Symptoms
Symptoms and health effects of excess weight
Excess weight is not only about appearance. It can affect energy, joints, sleep, mood and long-term health. You do not need every feature below to be considered for a review.
Treatments
Weight Loss Treatment Online
Get weight loss treatment online from Private Pharmacy Care. UK-registered clinicians review GLP-1 injections and tablets, with discreet delivery if prescribed.
Introduction
Treatment overview
Weight loss treatment through Private Pharmacy Care is a clinician-reviewed service for adults who may benefit from prescription support alongside changes to diet, activity and habits.
Where it is appropriate, options can include prescription weight-loss medicines such as GLP-1 treatments, available as weekly injections or daily tablets depending on the product and your clinical review.
Nothing is supplied unless a UK-registered clinician decides it is suitable for you. Treatment is not a cosmetic shortcut and is not right for everyone.
The condition
What is weight-loss treatment?
Weight-loss treatment is medical support for adults living with overweight or obesity, used alongside changes to what you eat, how active you are, and daily habits. Clinicians usually look at body mass index (BMI), weight-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, and whether previous lifestyle measures have not been enough on their own.
Some licensed prescription medicines can reduce appetite or how full you feel. In the UK these include certain GLP-1 and related treatments, given as a weekly injection or a daily tablet depending on the product, and older options such as orlistat. They are not a cosmetic shortcut, they do not work overnight, and they are not suitable for everyone.
Private Pharmacy Care offers a confidential online consultation. A UK-registered clinician reviews your history before anything is prescribed. Completing a questionnaire does not guarantee a prescription, and any approved medicine is dispensed by our pharmacy for discreet delivery with the patient information leaflet.
Causes
Causes of weight gain and difficulty losing weight
Weight is influenced by more than willpower. Biology, medicines, sleep and the food environment all play a part. A consultation looks at these so treatment, if offered, sits in a realistic plan.
Treatments
Available treatment options
The options below are a guide to approaches used in UK weight management. A clinician decides what, if anything, is suitable after reviewing your BMI, health and medicines. Completing a consultation does not guarantee a prescription.
Products
Foundayo Pill
Foundayo Pill once-daily oral tablet for weight management, priced by dosage strength. Pharmacist review required before supply.
More InformationGet £20 off your first order
Claim offerMounjaro
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) weekly injections for weight management, priced by dosage strength. Pharmacist review required before supply.
More InformationGet £40 off your first order
Claim offerWegovy (Injections)
Wegovy (semaglutide) once-weekly injections for weight management, priced by dosage strength. Pharmacist review required before supply.
More InformationGet £40 off your first order
Claim offerWegovy (Tablets)
Wegovy oral tablets for weight management, priced by dosage strength from £115. Pharmacist review required before supply.
More InformationGet £20 off your first order
Claim offer
Benefits
Benefits and uses
Prescription weight-loss medicines are used as part of a wider plan. They may help some people reduce appetite and support weight reduction when lifestyle measures alone have not been enough.
Clinician-supervised care
Every request is reviewed against your medical history, current medicines and treatment goals before anything is prescribed.
Appetite and portion support
Some licensed medicines act on appetite-regulating pathways, which may help you feel fuller and find it easier to keep to a reduced-calorie diet.
Injection or tablet options
Where clinically appropriate, you can discuss weekly injection or daily tablet options during your consultation.
Discreet UK delivery
If a prescription is issued, our pharmacy dispenses the medicine and sends it in plain packaging.
Eligibility
Eligibility
Eligibility is assessed individually. Online weight-loss services in the UK typically consider body mass index (BMI), weight-related health conditions and safety checks before a clinician can prescribe.
May be suitable if
- You are an adult and can complete a full medical questionnaire honestly
- Your BMI is typically 30 or above, or 27 or above with a weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol
- You are ready to use medicine alongside diet and activity changes
- You can attend follow-up and report side effects promptly
May not be suitable if
- You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy soon
- You have a history of certain thyroid cancers or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2, where relevant to the medicine
- You have had pancreatitis or a condition your clinician considers unsafe with this treatment
- You are looking for medicine without lifestyle change, or cannot commit to monitoring
A clinician decides whether treatment is appropriate. Completing a consultation does not guarantee a prescription.
Start a consultation
Ready to check if weight loss treatment is right for you?
Start a confidential consultation. A UK-registered clinician will review your answers before any medicine is supplied.
- UK-registered clinician review
- Confidential online consultation
- Discreet UK delivery
How it works
How it works
Some prescription weight-loss medicines mimic a gut hormone (GLP-1) involved in appetite and blood sugar control. They are taken on a set schedule and doses are often increased gradually to improve tolerability. Your clinician will explain the option that may suit you.
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Online consultation
Tell us about your weight history, BMI, medical conditions, medicines and whether you prefer injections or tablets.
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Clinical review
A UK-registered clinician checks safety, eligibility and whether a licensed option is appropriate.
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If suitable, we dispense
Approved treatment is dispensed by our pharmacy and delivered discreetly, with clear directions for use.
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Use it as part of a plan
Medicine works best with a reduced-calorie diet, activity and follow-up. Contact us if side effects are troublesome.
Safety
Safety information
Weight-loss medicines are prescription-only for a reason. Your clinician needs a complete picture of your health, including gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, thyroid history, diabetes medicines and gastrointestinal problems.
