By now, most of us are familiar with popular weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy. However, with constant media coverage and a flood of companies promoting these treatments, it can be difficult to cut through the noise and determine what the best option truly is. In this blog we will cover everything you need to know plus the advantages and disadvantages of taking weight loss medication.
So, what actually is weight loss medication? Weight loss medication- also known as anti-obesity or weight management medication- is a category of prescription drugs designed to help people lose weight when lifestyle changes alone (such as diet and exercise) aren’t enough. These medications work in different ways: some suppress appetite, others help you feel full longer, and some affect how your body absorbs fat or regulates blood sugar. Currently, some of the most commonly prescribed weight loss medications include GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy and Mounjaro which are both injectable medications.
Requirements to be prescribed weight loss medications:
To be prescribed weight loss medication in the UK (and similarly in many other countries), patients typically need to meet specific clinical criteria. These requirements help ensure that the medication is used safely and appropriately.
Eligibility Criteria:
Body Mass Index (BMI): BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² (classified as obese), or BMI ≥ 27 kg/m² with at least one weight-related health condition, such as:
Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Obstructive sleep apnoea
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Previous Weight Loss Attempts: The patient has already tried to lose weight through lifestyle changes (diet, physical activity, behavioural therapy) without sufficient success.
No Contraindications or Cautions: Patients must be screened for medical conditions or medications that may interact with the treatment (e.g., certain endocrine disorders, history of pancreatitis). Not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
In the UK, NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) provides specific guidance on who can access medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro.
Pros and Cons of Mounjaro and Wegovy
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s take a closer look at the benefits and potential drawbacks of Mounjaro and Wegovy- and what they could mean for patients in real-world use.
Positives of Mounjaro and Wegovy
1. Effective Weight Loss: Wegovy and Mounjaro have shown significant weight loss results in clinical trials. Patients can lose 15–20% (or more) of their body weight over time- often more than with older medications.
2. Improved Metabolic Health: Both drugs improve blood glucose control, especially in patients with type 2 diabetes. They help reduce insulin resistance, inflammation, and lipid levels- contributing to better overall cardiometabolic health.
3. Appetite Regulation: These medications mimic gut hormones (GLP-1, and GIP in Mounjaro’s case) that regulate satiety, reduce hunger, and slow gastric emptying. Patients often report feeling full sooner and less hungry between meals.
4. Reduced Risk of Obesity-Related Conditions : Weight loss from these drugs can lead to improvements in or prevention of conditions like: Type 2 diabetes, Hypertension, Sleep apnoea, Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, Cardiovascular risk factors.
5. Weekly Injections for Convenience: Both medications are given once weekly, which is more convenient and improves adherence compared to daily pills or more frequent injections.
6. Positive Impact on Quality of Life: Many patients report improved mobility, confidence, and mental well-being alongside physical health benefits.
Negatives of Mounjaro and Wegovy
1. Gastrointestinal Side Effects: The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation. These are usually dose-dependent and tend to improve over time, but they can be bothersome or lead to discontinuation in some patients.
2. Cost and Accessibility: These medications are expensive and not always available on the NHS. Private prescriptions can be financially out of reach for many, limiting access to those who could benefit.
3. Injection Route: Both are once-weekly injections, which can be a barrier for those with needle aversion, poor dexterity, or anxiety around self-injection.
4. Strict Eligibility Criteria: Prescribing is often limited by BMI thresholds and the presence of comorbidities, especially under NICE guidelines in the UK. This can exclude patients in need who fall just outside the criteria.
5. Potential for Misuse or Overpromotion: Widespread media hype and off-label promotion (particularly on social media) can lead to unrealistic expectations, pressure to use these medications purely for cosmetic weight loss, use without appropriate medical supervision.
6. Unknown Long-Term Safety: While short- and medium-term studies are reassuring, long-term safety beyond a few years is still being evaluated- especially with Mounjaro, which is newer. Possible risks include pancreatitis, thyroid C-cell tumours (in animal studies), and gallbladder issues.
7. Weight Regain After Discontinuation: Studies show that once the medication is stopped, weight often returns, sometimes rapidly. This highlights the need for long-term use or ongoing lifestyle intervention to maintain results.
It is important to recognise that taking weight loss medication is not just a quick fix and lifestyle changes will need to be implicated long-term to see real results. For more information on how to make these lifestyle changes visit our blog here.
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Coda Pharmacy is here to support you every step of the way. From offering expert advice on weight loss medication to delivering your NHS prescriptions free of charge. If you have any questions about what you have read in this article or any of the services that Coda Pharmacy can provide you with, please do not hesitate to reach out and contact us here.