss, or the shedding hasn't eased after a few months
You notice patchy bald areas or a quickly widening parting
You experience scalp pain, itching, scaling or redness
Hair loss comes with other symptoms such as fatigue, rapid and unexplained weight change or changes to your menstrual cycle

Your healthcare team can check for treatable causes (such as low iron or thyroid problems) and advise on next steps.

SemaPen: a safe, steady way to use Mounjaro

At SemaPen, we prescribe Mounjaro within a structured medical weight loss plan . That means you're supported from day one.

You start with an online consultation reviewed by a UK-registered prescriber. If we feel our treatment is safe and appropriate for you, we provide:

Ongoing clinical monitoring to keep your rate of weight loss steady
Nutrition guidance so that protein and key micronutrients are covered
Smart scale integration and regular check-ins
Clear safety information and quick access to help if you encounter side effects

Want to find out if our weight loss programmes could help you? You can get started today by taking our simple online consultation .

Sources

1. Eli Lilly and Company (2023) United States prescribing information: Zepbound. 4.0-ZEP-0000-PEN-IFU-YYYYMMDD. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/217806s000lbl.pdf

This article was reviewed and approved by Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietitian, on 1 September 2025.

September price hold at SemaPen: time to decide with clinical support

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 22:08:09 GMT

September price hold at SemaPen: time to decide with clinical support

Many patients are weighing up next steps. To support calm, informed choices, we’re absorbing most of the Mounjaro® price rise through September for new and existing patients.

That means:

New starters: first month £159 with code WELCOME

From month two / existing patients:

2.5 mg £199
5 mg £225
7.5 mg £249
10 mg £275
12.5 mg £289
15 mg £299

This buys time to talk with our clinicians, adjust dose if appropriate, or consider Wegovy, which remains unchanged in price.

We expect to review pricing from 1 October 2025. Until then, our focus is continuity of care and helping you choose what suits you best.

Questions about your plan or next order?

Message us in the SemaPen app or call 01244 738 163.

The £159 first month applies to new patients who start in September and are clinically eligible.

Mounjaro: how does it work for weight loss?

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 07:29:25 GMT

How does Mounjaro work for weight loss? Understand what this game-changing medication does to help you lose weight.

If you've been hearing more and more about Mounjaro and wondering what all the excitement is about, you're not alone. This revolutionary weight loss injection has been making headlines, and many people have taken to social media to share their own Mounjaro success stories.

But how, exactly, does Mounjaro work when it comes to weight loss?

Let's take a deep dive into the world of Mounjaro. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about how it works and how it can help with weight loss.

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is the brand name for tirzepatide, a prescription medication that helps with weight loss and blood sugar control. It belongs to a group of drugs known as 'incretin mimetics'. These medications mimic the effects of natural hormones produced after eating.

Tirzepatide was originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes. However, in common with other incretin mimetics, it had a useful side effect. As well as helping with blood sugar control, it helped diabetic patients lose weight.

More clinical trials followed, this time looking at Mounjaro's safety and effectiveness for weight loss. The results were very positive, with users losing 21% of their starting body weight on average.

After these results were published, Mounjaro was licensed for both type 2 diabetes and weight loss in the UK.

But what does Mounjaro do to achieve such impressive weight loss? To understand, it helps to look at the hormones it targets.

GLP-1 and GIP: natural appetite hormones

After a meal, your gut releases hormones that help your body manage the food you've eaten. These hormones include glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide.

Those names are a bit of a mouthful, so we'll use their short names, 'GLP-1' and 'GIP' instead.

Together, GLP-1 and GIP:

Slow the rate at which food leaves your stomach
Signal to your brain that you're full
Help your body release insulin and manage blood sugar

Most similar weight loss medications mimic only GLP-1. Mounjaro mimics both GLP-1 and GIP at the same time, which is what makes it different.

GLP-1: helping you feel full

GLP-1 slows digestion and reduces appetite. It helps you feel full with less food. It also supports better blood sugar control by increasing insulin production and reducing glucose spikes.

GIP: more of the good stuff

GIP plays a similar role in appetite and insulin response. When GIP is combined with GLP-1, the effects are even stronger. Research suggests combining the two supports fat burning, improves insulin sensitivity and leads to more stable hunger signals.

Together, they offer a dual-action approach that helps you feel full sooner and eat less overall.

Mounjaro: how it works for weight loss

The hormone combination in Mounjaro changes how your body responds to hunger and fullness. This means:

You feel full more quickly.
You stay full for longer after eating.
Your appetite becomes more stable and predictable.
Your body may burn fat more effectively.

These changes make it easier to eat less without feeling deprived. Rather than relying on willpower alone, you're working with your body's built-in signals.

Mounjaro helps your brain and gut communicate more clearly, so you can make healthier choices without constantly craving food.

What results can you expect with Mounjaro?

In a major study published in The New England Journal of Medicine , people taking tirzepatide lost an average of 20.9% of their body weight. This was in combination with healthy eating and increased movement.

Compare this to a similar weight loss drug, semaglutide (Wegovy) , which achieved an average of 14.9% weight loss.

That means a person who weighs 100kg could lose around 21kg using Mounjaro. Some people lose more, some less. But overall, the data shows Mounjaro can lead to significant and sustained weight loss.

What does it feel like to take Mounjaro?

Many people describe feeling full more quickly. They also say they're less interested in snacking or large meals. Cravings may be reduced, which makes it easier to choose nourishing foods.

Side effects can occur, especially at the start of treatment or when increasing your dose. These may include:

Nausea
Constipation or diarrhoea
Tiredness
Indigestion
Reactions at the injection site

These side effects usually settle down after a little while. Your SemaPen care team will start with a lower dose and build up gradually, checking in regularly to support you.

How is Mounjaro dosed?

Mounjaro is taken once per week, on the same day each week. You can inject it at any time of day, and you don't need to take it with meals.

Treatment begins with a starting dose of 2.5mg per week. After four weeks, this increases to 5mg. The dose continues to rise each month, eventually reaching 15mg from month six onwards.

It's important to increase the dose gradually, as your body needs time to adjust. This approach helps reduce side effects and improves how your body responds to the medication.

If you subscribe to SemaPen's Mounjaro medicatio n programme, there's no need to worry about ordering the correct dose. We'll automatically send the right pen at the right time, based on your dosing schedule and progress.

Is Mounjaro safe?

Mounjaro has been approved in the UK for managing type 2 diabetes and weight loss. It's considered safe when prescribed by a qualified medical professional.

However, like any prescription medication, it's not suitable for everyone. This is why a full medical assessment is essential before starting treatment.

It's not recommended for people who:

Have certain medical conditions or a history of certain medical conditions
Are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
Are on the contraceptive pill (if you're taking the contraceptive pill and you want to start taking Mounjaro, you should switch to another type of birth control – Mounjaro's manufacturer recommends switching to another form of contraception that isn't taken as a pill)
Are taking certain medications
Are under the age of 18

How long do you take Mounjaro for?

Obesity is a chronic health condition. For many people, approaches that can be used long-term are the most effective. That doesn't mean you'll take Mounjaro forever, but it often works best when used consistently until your weight and lifestyle habits are more stable.

Some people later switch to a lower 'maintenance' dose or stop completely, based on guidance from their healthcare provider. The Semapen team can support you to navigate through this stage in your weight loss journey.

What helps it work better?

Mounjaro works best as part of a structured plan. Eating nutritious meals, staying active, prioritising wellbeing and getting enough rest all support long-term weight loss. So do regular check-ins with a care team that understands obesity.

So, how does Mounjaro work for weight loss?

To summarise:

It mimics GLP-1 and GIP, two natural gut hormones.
These hormones affect appetite, digestion, insulin and fat metabolism.
You should feel full more quickly, stay full for longer, experience fewer cravings and eat less overall.
Your body becomes more efficient at burning fat and managing energy.

This dual hormone action is what makes Mounjaro different from other options, and why so many people find it helps them lose weight more consistently.

Thinking of starting Mounjaro?

Starting a new medication can feel like a big step, especially when it involves something as personal as weight loss. At SemaPen, we make the process safe and supportive.

Our Mounjaro weight loss programme includes:

A full medical assessment to confirm it's the right choice for you
Ongoing check-ins with your care team
A smart scale linked to your SemaPen app, so we can monitor progress together

We'll adjust your dose gradually and send you the right pen at the right time, so you don't need to worry about reordering.

We also offer a Wegovy weight loss programme and can help you understand the difference, depending on your needs.

If you're ready to begin or want to talk it through, we're here to help. Explore our weight loss programmes or get started by taking our simple online consultation .

Sources

1. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

2. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

This article was reviewed and approved by Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietitian, on 31 July 2025.

Wegovy BMI requirements explained (NHS and private)

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 07:03:01 GMT

Curious about the Wegovy BMI requirements? Discover the BMI cutoff for access to Wegovy through the NHS or private care.

If you're thinking about starting weight loss treatment with Wegovy, one of the first things you'll need to check is whether you meet the BMI requirements.

Body mass index (BMI) is a simple calculation that uses your weight and height to estimate your body fat. It's far from perfect , but it's the most widely used tool for assessing eligibility for GLP-1 weight loss medication in both NHS and private care.

Here's what you need to know about Wegovy BMI requirements and how to get started safely.

NHS vs private: key differences in BMI cutoffs for treatment

Wegovy is available through both the NHS and private providers like SemaPen, but the BMI requirements aren't the same. Here's a quick breakdown.

NHS access to Wegovy: stricter criteria and a slower process

Wegovy became available through the NHS UK for weight loss in September 2023 , but GPs don't prescribe it directly. People must be referred to specialist weight management services to access Wegovy.

To qualify, patients generally need:

A BMI of 35 or more
A weight-related health condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol or sleep apnoea
Documented attempts to lose weight through lifestyle changes
To be willing to follow a multidisciplinary weight-loss plan that includes diet and exercise

In some cases, people with a BMI between 30 and 34.9 may qualify if they have a significant obesity-related condition. A person's ethnic background may also be taken into account, since people from certain groups may experience health risks at a lower BMI.

The NHS criteria are designed to ensure that those at most risk receive support. But the process can be lengthy, and many people face long wait times for assessment and treatment.

For full details, please see the official NHS guidance .

Private access: broader criteria and faster access to care

Private providers can prescribe Wegovy to a wider group of people. While the same medication is used, the process is more flexible and designed around your individual health status, not your local referral system.

You may be eligible for Wegovy privately if:

Your BMI is 30 or higher
Your BMI is between 27 and 29.9, and you have a related condition such as prediabetes, insulin resistance, high blood pressure or high cholesterol

As with the NHS criteria, a person's ethnic background is also considered.

At SemaPen, every patient completes a secure online health assessment reviewed by a licensed UK prescriber. If your BMI is in the lower range, your medical history will be evaluated to make sure semaglutide is safe and appropriate for you. This includes checking for medications that might interact and any conditions that could affect treatment.

There's no need for a GP referral. Instead, access is based on your needs and your eligibility.

SemaPen: your path to safe, supported weight loss

Do you meet the BMI criteria and want to explore semaglutide safely and effectively? Our team of obesity specialists is here to help. SemaPen's expert-led medical weight loss plans combine prescription access with remote monitoring, smart scales and compassionate support.

We make it easy to:

Check your eligibility quickly online
Get reviewed by a licensed UK prescriber
Access the right GLP-1 medication for you, whether that's Wegovy (semaglutide) or Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
Stay supported with regular check-ins and smart tracking

Are you ready to take the next step on your weight loss journey, with expert support focused on your goals? You can get started today by taking our online health assessment . Our specialists will review your answers and recommend a tailored treatment for you.

Sources

1. DHSC Media Team (2024) Accessing Wegovy for weight loss: Everything you need to know. GOV.UK. Retrieved from https://healthmedia.blog.gov.uk/2023/09/04/accessing-wegovy-for-weight-loss-everything-you-need-to-know/

This article was reviewed and approved by Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietitian, on 31 July 2025.

Who should NOT take Mounjaro?

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 15:34:06 GMT

Who should NOT take Mounjaro? Like all prescription drugs, this weight loss injection isn't for everyone. Learn who should avoid it.

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is one of the most effective weight loss medications available today. It helps reduce appetite, slows digestion and supports steady, meaningful weight loss.

Like any prescription treatment, however, it isn't right for everyone.

This article explores who should avoid Mounjaro and why proper medical screening matters. Remember: understanding the risks is just as important as knowing the benefits.

Why some people shouldn't take Mounjaro

Mounjaro works by mimicking two gut hormones: GLP-1 and GIP. These hormones help regulate appetite, insulin and digestion. For most people, this helps them feel less hungry and experience fewer cravings while improving their blood sugar control.

But because these hormones affect multiple systems in the body, they can cause problems in people with certain health conditions or those taking specific medications. Mounjaro may not work as expected for some people. In other cases, it may increase the risk of side effects or complications.

This is why a thorough medical screening is essential before starting any GLP-1 treatment. Your provider needs to make sure the medication is safe for you and suitable for your body.

Who should not take Mounjaro?

In this section, we list six groups of people who should not take Mounjaro.

You may or may not fall into one of these groups – and even if you don't, your prescriber might decide it isn't right for you. Don't be disheartened if this is the case. Remember that your healthcare provider is looking out for your health and well-being above all else.

1. People who are pregnant or trying to conceive

Mounjaro is not recommended during pregnancy. There isn't enough research in humans to confirm its safety.

This applies to other GLP-1 weight loss medications, too. They are generally not recommended at any stage of pregnancy because they may reduce the nutrients your baby needs to grow. Losing weight quickly while pregnant may also be linked to an increased risk of miscarriage and poor fetal development.

If you're currently taking Mounjaro and become pregnant, you should speak to a medical professional straight away. The usual advice is to stop Mounjaro at least two months before trying to conceive.

2. People who are breastfeeding

We don't yet know whether tirzepatide passes into breastmilk. However, we do know that it affects hormones and metabolism – and this means the possibility of risks to the baby.

Until we know more, Mounjaro should not be used while breastfeeding. If you plan to breastfeed soon, your prescriber may suggest delaying treatment or choosing a different option that leaves your system more quickly.

This precaution protects not only your child but also your hormonal balance during the postpartum period.

3. People on the contraceptive pill

Tirzepatide slows the movement of food and tablets through the digestive system. That means it may affect how oral contraceptives are absorbed, especially during the first few weeks of Mounjaro treatment or after a dose increase.

That's why anyone taking the pill is advised to use an additional form of contraception, such as condoms. You should do this for at least four weeks after starting or increasing your Mounjaro dose.¹ Some people choose to switch to a non-oral method, such as the patch or implant, for extra protection.

For more information, read our guidance on Mounjaro and the contraceptive pill .

4. People taking certain medications

Mounjaro is not advised for people taking certain medications. Extra care is needed if you take:

Insulin or sulfonylureas such as gliclazide and glipizide. Taking these at the same time as Mounjaro can raise the risk of severe low blood sugar. Because of this, some providers (including SemaPen) don't prescribe Mounjaro alongside these drugs.
DPP-4 inhibitors (medications ending in -gliptin). These aren't recommended with Mounjaro as they act on the same hormone pathway.
Other GLP-1 medications similar to Mounjaro, such as semaglutide ( Wegovy/Ozempic ).
Thyroid hormone replacements or blood pressure medicines , which may require dose adjustments.
Drugs that affect kidney or liver function , which can increase the risk of side effects.

If you're taking any of these, your prescriber may contact your GP (with your consent) or suggest a safer alternative. Always share your full medication list with your provider – including supplements – so they can assess what's right for you.

5. People with certain health conditions

Mounjaro is not recommended for people with any of these health conditions:

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), or a family history of it
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2)
A history of pancreatitis
Gastroparesis, where digestion is already delayed

In some cases, your prescriber may suggest further tests or specialised input before making a final decision.

Even if you feel well, some of these conditions can go unnoticed for years. Family history matters, so make sure to share it during your assessment.

6. Children and young people

Mounjaro is approved for adults only. It's not licensed for use in people under 18, even in cases of severe obesity.

Trials are ongoing to assess safety and effectiveness in younger age groups. Until that data is available, tirzepatide remains an adults-only treatment.

If you're concerned about a child's weight, speak to a GP or paediatric specialist for support. They can offer age-appropriate interventions.

NHS vs private eligibility

Can you get Mounjaro on the NHS? Sometimes, but access is currently limited .

Mounjaro is in the process of being rolled out on the NHS. As part of this rollout, the NHS is offering the drug to a very select group of people.

That's why the NHS prescribing criteria are so restrictive right now. To access Mounjaro on the NHS, you must have a BMI over 40 and at least four serious obesity-related conditions, such as:

Type 2 diabetes
Obstructive sleep apnoea
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Abnormal blood fats (dyslipidaemia)
Heart disease (cardiovascular disease)

Private providers may assess eligibility more flexibly. You may qualify if your BMI is 30 or above (or lower if you have an obesity-related health condition).

As with NHS access, strict safety protocols are followed. However, the assessment is less restrictive and can factor in things like weight history, family background and previous attempts at change.

This makes Mounjaro more accessible for people who may not meet rigid NHS criteria but could still benefit from support.

Thinking of starting Mounjaro?

Clinical trials show that people taking tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro) typically lose around 21% of their body weight over time.² That's more than any other licensed weight loss medication to date.

However, this level of success depends on using it safely, alongside expert guidance.

At SemaPen, we provide private access to Mounjaro as part of a medical weight loss plan that's tailored to your needs. Every plan includes a full clinical assessment, a connected smart scale to track progress and regular check-ins with your care team.

We'll help you understand how Mounjaro works and how to make long-term changes that support your health. If it isn't the right fit, we'll explain why and guide you to safer or more suitable alternatives.

Ready to begin or just want to explore your options? Check out our weight loss programmes or get the ball rolling with our simple online consultation .

Sources

1. Eli Lilly and Company (2025) United States prescribing information: Mounjaro. MOU-0006-USPI-20250619. Retrieved from https://pi.lilly.com/us/mounjaro-uspi.pdf

2. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

3. NHS (2023) Treatment: Obesity. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/obesity/treatment/

This article was reviewed and approved by Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietitian, on 1 August 2025.

6 common weight loss myths debunked

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 06:39:23 GMT

Wondering which weight loss tips are myths? Learn the truth behind common misconceptions and what really works.

If you search 'how to lose weight' online, you'd better be ready for lots of conflicting – and confusing – advice. Fad diets promise rapid results, obscure workout programmes guarantee fat burning and supplements claim to be the next big thing.

Let's make sense of it all together. In this article, we look at six common weight loss myths that too many people still believe – and explain why they're not to be trusted.

Weight loss myth 1: 'You have to follow a restrictive diet to lose weight'

It's common to think that losing weight requires cutting out entire food groups or drastically slashing calories.

But the truth is, extreme restrictions rarely lead to weight loss that stays off. Sustainable weight loss tends to come from eating a variety of nourishing foods you enjoy, in manageable portions.

You don't need to go zero-carb or live on shakes. Instead, focus on balanced meals that include protein, healthy fats, whole grains and plenty of vegetables. Even a bit of sensible portion control combined with lifestyle tweaks and regular movement can help you lose weight safely.

This is one of the most enduring myths about weight loss. But learning to eat well without punishment is a key part of building a sustainable weight loss approach.

Weight loss myth 2: 'Exercise doesn't matter for weight loss'

Some say that exercise doesn't really help you lose weight and that diet matters much more.

While it's true that switching to a healthier diet usually helps you drop the first few pounds, exercise is also important for weight loss. In fact, exercise can do more for your long-term health and body composition.

Regular movement helps preserve lean muscle, boost metabolism, improve mood and lower inflammation. Wellness benefits like better sleep and reduced stress also support healthier food choices over time.

Even if it doesn't make the number on the scale plunge overnight, exercise makes every other part of your health routine easier and more sustainable.

So, while it's true that 'you can't out-exercise a bad diet', the idea that exercise doesn't matter is false. This is definitely one of the more damaging common weight loss myths.

Weight loss myth 3: 'If I don't lose weight fast, I'm failing'

It can be frustrating when the scale doesn't budge as quickly as you'd like. However, slow progress doesn't mean failure. On the contrary, it often paves the way for more sustainable weight loss and long-term health.

Crash diets or extreme workouts may deliver fast results, but they can also lead to muscle loss, nutritional deficits and burnout. Meanwhile, steady weight loss of 0.5kg to 1kg (1lb to 2lb) each week is often safer and easier to maintain.

One of the most important weight loss myths to unlearn is that 'faster equals better'. Real change happens over months, not days – and habit changes are what create long-lasting results.

Weight loss myth 4: 'Supplements are safe because they're natural'

Many assume that if something is sold as a supplement, it must be safe. But there's no guarantee that over-the-counter pills or powders contain what they claim or won't harm you.

