How to compare weight loss programmes: pros and cons to look for

Comparing weight loss programmes is easier if you know what to look for. See 6 factors worth weighing up.



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:

1. Transactional, where you pay for each dose of the medication as and when you need it.
2. 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):