Weight loss tablets
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- MYSIMBA
- FREE secure consultation service
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Prices start from £98.90
- orlistat
- FREE secure consultation service
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Prices start from £39.89
- XENICAL
- FREE secure consultation service
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Prices start from £59.85
SAFE PRESCRIBING
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Weight loss tablets key facts
Having a well-balanced diet and exercising are essential for any weight loss treatment and for the prevention of weight gain. However, some individuals may also benefit from using prescription weight-loss drugs. Here, we will take a closer look at the pros and cons of these medications, their side effects, effectiveness and other important considerations.
What are prescription weight-loss drugs?
Prescription weight-loss drugs are medications prescribed to individuals who have been unable to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. These drugs are regulated by the FDA and require a prescription, issued by a healthcare professional.
They are recommended for people with a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30, indicating obesity, or a BMI greater than or equal to 27 with a weight-related medical problem such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure.
How do prescription weight-loss drugs work?
Prescription weight-loss drugs work through a variety of mechanisms, some are appetite suppressants, while others prevent the absorption of dietary fat.
Bupropion-Naltrexone (Contrave)
The combination of the active ingredients, bupropion and naltrexone helps to reduce appetite and cravings, making it easier to maintain a calorie-restricted diet. Bupropion does carry a risk of suicidal thoughts and increased blood pressure, and therefore requires close monitoring.
Liraglutide (Saxenda)
Liraglutide, originally developed to manage diabetes is now approved for weight loss in people without diabetes. Liraglutide mimics GLP-1, which regulates appetite and helps control blood sugar levels by increasing feelings of fullness and reducing food intake. Side effects of liraglutide include nausea, vomiting, and pancreatitis.
Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)
Orlistat inhibits the absorption of dietary fat in the intestines by blocking an enzyme called lipase, which is responsible for breaking down body fat. This results in a portion of the consumed fat passing through the digestive system without being absorbed. Orlistat is available as Xenical, or over-the-counter, as Alli. Common side effects include oily stools, gas, and frequent bowel movements.
Phentermine-Topiramate (Qsymia)
Phentermine-topiramate suppresses appetite and increases feelings of fullness. Phentermine acts as a stimulant, helping to reduce appetite, while topiramate is an anticonvulsant that causes weight loss as a side effect. Side effects of phentermine-topiramate include increased heart rate, insomnia, and tingling in the hands and feet.
Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic)
Semaglutide is another GLP-1 receptor agonist, initially developed to manage diabetes, but has subsequently shown significant weight-loss effects. Semaglutide regulates appetite and helps to reduce food intake. Semaglutide is available as a weekly injection. Side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, and headache.
Setmelanotide (Imcivree)
Setmelanotide is approved for use in children, 6 years of age and older, with obesity caused by specific genetic conditions. It helps to regulate hunger and fullness by targeting rare genetic disorders associated with extreme hunger. Side effects include skin irritation, nausea, and changes in skin pigmentation.
These medications should be used in combination with a weight-loss plan that includes a healthy diet and regular exercise. They should be used to enhance the effectiveness of lifestyle changes and not as a standalone solution for weight loss.
Effectiveness of prescription weight-loss drugs
Studies show that people who combine weight loss drugs with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity can lose between 5 to 12 percent more weight than when using lifestyle changes alone.
Pros and cons of prescription weight-loss drugs
Pros:
- Enhanced weight loss
- Health benefits, such as improvements in blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and lipid profiles
- These medications are rigorously tested ensuring their safety and efficacy
- They are prescribed by healthcare providers who monitor their effects and provide guidance
Cons:
- Common side effects include nausea, constipation and diarrhoea
- These medications can be expensive
- They are not suitable for everyone, and specific weight-related criteria need to be met for eligibility
- Some people may regain weight once they stop taking these medications, especially if they have not made lifestyle changes
Important considerations
Before considering weight-loss drugs, it is important to evaluate your medical history, health conditions, and eligibility for treatment. Points to consider:
- Always speak to a healthcare provider before starting any weight-loss treatment to ensure it is safe and appropriate for you
- Follow the prescribed treatment plan
- Be aware of potential side effects
- Focus on making lifestyle changes
Frequently asked questions about Weight Loss Tablets
How effective are weight loss pills?