Unregulated supplements may include undisclosed ingredients, cause serious side effects or simply do nothing at all. Unlike prescription medications, most supplements are not tested or approved by medical authorities.

This is one of the more dangerous weight loss myths because it can put your health at risk. When it comes to your body, reputable, regulated medical treatments backed by clinical trials are the safer choice.

Weight loss myth 5: 'GLP-1 medications do the hard work for you'

With the rise of medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide ( Wegovy and Mounjaro ), some believe they can skip diet and exercise altogether. But GLP-1 medications are tools, not instant solutions.

These medications mimic gut hormones to suppress appetite and help you feel full sooner. They can help you reduce your calorie intake, especially if you struggle with hunger or food fixation.

However, they work best when paired with supportive habits. You still need to eat healthily and get moving to see the results you want.

Weight loss myth 6: 'Only people with type 2 diabetes benefit from GLP-1s'

Because GLP-1 medicines were first created to treat type 2 diabetes, some people think they only work for people with high blood sugar. But that's not true.

These medications help regulate appetite and digestion regardless of whether you have diabetes. They reduce hunger, slow gastric emptying and promote fullness, making them an effective solution for some people struggling with obesity.

What really works

If you want to lose weight safely and sustainably, these changes are a good place to start:

Moderate dietary changes: focus on nutrient-rich foods and realistic portions.
Regular movement: it doesn't matter what you do – walk, run, swim or dance – it just matters that you get your body moving.
Medical support when needed: for some people, GLP-1 medications like Wegovy or Mounjaro can offer vital help in tipping the balance.

How SemaPen helps

At SemaPen, we believe weight loss is a shared journey, not a solo one. We provide private access to GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy when appropriate. However, our weight loss programmes go beyond prescriptions.

Join the SemaPen programme and you'll get:

Access to industry-leading weight loss medications (like Mounjaro and Wegovy) when eligible
Ongoing medical supervision and dosage adjustment
Lifestyle coaching to support realistic diet and activity routines
A smart scale, progress tracking and expert guidance at every step

In clinical trials, people taking tirzepatide (Mounjaro) lost an average of 21% of their body weight on higher doses. Those using semaglutide (Wegovy) lost 15% on average. With the right tools and guidance, meaningful change is possible.

Have you been held back by myths or past setbacks? We're here to help you move forward with professional, judgment-free support.

Want to know more? Learn more about our i njectable weight loss medication programmes – or get started today with our simple online consultation .

Sources

1. Contreras, F. et al. (2024) "Health Benefits Beyond the Scale: The Role of Diet and Nutrition During Weight Loss Programmes" Nutrients , 16(21) https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16213585

2. NHS (2023) Tips to help you lose weight. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/managing-your-weight/tips-to-help-you-lose-weight/

3. NHS (2022) Herbal medicines. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/herbal-medicines/

4. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

5. 1. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

This article was reviewed and approved by Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietitian, on 1 August 2025.

Mounjaro® price changes from 1 September 2025 - what this means for SemaPen patients

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 10:11:37 GMT

Mounjaro® price changes from 1 September 2025 - what this means for SemaPen patients

Eli Lilly & Company has confirmed that the UK list price for Mounjaro (tirzepatide) will increase from 1 September 2025 , bringing it in line with prices in other developed countries.

Our pharmacy partners have now confirmed that they are out of stock at current prices. This means any new Mounjaro supply will be subject to the new, higher pricing once stock resumes. We expect to have final patient prices confirmed tomorrow afternoon and will update all SemaPen patients immediately.

It’s important to note that Wegovy prices are not affected by this change. For some patients, Wegovy may be a safe and effective alternative if Mounjaro becomes unaffordable. Any change in medication will always be done under clinical supervision.

We know this situation is unsettling. Our priority is to keep treatment accessible and minimise disruption to your care. We’ll send another update tomorrow with confirmed pricing.

SemaPen – your trusted partner in safe, effective weight-loss treatment.

Wegovy and hair loss: is thinning hair a side effect?

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 08:56:55 GMT

Is there a connection between Wegovy and hair loss? Explore the link between semaglutide and thinning hair.

If you've noticed more hair than usual in the shower drain or your hair brush after starting Wegovy, you may not be imagining things. While hair loss isn't officially listed as a side effect of Wegovy , people have been talking about a possible link.

Let's explore what we know about Wegovy and hair loss, and what you can do if it's happening to you.

Is hair loss a known side effect of Wegovy?

Wegovy is a weight loss injection containing semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Semaglutide helps regulate blood sugar, curb cravings, slow digestion and promote feelings of fullness.

Wegovy's side effects , including nausea, constipation and fatigue, are well-documented. However, hair loss doesn't appear on the official list .

That said, a 2025 study found that a small number of people taking semaglutide reported hair thinning or shedding.¹ While that report made headlines , the researchers clarified something important: semaglutide doesn't directly cause hair loss .

So, why is it happening to some people?

It's not the drug, it's the weight loss.

The link between weight loss and hair thinning has been recognised for decades. People who lose a significant amount of weight quickly – whether through diet, medication or surgery – sometimes experience hair shedding.

The hair loss is usually caused by a condition known as 'telogen effluvium'. It occurs when the body experiences stress or a major change, including rapid weight loss. As a protective response, the body diverts resources away from non-essential functions like hair growth. That's so it can focus on keeping your most important organs and systems running properly.

Hair follicles enter a resting phase, which eventually leads to increased shedding. It's no fun at all – but it's usually only temporary. The follicles aren't damaged, and hair tends to regrow within three to six months.

So, when it comes to semaglutide hair loss, it's usually the result of your body adjusting to weight changes. It's not a direct effect of the medication.

Does the research support this?

The landmark STEP 1 trial , published in The New England Journal of Medicine , studied the effects of semaglutide for weight loss in people without diabetes.

Participants receiving weekly 2.4mg doses of semaglutide lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight over 68 weeks.² That's a significant amount – and this kind of rapid change is known to trigger telogen effluvium in some people.

However, if hair loss occurred in any of the participants, the researchers didn't consider it notable enough to include in the study. Nor did Novo Nordisk, Wegovy's manufacturer, consider it a significant enough risk to list it as a side effect.

What about Mounjaro?

Hair loss is listed as a possible side effect of Mounjaro (tirzepatide), another GLP-1 receptor agonist.

Mounjaro has shown even greater weight loss results than Wegovy, which may explain why hair loss is mentioned more often.³ Again, this is tied to the speed and extent of the weight loss, not the medication directly impacting hair follicles.

Can you prevent semaglutide-related hair loss?

There's no guaranteed way to prevent telogen effluvium, but supporting your hair and overall health may help reduce your risk.

Here are some tips that may help you avoid hair loss when losing weight:

Eat enough protein – it's essential for healthy hair growth.
Make sure you're getting enough iron, zinc, B12 and other key nutrients.
Avoid crash dieting or skipping meals.
Consider a multivitamin if your care team recommends it.
Be gentle with your hair – avoid harsh bleach, tight hairstyles or excessive heat styling.

If your hair loss continues or becomes severe, speak to your prescriber. Sometimes, an underlying issue like low iron or thyroid imbalance can contribute to the problem.

How SemaPen can help

At SemaPen, we understand that weight loss isn't just about numbers on a scale – your overall well-being is what's most important.

Our programmes provide private access to Wegovy (semaglutide) or Mounjaro (tirzepatide) with clinical oversight, smart scale tracking and expert guidance. If you experience side effects like hair loss, we can adjust your dosing pace and explore nutritional support. This means you can stay on track without compromising your confidence.

If you've been worried about semaglutide side effects or are simply looking for a more supportive experience, explore our weight loss programmes today. Alternatively, you can take our online medical consultation to find out instantly if you're eligible.

Sources

1. Sodhi, M. et al. (2025) "Risk of Hair Loss with Semaglutide for Weight Loss" [Preprint] medRxiv https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.02.23.25322568

2. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

This article was reviewed and approved by Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietitian, on 31 July 2025.

Stopping Wegovy/Mounjaro: drugs not a short-term fix, says NICE

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 23:03:24 GMT

New NICE guidelines aim to prevent weight regain after treatment with weight loss injections. Learn what it means and how SemaPen supports you.

GLP-1 weight loss injections have been hailed as revolutionary tools in the drive to tackle Britain's growing obesity crisis .

Drugs like Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) offer a route to safe and effective weight loss for the millions living with obesity in the UK.¹ And uptake has exceeded expectations, with an estimated 500,000 people in Britain using Wegovy or Mounjaro sourced from private prescribers like SemaPen.

Public health access is improving, too. The NHS began offering Wegovy to those most at need in September 2023. And following a limited rollout in June 2025 , the health service is expected to offer Mounjaro to around 240,000 patients over the next three years.

But with this growing patient base comes growing concerns about the role of GLP-1 drugs in long-term weight management. Are prescribers doing enough to support patients when they stop taking Wegovy or Mounjaro?

This is a question that the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) hopes to address in its newly updated obesity management guidelines.

What do the new guidelines say?

NICE's new guidelines call on prescribers to offer follow-up support and advice for patients when they stop taking weight loss injections.

Among its recommendations are tailored action plans for patients, online help through platforms like NHS Better Health and improved access to community fitness groups.

The organisation recommends that healthcare providers monitor patients for at least one year after treatment and be ready to provide extra support if necessary.

'Successful weight management doesn't end when medication stops or when someone completes a behavioural programme', commented NICE's chief medical officer, Jonathan Benger.

'We know that the transition period after treatment is crucial, and people need structured support to maintain the positive changes they've made.'

NICE is the main health assessment body for England and Wales. While its guidelines are not legally binding, they represent the benchmark for evidence-based clinical best practice. That means its new obesity management guidelines are highly likely to be adopted by the NHS and other trusted healthcare providers.

Stopping Wegovy or Mounjaro: how SemaPen supports you

Weight regain after taking GLP-1 medications is common. According to one study, Wegovy patients typically regain around two-thirds of the weight they've lost after stopping treatment.

At SemaPen, we know that weight loss is only the first step on a lifelong journey. Most patients require long-term support to successfully prevent weight regain and continue to reap the benefits of their weight loss.

That's why we've built post-treatment weight management support into our weight loss plans from the very start . That includes tailored advice from our team of qualified dietitians.

NICE's new guidelines represent a welcome step towards better clinical standards and patient outcomes. But they're also welcome because they confirm that our approach is one step ahead of the status quo. At SemaPen, business as usual means paving the way to better care.

As NICE's Dr Rebecca Payne puts it, 'Weight management is a long-term journey, not a short-term fix.'

We couldn't agree more.

Are you looking for effective weight loss medication – plus the tailored support you need to make your results stick? Crafted by some of the UK's leading obesity experts, SemaPen's weight loss programmes are designed to help you build healthy habits that last a lifetime. To find out if you're eligible today, take our simple online consultation .

Sources

1. Office for Health Improvement & Disparities (2025) Obesity profile: short statistical commentary, May 2025. GOV.UK. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/obesity-profile-may-2025-update/obesity-profile-short-statistical-commentary-may-2025

2. Nicholas Feenie (2024) Mounjaro gains momentum in the UK's private obesity treatment market, outpacing Wegovy. December 2024. The College of Contemporary Health. Retrieved from

https://www.contemporaryhealth.co.uk/medication/mounjaro-gains-momentum-in-the-uks-private-obesity-treatment-market-outpacing-wegovy/

3. NICE (2025) People need support to keep weight off after treatment ends. August 2025. NICE.org.uk. Retrieved from https://www.nice.org.uk/news/articles/people-need-support-to-keep-weight-off-after-treatment-ends

4. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2022) "Weight regain and cardiometabolic effects after withdrawal of semaglutide: The STEP 1 trial extension" Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism , 24(8) https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.14725

This article was reviewed and approved by Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietitian, on 12 August 2025.

Wegovy and fertility: the truth behind 'Ozempic babies'

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 05:52:04 GMT

Is the so-called 'Ozempic baby' phenomenon real? Find out whether semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic) really affects fertility in women.

In April 2024, USA Today published an article under the heading 'Ozempic babies'. 'Women across the country', it reported, 'have been bonding over their "Ozempic babies" – surprise pregnancies while taking weight loss medications.'

A month later, CNN chimed in , warning of 'surprise pregnancies [that] raise new questions about weight loss drugs'. And as recently as June 2025, the UK's Sky News wrote that 'weight loss jobs have been linked with a "baby boom"'.

This is the so-called 'Ozempic babies' phenomenon. The theory goes that semaglutide – the active ingredient in the diabetes drug Ozempic and weight loss injection Wegovy – may increase fertility.

But is there really a link between Wegovy and fertility? Can taking a weight loss medication make pregnancy more likely?

The answer isn't a simple 'yes' or 'no'. Like so many things in medicine, it's complicated.

We'll explore the science in a moment. But first, a warning: you should not take Wegovy, Ozempic or Mounjaro while pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive . That's because we simply don't have enough evidence to know whether it's safe to do so.

Wegovy and fertility: the key facts

Wegovy is not known to directly impact fertility.
However, the drug may have an indirect effect by addressing weight-related fertility concerns.
You should not use weight loss injections while pregnant, breastfeeding or attempting to conceive.

Can Wegovy increase fertility in women?

Wegovy is not known to have a direct effect on fertility in women or people assigned female at birth.

However, it may indirectly improve fertility. That's because living with obesity can cause issues that negatively impact fertility. These include insulin resistance, which can upset the body's hormone balance and suppress ovulation (releasing eggs from the ovaries).

Losing weight may help address these issues, especially for people living with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and other weight-related hormonal problems.

A 2022 study found that weight loss and other healthy lifestyle interventions restored ovulation in eight out of 12 people with PCOS.

And in an earlier study also looking at people with PCOS, 12 out of 13 resumed ovulation after losing weight, while 11 became pregnant.

Can Wegovy harm fertility?

This is where things get a bit more complicated.

See, while some weight loss can improve fertility, rapid weight loss can make it worse.

There are a few reasons for this. Perhaps the biggest is that losing weight too quickly can lower oestrogen levels. Oestrogen is a sex hormone that helps regulate periods and support ovulation.

However, most people who take Wegovy and follow a sensible weight loss plan lose weight at a healthy rate.

What about Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is another weight loss drug that works similarly to Wegovy.

Like Wegovy, it's not known to affect fertility directly. However, it may indirectly improve it by promoting healthy weight loss.

There's one important difference, though – Mounjaro can make the oral contraceptive pill work less effectively . That's because Mounjaro slows stomach emptying, which can affect how quickly the body absorbs oral (tablet) medications.

If you're taking the contraceptive pill and you want to start taking Mounjaro, you should switch to another type of birth control. Mounjaro's manufacturer recommends switching to another form of contraception that isn't taken as a pill.

Learn more about Mounjaro and the contraceptivepill .

Should I take weight loss injections as a fertility aid?

No.

As we've seen, weight loss medications may indirectly improve your chances of getting pregnant. However, it's very important that you stop taking the medication if you're pregnant or trying to conceive.

Right now, we don't know enough about how the drugs impact pregnancy to say whether they're safe. However, we do know that rapid weight loss may be linked to poor fetal development and, possibly, an increased risk of miscarriage.

You shouldn't take weight loss injections if you're breastfeeding, either. That's because the drugs can pass into breastmilk, and this could pose a risk to your baby.

When your health and the health of your baby are at stake, it's always best to err on the safe side.

So, is the 'Ozempic baby' phenomenon real?

It may well be true that people who take semaglutide are having more babies.

However, it's important to remember the statisticians' catchphrase: 'correlation is not causation'. In other words, just because you can draw a link between two things, it doesn't mean that the first thing caused the second thing to happen.

There could be lots of reasons why taking semaglutide might appear to make pregnancy more likely. For instance:

Losing weight can increase our energy levels. If we have more energy, we might be more willing or able to have sex regularly.
Losing weight can improve self-confidence and body image. Again, for certain people, this might mean more regular sex.
As we've seen, semaglutide can indirectly affect fertility by helping to resolve hormonal issues. That could at least partially account for the reported increase in pregnancy rates.
People can be quick to draw links between actions and results, especially when they make a significant lifestyle change (such as taking a new medication). It might be that some people believe semaglutide helped them get pregnant, when in fact it was pure chance.

Or, indeed, semaglutide might have a direct effect on fertility that we don't yet know about. However, it's impossible to say without doing more research.

And one final reminder: you absolutely should not take Wegovy or Ozempic if you're trying to get pregnant . Take it from the medical experts – it's just not worth the risk.

SemaPen is an online weight loss clinic specialising in expert-led medical treatments for obesity . Follow our blog for more news, tips and guides.

Sources

1. Gorczyca, A.M. et al. (2022) "The impact of a group based, remotely delivered weight loss intervention in women with polycystic ovary syndrome on ovulation, quality of life and body composition" Frontiers in Reproductive Health , 4:940945 https://doi.org/10.3389/frph.2022.940945

2. Clark, A.M. et al. (1995) "Weight loss results in significant improvement in pregnancy and ovulation rates in anovulatory obese women" Human Reproduction , 10(10) https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.humrep.a135772

This article was reviewed and approved by Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietitian, on 31 July 2025.

How does obesity affect the body?

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 07:21:07 GMT

What effect does obesity have on the body? Discover the health effects of obesity and how to reduce your risk.

We probably don't need to tell you that carrying excess weight can negatively impact your health. But how does obesity affect the body, exactly?

Although people often start a weight loss journey on a quest to improve their appearance or general fitness, the health effects of obesity span much wider. Living with obesity can affect joint health, hormone balance and breathing. It can also put you at risk of encountering serious health issues like strokes, heart attacks, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cancer.

Let's explore how obesity affects the body and what we can do to support our health.

What is obesity?

Obesity is a common medical condition characterised by excess body fat. It's usually diagnosed when your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or above. However, some consider BMI a limited health metric , as it doesn't take muscle mass, fat distribution, body composition or lifestyle into account.

Contrary to popular belief, obesity isn't simply the result of personal choices, like skipping the gym or eating takeaways. Genetics, medications, environment and mental health can all contribute to somebody becoming obese. That's why lifestyle changes alone don't always lead to long-term weight loss.

Understanding how obesity affects different parts of the body can help motivate you to lose weight sustainably for your health.

The effects of obesity on health

Heart and circulation

Carrying excess fat puts extra strain on your heart and circulatory system. That puts you more at risk of:

High blood pressure
Raised cholesterol
Narrowed arteries (atherosclerosis)

Over time, these issues can cause heart attacks or strokes. Inflammation from fat tissue can also damage blood vessels and make your heart less efficient.

Even a small amount of weight loss – around 5% to 10% – can support better heart health.¹ This could come from changes to eating habits, physical activity, sleep, or stress levels – whatever feels manageable and sustainable for you.

Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance

One of the most common health effects of obesity is insulin resistance. This occurs when your body stops using insulin effectively (insulin is a hormone that controls blood sugar). If insulin resistance continues, it can pave the way for type 2 diabetes.

The NHS reports that around 90% of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight or living with obesity. This is because excess fat, especially when stored around the abdomen, increases the risk of insulin resistance and beta cell dysfunction. If left untreated, type 2 diabetes can lead to long-term health conditions, including kidney disease, nerve damage, vision problems and a weakened immune system.

Treatment of type 2 diabetes often involves a combination of medication and lifestyle changes, such as eating a balanced diet, weight management and exercise. GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro were also developed to treat type 2 diabetes. These medications are highly effective for regulating blood sugar and appetite, even in people without diabetes.

Hormones and reproductive health

Obesity can tip your hormones out of balance. For women, this may cause irregular periods, PCOS or fertility issues. In men, it can lower testosterone, which may affect libido or sperm quality .

Fat cells also produce oestrogen. In large quantities, this hormone may increase the risk of some cancers, such as breast or womb cancer.

Losing weight can help restore hormone levels and may reduce the risk of hormone-related health issues over time.

Joints and mobility

If you are living with obesity, it can cause problems with your joints – particularly in the knees, hips and lower back. That's because extra weight increases stress on the joints, which puts you more at risk of developing osteoarthritis.

Even small amounts of weight loss can help reduce this pressure. For every pound lost, the knees experience around four pounds less force during movement.

Mental health and emotional well-being

Obesity's effects on mental health are complex. Physical inflammation and hormonal changes can contribute to low mood. But so can external factors, including weight-related stigma or negative experiences in healthcare settings.

Many people living with obesity report anxiety, low self-worth or disordered eating habits. These can make it harder to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

This may tempt some people to start an unhealthy crash diet in an attempt to lose weight quickly. However, this is very rarely a good idea. Weight management programmes that focus on medical support and non-judgmental care are much more sustainable in the long term.