Stop and seek urgent medical help if you have severe, persistent abdominal pain, signs of an allergic reaction, or symptoms your leaflet lists as serious.
- Do not use if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding unless a clinician has specifically advised otherwise.
- Tell us about all medicines and supplements, including insulin or other diabetes treatments.
- Doses are usually increased slowly. Do not change your dose without advice.
- This is not a substitute for emergency care. Go to A&E if you have severe symptoms.
Side effects
Side effects
Side effects are common when starting or increasing a dose, especially nausea. Many people find they settle as the body adjusts. Your leaflet lists the full profile for the specific medicine prescribed.
- Nausea Often the most common effect. Smaller meals, eating slowly and avoiding rich foods can help.
- Vomiting or diarrhoea Stay hydrated. Contact us if it is severe, persistent, or you cannot keep fluids down.
- Constipation Fibre, fluids and gentle activity may help. Ask us if it continues.
- Reduced appetite or indigestion Expected for some GLP-1 medicines. Tell us if you are eating very little or losing weight faster than advised.
- Injection-site reactions Mild redness or itching can occur with injectable products. Rotate injection sites as directed.
Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with a medicine. This page is general information and is not a substitute for personalised clinical advice.
Using treatment
How to take or use the treatment
Always read the patient information leaflet and the label on your pack. How you take treatment depends on whether you are prescribed an injection or a tablet. The steps below are general and are not a substitute for the directions for your specific product.
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Confirm the product, dose and schedule
Check the name, strength and whether the dose is weekly or daily. Doses are often increased in steps. Do not change the dose or skip the titration plan unless a clinician has told you to.
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Take or inject it the same way each time
Injections are usually given under the skin in the abdomen, thigh or upper arm, rotating sites. Tablets are swallowed as directed, often at a set time of day, with or without food depending on the leaflet.
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Eat smaller meals and stay hydrated
Nausea is common when starting or increasing a dose. Smaller, lower-fat meals, eating slowly and sipping fluids can help. Contact us if you cannot keep food or drink down.
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Store it correctly and plan missed doses
Some pens must be refrigerated until first use, then kept as the leaflet states. If you miss a dose, follow the missed-dose section in the leaflet rather than doubling up. Keep medicines away from children.
Safety netting
When to seek medical advice
Most people who are suitable for treatment manage common stomach side effects with food changes and time. Some symptoms need urgent or same-day care. When in doubt, NHS 111 can help you decide.
Seek urgent help (A&E) if
- Severe, persistent abdominal pain, with or without vomiting — this can be a sign of pancreatitis or a gallbladder problem and needs emergency assessment (go to A&E).
- Swelling of the face, lips or tongue, widespread rash, or difficulty breathing — possible severe allergy. Go to A&E.
- Chest pain, collapse, seizure, or sudden confusion — do not wait for a pharmacy message; go to A&E.
- You cannot keep any fluids down, you are passing very little urine, or you feel severely dehydrated and dizzy.
Contact a clinician or NHS 111 if
- Persistent vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation that is not settling, or you are eating so little that you feel faint.
- You become pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or you are planning pregnancy — stop treatment and contact us and your GP or maternity service as advised in the leaflet.
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes, pale stools, dark urine, or pain under the right ribs.
- Mood changes that worry you, including low mood or thoughts of self-harm — seek urgent medical help and tell the clinician reviewing your treatment.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Tap a question to see the answer. If you still need help, our team is ready to assist.
Do I need a prescription for weight loss treatment?
Yes. Prescription weight-loss medicines are only supplied after a clinician reviews your consultation and decides treatment is appropriate.
Will I definitely get a GLP-1 medicine?
No. Supply depends on eligibility, safety, product availability and clinical judgement. The clinician may recommend a different option or no medicine.
Can I choose injections or tablets?
You can tell us your preference. The clinician still decides which licensed option, if any, is suitable.
How quickly does treatment work?
This varies. Medicines are usually started at a lower dose and increased over time. Lifestyle change remains an essential part of the plan.
Is this available on the NHS through you?
Private Pharmacy Care is a private service. NHS access and criteria are separate. Ask us if you are unsure what this consultation covers.
What if I get side effects?
Read the leaflet first. Contact us for non-urgent advice. Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, allergic symptoms, or if you cannot keep fluids down.
Why choose us
Why choose Private Pharmacy Care?
A regulated UK pharmacy service with clinician review, discreet delivery and support if you have questions after treatment is supplied.
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UK-registered clinicians
Every request is reviewed by a UK-registered clinician before a medicine can be prescribed.
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Confidential consultations
Complete a private questionnaire from home. Your information is used to check that treatment is safe and appropriate.
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Discreet UK dispensing
If a prescription is issued, our pharmacy dispenses it and sends it in plain packaging.
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Clear safety checks
We ask about your symptoms, medical history and other medicines. Completing a form does not guarantee a prescription.
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Support after you order
Questions about side effects or how to take a medicine? Contact the team and we will help you with next steps.
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Regulated pharmacy care
Private Pharmacy Care is a UK pharmacy service. Named clinicians and public register details are listed on our clinical team page.
Sources
References and medical sources
This page is general information for UK patients. It is not a substitute for the patient information leaflet or personalised clinical advice.
- NHS: Obesity Patient-facing NHS guidance.
- NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries UK clinical reference used by healthcare professionals.
- Electronic Medicines Compendium (emc) UK Summaries of Product Characteristics and patient information leaflets.
- MHRA UK medicines regulator.
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