Parkside Pharmacy Bellingham - Front St, Bellingham, Hexham NE48 2AA, United Kingdom

Weight Management

Who is eligible for weight loss medication?

If you need help losing weight, we can prescribe treatment such as weight loss tablets and injections to support your management plan. Weight loss treatments are made for people with high BMIs. We currently offer Orlistat, Wegovy, Saxenda & Mounjaro. Orlistat can be prescribed for people with a BMI of over 30 (or 28 if you have a risk factor such as high blood pressure).  Saxenda® is suitable for people with a BMI of over 30 (or 27-30 if you have a risk factor).  Wegovy is suitable for adults with a BMI over 30, or a BMI over 27 with weight-related conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease or sleep apnoea. Mounjaro is suitable for adults with a BMI of 30 or above or 27 and above with a weight related condition.

How do they work?

The weight loss injections (pen) that we offer, work by suppressing your appetite. This means it makes you feel less hungry and fuller quicker.

These injections contain a synthetic version of the hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), which is released from the gut after you eat and helps to regulate blood sugar levels. This in turn talks to your brain and tells you you’re full, reducing your appetite and keeping cravings at bay. It also leads to the stomach emptying more slowly, which helps you feel fuller for longer

They can be very effective to achieve a sustained weight loss when used alongside a reduced calorie diet, increased physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices. It is an injection you give yourself (subject to clinical suitability), it’s quick and easy to use.

Weight loss treatments and weight management

The goal with weight management should be to reach a healthy weight for your height and build, and to maintain it. Achieving sustainable results and staying at your goal weight is best done by making adjustments to your lifestyle, being more active and eating a balanced diet. However, it is possible that prescription weight loss treatments can help you reach your goal weight. If you have any concerns about sudden weight gain, you should see your GP for advice.  

What are the health benefits of losing weight?

If you’re looking to lose weight because you have a high BMI, you may be at higher risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer. Reaching a healthy weight can lower your risk of experiencing these serious health issues.

If you’re living with asthma or erectile dysfunction, weight loss can improve your symptoms. Some people find that reaching a healthy weight improves self-confidence and mental health. It can also make some activities more enjoyable as the strain on your joints is reduced as well.  

Diets and long-term weight maintenance

Make changes to your lifestyle that you can stick to, and you will find maintaining a healthy weight easier. Fad diets tend to make your weight drop dramatically and then rise again, so avoid these. Instead, try to eat more whole fruits, vegetables, wholegrains and lean protein while increasing your activity level. Walk more, join a local sports team, or swim regularly. The occasional sugary treat is fine, but make sure it’s occasional and part of a balanced diet.

Putting your health first...