Sleep and breathing

Excess fat around the neck and chest can narrow the airways. This increases the risk of sleep apnoea – a condition that causes your breathing to stop and start repeatedly while you sleep. It can lead to fatigue and increase the risk of cardiovascular problems. Plus, you may have to use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine while you sleep.

Other breathing issues, such as asthma and obesity hypoventilation syndrome, are also more common in people living with obesity. These conditions may affect the amount of oxygen you breathe in and can reduce your quality of life.

The good news is that weight loss often improves sleep and breathing symptoms. Some people with sleep apnoea can even reduce or stop CPAP use after a while.

Cancer risk

Obesity is linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, including breast, womb, bowel, oesophageal and kidney cancer. This may be due to hormonal changes, inflammation or how fat cells affect the body's repair processes.

Not everyone with obesity will develop cancer. However, even modest weight loss can help reduce risk and support better long-term health.

Liver and digestive health

Another important effect of obesity on health is liver function. Fat can build up in the liver, causing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This can lead to inflammation and scarring if left untreated.

Weight loss is the main treatment for NAFLD. If addressed early, the condition can often be reversed entirely.

Obesity is also associated with a higher risk of acid reflux and gallstones, both of which can be helped with safe, gradual weight loss.

Change is possible

Obesity can affect many parts of the body. But small changes can make a real difference, and progress often happens faster than you might expect.

Blood sugar may improve within days, and inflammation may reduce within weeks. Other early signs of improvement include getting better sleep, increased energy and lower blood pressure.

Supportive, medically guided care can help you take the next step and make changes that last.

How we can help at SemaPen

We provide structured weight loss programmes using GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) . These injectable drugs help people reduce their weight by 15% and 21% on average.

We offer:

A consultation with a UK-based prescriber
A connected smart scale to track progress
Regular treatment reviews and access to expert advice
In-app support with trained clinicians
A money-back guarantee if treatment doesn't work for you

Want to explore your options? Learn more about our at-home weight loss programmes – or take our simple online consultation to find out today if you're eligible for treatment.

Sources

1. Ryan, D.H. & Yockey, S.R. (2018) "Weight Loss and Improvement in Comorbidity: Differences at 5%, 10%, 15%, and Over" Current Obesity Reports , 6(2) https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-017-0262-y

2. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

3. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

4. Messier, S.P. et al. (2005) " Weight loss reduces knee-joint loads in overweight and obese older adults with knee osteoarthritis" Arthritis and Rheumatism , 52(7) https://doi.org/10.1002/art.21139

This article was reviewed and approved by Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietitian, on 31 July 2025.

Can Ozempic cause pancreatitis? The MHRA hopes to find out

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 09:19:09 GMT

The MHRA is set to study a possible link between drugs like Ozempic and pancreatitis. What does this mean for you? Let's find out.

GLP-1 weight loss injections are booming in popularity – and it's not hard to understand why.

Wegovy and Mounjaro – the most effective GLP-1s on the market – generate an average weight loss of 15% and 21%. These kinds of game-changing results would previously have only been achievable with weight loss surgery. But now, anyone with a BMI of 30 or more can access safe and effective non-surgical weight loss treatment s from private prescribers like SemaPen.

Demand is so high that Ozempic – a type 2 diabetes drug with similar effects – is currently experiencing a global supply shortage.

GLP-1 drugs are popular because they work, they're clinically tested and they're proven safe when prescribed by a healthcare professional.

But they're also relatively new. And like all new medications, there's still room to learn about rare and unexpected side effects .

One such side effect is pancreatitis. Right now, we're not sure if there's a definite link between drugs like Ozempic and pancreatitis. But with a landmark new study, the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) hopes to find out.

What is the MHRA looking at?

As reported by the British Medical Journal, the MHRA is set to study whether GLP-1 medications could be behind hundreds of reported pancreatitis cases.

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, a gland involved in digestion and regulating blood sugar levels. The condition can cause symptoms like pain, nausea and vomiting. It can be very serious if left untreated.

The MHRA has received more than 500 reports of pancreatitis among people taking GLP-1s. That includes 10 people who died from the condition.

By studying patient data like these, the MHRA hopes to learn whether there's a genetic link between taking the drugs and developing pancreatitis. In other words, some people might be more prone to developing the condition based on something in their DNA.

The MHRA is the UK's drug regulator. That means the results of this study could change how GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro are prescribed and used in the UK.

Should I be worried?

If you're taking a weight loss injection or thinking of taking one, you might find all this talk of pancreatitis a little bit concerning.

We understand. However, it's important to realise that there's still no proven link between the medications and the condition.

Experts are certainly aware of the possibility. That's why Mounjaro's manufacturer, Eli Lilly, mentions acute pancreatitis as a rare side effect in the drug's patient information leaflet . According to that leaflet, the condition may affect up to one in 100 users.

But that doesn't mean drugs like Mounjaro are directly responsible for patients developing pancreatitis. Instead, it might be that people who take these medications are more likely to develop pancreatitis for other reasons.

The MHRA is looking into a possible genetic link. But it could also be related to the fact that people who take GLP-1 drugs are much more likely to be living with obesity.

Obesity can cause many complications and can be the forerunner to a whole host of medical conditions. Take gallstones, for instance. To cite one figure, women with a BMI over 30 are twice as likely to develop gallstones.

And gallstones are the most common cause of acute pancreatitis in the Western World, accounting for up to 40% of cases.

The bottom line

So, it could be that gallstones are causing people who take GLP-1s to develop pancreatitis. Or, as the MHRA suspects, it might be something in their DNA. Or it could be something else entirely.

What's important is that the MHRA is trying to find out.

See, we know from clinical trials that weight loss injections are safe for the vast majority of people. But gaining a better understanding of the medications we prescribe and use is always a good thing. It means we're even better equipped to care for patients and keep them safe – especially the minority who might be more at risk of complications.

That's why, at SemaPen, we welcome the MHRA's study. As for what happens next, we'll keep you posted.

SemaPen is a weight loss injection clinic founded by Professor David Kerrigan, one of the UK's foremost obesity experts. For more news and advice, follow our blog .

Sources

1. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

2. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

3. BMJ 2025; 389:r1344

4. Parra-Landazury, N.M. et al. (2021) "Obesity and Gallstones" Visceral Medicine , 37(5) https://doi.org/10.1159/000515545

5. Kundumadam, S. et al. (2020) "Gallstone pancreatitis: general clinical approach and the role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography" The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine , 36(1) https://doi.org/10.3904/kjim.2020.537

This article was reviewed and approved by Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietitian, on 6 August 2025.

Is diet or exercise more important to lose weight?

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 07:34:59 GMT

Want to learn more about the diet vs exercise debate when it comes to weight loss? Explore the science here.

It's a question that comes up a lot – and one that can cause rather heated debates. Is diet or exercise more important for weight loss?

One weight loss plan swears by cardio. Another insists you cut carbs. And if you've tried both without lasting results, it's natural to feel confused and frustrated.

There's no single answer that works for everyone. But the science is clear: both diet and exercise support healthy weight loss, in different but complementary ways. Understanding what each one does – and why neither has to be perfect – can help you build a routine that works for you.

How weight loss works

Whether you focus on diet or exercise for weight loss, the underlying principle stays the same. Your body needs to use more energy than it takes in. This is called a calorie deficit.

Eating less helps reduce the number of calories you consume. Moving more increases the number of calories you burn. You don't have to choose one over the other. In fact, a combination usually works best.

It's also worth remembering that what creates a calorie deficit for one person might not work for another. Age, hormone levels, medical history and daily habits all affect how your body uses energy.

Diet or exercise for fat loss?

Why diet changes tend to deliver faster results at first

For many people, the biggest early weight loss changes come from food. That's because it's usually easier to eat fewer calories than it is to burn off large amounts of energy through exercise alone.

Let's say a takeaway contains up to 1,000 calories, compared to a healthy home-cooked meal coming in at 500 calories.

Burning off the takeaway could mean a long, intense workout, which isn't realistic or safe for everyone (especially if you've been inactive for a long time). The home-cooked meal, however, can slot right into a calorie deficit with no need for extra activity.

Changing what and how you eat gives you more control over your intake and tends to create a more predictable calorie deficit. Simple strategies like planning ahead, eating more slowly, using smaller plates or focusing on whole foods can all support sustainable weight loss.

How exercise supports long-term progress

While diet often helps you shed the first few pounds, exercise can help you keep the weight off.¹ Moving more can boost your metabolism and increase muscle mass, particularly when strength training. Having more muscle means your body will burn more calories – even at rest.

Exercise also improves mood, lowers stress and helps you get better sleep, all of which influence the day-to-day choices you make. It doesn't need to be extreme to be effective. Walking, light strength training, dancing and even gardening can all count as healthy movement.

Building exercise into your daily life in ways that feel enjoyable – or at least manageable – is one of the most effective ways to create consistency.

Diet vs exercise: what really matters?

Focus on fat loss, not just weight loss

When thinking about diet or exercise for fat loss, it's worth separating fat loss from general weight loss.

They're not quite the same. Losing some muscle mass along with fat is inevitable when losing weight. But if you lose too much, it can make it harder to maintain your results.

Resistance and strength training can help preserve or even increase lean mass while you lose fat. Meanwhile, a balanced diet rich in protein provides the nutrients your body needs to recover and repair. If you're losing weight quickly but feel tired or weak, it could be a sign that your body isn't achieving the balance it needs.

Make a plan that works for you

The diet vs exercise debate often misses a very important point: the most effective weight loss plan is one you can stick to. It might mean walking daily and planning meals. Or it could involve weight training and cutting back on snacking.

There's no gold standard – you just need to find what works in your life. If you prefer social activities, then group workouts or cooking with others may keep you on track. If you enjoy structure, then following a workout schedule or tracking your food may help you stay motivated.

Try not to compare your progress to anyone else's. Sustainable weight loss often looks slow from the outside. Remember, though, that slow and steady change is far more likely to last.

Why weight loss can feel difficult

The effects of biology and metabolism

Is diet or exercise more important to lose weight if your body seems to resist both? This is where things get more complex. Many people reduce calories and increase activity, but still find weight loss slow or unsustainable.

You see, it's not always a question of willpower. Biological mechanisms – like hormone shifts and metabolic adaptation – can kick in when the body senses weight loss. This can make you feel hungrier and tired, which isn't a great place to be when you want to lose weight. Plus, your body may hold on to fat more stubbornly.

Mental health can also affect your ability to stay consistent. If you're feeling low or stressed out, healthy routines often become harder to maintain. Seeking motivation from friends, healthcare providers or a managed weight loss service can make a real difference.

Everyday strategies that make a difference

Small changes can lead to meaningful results, especially when they build over time. Try adjusting your daily habits in small, manageable ways. For example:

Cook more meals at home so you have control over ingredients.
Keep track of what you eat to spot patterns.
Find enjoyable ways to move, like walking with a friend.
Get enough sleep, as tiredness affects hunger hormones.

You don't need to be perfect to see progress. Some weeks will be easier than others. What matters most is finding an approach that feels sustainable, not punishing.

How SemaPen can help

At SemaPen, we support people who want to lose weight safely and sustainably without extreme diets or punishing workouts.

Our comprehensive weight loss programmes harness the game-changing GLP-1 medications Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) , prescribed as part of a wider plan. On average, Wegovy helps people reduce their weight by 15%. With Mounjaro, the average weight loss is 21%.

Our programmes combine medical support, connected smart scales, regular check-ins and lifestyle advice from a team of obesity experts who understand the science and listen to your experience. We're here to help you stay on track and feel confident moving forward at your own pace.

If you're ready to try something new, we're here to help you do it safely. Why not take our online medical consultation to find out if one of our custom weight loss plans could help you reach your goals?

Sources

1. Contreras, F. et al. (2024) "Health Benefits Beyond the Scale: The Role of Diet and Nutrition During Weight Loss Programmes" Nutrients , 16(21) https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16213585

2. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

3. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

This article was reviewed and approved by Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietitian, on 31 July 2025.

How to restart weight loss after gastric sleeve surgery

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 07:26:46 GMT

Wondering how to restart weight loss after gastric sleeve surgery? Understand why regain occurs and what to do.

Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as 'sleeve gastrectomy', is one of the most widely performed bariatric procedures worldwide. It involves removing around 75% to 80% of the stomach to restrict how much food you can eat. This can lead to significant weight loss – often around 60% to 70% of excess weight in the first year.

But for some people, that progress can stall or even reverse. Gaining weight after gastric sleeve surgery is a common challenge.

While weight gain can feel disheartening, it doesn't mean the procedure didn't work. It simply reflects the complexity of long-term weight regulation.

So, how can you restart weight loss after gastric sleeve surgery? It starts with understanding why regain happens and building a plan that works with, not against, your body.

Why does weight regain happen after gastric sleeve surgery?

Even when the initial results are positive, some weight regain after a gastric sleeve is common. One systematic review found that regain rates ranged from 5.7% at two years to 75.6% by six years after surgery.

There are several reasons this might happen:

Stomach capacity increases: over time, the stomach may stretch, allowing you to eat larger portions again.
Metabolism adapts: as calorie intake drops, the body adjusts by lowering your resting metabolic rate.
Old habits return: snacking and emotional eating can gradually come back into the picture.
Life happens: stress, hormonal changes, different routines and other lifestyle factors can all get in the way of progress.

These challenges are normal – and they don't mean you've failed. They often just mean it's time for a bit more support.

Speak to your clinical team first

If your weight loss has plateaued – or you've regained some weight – your first move should be a check-in with your bariatric team or GP. They might:

Run blood tests to check for hormonal or nutritional issues
Review your medications
Talk through your daily routines and eating habits

A simple medical review can reveal practical ways to reignite weight loss. What really matters is working with a team that sees the full picture.

Revisiting lifestyle foundations

Regaining weight doesn't mean you should just give up. See it as a signal that your body needs something different – and that's OK.

For many people, going back to basics is the most effective way to rebuild momentum.

That might mean:

Tracking meals and snacks to spot patterns
Prioritising lean protein and fibre
Cutting back on liquid calories
Reintroducing movement gradually and consistently
Learning new ways to respond to emotional or stress-related triggers

Aiming for perfection isn't likely to get you where you need to be. Consistency should be your goal, as well as building small habits that work for you.

Could weight loss medication help?

For some people, medication can offer an extra layer of support. Drugs like Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) mimic gut hormones to help you feel fuller quicker, regulate blood sugar and reduce appetite.

These drugs are licensed in the UK for adults with a BMI of 30 or greater – or at least 27 with a weight-related health condition.

Clinical trials show:

Semaglutide users lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight over 68 weeks
Tirzepatide users lost an average of 20.9% of their body weight over 72 weeks

These are strong results – and they're helping shape theory around medication use after bariatric surgery.

While GLP-1 drugs aren't specifically licensed for post-op weight regain, research is emerging.

A 2025 real-world study found that patients who used semaglutide or liraglutide after regaining weight after bariatric surgery lost an average of 99.3% of the weight they'd regained. Another trial comparing treatment options found those on GLP-1s lost the most weight overall: around 6.9% of total body weight.

More studies are needed, but the early picture is promising. If you're curious about medication, speak to your clinician – they can guide you safely.

Exploring surgical revision

In some cases, further surgery may be worth considering. This could involve:

Tightening or reshaping the original sleeve
Converting to a different procedure, such as a bypass
Treating physical issues like reflux or significant stretching

Revision surgery isn't right for everyone – and it comes with added risks. But for some, it can restore restriction or help manage symptoms that stand in the way of weight loss.

Combining strategies for long-term support

Most of the time, restarting weight loss isn't about just one thing. It's about finding the right mix for where you are now. You might:

Start logging your food again
Focus on balanced, protein-focused meals
Try group or at-home exercise plans
Explore GLP-1 medication with clinical guidance
Reconnect with your original bariatric care team

And if you feel stuck, that's OK. You don't need to have it all figured out. Sometimes, the most powerful step is simply recognising something isn't working and asking what might help.

That might mean reaching out for support, making one small change or giving yourself permission to try a different approach. The perfect plan doesn't exist – you just need to find the one that fits your life and your goals right now.

At SemaPen, we're part of Phoenix Health , one of the UK's most trusted bariatric surgery providers. Our team recognises that health journeys are individual. That's why we offer medical assessments, smart scale integration, ongoing monitoring and access to licensed medications as part of our Mounjaro and Wegovy medication programmes.

The care we provide is designed to adapt to your situation, not the other way around.

Moving forward

Regaining weight after gastric sleeve surgery is common – and it doesn't undo the work you've already done. It just means your body needs a new approach, and that's something you can build gradually.

Want to explore your options? You could start by taking our online consultation . We'll ask you questions about your health and medical history – including prior surgeries – and recommend the best possible treatment for you.

Sources

1. https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/surgery/bariatrics/gastric-sleeve

2. Noria, S.F. et al. (2023) "Weight Regain After Bariatric Surgery: Scope of the Problem, Causes, Prevention, and Treatment" Current Diabetes Reports , 23(3) https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-023-01498-z

3. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

4. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

5. Jensen, A.B. et al. (2025) "Efficacy of 12 months therapy with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists liraglutide and semaglutide on weight regain after bariatric surgery: a real-world retrospective observational study" BMC Endocrine Disorders , 25(93) https://doi.org/10.1186/s12902-025-01913-4

6. Gazda, C.L. et al. (2021) "Pharmacotherapies for Post-Bariatric Weight Regain: Real-World Comparative Outcomes" Obesity , 29(5) https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.23146

This article was reviewed and approved by Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietitian, on 7 July 2025.

What to know when ordering Mounjaro online

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 10:57:20 GMT

Thinking about ordering Mounjaro online? Learn how to do it safely with our obesity experts at SemaPen.

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is one of the most powerful prescription weight loss medications on the market – and word is most definitely out. Across the UK, more and more people are trying to get hold of it.

But while finding Mounjaro for sale online might look easy, the reality is a little more complicated.

Yes, it's possible to start treatment quickly. But safe? That depends on how you do it. The internet is full of copycat products and dodgy sellers with zero medical oversight. And when it comes to medication that affects your hormones, that's a risk you can't afford to take.

At SemaPen, we believe in safe access, expert support and real results. So, if you're thinking about ordering Mounjaro online, here's what you need to know first.

How Mounjaro supports weight loss

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a once-weekly injection that mimics two key digestive hormones: GLP-1 and GIP. This dual effect helps to regulate blood sugar, slow digestion and make you feel full for longer. In turn, this helps control your appetite and curb food cravings.

In clinical trials, people using Mounjaro lost an average of 21% of their body weight over 72 weeks.¹ That's one of the strongest results recorded for prescription weight loss treatments.

Unlike crash diets or so-called 'diet pills', Mounjaro works with your biology rather than against it. It doesn't rely on willpower alone. And for many people, that makes the difference between short-term effort and long-term change.

Dosing and medical supervision

Most people start with a 2.5mg dose. This is gradually increased month by month up to 15mg at six months. This slower pace helps your body adjust and reduces the risk of side effects.

At SemaPen, this isn't something you'll be left to figure out alone. You'll receive a connected smart scale that shares your progress with your clinical team, and we'll check in regularly to track how you're doing. If something isn't quite right – weight loss stalling, side effects cropping up, or you're just unsure – we can adapt your plan.

What to expect with side effects

Some people experience side effects with Mounjaro , particularly in the first few weeks. The most common side effects are stomach upsets like nausea and bloating. These symptoms are usually short-lived and settle as your body adjusts to the medication.

Taking things slowly, eating smaller meals and staying hydrated can all help. But if anything feels off, our team is here to support you. The last thing we want is for you to be googling symptoms at midnight or suffering in silence.

It's important to know that Mounjaro is not suitable for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive. It also reduces the effectiveness of the oral contraceptive pill . You'll need to change to another form of contraception while using this drug. That might be the coil, an implant, condoms or another type of contraception that isn't taken as a pill.

You need a prescription to get started

Mounjaro is a prescription-only medication. It cannot be purchased legally in the UK without a medical consultation.

If you see any provider offering tirzepatide without a proper screening process, consider it a major red flag. It means they're ignoring safety protocols and putting users at risk.

This medication affects your hormone system and requires careful screening to ensure it's safe and effective. It needs to be prescribed based on your health history, weight and risk factors – not just your BMI. Ultimately, it's not right for everyone and should never be self-prescribed.

Before a reputable company prescribes you Mounjaro, one of their clinicians will carefully consider your suitability. This helps ensure that you're using the drug safely and that any underlying issues are taken into account.

Beware of fakes and unregulated sellers

Due to rising demand, there's been an increase in fake and compounded versions of Mounjaro available online. These are often advertised as 'Mounjaro' or 'tirzepatide' but may not meet UK safety standards or even contain what they claim to.

Some of these products are underdosed. Others contain unverified or even harmful ingredients. Without proper regulation, there's no way to know what you're injecting into your body or how you will react.

Always check that your medication is dispensed by a licensed UK prescriber and that you've had a proper consultation beforehand. Need help spotting a safe provider? Check out our guide to choosing a private healthcare provider .

Not all providers offer the same care

Plenty of private clinics will offer you Mounjaro, but not all follow the same standards or offer the same levels of support. It's important to understand what's included in their programme before signing up.

Some post out the medication and leave you to figure out the rest. Others (like us) offer a full clinical programme with regular check-ins, smart monitoring and ongoing expert advice.

Before you sign up anywhere, ask:

Do you offer proper medical screening?
How will my dose be reviewed?
Will I have access to weight loss specialists if I have a question or want to talk about side effects?
What happens if the treatment isn't working?

The answers will tell you a lot about the kind of care you're getting. And trust us, it's worth asking.

You might want to read our guide on how to compare weight loss programmes . This can help you spot the differences between services that simply dispense medication and those that support real results.

Getting Mounjaro online the safe way

If you're thinking about getting Mounjaro online, remember that the safest way is through a structured, clinician-led programme that puts your health first.

Our team at SemaPen takes your health very seriously. Want to lose weight with Mounjaro or Wegovy ? Our obesity experts are here to help you do it safely and sustainably.

If Mounjaro or Wegovy is suitable for you, your plan will include:

A clinical consultation with a UK-based prescriber
A connected smart scale that tracks your progress securely
Ongoing dose reviews and access to medical advice
In-app chat with our team of obesity specialists
A money-back guarantee if the treatment doesn't deliver results*

Ready to find out if Mounjaro could work for you? It's easy to get started. Simply take our online consultation and you could find out today if you're eligible.

Sources and small print

1. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

* Terms and conditions apply.

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Nutritionist, and Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietitian, on 7 July 2025.

Can Mounjaro help with PCOS?

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 05:52:55 GMT

Can Mounjaro improve PCOS symptoms? Learn how tirzepatide may help with weight and insulin resistance.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that affects around one in 10 people assigned female at birth in the UK.

PCOS can influence everything from your menstrual cycle to metabolism, fertility, mood and body weight. There's no known cure. And while there are ways to manage the symptoms, not all treatments work for everyone.

If you're exploring your options, you might have heard about Mounjaro (tirzepatide). This is a relatively new injectable medication used as a treatment for type 2 diabetes and obesity.

But can Mounjaro help with PCOS?

The short answer: not officially. Mounjaro isn't currently licensed to treat PCOS in the UK.

The longer answer, however, is more hopeful. For people with PCOS and obesity, tirzepatide may support some of the condition's most challenging symptoms, especially those linked to insulin resistance and weight regulation.

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is the brand name for tirzepatide, a once-weekly injection that mimics two key gut hormones: GLP-1 and GIP. These hormones influence how the body processes insulin, manages blood sugar and signals hunger and fullness.

Originally designed for people with type 2 diabetes, Mounjaro has since shown impressive effects on weight loss and blood glucose control, particularly for those living with obesity. In the UK, it's available privately for people with a BMI of 30 or higher.

It's also available for people with a BMI of 27 or higher if they have a weight-related health condition. This can include high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or – in some clinical settings – PCOS.

Why might Mounjaro support people with PCOS?

PCOS is a complex condition, and every person's experience is different. That said, insulin resistance and inflammation are common symptoms. Many people with PCOS also struggle with weight gain, low energy, irregular periods and higher levels of androgens. Androgens are so-called 'male' hormones that can cause acne and unwanted hair growth.

Because tirzepatide improves insulin sensitivity and appetite regulation, taking Mounjaro for PCOS may indirectly benefit these issues, particularly in people living with obesity.

In fact, several studies suggest that medications like tirzepatide and semaglutide (Wegovy) may offer additional benefits beyond weight loss. Evidence suggests that GLP-1 medications may help reduce inflammation and, in some cases, support more regular ovulation.

Early research and encouraging signs for tirzepatide and PCOS

Tirzepatide itself hasn't been extensively studied for PCOS just yet. But the science is catching up.

Ongoing trials are now exploring tirzepatide's potential to support ovulation, reduce androgens and improve reproductive outcomes. In the meantime, we can look to semaglutide (Wegovy) – another GLP-1 medication that has already been studied in people with PCOS.

In a 2023 trial, 27 women with PCOS and obesity took semaglutide for six months. After three months, nearly 80% had lost more than 5% of their body weight (averaging 11.5kg). Many also showed improvements in insulin resistance and menstrual regularity.

Is Mounjaro available for people with PCOS?

Mounjaro is not licensed to treat PCOS alone. However, it may be prescribed as a treatment for overweight or obesity if you meet certain criteria.

In the UK, you could be eligible for Mounjaro if

your BMI is 30 or higher (you have obesity), or
your BMI is 27 or higher and you have a weight-related condition.

PCOS is often linked with insulin resistance and metabolic risk. That's why many clinicians recognise it as a weight-related condition – particularly when it causes or worsens symptoms like elevated blood sugar or cholesterol.

If you're not sure whether you qualify, speak to a medical professional. Alternatively, you could take SemaPen's online consultation to get an answer without a face-to-face appointment.

What about side effects?

Like all medications, Mounjaro comes with potential side effects . The most common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, constipation and reduced appetite, which many people say ease within a few weeks.

Rare effects can include fatigue, gallstones or pancreatitis. If you have PCOS or take hormonal contraception, it's crucial to talk to a clinician first. It is not recommended for people who are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding.

If you take the contraceptive pill:

Mounjaro is known to make the oral contraceptive pill work less effectively . This is because Mounjaro slows stomach emptying, which can affect how the body absorbs oral contraceptives.

If you're currently on the pill and are thinking about starting Mounjaro, it's safest to switch to a different method of contraception while undergoing treatment.

Taking a broader look at PCOS and weight

PCOS can make weight management more difficult. But even small changes in body weight can improve symptoms like irregular periods, hair growth and acne.

For many, lifestyle changes remain the first step. But if those haven't been effective on their own, medications like Mounjaro may help.

That doesn't mean they replace everything else. Exercise, nutrition, stress regulation and sleep are still vital. But when willpower alone isn't enough, it helps to have medical support that works with your biology, not against it.

The results speak for themselves:

People using once-weekly semaglutide (Wegovy) lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight over 68 weeks.
Participants treated with tirzepatide (Mounjaro) lost up to 20.9% over 72 weeks.

These figures don't relate specifically to people with PCOS. However, they do show the kinds of results that could make a real difference to those with weight-related symptoms.

How SemaPen can help

At SemaPen, we don't believe in one-size-fits-all plans. If you have PCOS, we'll look beyond your BMI and help you understand how weight loss medication could fit into your overall health strategy.

We take time to understand your health background, symptoms and priorities before offering any recommendations. This means your plan is designed to work for you and your unique needs.

We offer:

A medical weight loss plan designed by real UK obesity experts
A smart scale that syncs with your dashboard, so you can track progress over time
Ongoing clinical support for as long as you're on the programme

Wondering if Mounjaro could be right for you? You can get started today by taking our simple online consultation .

Sources

1. Szczesnowicz, A. et al. (2023) "Do GLP-1 Analogs Have a Place in the Treatment of PCOS? New Insights and Promising Therapies" Journal of Clinical Medicine , 12(18) https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12185915

2. Carmina, E. & Longo, R.A. (2023) "Semaglutide Treatment of Excessive Body Weight in Obese PCOS Patients Unresponsive to Lifestyle Programs" Journal of Clinical Medicine , 12(18) https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12185921

3. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

4. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Nutritionist, and Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietitian, on 7 July 2025.

New injectable drugs for weight loss: what's in development?

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 18:56:38 GMT

Are you curious about the next new injectable drugs for weight loss? See what's currently in the pipeline.

If you've heard about Wegovy or Mounjaro , you'll know they've given people new hope when it comes to losing weight. These injectable drugs work by making you feel fuller faster, curbing cravings and helping you lose weight in a safe, sustainable way.

But they're not the end of the story.

Researchers are already testing what comes next – a new wave of weight loss drugs designed to work better, faster, or with fewer side effects. Some might eventually outperform Wegovy or Mounjaro. Others may simply offer more choice.

So, what's in the pipeline? And how close are we to seeing them on prescription in the UK?

Let's have a closer look.

Retatrutide: the 'Mounjaro Killer'?

Retatrutide is one of the most exciting new drugs in development – and it's already made headlines .

In a recent review of more than 15,000 people across dozens of trials, it outperformed every other medication studied, including Mounjaro and Wegovy. Some users saw up to 22.1% body weight reduction.

That's likely because retatrutide doesn't stop at mimicking one hormone – it mimics three.

Like Mounjaro, it targets GLP-1 and GIP. But it also adds a third hormone, glucagon, into the mix. Together, these signals may work more powerfully to control appetite and regulate blood sugar.

So, why isn't it available yet? Because those results came from a systematic review rather than a phase 3 trial. And before any drug can be prescribed in the UK, it must go through large-scale safety trials and get the green light from the MHRA.

In the meantime, Wegovy and Mounjaro remain the safest and most reliable options – and the ones we continue to offer at SemaPen.

Orforglipron: the first real pill alternative?

For some people, injections are a dealbreaker. That's where orforglipron could change things. Orforglipron is an oral (tablet-based) GLP-1 receptor agonist taken once daily.

So far, results have been encouraging. Phase 2 trials in adults with overweight or obesity have shown between 9% and 14.7% weight loss over 36 weeks. What's more, these trials have demonstrated a safety profile similar to common injectable weight loss drugs.

It hasn't outperformed the injectables yet. However, the tablet format could make medical weight loss treatments more accessible – especially for people who are managing multiple medications or prefer a non-injection option.

If licensed, orforglipron could be a great solution for people who want support without the weekly jab.

CagriSema: combining two powerful hormones

CagriSema is an injectable combination therapy that brings together semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy) and a second hormone-like drug called cagrilintide.

Cagrilintide mimics amylin – a hormone that helps regulate satiety and glucose levels. When paired with semaglutide, the two appear to produce results that are better than the sum of their parts. In a recent trial, participants lost an average of 20.4% of their body weight by week 68, rivalling what we typically see with Mounjaro.

The idea behind CagriSema is simple: use two hormones that target different pathways so your body gets better at controlling hunger, digestion and metabolism.

CagriSema is not yet licensed in the UK – or anywhere, for that matter. However, since the drug is now in the phase 3 trial stage, we might not have to wait too long.

Survodutide: weight loss and liver health

Another new injectable drug for weight loss, survodutide, is still in early development. However, it's generating interest for more than just its weight loss potential .

Like retatrutide, it targets GLP-1 and glucagon for weight loss – but researchers are particularly excited about how it might help people with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).

MASH is a liver condition linked to obesity and insulin resistance. If survodutide can effectively treat weight and liver health in one go, it could offer dual benefits for people with complex needs.

That said, it's still early days. More trials are needed before we'll know how well it really performs.

GSBR-1290 and Danuglipron: early contenders

GSBR-1290 is another experimental GLP-1 drug that, like orforglipron, is taken orally.

In a phase 2a trial, participants achieved an average weight loss of 6.2% over 12 weeks . These are encouraging early results, but it's still too soon to know how it compares with orforglipron.

Danuglipron, also a GLP-1 pill, looked promising at first. However, Pfizer discontinued development in April 2025 due to concerns about liver safety. It's a reminder that even the most exciting new treatments face strict safety standards – and not every candidate makes it to the finish line.

H3: What makes a new weight loss drug worth watching?

Big numbers are eye-catching – but there's more to a good weight loss drug than dramatic before-and-after photos.

Regulators look for medications that help people lose safely and sustainably. And if they come with other health benefits – like improved blood sugar, cholesterol or liver function – that's even better.

H3: Are Wegovy and Mounjaro still the best options?

Right now – and for most patients – yes. These are the most effective and well-tested GLP-1 medications currently available through private prescription in the UK.

Here's what the research shows:

People using semaglutide (Wegovy) lose an average of 14.9% of their body weight over 68 weeks.
People using tirzepatide (Mounjaro) lose up to 21% – one of the best results seen in approved obesity treatments to date.

These injections are already helping thousands of people improve their health and take better control of their weight. While drugs like retatrutide and CagriSema show real promise, they're still in development and are not yet available in the UK.

H3: How SemaPen can help

At SemaPen, we offer more than just medication. Our non-surgical weight loss programmes combine trusted, clinically proven treatments with personalised support from obesity experts, so you're never left to figure things out alone.

Whether you're starting your journey or switching from another provider, you'll receive a full medical assessment and regular check-ins to help keep you on track. You'll also get a smart scale that connects directly to your care team so they can follow your progress in the cloud.

We can prescribe either Wegovy or Mounjaro – depending on what's right for you. Most importantly, we'll work with you to make sure the treatment fits into your life, not the other way around.

Thinking of starting your journey or switching from another provider? You can get started today by taking our simple online consultation .

Sources

1. Moiz, A. et al. (2025) "Efficacy and Safety of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists for Weight Loss Among Adults Without Diabetes: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials" Annals of Internal Medicine , 178(2) https://doi.org/10.7326/ANNALS-24-01590

2. Wharton, S. et al. (2023) "Daily Oral GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Orforglipron for Adults with Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 389(10) https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa2302392

3. Garvey, W.T. et al. (2025) "Coadministered Cagrilintide and Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2502081

4. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

5. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Nutritionist, and Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietitian, on 7 July 2025.

Making a weight loss plan at home: tips for success

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 07:23:57 GMT

Making a weight loss plan at home? Get practical tips and learn when it makes sense to seek expert support.

It can be tempting to do something dramatic when trying to lose weight. However, you don't always have to go all in with a paid weight loss plan.

For some people, making a weight loss plan at home can be an effective way to lose weight and keep it off.

There's no single path that works for everyone. However, there are tools that can help you feel more in control – even when you're going it alone.

From forming new habits to tracking what you eat, we've put together some practical tips that can help you stay consistent. And in case things don't quite go to plan, we've also covered what to do next – and where to turn for extra support.

Start with a realistic goal

Before changing your eating or activity habits, take a moment to think about what you're actually aiming for.

A goal like 'I want to lose two stone' is common, but it's also worth asking why you want to lose weight. Maybe you want more energy for your family. Or maybe you want to feel stronger or more confident in your clothes.

Once you've got a rough idea, break it down into smaller steps. Losing a pound a week, going for a walk each day or swapping takeaways for home-cooked meals are all realistic, measurable goals. You don't have to have a complete lifestyle overhaul in 24 hours – instead, aim for small wins that feel achievable in everyday life.

Writing your goal down can also help. Pop it somewhere visible and check in weekly. Even if your progress is slow, that regular review can help keep you focused and give you a sense of control.

Keep a food diary (without judgement)

Tracking what you eat and drink can highlight habits you didn't realise you had. The aim isn't to shame yourself but to be mindful about what you consume every day. Maybe you regularly skip lunch and then snack more in the evening. Perhaps you drink more sugary drinks than you thought.

There are nifty apps available to help you do this. But in case you prefer to manage things yourself, a notebook or the notes app on your phone will do just fine.

If you want to go one step further, you can note your hunger levels or mood alongside each meal. This can help you spot any emotional eating patterns or identify small changes you could make without overhauling everything.

Even a few days of food tracking can help you make more conscious decisions. That might mean adding more protein to your breakfast, for instance, or switching to snacks that actually keep you full.

Get moving in a way that feels manageable

Exercise doesn't have to mean sweating it out at the gym day after day. The best type of movement is whatever you're likely to repeat. A 10-minute walk, dancing in your kitchen or stretching in the evening all count – and they all help.

Consistency is key, especially if weight loss is your goal. Try scheduling your activity into your week, the same way you would an appointment. The more it becomes part of your routine, the easier it is to keep going.

You don't need to aim for perfection. A short walk on a low-energy day is better than skipping exercise entirely. The goal is to build momentum and keep showing up – not to do everything flawlessly.

Build habits that support your goals

Weight loss often depends more on consistency than willpower. Consistent routines reduce the number of decisions you need to make when life gets busy.

Planning meals, prepping lunches or going to bed at the same time each night can all make a difference. If evenings are where you struggle, try creating a wind-down routine that steers you away from mindless eating or scrolling.

Your environment matters, too. That might mean keeping your favourite snacks out of easy reach or using a shopping list to avoid impulse buys.

Be patient (and kind) with yourself

Making a weight loss plan at home is a positive step, but it doesn't always go smoothly. Some weeks will feel easy. Others, not so much. That's normal.

Instead of focusing only on the number on the scale, pay attention to other signs of progress. Are your clothes fitting differently? Are you sleeping better or feeling more energised during the day? These changes matter just as much.

If you go off track, try not to judge yourself. Notice what happened and get curious, not critical. Then begin again when you feel ready.

H3: When to consider extra support

If your home weight loss plan has stalled or you're finding it hard to stay motivated, that doesn't mean you're failing. You're simply learning what works for you. And sometimes, that means bringing in extra support.

You might want to look into NHS weight management services and other structured digital weight loss plans. Another option is an injectable weight loss medication like Wegovy (semaglutide) or Mounjaro (tirzepatide).

These prescription drugs work by reducing appetite and helping to regulate blood sugar. They're prescribed for people with a BMI of 30 or above (or 27 and above with a weight-related health condition like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes).

When used as part of a clinician-led programme, they can reduce the mental and physical effort of managing weight alone. This is especially true if lifestyle changes haven't been enough on their own.

In clinical trials, people taking semaglutide (Wegovy) lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight over 68 weeks. With tirzepatide (Mounjaro), the results were even stronger: up to 21% body weight loss over 72 weeks.

You shouldn't see these options as 'giving up'. You're simply taking your health seriously and asking for the support you deserve.

H3: How SemaPen can help

If you've tried making your own weight loss plan at home but feel stuck, we can help. At SemaPen, we offer medical support that fits around your life.

We prescribe weekly weight loss injections – Wegovy (semaglutide ) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) – as part of expert-led weight loss programmes. You'll get a clinical consultation, a smart scale that tracks your progress remotely and access to our team of obesity specialists via in-app chat.

We'll review your progress every month, adjusting your dose and offering advice as needed. If the treatment doesn't work for you, our money-back guarantee means you won't pay for something that isn't helping.*

Ready to take the next step towards healthy, sustainable weight loss? Take our online consultation to find out if our weight loss support could work for you.

Sources and small print

1. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

2. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

* Terms and conditions apply.

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Nutritionist, and Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietitian, on 7 July 2025.

Can you be healthy and overweight?

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 06:28:02 GMT

Can you be healthy and overweight? We look at the science and when weight loss might still help.

Ask the question, 'Can you be healthy and overweight?' and you're likely to hear some strong opinions.

Some say no, pointing to clear links between body weight and conditions like heart disease or diabetes. Others argue that BMI is flawed and paints an incomplete picture of health.

So, who's right? As is often the case with health, the answer isn't a simple 'yes' or 'no'.

There are risks associated with higher body weight. But that doesn't mean every person with a larger body is automatically unhealthy. And the opposite is also true: being thin doesn't guarantee someone is fit and healthy. Weight plays a role in health, but it's just one piece of a much bigger puzzle.

Let's look at what the evidence actually says.

BMI isn't the full picture

BMI is the medical world's go-to method for diagnosing obesity. It's calculated using your height and weight. Depending on your BMI, you're placed into one of four categories: underweight, healthy weight, overweight or obese.

However, BMI has major limitations . It doesn't take into account muscle mass, fat distribution, body composition or lifestyle. It also overlooks important variables like age, ethnicity, sex and activity levels.

A person with high muscle mass might be labelled overweight on the BMI chart even if they're metabolically healthy. And someone with a 'healthy' BMI might still have a poor diet or low activity levels.

So, while BMI can be useful for spotting trends across populations, many experts argue that it's too simplistic to assess individual health on its own.

Metabolic health tells us more

BMI is a blunt tool. Metabolic markers are more precise. They offer a clearer view of what's happening inside the body – from insulin sensitivity and cholesterol to blood pressure, triglycerides, and inflammation.

Some people with a higher BMI have good scores across all these markers. This is sometimes referred to as 'metabolically healthy obesity' (MHO), which might seem to suggest that a person's weight isn't harming their health.

But it's not quite that simple. As endocrinologist Matthias Blüher writes , there's no universally accepted definition of MHO – and estimates of how common it is range widely.

Some people with MHO stay metabolically healthy for years. Others see their health markers shift over time. In fact, research suggests that up to half of those classed as metabolically healthy while living with obesity may become metabolically unhealthy within a decade.

So, yes. It's possible to be overweight and healthy – especially in the short term. However, that picture can and often does change over time.

Fitness matters

Physical activity makes a big difference to long-term health. It can lower blood pressure, improve blood sugar control, support heart health and boost mood and sleep quality –regardless of body size.

Staying physically fit often offers more protection for your heart and overall well-being than simply aiming for a lower BMI.

That's not to say that weight isn't important. However, it does mean that cardiovascular fitness can help put a person's overall health into perspective. For example, two people with the same BMI can have very different health outcomes depending on how they move, eat, sleep, and manage stress.

Health isn't just physical

We often think of health as physical stats, like blood pressure and cholesterol levels. However, overall well-being is about much more than that.

Mental health, daily stress, sleep quality and social connections all shape how well we feel and function. And these don't always align with weight.

Take someone with a larger body who feels supported, eats nourishing meals, sleeps well and enjoys regular exercise. Their overall health and well-being may be better than someone who weighs less but is lonely or struggling with chronic stress.

There's also the issue of stigma. People living with obesity or overweight are more likely to face bias and judgement in healthcare settings. That leads to delays in diagnosis, lower quality care and greater stress – all of which can worsen health over time.

Being told to 'just lose weight' rarely helps. It tends to increase shame rather than motivation. And it often ignores the bigger picture of someone's life and habits.

Is weight loss still useful?

Yes – especially for people with conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, or joint pain.

Even losing just 5% of total body weight can significantly improve the health of overweight or obese people as well as reduce their risk of conditions like cardiovascular disease.³

But weight loss isn't the only answer. Research shows that improvements in eating habits, increased physical activity, better sleep and stress reduction can deliver real health benefits, even when weight doesn't change much.

A recent review of dietary trials found that participants who didn't lose weight still saw marked improvements in cholesterol levels and reductions in unhealthy visceral fat. This highlights that positive metabolic changes can happen independently of weight loss.

In short, weight loss is important – but it's not the only nut worth cracking. That's why our medical weight loss plans take a holistic approach that encompasses diet, exercise, mental health and more.

A more balanced approach at SemaPen

At SemaPen, we support people who want to lose weight. But we never reduce their health to a number.

We prescribe the weekly weight loss injections Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) as part of a comprehensive weight loss programme for people who meet clinical criteria.

These medications help reduce appetite and support metabolic health. They're suitable for people with a BMI of 30 or above – or 27 and above with weight-related health concerns like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.

In clinical trials, semaglutide led to an average of 14.9%⁵ weight loss over 68 weeks, while tirzepatide led to around 21% over 72 weeks.

But medication is only one part of our programme. We also provide expert-led support, habit change guidance, smart scales connected to your care team and a money-back guarantee if the treatment isn't effective.*

There's no pressure. Just clear, compassionate care that puts your long-term well-being first.

So, can you be healthy and overweight?

Sometimes, yes. Especially when your metabolic health is strong and your daily habits support it.

BMI can be useful as a basic guide, but it doesn't tell the full story. Weight loss may be helpful in many situations, but it's not the only way to move towards better health. And when weight loss is the right next step, it should be done safely – with professional support.

Want to learn more? Take our online consultation to discover how our sustainable weight loss options could help you.

Sources and small print

1. Blüher, M. (2020) "Metabolically Healthy Obesity" Endocrine Reviews , 41(3) https://doi.org/10.1210/endrev/bnaa004

2. Weeldreyer, N.R. et al. (2024) "Cardiorespiratory fitness, body mass index and mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis" British Journal of Sports Medicine , 59(5) https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2024-108748

3. Farhana, A. & Rehman, A. (2023) Metabolic Consequences of Weight Reduction , StatPearls Publishing https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK572145/

4. Meir, A.Y. et al. (2025) "Individual response to lifestyle interventions: a pooled analysis of three long-term weight loss trials" European Journal of Preventive Cardiology , zwaf308 https://doi.org/10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf308

5. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

6. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

* Terms and conditions apply.

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Nutritionist, and Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietitian, on 7 July 2025.

Wegovy and depression: is there a link?

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 08:08:50 GMT

Is there a link between Wegovy and depression? See what the latest evidence and studies show.

GLP-1 medications like Wegovy (semaglutide) have changed how we treat obesity. These drugs help people lose weight by mimicking the effects of natural hormones that influence appetite.

They've been life-changing for many people who previously struggled to lose weight. But like all medications, they can cause side effects – and one area that still raises questions is their impact on mental health.

Recently, concerns have been raised about a possible connection between GLP-1 medications and depression or suicidal thoughts.

Let's explore what the evidence shows.

What do we know so far?

In 2023, three isolated reports from Iceland described people experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm while taking GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide or liraglutide. These cases were flagged by Iceland's medicines authority and passed to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) as part of routine drug safety monitoring.

While it's understandable that these reports got people worried, they were indicative of a very rare phenomenon. GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro have been safely used by millions of people worldwide.

After reviewing the available data, the EMA concluded that no causal link has been found between GLP-1 medications and suicidal thoughts or self-harm.

To explore the issue further, a large real-world study in Sweden and Denmark followed 298,553 adults who started GLP-1 treatment between 2013 and 2021. The study found no increased risk of suicide, self-harm, or new diagnoses of anxiety or depression compared with people taking another type of diabetes medication (SGLT-2 inhibitors).

Does SemaPen monitor mental health?

Yes. At SemaPen, we take your mental health very seriously. We ask every patient to regularly complete a self-assessment questionnaire that tracks their mood, anxiety and overall well-being throughout the programme. This helps us notice if you're struggling so we can check in and adjust your treatment when needed.

If you ever experience suicidal thoughts or severe changes in mood, we will always advise that you pause treatment. You should also seek urgent help from your GP, mental health practitioner or emergency services.

What should I do if I'm feeling low while on treatment?

If you've started Wegovy or Mounjaro and notice symptoms like low mood, anxiety or emotional distress, speak to your clinician. They'll help you work out whether the medication might be playing a role and discuss what adjustments could help. That might mean pausing your treatment or changing your dose.

So, can weight loss injections cause depression?

Right now, there's no firm evidence that GLP-1 medications like Wegovy or Mounjaro directly cause depression. Clinical trials have not shown a significant link – and large real-world studies have found no increase in suicide risk. However, everyone's experience is different, and small risks can't be completely ruled out.

That's why we support your whole health here at SemaPen, not just the number on the scale. From physical symptoms to your mood, your well-being matters to us.

If you have a history of depression, let us know before starting treatment. We'll carefully monitor your mental health with self-assessment questionnaires – and there will always be someone on the team you can speak to if you're feeling low.

Looking for weight loss care that sees the full picture? Explore our at-home weight loss programmes to learn more – or take our online consultation to find out which treatment is right for you.

Sources

1. Ueda, P. et al. (2024) "GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Use and Risk of Suicide Death" JAMA Internal Medicine , 184;(11):1301-1312 https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2024.4369

This article was reviewed and approved by Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietitian, on 7 July 2025.

What are the doses of Wegovy?

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 08:31:32 GMT

How do Wegovy doses work? Learn how weekly semaglutide doses increase steadily to support weight loss.

If you're considering using Wegovy for weight loss , it's normal to have questions about the doses. How much do you take? When does it start working? What if your body reacts differently?

Knowing how the doses of Wegovy build over time can make the whole thing feel a bit less daunting. We take you through the entire process here.

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is the brand name for semaglutide, a GLP-1 medication that supports weight loss by mimicking natural hormones involved in appetite and blood sugar. It's taken as a once-weekly injection.

On average, Wegovy patients lose 15% of their body weight over a year (52 weeks).

What is the Wegovy starting dose?

The starting dose of Wegovy is 0.25mg once a week. This is the standard starting point for almost all patients. You'll stay on this low dose for the first month of treatment to allow your body to adjust and reduce the likelihood of side effects like nausea or bloating.

It's important that you take it on the same day every week. However, you can take it at any time of the day, with or without meals.

What is the next dose of Wegovy?

After four weeks at 0.25mg, you'll usually increase to 0.5mg once a week. Again, this step-up gives your body time to get used to the medication.

Most patients won't see major weight loss in the first month – these doses are too low to suppress appetite fully. However, they play a crucial role in building tolerance.

What is the highest dose of Wegovy for weight loss?

Most people taking Wegovy for weight loss will gradually work up to 2.4mg once a week from month five onwards.

This is the highest dose of Wegovy, as well as the most commonly prescribed maintenance dose once the step-up is complete. A maintenance dose is the dose you take to make sure the drug remains at a steady level in your body.

H3: Wegovy dose increases: what to expect each month

Month 1: 0.25mg once a week
Month 2: 0.5mg once a week
Month 3: 1.0mg once a week
Month 4: 1.7mg once a week
Month 5 and beyond: 2.4mg once a week

Each dose builds upon the last, with the goal of reaching 2.4mg as your maintenance dose.

H3: Do I have to increase my Wegovy dose every month?

Not necessarily. With SemaPen, you can choose to repeat your current dose or move down a dose through your account. This can be helpful if you're experiencing side effects or want to stay at a lower dose for longer.

Our experts will also be on hand to help you decide what's right for your body and your goals.

H3: Looking for weight loss support that fits around your life?

At SemaPen, our expert-designed Wegovy and Mounjaro weight loss programmes are built to help you feel in control at every stage. That's why they include flexible dose options, a direct line to our obesity specialists and smart tools to track your progress.

Start your plan with expert support. Contact us today to speak with our weight loss specialists – or take our simple online consultation to learn which treatment is right for you.

Sources

1. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Nutritionist, and Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietitian, on 7 July 2025.

The 2025 Mounjaro NHS rollout: what you need to know

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 22:05:29 GMT

A select few patients in England can now access Mounjaro on the NHS. Learn what the rollout means for you.

On Monday 23 June 2025, the NHS began offering Mounjaro to a select few patients in England. Mounjaro is a prescription weight loss medication that you take once each week as an injection.

Mounjaro has been available in the UK as a weight loss treatment since November 2023 – but only through private prescribers like SemaPen. Monday's rollout marks the first time the drug has been made available through the NHS.

In this guide, we cover the key details you need to know about Mounjaro and how the NHS rollout will work.

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is a type of drug called a 'GLP-1 agonist' or 'incretin mimetic'. It works by mimicking natural hormones involved in digestion, blood sugar control and making you feel full after eating.

When you take Mounjaro, you can expect to:

Feel full after eating smaller portions
Keep that full feeling for longer
Have a smaller appetite
Experience fewer food cravings

On average, people who take Mounjaro lose 21% of their starting body weight .¹ For the treatment to be effective, you must also eat a healthy, balanced diet and exercise regularly.

Like any drug, Mounjaro can also cause unwanted side effects. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal (stomach) upsets like nausea, vomiting and constipation. You can learn more in our guide to the side effects of weight loss drugs .

Who can take Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is a prescription-only drug. This means you must have a medical consultation before you're allowed to use it. If Mounjaro is suitable for you, a medical professional can write a prescription that lets you purchase or receive the drug.

Mounjaro is available on private prescription to people:

With a BMI of 30 or more (BMI is a measure of body fat)
With a BMI of 27 or more, plus a weight-related health condition

These aren't the only criteria, though. Depending on your medical history and the drugs you're already taking, your doctor might conclude that the drug isn't right for you.

How will the Mounjaro NHS rollout work?

NHS England is rolling out Mounjaro in phases. During this first phase, the drug will only be available to around 220,000 patients in England.

That might sound like a lot of people. However, when you consider how many people could benefit from the drug, it's really a very small amount.

It's estimated that around 29% of the England population is living with obesity.² That works out to around 13 million people. So, while the NHS rollout is a positive step, it means that less than 2% of those 13 million will be eligible for treatment.

The first phase of the rollout will last three years. NHS England says it plans to make the drug more widely available in the long term. During the first phase, however, it's focusing on providing treatment to those who most need it while balancing NHS time and resources.

H3: Who can get Mounjaro on the NHS?

During the first phase of the Mounjaro NHS rollout, the drug will only be available to people

with a BMI of 40 or more
who also have four out of a list of five long-term weight-related health conditions.

These conditions are type 2 diabetes, heart and vascular disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obstructive sleep apnoea.

At least during the first phase, the drug will only be available from specialised NHS weight loss clinics.

H3: What if I'm not eligible for NHS treatment?

Since the NHS is restricting how many people can access Mounjaro, it's unlikely that you'll be eligible for treatment during this first phase.

However, that doesn't mean there's no way to get hold of the medication. Mounjaro remains available through private prescribers like SemaPen.

Our Mounjaro weight loss programme is designed by UK experts and is available to most people with a BMI of 30 or more.

Plus, when you join SemaPen, you unlock a host of benefits to help you meet your weight loss goals. That includes a smart body scale that tracks your weight – and tailored guidance from some of the UK's leading obesity experts.

Are you ready to take the next step in your weight loss journey? While NHS availability remains restrictive, you'll almost certainly get there faster with SemaPen. Simply take our online consultation to find out whether Mounjaro is right for you.

Sources

1. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

2. Stiebahl, S. (2025) "Obesity statistics" House of Commons Library https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/SN03336/SN03336.pdf

This article was reviewed and approved by Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Nutritionist, and Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietitian, on 7 July 2025.

I need a good weight loss programme: what are my options?

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 08:29:26 GMT

Thinking, 'I need a good weight loss programme'? Explore your options, from NHS plans to medication.

If you've ever searched 'I need a good weight loss plan', you're not alone. Lots of people seek support to help them lose weight.

However, this innocent search can sometimes lead you to not-so-innocent 'quick fixes'. These crash diets won't do much except damage your health by making you lose weight too quickly. (And, more than likely, your bank balance.)

Most of the time, they'll also see you quickly piling the weight back on once you've returned to more 'normal' eating habits.

Finding structured, supportive plans that work for you should be the goal.

Not sure where to start? From NHS support to prescription medication, there are several good weight loss programmes available.

Let's explore your options and find the best one for you.

NHS weight loss services

The NHS offers a range of free tools and programmes to help people lose weight safely and sustainably.

The NHS Weight Loss Plan (available on Android and iPhone) is a 12-week app guide that anyone can access for free. This app can help you plan healthy meals and get more active to burn calories. It's a great option for anyone looking to lose weight and improve their health.

People living with obesity and related health conditions may be referred to additional NHS support. These can include local behavioural weight management services or the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme .

This personalised plan is available to those with a BMI of 30 or greater (or at least 27.5 for people from certain ethnic backgrounds). You must also have either diabetes, high blood pressure or both. To get things started, you'll need a referral from a GP or pharmacist.

Pros

Free and evidence-based
Accessible through your GP or online
Suitable for a wide range of needs, from general advice to structured support

Cons

Referral-only for specialist services – not everyone qualifies
Local programme availability can vary
Slower access to newer treatments like medication or surgery

NHS services are free and can be very effective. But if you need extra support or have related health issues – like diabetes – delays or a lack of available services locally can make things difficult.

To explore your options, speak to your GP or visit the NHS Better Health website .

Commercial weight loss programmes

Commercial programmes like Weight Watchers, Slimming World, The Body Coach app, and Noom offer structured plans designed for everyday life. Most focus on calorie control, food tracking, community support and forming healthier habits.

A total lifestyle change is central to these programmes, especially when it comes to diet. Weekly meetings or app prompts can help you develop new routines and stay accountable to your goals.

Pros

Widely available and easy to access
Community support and structured goals
Can be more affordable than medical programmes

Cons

Still come with a cost
No medical oversight
May not be enough for people with complex needs

These can be a good starting point if you're looking for a recommended weight loss programme with structure and a sense of community. However, you may need more medical support than these plans can offer.

Private clinics and specialist programmes

Private weight loss clinics offer more personalised support. Some are led by doctors or obesity specialists. Others work with dietitians, therapists, fitness professionals or a mix of all of the above.

Plans may include health assessments, one-to-one weight loss support, psychological guidance and – where appropriate – prescription medication.

Pros

More tailored than commercial plans
Greater access to medical options
Ongoing feedback and flexibility

Cons

Often expensive
Quality varies – make sure to research the provider

This may be the right choice if you've tried other approaches or want a medically informed plan with personal support. However, they are usually expensive.

Search for private weight loss clinics in your area to find out more.

Prescription weight loss injections: Wegovy and Mounjaro

Prescription medications are now a key part of many sustainable weight loss plans. Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are weekly injections that help reduce appetite and improve blood sugar control.

They mimic hormones involved in digestion and feeling full after eating. When paired with a healthy diet and regular movement, they can lead to substantial and sustained weight loss.

Pros

Clinically proven to support significant weight loss
Convenient weekly dosing
Can improve blood sugar control and reduce appetite
Readily available through private clinics

Cons

Generally more expensive than other weight loss programmes
Not suitable for everyone (BMI and medical history are taken into account)
Side effects like nausea or fatigue are common
Not yet readily available on the NHS

How much weight do people lose?

With Wegovy, users see an average 15% reduction in body weight over 68 weeks.¹

With Mounjaro, users see an average of 21% weight loss over 72 weeks.²

These results come from large clinical trials. As well as taking the drugs, participants undertook lifestyle changes like adopting a healthier diet and exercising more.

Who are they suitable for?

These medications are usually prescribed to people with a BMI of 30 or above. They're also available to people with a BMI of at least 27 if they have a weight-related health condition like type 2 diabetes.

The drugs are not suitable during pregnancy or for those with certain gastrointestinal conditions. A medical consultation is needed to confirm you're eligible and it's safe for you to use them.

Are there side effects?

Common side effects include:

Nausea
Constipation
Diarrhoea
Headaches
Fatigue

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. You can learn more in our guide to the side effects of weight loss drugs .

It's important to monitor these side effects, especially when increasing doses or managing other health conditions.

How we can support you at SemaPen

SemaPen is a prescription-only weight loss programme that combines Wegovy or Mounjaro medication with the guidance of obesity specialists. We're part of Phoenix Health , the only NHS-trusted provider of bariatric care.

You start with an online medical consultation to ensure the treatment is right for you. Then, each month, your progress is monitored through a smart scale connected to the cloud. Our weight loss experts can access this data and step in to support you if you're losing weight too slowly or quickly. You can also chat with them live in our app if you need extra support.

SemaPen offers:

Medical screening and prescription
Live expert chat support
A cloud-connected smart scale
Automatic tracking and safety monitoring
A money-back guarantee if treatment doesn't work as expected*

Which is the best weight loss programme for you?

Whether you go down the NHS route, enrol in a private clinic or use a prescription programme like SemaPen, help is available – and it can work.

The most important step is starting with a recommended weight loss programme that meets your needs and helps you feel supported.

Ready to take the next step in your weight loss journey? It's easy to find out if you're eligible for SemaPen's at-home weight loss programmes . To get started, simply take our online consultation .

Sources

1. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

2. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

* Terms and conditions apply.

This article was reviewed and approved by Qutayba Almerie MD, MSc, FRCS on 14 July 2025.

Wegovy: how long does it take to work?

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 08:21:13 GMT

How long does it take Wegovy to work? Learn when you'll start noticing effects and experiencing weight loss.

Wegovy is an injectable weight loss drug available on prescription to people living with obesity (with a BMI of 30 or greater). It uses the active ingredient semaglutide.

You take Wegovy once a week using a special injection pen. After 12 months of treatment – including diet and exercise changes – you can expect to lose around 15% of your total body weight.

That's the goal. But how long does it take to get there? And when can you expect to start seeing results?

Let's investigate.

How long does it take semaglutide to work?

There are a few ways to answer this question. In this guide, we look at each of them in turn.

How long does it take for semaglutide to suppress appetite? In other words, when will you start feeling the effects of your weekly Wegovy injections?
How long does it take to lose weight? Or, to put it another way, how long do you have to wait until you start seeing results ?
How long does Wegovy last in the body? The science question – how long does semaglutide stick around in your system after you take it?

A quick note before we dive in: as with any drug, Wegovy affects everyone differently. Two people could take exactly the same dose and experience different side effects , different changes in appetite and different rates of weight loss.

For instance, when we say that Wegovy users typically lose 15% of their body weight, we're referring to average weight loss. You might lose exactly 15% – but most lose a little more or a little less.

Got all that? Good. Let's start by looking at how long it takes for the effects of Wegovy to kick in.

How long does it take for semaglutide to suppress appetite?

Wegovy has several effects that help with weight loss. One of the most important is appetite suppression .

Wegovy slows down digestion and stomach emptying, which makes us feel fuller for longer. That means you're more likely to feel satisfied after eating smaller portions – and less likely to be tempted by snacks between meals.

The good news is that most Wegovy users start feeling these effects almost immediately. Many feel fuller and experience fewer food cravings shortly after taking their first dose.

More good news: these positive effects become more pronounced as you increase your dose and your body gets used to the medication. Things are looking up – and you're just getting started!

If you don't feel the effects immediately, stay positive. As we say, Wegovy affects everyone differently. You might just need a few more doses before you start noticing these changes.

And don't be disheartened if the effects wear off after a few days. This is normal. See, semaglutide needs time to build up in your body. As you continue treatment, the effects should stick around for longer.

How long does it take to lose weight?

While most users feel the effects of Wegovy straight away, it typically takes longer to start seeing results .

Generally speaking, you can expect to wait around two to three months (eight to 12 doses) before you notice visible weight loss.

You won't spot anything earth-shattering at first. Perhaps you'll notice that your face looks a bit slimmer or that an old pair of jeans fits a little better. But these small gains feel like big rewards – and they're a good indicator that the treatment is working. Stick with it and you should see the results ramp up.

As for invisible results – well, that's a different story. Many users start losing a few pounds within the first month of treatment.

You'll only notice these initial results when you step on the scales. That's one reason it's a good idea to weigh yourself regularly as you continue treatment. Not only can it help you monitor weight loss, but it can also keep you motivated by bringing these invisible achievements to light.

Here's a month-by-month guide to average weight loss on Wegovy:

Months 1 and 2: you may lose a few pounds – but you probably won't notice much visible weight loss.
Months 3 and 4: this is where weight loss becomes noticeable for most people. By the end of month three, you should have lost around 6% of your starting body weight.
Months 4 and 5: by now, your weight loss efforts should show clearly on your face and waistline. After five months of treatment, most users experience weight loss of around 10%.
Month 6 onwards: if you've followed the standard treatment plan, you should now be on the maximum dose of Wegovy. On average, users see around 15% weight loss after six months.

Again, don't be disheartened if your own experiences are different. This is a typical weight loss journey on Wegovy – but it won't be the same for everyone.

And remember: it takes hard work to achieve lasting results. To make the most of Wegovy, you should take it alongside a healthy, balanced diet and increase your physical activity to help burn more calories.

How long does Wegovy last in the body?

Now for the science bit.

When scientists want to figure out how long a drug lasts in the body, they look at its half-life . Quite simply, this means 'the time it takes for the amount of a drug's active ingredient to reduce by half'.

Some drugs have short half-lives. You need to take these drugs regularly to make sure they stick around in your system. Examples include painkillers like ibuprofen and Aspirin.

Drugs with longer half-lives can be taken less regularly because they remain in the body for longer. The arthritis drug leflunomide, for instance, has a half-life of two weeks.³ This is considered a very long half-life.

Semaglutide has a fairly long half-life of one week. However, this doesn't mean all of the drug will be gone after two weeks. It actually takes between five and seven weeks for a single dose of Wegovy to disappear from the body.

By taking Wegovy once a week, you're letting the drug build up in your system. That's one reason why the effects of Wegovy get more pronounced with time.

Do you want to learn more about Wegovy? At SemaPen, we've created a series of expert guides that explain all the basics you need to know. Here's a selection to get you started:

Sources

1. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drug-half-life

3. Mamidala, R.K. et al. (2009) "Factors Influencing the Design and Performance of Oral Sustained/Controlled Release Dosage Forms" International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Nanotechnology , 2(3) http://dx.doi.org/10.37285/ijpsn.2009.2.3.1

4. Fornes, A. et al. (2022) "Once-Weekly Semaglutide for Weight Management: A Clinical Review" Journal of Pharmacy Technology , 38(4) https://doi.org/10.1177/87551225221092681

This article was reviewed and approved by Qutayba Almerie MD, MSc, FRCS on 14 July 2025.

What type of drug is semaglutide?

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 21:47:37 GMT

What type of drug is semaglutide? Learn about this GLP-1 treatment and how it supports weight loss.

If you've ever wondered 'what type of drug is semaglutide?', you're in the right place.

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Wegovy – a prescription-only medication used to support weight loss.

It's a GLP-1 receptor agonist (also called an 'incretin mimetic'). That means it mimics natural hormones in the body that help regulate appetite, digestion and blood sugar.

Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about this weight loss drug and how it could help you lose weight and keep it off.

What does 'GLP-1 receptor agonist' mean?

A GLP-1 receptor agonist is a medicine used to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes. It mimics the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1, which stands for 'glucagon-like peptide-1'.

This hormone plays an important role in regulating blood sugar, digestion and appetite. It increases insulin production in the body, which lowers blood sugar by moving glucose out of the bloodstream and into cells. At the same time, it reduces glucagon – a hormone that raises blood sugar by telling the liver to release stored glucose.

GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy help:

Make you feel full more quickly
Curb cravings
Slow how quickly food leaves the stomach
Keep blood sugar levels more stable

This usually results in you naturally eating less and feeling more satisfied with smaller portions. If you take Wegovy as part of a medical weight loss plan , there's no need to follow extreme food rules or meal replacements.

Is Wegovy the same as semaglutide?

Yes. Wegovy is the brand name for semaglutide when prescribed for weight loss.

How do I take Wegovy?

Wegovy is taken once a week by injection using a pre-filled injection pen. You start on a low dose, which increases gradually over time. This helps your body adjust and makes side effects less likely.

Is semaglutide effective for weight loss?

Yes. Semaglutide is one of the most effective weight loss drugs currently available.

In a large clinical trial, people using Wegovy lost an average of 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks.

This trial also showed that semaglutide works best alongside a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise. No extreme restrictions or crash diets are needed.

How does semaglutide compare to other weight loss drugs?

Semaglutide is part of a wider group of medicines used for weight loss. They all work in similar was.

Mounjaro (tirzepatide)

Mounjar o is a newer injectable drug that mimics both GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), another hormone involved in digestion. This combination makes it even more effective for weight loss than semaglutide alone.

In clinical trials, people using Mounjaro lost an average of 21% of their body weight over 72 weeks.² That's compared to 15% with Wegovy.

Tirzepatide is available in the UK on private prescription. It's also available to a limited number of people on the NHS .

Saxenda (liraglutide)

Saxenda is an older GLP-1 medication. It also helps you feel fuller and reduces appetite, but it needs to be taken daily as an injection. This daily dosing schedule can make it harder to stick to.

Saxenda is still prescribed when other options aren't suitable or available. However, it's being used less often.

Is there a tablet version of Wegovy?

Yes, semaglutide is also available as a tablet called 'Rybelsus'. It's approved for type 2 diabetes, not weight loss. At the time of writing, Rybelsus is not licensed in the UK for treating obesity.

What are the side effects of semaglutide?

Like all medications, semaglutide can cause side effects. Most are tolerable and get less severe as your body adjusts. Common side effects include:

Nausea
Constipation
Diarrhoea
Headaches
Tiredness or low energy

Some people experience more serious side effects, but these are rare. This is one reason why semaglutide should always be prescribed by a medical professional who can assess your health and monitor your progress.

To learn more, read our guide to Wegovy side effects .

Why do people choose GLP-1 medications?

Many people find that GLP-1s like Wegovy help them lose weight in a way that feels manageable. You don't have to follow a restrictive diet plan – just a normal, healthy diet. With Wegovy, you simply feel less hungry and eat less with no need for meal replacements or drastic changes.

It can also help improve blood sugar levels, which is helpful if you're at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

GLP-1 medications like Wegovy provide medical support that works alongside lifestyle changes. They give your body the help it needs to lose weight more effectively.

How SemaPen can help

SemaPen is part of Phoenix Health , the only provider of bariatric care trusted to provide NHS treatment. We prescribe both Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) as part of a fully supported, evidence-based programme.

You won't just receive the medication. You'll also get personalised care from obesity experts who understand the challenges of weight loss.

Our programmes include:

A full medical consultation to check if either of the treatments are right for you
A smart scale that sends data directly to your care team
Regular check-ins with obesity experts through live chat
A money-back guarantee if the treatment doesn't work*

If you're losing weight too slowly or quickly, one of our experts will step in and help you get back on track. And if you have questions or concerns, we're always on hand to support you.

Whether you're prescribed Wegovy or Mounjaro, we're here to help you get the best possible results safely.

Are you looking for expert support with Wegovy or Mounjaro? When you join the SemaPen programme, you're supported by real obesity specialists – not just pharmacists or GPs. Why not take our online consultation to see if our programmes are right for you?

Sources

1. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

2. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

* Terms and conditions apply.

This article was reviewed and approved by Qutayba Almerie MD, MSc, FRCS on 14 July 2025.

Mounjaro and metformin: are they safe to take together?

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Sat, 28 Jun 2025 15:51:55 GMT

Is it safe to mix Mounjaro and metformin? Learn what to expect with these two diabetes medications.

Do you want to use Mounjaro injections for weight loss or to help manage your blood sugar? Are you already taking metformin as a treatment for type 2 diabetes?

If so, you may wonder how the two medications interact. Is it safe to take Mounjaro and metformin at the same time?

The short answer is yes. It's generally considered safe to take Mounjaro and metformin together. However, as with any drug combination, it's important to discuss the treatments with your healthcare provider first to make sure they're right for you.

Let's look at things in a little more detail – starting with the drugs themselves.

What is metformin and how does it work?

Metformin is a type 2 diabetes treatment that helps to lower blood sugar (blood glucose). It's the most common type 2 diabetes treatment prescribed in the UK.

Metformin lowers blood sugar in several ways:

It reduces the amount of glucose produced and released into the bloodstream by the liver.
It slows the absorption of glucose by the intestines.
It improves the body's sensitivity to insulin. This helps the insulin work more effectively.

For more information on metformin – including common side effects – see the NHS website .

What is Mounjaro and how does it work?

Mounjaro has become well-known as an i njectable weight loss medication . However, it was originally developed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes.

Like metformin, it helps to lower and regulate blood sugar. It also helps people with obesity lose weight. That's because it mimics two natural hormones called GLP-1 and GIP.

These hormones trigger insulin production, which encourages your body to use blood sugar for energy. This helps to control food cravings. It also slows down digestion, helping you feel full for longer.

The medication is prescribed as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection. It's supplied as an injection pen containing four doses – so each pen has enough medication for four weeks.

Learn more about our Mounjaro medication programme .

Can metformin and Mounjaro be taken together?

Yes. Mounjaro and metformin are different drugs with different actions. However, they are considered compatible and complementary.

In other words, the two medications tend to work well together. Patients who take Mounjaro and metformin often see improved blood sugar control compared to those taking metformin on its own.

A randomised controlled trial from 2023 saw a group of diabetic patients take metformin alongside Mounjaro for 40 weeks. Researchers noted no severe cases of low blood sugar – and most side effects were similar to those you'd usually expect from a medication like Mounjaro.

Results like these suggest that Mounjaro and metformin are safe and effective when taken together. However, you should always talk to your healthcare provider before starting a new treatment. That's because everyone responds to medications differently. Your doctor needs to make sure that the drug combination is suitable for you.

Can you take Mounjaro instead of metformin?

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published guidelines for prescribing Mounjaro . These guidelines say that Mounjaro can be prescribed instead of metformin – but not as a first-line treatment.

In other words, it shouldn't be the first thing doctors consider when treating a person with type 2 diabetes. Mounjaro would only be prescribed on its own or with other anti-diabetic medications, 'when metformin is considered inappropriate due to intolerance or contraindications'.

Your healthcare provider would make this decision on a case-by-case basis after considering your unique healthcare needs and medical history.

Remember: you should never reduce or stop taking prescribed metformin without talking to your healthcare provider first.

Want to learn more about SemaPen's non-surgical weight loss treatments , including Mounjaro and Wegovy? You'll find lots of helpful information in our expert starter guides .

Sources

1. Gao, L. et al. (2023) "Tirzepatide versus insulin glargine as second-line or third-line therapy in type 2 diabetes in the Asia-Pacific region: the SURPASS-AP-Combo trial" Nature Medicine , 29, 1500–1510 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-023-02344-1

This article was reviewed and approved by Qutayba Almerie MD, MSc, FRCS on 14 July 2025.

How to stick to a weight loss plan

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 07:35:49 GMT

Have you tried and failed to stick to a weight loss plan? Here are 9 tips to help you succeed this time.

Most people who start a weight loss plan fully intend to stick with it – so why do so many lose momentum and give up?

There are many reasons why weight loss plans fail. But more often than not, it's because the plan is unsustainable or because people try to do too much all at once.

In this guide, we share nine tips to help you define your weight loss goals and stick to them. We hope it helps.

1. Avoid overly restrictive or 'fad' diets

Some hope for results by trying an extreme diet that requires you to eat in a very restricted way.

But there's a big problem with overly restrictive diets. At first, you might see some weight loss – but most find they're not sustainable in the long term.

Long-term, sustainable weight loss is all about forming healthy habits. Restrictive diets don't help you form healthy habits – so it's all too easy to slip back into unhealthy ones.

This can lead to weight regain and feelings of failure. Eventually, it can be so discouraging that you give up, feeling that weight loss is simply unattainable.

The truth is you did not fail – the diet failed you. It wasn't sustainable.

It's much better to focus on maintaining a healthy, balanced diet. This means eating the right kinds of foods in the right proportions – not cutting out thousands of calories or eating boring, bland meals. This approach is much more fun and helps you form healthy habits that lead to long-term results.

2. Choose a healthy lifestyle instead of just a diet

Diets put the focus squarely on what you eat (or don't eat). However, a successful weight loss plan should also include regular exercise, as well as ways to support your emotional well-being.

These are all vital to help you to achieve consistent weight loss and prevent weight regain. After all, you're more likely to stick to your plan if you're seeing positive results and enjoying yourself.

Increasing activity could begin with taking a short, brisk walk a few times each week. Even getting up and walking around while you use your phone can be a good starting point.

When you get used to it, you should aim to build a balanced mix of aerobics and strength training into your routine. The NHS recommends that adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week.

For some great suggestions, check out NHS Get Active .

3. Find a fun group activity

Let's be honest. It can be hard to find the time or energy to start exercising – especially if you're trying to do it on your own.

That's why group activities can be so beneficial. Having fun and getting encouragement from a group while increasing activity can help with emotional and mental well-being. Putting yourself in this kind of positive and supportive environment can strengthen your resolve and make it easier to stick to your weight loss plan.

Aqua aerobics is a great choice for beginners. You get a heart workout from the aerobics and muscle training from the water resistance – but it's a low-impact exercise, so it's gentle on joints. And most importantly, it has the fun factor and the sense of encouragement you get from partaking in a group activity.

Is exercising in water not your thing? You could consider joining a walking group, a dance class or a yoga session. A quick online search should tell you what's available in your area.

4. Give yourself some wiggle room

Living a healthy lifestyle doesn't mean giving up treats. In fact, getting more active and making healthier food choices can free you from the guilt you might feel about indulging in occasional treats.

It's all about making sure treats really are treats – not a daily indulgence. As long as you keep an eye on portion size and frequency, you're free to enjoy a sweet snack or fried titbit every now and then.

Taking control in this way helps you prepare for social occasions without dreading these temptations and enjoy socialising without feeling deprived.

Remember: to be achievable, weight loss plans should be a little bit flexible. Focus on establishing healthy patterns – not obsessing over every detail. And make sure you're aiming for something achievable.

5. Set realistic goals

Most people aim to lose a certain amount of weight over a certain period. And that's fine – but make sure it's realistic.

It's no good setting unattainable goals. You'll only feel disappointed and disheartened if you don't manage to achieve it. And if you do manage it, the journey probably won't be much fun.

So, what's a realistic goal? The NHS guidelines are a good starting point. They recommend cutting 600 calories a day to achieve a sustainable rate of weight loss (around 0.5 to 1kg per week).

And weight loss doesn't have to be your only goal. Setting small, achievable goals along the way can help motivate you to keep going.

Attainable goals could include increasing your daily activity or achieving a fitness milestone. Each small lifestyle change or new recipe enjoyed is also a goal reached.

6. Cut down rather than cut out

Cutting out food groups en masse can lead to feelings of deprivation and increase snack cravings. The unhappiness from these negative emotions can erode your determination to continue.

Remember: it's all about patterns, not perfection. Increasing healthy options while gradually cutting down less healthy ones is much more practical and sustainable. This will keep your diet varied and help avoid hunger and possible nutrient deficiencies, as well as reduce psychological distress.

7. Find the flavour

Flavour plays a key role in satiety. Satiety is the feeling of being full and satisfied, which signals you to stop eating and triggers the breakdown of sugars for energy.

Right now, we don't fully understand why. But according to nutrition experts, 'the sensory experience of enjoying and savouring flavourful foods can enhance the overall satisfaction of a meal, leading to a greater sense of fullness and reducing overeating'.

Swapping to low-fat options is an obvious step towards weight loss – but try to avoid sacrificing flavour. Here are a few ideas to help you dial down the fat without dialling up the 'bland':

Zhuzh up low-fat mayo with concentrated pastes like chipotle chilli, harissa, sun-dried tomato paste or pesto.
Add oomph to low-fat cream cheese or cottage cheese with dried parmesan or nutritional yeast.
Get creative by tray-roasting various vegetables using low-fat spray oil.
Try swapping your usual condiments for Italian herb mixes, Mexican spice mixes or Worcester sauce (in moderation – it's salty).

The NHS website includes some great tips to cut down on sugar while still satisfying your craving for a sweet treat.

8. Dial up the dopamine

Dopamine is known as 'the feel-good hormone' because it gives you feelings of reward, pleasure and motivation. It's also involved in important bodily functions, such as promoting energy consumption as you rest.

That's why dopamine is doubly important for weight loss. You need motivation to stick to your weight loss plan – and breaking down body fat for energy is vital.

Moreover, studies show that people living with obesity tend to have low dopamine levels. Unfortunately, one of the easiest ways to trigger your body to release dopamine is to eat foods high in sugar or fat.

This is likely one of the main reasons why many find it hard to resist these foods and struggle to maintain motivation for their weight loss.

Eating more protein may help to improve dopamine production – especially foods rich in an amino acid called tyrosine.² These include cheese, soybeans, fish, chicken, nuts, eggs, dairy, beans and whole grains.

You'll also need to find other ways to trigger dopamine, especially when you're fighting food cravings.

Increasing activity and exercise will help significantly – as will rewarding activities. These could include hobbies, listening to music or podcasts, reading a good book or solving puzzles. It could even be as simple as having a friendly phone call. Every little helps.

9. Consider professional mental and emotional support

Following a weight loss plan can be rewarding – but it can also be emotionally taxing. Remember that it's OK to ask for help if you need it.

Several therapies have been shown to assist with weight loss when combined with diet and exercise changes. According to experts, these can include 'motivational interviewing, cognitive behaviour therapy, dialectal behaviour therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy', as well as 'mindfulness-based interventions that target stress, negative thoughts and eating behaviours'.

In other words, getting help isn't just good for your brain. It can be good for your body, too.

Are you looking for a sensible and effective weight loss plan that includes expert support to help you achieve your goals? Designed by the UK's leading obesity experts, SemaPen's medical weight loss programmes give you access to specialised support when you need it. That includes the option for a one-to-one consultation with a qualified psychologist. Learn more about our weight loss programmes today.

Sources

1. Yusufali, Z. et al. (2024) "Satiety Sensation and Its Associated Food Compositions and Flavors" Springer, Cham . https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-51808-9_15

2. Kühn, S. et al. (2019) "Food for thought: association between dietary tyrosine and cognitive performance in younger and older adults" Psychological Research , 83,1097–1106 https://doi.org/10.1007/s00426-017-0957-4

3. Volkow, N.D. et al. (2011) "Reward, dopamine and the control of food intake: implications for obesity" Trends in Cognitive Sciences , 15(1) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2010.11.001

4. Wang, G. et al. (2001) "Brain dopamine and obesity" The Lancet , 357(9253) https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(00)03643-6

5. Segal, Y. & Gunturu, S. (2024) "Psychological Issues Associated With Obesity" Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK603747/

This article was reviewed and approved by Qutayba Almerie MD, MSc, FRCS on 14 July 2025.

What is CagriSema? New phase 3 drug trial sees 20% weight loss

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 19:30:28 GMT

CagriSema's phase 3 trial results are in. Is this new weight loss drug better than Mounjaro or Wegovy?

You've probably heard of the 'big two' GLP-1 weight loss injectables.

There's tirzepatide (marketed as 'Mounjaro' ), which typically results in a 20.9% weight loss when taken alongside healthy lifestyle changes. And there's semaglutide, which is marketed as 'Wegovy' for weight loss and 'Ozempic' for type 2 diabetes.

Semaglutide users typically lose around 14.9% of their body weight when taking the drug as part of a healthy lifestyle.

But GLP-1s are a fertile field of research. New weight loss drugs are being developed and tested all the time.

One of these drugs is called 'CagriSema'. And newly published phase 3 trial results suggest it could be a viable alternative to Wegovy and Mounjaro.

We'll look at those results in a moment. But first, let's put CagriSema under the microscope.

What is CagriSema?

CagriSema is a new weight loss drug from Novo Nordisk – the pharmaceutical company that developed semaglutide (Wegovy).

As the name suggests, CagriSema is a combination of two drugs. It includes semaglutide, as well as a new medication called 'cagrilintide'.

This combination is interesting because semaglutide and cagrilintide work in slightly different ways.

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 agonist – it mimics the hormone GLP-1, which has several roles in the body. Among other things, it plays a role in digestion, regulating blood sugar and helping you feel full after eating.

Cagrilintide, meanwhile, is an amylin analogue. Amylin is also a digestive hormone – and it's involved in many of the same bodily functions as GLP-1.

The hope has been that by combining these similar yet distinct drugs, scientists can create a new treatment that's better than the sum of its parts.

Did they succeed? The results are in – let's find out.

What did we learn from the CagriSema phase 3 trial?

CagriSema's phase 3 trial results were published in The New England Journal of Medicine on 22 June 2025. The trial involved 3,417 non-diabetic adults living with overweight or obesity.

These participants were randomly assigned to receive one of four treatments over 68 weeks:

A combination of cagrilintide and semaglutide (CagriSema)
Cagrilintide alone
Semaglutide alone
A placebo (a harmless dummy drug with no medical effects)

Here are the key things we learned.

1. CagriSema may be almost as effective as Mounjaro

The participants who took CagriSema saw an average weight loss of 20.4% .³ That's just a little shy of Mounjaro's average of 20.9%.

We can't make firm conclusions without comparing the drugs in a head-to-head trial. At the very least, however, these results imply that CagriSema may be an effective alternative to Mounjaro for those who find tirzepatide difficult to tolerate.

2. CagriSema seems to be greater than the sum of its parts

As we've seen, semaglutide (Wegovy) results in an average weight loss of 14.9%. And in a previous trial, cagrilintide generated an average weight loss of 10.8%.

In the new trial, however, CagriSema users experienced an average weight loss of 20.4%.³ That's 5.5% more than semaglutide alone and 9.6% more than cagrilintide alone.

This result suggests that cagrilintide and semaglutide work better together than when taken individually.

3. A healthy lifestyle is still important for healthy weight loss

You might have noticed something about the semaglutide and tirzepatide trials. When researchers tested these drugs, they made sure users undertook healthy lifestyle changes as part of their treatment.

It's the same story with the CagriSema phase 3 trial. All the participants ate a healthy, balanced diet and exercised regularly throughout the 68-week research period.

That's because researchers understand that a healthy lifestyle is essential for healthy weight loss. GLP-1 drugs – as revolutionary as they are – aren't magic wands. It still takes hard work, persistence and a good diet to lose weight in a healthy, sustainable way.

It's not easy. But with a managed medical weight loss plan like ours, you'll be better equipped to succeed.

Join the SemaPen programme and you'll enjoy tailored, ongoing support to help you change your habits and meet your goals. This support comes from real UK obesity experts – some of whom have experience supporting participants in new weight loss drug trials.

Ready to take the next step? Complete our online consultation to find out which treatment pathway is right for you.

Sources

1. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

2. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

3. Garvey, W.T. et al. (2025) "Coadministered Cagrilintide and Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2502081

4. Lau, D.C.W. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly cagrilintide for weight management in people with overweight and obesity: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled and active-controlled, dose-finding phase 2 trial" The Lancet , 398(10317) https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(21)01751-7

This article was reviewed and approved by Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietician, on 23 July 2025.

Do crash diets work?

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 08:13:46 GMT

Do crash diets work? Not when it comes to long-term weight loss. Discover more sustainable alternatives.

Crash diets are everywhere – juice cleanses, soup-only weeks, calorie-restriction challenges and other fads. All promise fast weight loss and come with dramatic before-and-after photos.

We understand the appeal of losing weight quickly – but do crash diets actually work ?

The answer depends on what you mean by 'work'. Yes, they can cause the numbers on the scale to drop quickly. However, the weight rarely stays off – and the health costs often outweigh the benefits.

Let's look at why crash diets don't work in the long run and what they do to your body. We'll also explore safer, more sustainable alternatives.

What is a crash diet?

A crash diet is any eating plan that involves consuming very few calories for a short period. That might mean:

Drinking only shakes
Eating nothing but soup or fruit
Simply counting calories and cutting your daily intake down dramatically

People often turn to crash diets when they feel desperate or want to see quick results. And yes, crash diets do tend to cause rapid weight loss. But that loss is often water and muscle – not just fat. What's more, these results tend not to stick.

Do crash diets ever work?

Crash diets can result in short-term weight loss. But without medical support or long-term behaviour change, that weight almost always returns. Often, the weight bounces back – and you can end up weighing more than you did when you started.

So, do crash diets work? Maybe for a few weeks. But if your goal is sustainable weight loss and better health, they're just not going to cut it.

Why crash diets don't work

There are biological and psychological reasons why crash diets usually fail. Here's what happens when you drastically cut calories.

You lose muscle

When energy is in short supply, your body breaks down muscle tissue to keep vital systems running. Less muscle means a slower metabolism, which makes it harder to maintain weight loss and continue to lose weight.

Hunger increases

Calorie restriction causes your hunger hormones to spike. Levels of ghrelin (which makes you feel hungry) go up, while leptin (which helps you feel full) goes down, leading to an increased appetite.

Nutrient gaps open up

Many crash diets cut out whole food groups or rely on a small range of ingredients. That can lead to deficiencies in iron, calcium, fibre and other nutrients you need to stay healthy.

Mood and focus suffer

Lack of energy affects your psychological health, too.² People on crash diets often feel irritable and tired, which can affect their productivity and sleep. These diets can also affect concentration and motivation.

Without these basic needs being met, long-term weight management can be very difficult.

Are there health risks?

Yes. Crash dieting and restrictive eating habits can increase your risk of:

Disordered eating behaviours
Hormonal issues, including disrupted menstrual cycles
Gallstones

Why do people still choose crash diets?

Because crash diets offer something people desperately want: control. For anyone who's tried slow and steady approaches without much success, the promise of quick change can feel like a lifeline.

Crash diets often look like the only way to 'do something'. This is especially true when pressure to lose weight is coming from family, friends, social media or medical professionals. And when they lead to short-term results, it's easy to assume they've worked.

But those results rarely last. The weight usually comes back – and people often blame themselves. That's a problem because it wasn't a lack of willpower that led to the weight regain. It was a system that wasn't built to support long-term success.

So, what works better?

Sustainable weight loss comes from small, achievable shifts you can live with. That might mean eating smaller amounts more regularly, improving sleep, reducing stress or even just moving more throughout the day.

Support makes a big difference, too – especially if you're dealing with hormonal changes or the emotional effects of past dieting.

Real progress doesn't have to be slow. It just needs to be safe and designed around your needs – not the latest diet trend.

A safer alternative: supported medical weight loss

If you're looking for results but don't want to go down the crash diet route again, there are effective, evidence-based options.

At SemaPen, we prescribe the weekly weight loss injections Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide). These medications mimic hormones that help control appetite and digestion. They help you feel fuller, eat less and start to lose weight without crash dieting.

You don't have to follow a liquid-only plan or cut out food groups. You just eat a normal, balanced diet – and get support from our obesity experts along the way.

How well do they work?

With Wegovy, users lose around 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks
With Mounjaro, users lose around 21% over 72 weeks

These results were seen in large clinical trials. Participants followed a typical, calorie-conscious diet (not an extreme one) and exercised more. No crash dieting was involved.

Why SemaPen?

We combine prescription treatment with human support, so you're never left figuring it out alone. We're also part of Phoenix Health , the only bariatric clinic trusted by the NHS to provide treatment.

Each SemaPen programme includes:

A full medical consultation to check your suitability
A smart scale that tracks progress automatically and feeds through to our experts to monitor your progress and step in when needed
Expert chat support from obesity specialists
A money-back guarantee if the treatment doesn't work for you*

There's no calorie-counting spreadsheet and no weird meal rules. Just a structured, supportive plan that helps you lose weight at a healthy pace.

H3: Do crash diets work? (The short answer)

They might help you lose weight fast. But they don't support your health or your ability to maintain that weight loss. And they often leave you feeling worse than when you started.

SemaPen offers an alternative to crash diets that doesn't punish your body or rely on willpower alone. Instead of starving yourself to slim down, you follow a sensible weight loss plan that fits your real life. Are you ready to find out if it's right for you? Take our online consultation to get started.

Sources and small print

1. Weigle, D.S. et al. (2003) "Roles of leptin and ghrelin in the loss of body weight caused by a low fat, high carbohydrate diet" The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 88(4) https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2002-021262

2. Habib, A. et al. (2023) "Unintended consequences of dieting: How restrictive eating habits can harm your health" International Journal of Surgery Open, 60 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijso.2023.100703

3. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gallstones/dieting

4. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

5. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine, 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

* Terms and conditions apply.

This article was reviewed and approved by Qutayba Almerie MD, MSc, FRCS on 14 July 2025.

Can Mounjaro cause low blood sugar?

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 07:45:12 GMT

Mounjaro is meant to control blood sugar levels. But can it also cause low blood sugar? Let's lay out the facts.

Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro, was originally designed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. It works by lowering and regulating blood sugar, as well as making it easier to lose weight .

Medications that control blood sugar are really important for people with type 2 diabetes. That's because the disease makes it hard for the body to regulate blood sugar on its own.

But can these medications go too far? Is it possible that Mounjaro could cause blood sugar to become dangerously low?

The answer is yes – but usually only in specific circumstances. Let's look at why it can happen and how common it really is.

How Mounjaro can cause low blood sugar

(hypoglycaemia)

Mounjaro lowers blood sugar in a controlled way. In a clinical trial looking at Mounjaro as a type 2 diabetes treatment, researchers concluded that the drug carried a 'low risk of hypoglycaemia'.

Yet in the Mounjaro patient information leaflet , low blood sugar is listed as a 'very common side effect'. What gives?

The fact is, Mounjaro carries a less than 2% risk of low blood sugar – when taken on its own by people who don't have diabetes. That means for every 100 non-diabetic patients, fewer than two will develop hypoglycaemia.

However, the risk increases to one in 10 (10%) for people living with type 2 diabetes who also take certain diabetes medications. That includes insulin, as well as drugs called 'sulphonylureas' (such as glipizide and gliclazide).

That's one reason we ask you about these medications when you take your online consultation . For your safety, we don't allow you to join the SemaPen programme if you take insulin or a sulphonylurea.

What are the symptoms of low blood sugar?

Symptoms of low blood sugar can include:

Headache
Drowsiness
Weakness
Dizziness
Feeling hungry
Confusion
Irritability
Fast heartbeat
Sweating

If you experience any of these symptoms while taking Mounjaro, tell the SemaPen team or your usual healthcare provider straight away.

How does Mounjaro lower blood sugar?

Tirzepatide affects the natural hormones that regulate blood sugar. As a result, you use more blood sugar for energy and store less.

It also slows digestion and keeps you feeling fuller for longer. This means you eat less, which gives your digestive system less sugar to absorb.

How quickly does Mounjaro affect blood sugar?

Mounjaro begins working from the first dose. However, it can take up to 12 weeks before patients with diabetes reach a healthy average blood glucose level (HbA1c).

H3: Could Mounjaro help reactive hypoglycaemia?

Reactive hypoglycaemia is associated with various conditions, including prediabetes . It can also happen after bariatric surgery.

With reactive hypoglycaemia, blood sugar levels become unstable and spike after food. This triggers the body to release a flood of insulin, which reduces blood sugar levels too quickly.

Studies are underway that look at whether medications like Mounjaro can help with reactive hypoglycaemia. The idea is that Mounjaro may prevent the high blood sugar spikes, which in turn may prevent the reactive lows.

We'll be sure to keep you posted with any developments.

SemaPen is an obesity clinic specialising in injectable drugs for weight loss , as well as other medical treatment pathways. For more news and advice, follow the SemaPen blog .

Sources

1. De Block, C. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes: An endocrine perspective" Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism , 25(1) https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.14831

2. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

3. https://uk.lilly.com/metabolic/assets/pdf/mounjaro-patient-booklet.pdf

4. https://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-medication/mounjaro-tirzepatide.html

5. Altuntaş, Y. (2019) "Postprandial Reactive Hypoglycemia" The Medical Bulletin of Sisli Etfal Hospital , 53(3) https://dx.doi.org/10.14744/SEMB.2019.59455

6. Stortz, E. & Lawler, H. (2024) "Tirzepatide Improves Early Dumping Syndrome and Glucose Nadir in Postbariatric Hypoglycemia After Sleeve Gastrectomy Open Access" JCEM Case Reports , 2(11) https://doi.org/10.1210/jcemcr/luae194

7. https://www.texascenterforsurgery.com/blog/2025/02/12/what-is-reactive-hypoglycemia-216586/

8. Younes, Y.R. et al. (2024) "Proposed treatment strategy for reactive hypoglycaemia" Frontiers in Endocrinology , 15:1332702 https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2024.1332702

This article was reviewed and approved by Qutayba Almerie MD, MSc, FRCS on 14 July 2025.

Why is obesity increasing?

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 22:33:53 GMT

Around 3.8 billion will be living with obesity by 2050. Why is obesity increasing at such an alarming rate?

More people are living with obesity today than ever before in modern history.

More than one billion people worldwide now live with the disease¹. As of 2021, it led to more deaths in the UK than smoking. And according to the World Health Organization (WHO), at least 2.8 million people die each year as a result of being overweight or obese.

It's no wonder the UK government describes obesity as a 'complex and global public health concern'. If anything, this is an understatement. Obesity is one of the greatest public health challenges of our time – an 'epidemic' and a 'crisis' , in the words of the WHO.

We know things are bad right now. But is the problem getting worse? And if so, why?

Let's start by looking at the facts.

Is obesity increasing?

Even the smartest scientists can't predict the future. However, they can do the next best thing – comb through lots and lots of data and use that to plot future trends.

And the trend is clear: not only is obesity increasing, but it's increasing at a staggering rate.

The number of adults living with obesity worldwide more than doubled between 1990 and 2022. Among adolescents, it has quadrupled.
Between 1975 and 2022, the global adult obesity rate more than tripled .
In a study looking at 200 countries in 1990 and 2022, female obesity rates increased in 188 countries (94%). Male obesity rates increased in all but one (99.5%).
In 2023, more than two-thirds of adults in England were living with overweight or obesity. The rate of adult obesity rose from 22.6% to 26.2% between 2016 and 2023.

If trends continue, researchers predict that 3.8 billion people will be living with obesity by 2050. That's around half of the likely global population at that time.

You don't need to be an expert to know that this would be a global health catastrophe. It would be catastrophic on an individual level, as billions of people would face obesity-related health problems and the risk of early death. And it would be catastrophic for the governments and organisations that already spend billions treating and addressing obesity.

Why is obesity increasing?

There are many causes of obesity . It is a complex disease whose roots are tangled up in several distinct yet interrelated factors:

Biological factors: on a basic biological level, obesity is caused by gaining more calories from food than we burn with physical activity. Genetics and existing medical conditions can also make a person more at risk of obesity.
Environmental and societal factors: in other words, the environments in which we live and how they contribute to obesity rates. This can include the food options available to us, whether we can afford those foods and how advertisers promote them, among many other things.
Political and systemic factors: healthcare systems, as well as government policy and expenditure, can influence obesity rates and how the disease is treated.

With so many factors at play, it's hard to pin down one overriding cause of obesity's upward trend – even on a local level. When you zoom out to the whole planet, things get even hazier.

However, it's possible to identify a couple of global trends that – at least within the developed world – help explain why obesity rates have skyrocketed.

The first is globalisation and the changes in farming and food production that come with it.

1. The rise of global foods

Back in the day, your weekly shopping basket would largely consist of locally produced ingredients – fruits, vegetables, grains and the like. However, you're now more likely to buy food products – packageable, marketable foods that are prepared in advance and shipped to supermarkets around the world.

The global food supply chain – from farm to factory to supermarket – is now set up to support the production of commercialised food products. And, unfortunately, these food products are usually ultra-processed.

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) tend to offer little nutritional value but high calorific gain – as well as high levels of sugar, salt and additives.

Eating a diet that largely consists of UPFs puts a person more at risk of obesity. However, UPFs are designed to be cheap and convenient. UPFs now make up more than 50% of the average person's calorie intake in the UK – and it's easy to see why.

2. The poverty paradox

The availability of UPFs has increased – and, generally speaking, so has our ability to afford them. While recent years have seen the cost of living increase dramatically, the overall trend has been for high-calorie foods to get cheaper and cheaper.

This helps explain why middle- and high-income countries have seen obesity rates increase. And it also helps explain the 'poverty paradox' – why people living in poverty are more at risk of obesity.

It does, at first glance, seem paradoxical. People in poverty have less money to spend on food, so it's logical to assume they shouldn't experience high rates of weight gain – right?

As we've seen, however, UPFs are designed to be cheap, convenient and plentiful. For people living in poverty, they're often the most accessible calorie source on supermarket shelves. Unfortunately, their high calorie content comes at the cost of poor nutritional value.

People on lower incomes also tend to have a poor work-life balance. This means they have less free time to cook healthy, nutritious meals – and they may lack access to resources that could help them do so. In other words, living healthily takes time, motivation and resources – all of which may be lacking among people in poverty.

This is borne out by UK government research on obesity , which found that obesity rates were highest among those living in the most deprived areas.

How can we stop obesity increasing?

Losing weight is hard. Helping a billion people lose weight seems nigh on impossible.

However, if we want to curb the obesity epidemic, we simply don't have a choice. We need to work together to find solutions – and fast.

Healthcare practitioners must work harder to educate the public on obesity and provide holistic therapies that address physical health, mental health and lifestyle choices.
Policymakers must implement decisive policies that help shape our environments for healthy living.
And, perhaps most importantly, the food industry must take responsibility for its role in the obesity epidemic. It must act fast to reduce unhealthy ingredients, produce more healthy and affordable food options and limit the marketing of unhealthy foods.

It won't be easy. But with cooperation, dedication and expertise on our side, it's not impossible.

SemaPen is a trusted weight loss injection clinic based in the UK. As part of Phoenix Health, we've helped people living with obesity lose weight for more than 20 years.

Sources

2. Ng M. et al. (2025) "Global, regional, and national prevalence of adult overweight and obesity, 1990–2021, with forecasts to 2050: a forecasting study for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021" The Lancet , 405(10481) https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(25)00355-1

3. Marino, M. et al. (2021) "A Systematic Review of Worldwide Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods: Findings and Criticisms" Nutrients , 13(8) https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13082778

4. Żukiewicz-Sobczak, W. et al. (2014) "Obesity and poverty paradox in developed countries" Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine , 21(3) https://www.aaem.pl/pdf-72161-9388?filename=Obesity%20and%20poverty.pdf

5. Dhurandhar, E.J. (2016) "The Food-Insecurity Obesity Paradox: A Resource Scarcity Hypothesis" Physiology & Behavior , 162:88–92 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2016.04.025

This article was reviewed and approved by Qutayba Almerie MD, MSc, FRCS on 14 July 2025.

Close medical management of weight loss drugs vital, says expert

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 07:04:00 GMT

Are some online pharmacies failing patients when prescribing GLP-1 drugs? Learn what one expert thinks.

In the last few years, treatments for obesity have undergone a quiet revolution. Second-generation GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy and Mounjaro have made safe, sustainable weight loss more accessible and achievable than ever.

The outcomes speak for themselves. Wegovy (or 'Ozempic', as it's often incorrectly called) results in a 15% average weight loss when taken alongside healthy lifestyle changes for 68 weeks. Mounjaro patients, meanwhile, typically see an average weight loss of 21% under similar conditions.

Previously, patients could only expect comparable results with bariatric surgery, which typically results in 25% total weight loss over 52 weeks.

While NHS availability remains spotty , Wegovy and Mounjaro are now readily accessible to UK patients on prescription through private clinics and online pharmacies.

Ready accessible? Yes. Responsibly delivered? Perhaps not.

At SemaPen, we believe many online pharmacies are failing to provide adequate support once GLP-1 drugs are prescribed. After their initial medical consultation, patients are often – to put it bluntly – left to figure things out on their own without proper supervision.

It seems at least one obesity expert agrees. In a recent lecture, Timothy Garvey, MD, stressed that 'weight loss has to be actively managed' – and warned that online pharmacies may be letting patients down by failing to do so.

What did Professor Garvey say?

As Medscape reports , Professor Garvey's remarks came during a wide-ranging lecture at the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE) Annual Meeting.

Speaking of his experience with GLP-1 medications, Garvey argued: 'You can't engage in complications-centric obesity care unless you evaluate the patient for complications, which doesn't happen with online availability of prescriptions.

'This increasing practice of online availability of prescriptions without evaluation by a healthcare professional is such a substandard way to treat a chronic disease', he added. 'I think our patients deserve better.'

To illustrate his point, Garvey pointed to the fact that different patients respond differently to GLP-1 drugs. 'There are individuals who are very responsive to low [GLP-1] doses who lose a lot of weight on submaximal doses and may lose too much weight on maximal doses', he said.

That's one reason SemaPen patients receive a smart body scale when they join our programme. This allows us to track patients' weight loss in the cloud – and adjust their dose or offer holistic advice if we notice rapid weight loss.

Under the online pharmacy model, which typically lacks this kind of close monitoring, patients may be unaware that they're losing weight too quickly. As a result, they may continue to increase their dose as per the standard dosing schedule – compounding the problem and potentially leading to adverse effects.

The problem of lesser-known side effects

In the world of medicine, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Each patient must be treated as an individual – and healthcare professionals must be ready to adjust treatments based on real-world observations, not just clinical data.

Nowhere is this more apparent than in the case of lesser-known and unexpected side effects.

In his lecture, Professor Garvey noted several GLP-1 side effects that he and others had observed – but which may not have been apparent from the initial clinical trials.

For example, phase 3 trials of Wegovy and Mounjaro both noted nausea as the most common adverse event. In those trials, it affected 44% of Wegovy users and 31% of Mounjaro users.

However, Garvey pointed to a more recent analysis of GLP-1 patient data, which found that abdominal pain was the most reported adverse event – and by some measure. In this study, around 58% of semaglutide users reported experiencing stomach pain, while only 20.8% reported nausea.

'I was kind of surprised to see abdominal pain', Garvey said. 'I hadn't seen a lot of that.'

Garvey also warned of another potential side effect – an almost complete loss of appetite among those who experience rapid weight loss. This can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness and cognitive clouding (brain fog).

As Medscape notes, 'the solution is to decrease the GLP-1 dose or discontinue it entirely'. But Garvey has encountered resistance from patients who don't want to stop treatment because they're 'so happy they're losing weight'.

'That's why it takes active management by a healthcare professional to recognise this', he said.

How is SemaPen different?

It's quite simple. SemaPen is not an online pharmacy.

We are a weight loss clinic that – through our association with Phoenix Health – has helped people with obesity lose weight for more than 20 years.

If two decades of experience have taught us anything, it's that patient well-being is paramount. That's why we never prescribe and run. When you join the SemaPen weight loss programme , you're doing just that – joining a medically managed, closely monitored programme designed by UK obesity experts.

It's all about making sure our patients have the support and resources they need to achieve their weight loss goals.

For you, this means getting a digital scale that records your weight in the cloud – and triggers a specialist review if you lose weight too quickly or too slowly. It means having access to nutritional and psychological support through the SemaPen app. And most importantly, it means knowing that real specialists are monitoring your progress – including watching for complications that may arise during your weight loss journey.

Want to learn more about how it works? Start by taking a look at our Mounjaro and Wegovy medication programmes – or complete our online consultation to find out if you're eligible today.

Sources

1. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

2. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

3. Punjwani, A. et al. (2023) "Weight reduction after bariatric surgery - Do results correlate with postoperative visit frequency?" Obesity Pillars , 8 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.obpill.2023.100093

4. Aldhaleei, W.A. et al. (2024) "Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists Associated Gastrointestinal Adverse Events: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the National Institutes of Health All of Us Cohort" Pharmaceuticals , 17(2) https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17020199

This article was reviewed and approved by Qutayba Almerie MD, MSc, FRCS on 14 July 2025.

Switching from Saxenda to Wegovy: what you need to know

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Sat, 31 May 2025 22:49:09 GMT

Are you considering switching from Saxenda to Wegovy? Get the facts you need to make a decision.

Are you taking Saxenda for weight loss but are thinking of switching to Wegovy?

This guide is for you. It explains all the key facts you need to know before making a decision, including the benefits of Wegovy and how switching works.

Similarities and differences

Saxenda and Wegovy are quite similar. They are both GLP-1 receptor agonists (most often abbreviated to 'GLP-1s'). This means they work in the same way – they mimic natural hormones involved in digestion, hunger and regulating blood sugar.

Because the drugs are so similar, many of Wegovy's effects will be familiar to you as a Saxenda user. These effects include:

Appetite suppression: Wegovy, like Saxenda, sends signals to the brain that promote feelings of fullness and satisfaction.
Slowing digestion: both drugs slow stomach emptying, which makes you feel full more quickly and for longer.
Reducing snack cravings: by helping to regulate blood sugar levels, Wegovy and Saxenda make it less likely that you'll crave sugary, calorific snacks.

For many people, these similarities are welcome. You've taken Saxenda, so you know what to expect with Wegovy.

But it's not all apples and apples. There are several differences with Wegovy that may make it a more suitable option for you.

Let's look at these differences one by one.

1. Wegovy is taken weekly

One of the most significant differences between Saxenda and Wegovy is the dosing schedule. As you know, Saxenda must be injected once daily. With Wegovy, however, you take the injection once per week.

You might prefer this dosing schedule, or you might not. For many users, however, a weekly injection is easier to manage than a daily dose.

2. Wegovy is more effective

Generally speaking, Wegovy is more effective as a weight loss treatment than Saxenda.

In a clinical trial testing Saxenda's effectiveness, participants lost an average of 8% of their starting body weight over 56 weeks of treatment.

In a similar trial looking at Wegovy, participants lost 14.9% on average . This trial lasted 68 weeks.

Researchers have also compared the two drugs in a head-to-head trial under identical conditions. In this 68-week study, Saxenda users lost 6.4% of their starting body weight , while Wegovy users lost 15.8% .

It's worth noting that the participants in these trials followed diet and exercise regimes as well as taking the medications. These lifestyle changes are essential for getting the best results.

3. Wegovy may have less severe side effects

If you've experienced side effects on Saxenda, you can expect many of the same side effects with Wegovy. The most common include gastrointestinal upsets like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation.

However, while the side effects are similar, clinical trials suggest that Wegovy tends to be easier to tolerate than Saxenda. In a study comparing the two drugs, 12.6% of Saxenda users stopped their treatment because of side effects. With Wegovy, the proportion was just 3.2%.

Learn more about the common side effects of Wegovy .

Is it worth switching from Saxenda to Wegovy?

As we've seen, Wegovy has several benefits over Saxenda that might make it more suitable as a weight loss treatment for you.

If you find it difficult to manage a once-daily injection, Wegovy's weekly dosing schedule may suit you better.
If you haven't seen the results you want with Saxenda, Wegovy may help you lose more weight more quickly.
If you find Saxenda's side effects hard to tolerate, you may have better luck on Wegovy.

However, pay attention to those 'mays'. It's important to remember that medications affect everyone differently. While Wegovy is, on average, more effective and easier to tolerate, your experience may vary.

And don't forget that Wegovy, like Saxenda, is a prescription weight loss drug. It must be prescribed by a medical professional and can only be offered to people who meet the eligibility criteria.

Am I eligible for Wegovy?

Wegovy is only available to those who meet certain criteria. Put simply:

you must have a BMI of 30 or greater, or
you must have a BMI of at least 27, along with a weight-related health condition.

These are the basics. But there are other factors to consider, including your medical history, your ethnic background and which drugs you're currently taking.

It can get complicated. That's why you must have a consultation with a medical professional before you can get a prescription for Wegovy. This is to make sure it's safe and appropriate for you to take the drug.

How to go about switching from Saxenda to Wegovy

Start by talking to your prescriber and letting them know you're considering making the switch. They'll look at your progress on Saxenda and draw up a plan to make sure you can transition safely and effectively to Wegovy.

It's really important to follow your prescriber's instructions because the two drugs can interact. If you transition too quickly or take the wrong dose, you risk heightened side effects and other potentially dangerous problems.

Your prescriber may recommend switching straight away (after 48 hours) or slowly stopping your Saxenda treatment before moving you to Wegovy. It's also possible that they'll decide that Wegovy isn't right for you.

If you think you might want to purchase Wegovy through SemaPen, you can kickstart the process by completing our online consultation form. One of our experts will review your answers and get in touch to discuss your options.

What happens when I stop taking Saxenda?

Saxenda isn't an addictive drug, so it doesn't cause withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it.

That said, it's not unusual to experience some unpleasant symptoms as your body gets used to the change. These can include changes in appetite, as well as nausea and vomiting.

You may also experience heightened side effects when you first start taking Wegovy. Most people find that these side effects get easier to tolerate with time.

Remember to speak to your medical team before stopping Saxenda.

Do I have other options?

Yes. Mounjaro is another injectable weight loss drug that works similarly to Saxenda and Wegovy.

Mounjaro is the newest of the three drugs – and it also appears to be the most effective. On average, Mounjaro users achieve 20.9% weight loss as part of a supervised weight loss programme.⁴ That's about 6% more than with Wegovy and about 15% more than with Saxenda.

Want to know more about the differences between Wegovy and Mounjaro? Read our guide: 'Mounjaro vs Wegovy: which is right for you?'

SemaPen is an online clinic specialising in injectable weight loss medications . Are you considering switching from Saxenda to Wegovy or Mounjaro? With SemaPen, you get tailored, ongoing advice from real UK obesity experts. You can take our online consultation to find out if you're eligible.

Sources

1. Pi-Sunyer, X. et al. (2015) "A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management" New England Journal of Medicine, 373(1) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1411892

2. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

3. Rubino, D.M. et al. (2022) "Effect of Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Daily Liraglutide on Body Weight in Adults With Overweight or Obesity Without Diabetes: The STEP 8 Randomized Clinical Trial" JAMA, 327(2) https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2021.23619

4. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

This article was reviewed and approved by Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietician, on 21 May 2025.

How to compare weight loss programmes: pros and cons to look for

simon@mydigitalhero.co.uk (Simon Edward) — Sat, 31 May 2025 22:34:23 GMT

Comparing weight loss programmes is easier if you know what to look for. See 6 factors worth weighing up.

Weight loss programmes using injectable GLP-1 medications are becoming more widely known among the UK public – and ever more popular.

The best-known and most effective drugs within this category are Mounjaro and Wegovy (also known as Ozempic when prescribed for type 2 diabetes). Neither medication is widely available on the NHS. However, a raft of private clinics and online pharmacies have sprung up to meet demand.

For the thousands of people living with obesity who could benefit from these treatments, this is undoubtedly a good thing. But as options increase, so does the risk of analysis paralysis – or, in other words, having so many choices it's hard to know where to start.

That's where this guide can help. We show you what to look for in a weight loss programme and how to compare your options to find the best one for you.

Why compare weight loss programmes?

In some ways, deciding to compare weight loss plans is like choosing to shop around for car insurance or broadband providers.

You, the customer, are in control. While many online pharmacies will tell you they're the only option worth considering, it's ultimately about choosing the best programme for your needs.

In other ways, it couldn't be more different. When it comes to your weight and your health, the stakes are much, much higher than with broadband or flights or AI-powered home assistants. It's really important to make the right choice – and, ideally, get it right first time.

Unfortunately, there's not a lot of advice out there to help you choose. While we're not completely unbiased (SemaPen provides various medical treatments for obesity ), we hope this guide helps you make an informed decision.

What NOT to compare

Weight loss medication suppliers can differ in many fundamental ways. However, the medication itself should be the same, no matter where you get it from.

In other words, Wegovy is Wegovy and Mounjaro is Mounjaro. You won't get a 'different Wegovy' or 'different Mounjaro' depending on the supplier you choose.

(That's assuming you get genuine, branded medication from a trustworthy and licensed supplier. Compounded and counterfeit weight loss injections are a whole different ball game.)

This means you can expect to:

Lose an average of 21% of your starting weight with a full course of Mounjaro treatment

Lose an average of 15% of your starting weight with a full course of Wegovy treatment

It's also not worth comparing side effects between suppliers. Remember: all legitimate Wegovy suppliers should supply the same Wegovy – and Mounjaro suppliers should supply the same Mounjaro. This means side effects won't differ depending on where you buy the drugs.

The most common side effects include mild nausea, vomiting, stomach aches and diarrhoea. Mounjaro can also cause hair loss or thinning (usually temporarily) and make the contraceptive pill work less effectively . You can learn more in our guide to the side effects of weight loss drugs .

What differs between suppliers?

So, legitimate suppliers will send chemically identical versions of each drug. As far as the medications go, it doesn't matter where you get them from.

However, each suppliers' weight loss programme works slightly differently.

Each offers different levels of support from different kinds of professionals. And they might differ on key details like the price of the medication and how you pay for it.

With that in mind, let's look at six factors worth considering when making your decision.

Factors to consider when comparing GLP-1 weight loss programmes

1. Expertise

Any good weight loss clinic should be licensed to provide prescriptions – that's non-negotiable. If there's no evidence of this – or if the provider offers weight loss drugs without a medical consultation – then click away and don't click back.

Even when you're sure the provider is legitimate, it's still worth poring over their qualifications. Many providers are pharmacies, first and foremost. They're not weight loss experts – they're pharmacists who happen to dispense weight loss medications.

This doesn't mean you're more at risk if you choose one of these pharmacies. However, it might backfire if you need to ask questions. Weight loss experts can provide tailored, considered advice, while non-experts are more likely to rely on canned responses.

And what if it turns out Wegovy or Mounjaro aren't the best treatments for you? Pharmacies can only dispense medications, so they're limited in the alternatives they can provide.

A real weight loss clinic, on the other hand, can offer a swathe of treatments, ranging from diet advice right up to bariatric surgery .

2. Experience

Imagine you're buying a boat. As you hand over the cash, the boatmaker tells you it's the first boat they've ever built. It might be a perfectly good boat – but chances are, you're now feeling a little less confident about that sea voyage.

It's the same with weight loss programmes. More experience on the provider's side means more peace of mind for you. It's that simple.

So, when comparing weight loss providers, take some time to learn about them and their stories. Were they born yesterday or do they have years of experience on their side?

You could start by looking at their 'About us' pages. If they've been operating for decades, they'll no doubt want to tell you about it. But if details are scant, that might be a sign they're a little wet behind the ears.

3. Support

Wegovy and Mounjaro aren't magic wands for weight loss. To get the results you want, you must follow a healthy, balanced diet and exercise regularly.¹ ² It takes willpower and effort to get it right.

That's why good support is crucial. Will your pharmacy or clinic simply sell you the medication and leave you to get on with it? If so, your weight loss journey might feel less like a guided tour and more like a solo mission to Mars.

Our advice: take a good look at each provider's support package. Does it feel right for you?

If you have bags of willpower and enjoy figuring things out on your own, you might be OK with a provider that offers limited support. But if you think you'll need an extra boost for those bumps in the road, look for one that offers tailored, ongoing advice at every step.

4. Safeguards and guarantees

If you're new to weight loss medications, it's understandable that you might feel a teensy bit sceptical. Sure, you've seen what the results are like for most people – but what if it doesn't work for you ?

It's true that a small amount of people don't get the results they want from weight loss injections, even if they follow all the guidelines. That's why it's worth looking for providers that offer some sort of guarantee or safeguard in case the weight you lose doesn't meet expectations.

This one's more of a perk than an essential. However, it does mean extra reassurance that your provider is on your side and set up for your success.

5. Subscriptions

Broadly speaking, there are two forms of medical weight loss programmes:

Transactional, where you pay for each dose of the medication as and when you need it.
Subscription, where the provider automatically sends the dose you need on a rolling schedule.

It's up to you to decide which best suits your needs. With a transactional model, you might have more freedom to switch providers and manage your medication as you see fit. However, signing up for a subscription means you'll never forget to order a new dose or which dose you need. Subscription-based providers also tend to offer more perks, such as tailored advice and weight tracking.

6. Price

Price is obviously an important consideration – indeed, for people with tight budgets, it might be the most important.

However, it's worth remembering that you get what you pay for. If you only want the medication, you might be able to get away with choosing the cheapest provider you can find. But if you want ongoing advice and other benefits, you may have to pay a little bit more.

How SemaPen compares to other providers

Look. We're not going to tell you that SemaPen is the only option worth considering for injectable weight loss medication . At the end of the day, the decision is up to you.

That said, we firmly believe that our weight loss programmes offer something truly unique: years and years of real obesity expertise.

SemaPen is part of Phoenix Health – the only bariatric clinic trusted by the NHS to provide treatment. And we were founded by Professor David Kerrigan – a leading UK obesity expert and the former president of the British Obesity & Metabolic Surgery Society.

Best of all, this expertise is available to you throughout your weight loss journey. As you progress with Wegovy or Mounjaro , we'll monitor your success using smart digital scales and offer helpful tips to help you stay on track.

And that's not all. Here's a quick comparison of our weight loss programmes compared to a leading competitor (not naming names):

Are you interested in trying SemaPen's expert-led, at-home weight loss programmes ? You can take our simple online consultation to find out if you're eligible. Developed by leading UK obesity experts, it tells you instantly whether Mounjaro or Wegovy is right for you.

Sources and small print

1. Jastreboff, A.M. et al. (2022) "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 387(3) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

2. Wilding, J.P.H. et al. (2021) "Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity" The New England Journal of Medicine , 384(11) https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

* Terms and conditions apply.

** An admin fee may apply for early cancellation. Please see our terms and conditions for more information.

This article was reviewed and approved by Alice Fletcher, Lead Bariatric Dietician, and Lujain Alhassan, Bariatric Nutritionist, on 20 May 2025.

semapen

Staying hydrated on weight loss injections

Hydration is especially important while taking weight loss injections. Find out why and get simple tips for staying hydrated.

﻿

Key points you need to know

How much water should I drink on weight loss injections?

How can I tell if I'm dehydrated on weight loss injections?

Tips for staying hydrated on weight loss injections

Mounjaro KwikPens: what's changing and does it affect me?

The Mounjaro KwikPen is changing. Learn what this means for you and what to look out for as a patient in the UK.

﻿

Mounjaro KwikPen changes: the key facts

Why are Mounjaro KwikPens changing?

How does the new KwikPen look different?

When should I start looking out for the new KwikPen?

Persistent cough and weight loss medications: is there a link?

A 2025 study found that GLP-1 users are at greater risk of chronic cough. However, that doesn't mean one causes the other. Learn why.

﻿

GLP-1s and chronic cough: the evidence

What the study found

Why we still can't be sure there's a link

Nutrition guide: carbohydrates and their role in a balanced diet

Get the key facts about carbohydrates. Learn about their role in weight management and where they fit into a balanced diet.

﻿

What are carbohydrates?

Not all carbohydrates are created equal

Carbohydrates and weight gain – what's the truth?

Carbohydrates and blood sugar

Do you need to ditch carbs to lose weight?

How much carbohydrate do you actually need?

Carbohydrates and appetite

What about fruit?

Carbohydrates and weight loss medications

Signs your carbohydrate intake may need adjusting

A balanced approach

Basic weight loss tips: diets, calories and exercise for beginners

Just starting out on your journey to sustainable health? Explore simple, evidence-based weight loss tips for beginners.

﻿

Understanding calories: the foundation of weight loss

Diets: what actually matters?

Protein and fullness

Fibre: often overlooked, but vital for weight loss

Exercise: important, but not the starting point

Strength training and metabolism

Sleep and stress

What about weight loss medications?

Avoiding common mistakes

A simple starting plan

Final thoughts

Mounjaro and warfarin: interactions and safety advice

Taking Mounjaro weight loss injections might affect how warfarin tablets are absorbed into the body. Learn what this means for you as a patient.

﻿

What is warfarin?

Do Mounjaro and warfarin interact?

Can I take Mounjaro and warfarin together?

What is compounded semaglutide?

Compounded semaglutide is an unlicensed version of the active ingredient found in Wegovy. Get all the straight facts in our quick guide.

﻿

What is compounded semaglutide?

Are unlicensed medications dangerous?

How to stay safe when buying semaglutide online

Orforglipron: new GLP-1 pill beats Rybelsus for weight loss

A new tablet-based medication has beaten oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) for weight loss. Let's unpack the results to see what they really mean.

﻿

Going head to head: orforglipron vs oral semaglutide

Unpacking the results

The study only looked at people with type 2 diabetes

Injectable semaglutide (Wegovy) isn't part of the picture

The doses match Rybelsus, but Rybelsus isn't an option for weight loss

Higher-dose oral semaglutide is now available, but the study didn't look at it

Orforglipron seems to have stronger side effects than Rybelsus

What's the best way to lose weight on Mounjaro?

Is there a secret to maximising weight loss on Mounjaro? Follow our step-by-step guide for straight facts and evidence-based tips.

﻿

How Mounjaro actually works

Step 1: focus on protein and nutrient density

Step 2: eat slowly and stop when satisfied

3: manage side effects properly

Step 4: increase activity (realistically)

Step 5: follow the dose escalation properly