Weight loss medications play a significant role in weight loss, but it is important to understand they work best when used in combination with dietary changes and increased physical activity.
How do weight loss pills work?
Most weight loss pills target your appetite, but the exact mechanism is not fully understood. Some weight loss medications, such as orlistat, work by reducing the absorption of fat. Tirzepatide, a newer weight loss drug affects both appetite and how long you feel full after eating.
What is the best weight loss pill?
The best weight loss pill will depend on the individual and various factors, including age, degree of obesity, presence of diabetes, and history of smoking. However, it is important to consult with your doctor to decide the most suitable weight loss pill for you.
Can I use weight loss pills long-term?
The duration of treatment will depend on the person’s response and overall health. Weight loss medications are, however, generally not a short-term solution. Weight loss medications typically need to be taken for an extended period. However, with the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits, some people may be able to maintain their healthy weight management without the use of weight loss pills.
What are the regulations for weight loss pills?
Weight loss dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA, unlike prescription weight loss pills. Exercise caution when considering weight loss dietary supplements, as many of these products can interact with medications, causing potential health risks.
Are there any risks when taking weight loss pills?
Weight loss dietary supplements can carry potential risks and side effects. These supplements can cause side effects such as headaches, sleeping problems, flatulence, gas, chest pain, anxiety, muscle and bone pain, rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure.
Conclusion
While some weight loss pills show promising results, the effectiveness and safety of weight loss supplements remains in question. Focus on healthy lifestyle changes, such as increased physical activity and a reduced calorie intake, rather than relying on pills or supplements completely and always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any weight loss plans to ensure the best possible outcome for your health on your weight loss journey.
Sources
Service Guide
Everything you need to know about Getting Treated Privately for Weight loss tablets
What does the Get Treated Privately service for Weight loss tablets do?
The Get Treated Privately service is a private prescribing service which is designed for adults aged 18 years and over, who are experiencing health issues and who would like to receive a fast-track assessment and if applicable, a treatment plan from a qualified prescribing clinician. Treatments for Weight loss tablets are dispensed and delivered to your home or workplace from our regulated online pharmacy.
Is this a safe Weight loss tablets prescribing service?
Yes. Our formulary of medications prescribed for Weight loss tablets are controlled, governed, and continuously risk-assessed by our Medical Director, Dr. Aseel Hamoud. Unlike other prescribing services which operate using faceless questionnaires, our Weight loss tablets prescribing service is conducted through remote video consultations, also known as synchronous consultations. This builds patient safety and prescribing appropriateness into our service, ensuring our prescribing clinicians can be satisfied with who and what they are treating. There is no guarantee of supply of medications, and any prescriptions supplied are at the sole discretion of our clinician prescriber. There is no charge for the Weight loss tablets consultation.
What is a prescribing clinician and is it safe for me to use them on the NowPatient platform?
Our prescribing clinicians are board-certified pharmacists, nurses, or doctors who can also prescribe any medicine for any medical condition, subject to accepted accreditation and good clinical practice. They are all registered with their respective regulatory bodies. For example, a pharmacist independent prescriber is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Each prescribing clinician undergoes an extensive background check including a disclosure and barring service check (DBS). In addition, they undergo a rigorous license verification process. When you book an appointment with our prescribing clinicians you will see their full name, license number, and any specialized credentials they have.
Is the service available worldwide?
Yes, you can get treated privately for Weight loss tablets worldwide.
Do I need to pay for this service?
Yes. This is a private service. You do not need to pay for the consultation. You only pay for the cost of the Weight loss tablets treatment that you are prescribed.
How do I book a consultation?
Once you have logged into your account, you will need to navigate to the Get Treated Privately service card which is located as a service item on the dashboard.
Using the action button on the service card, you can select one of the following – ‘Search Treatments’ or ‘Search Conditions’. From here you can search for Weight loss tablets.
Depending on the search type and the product/condition that you would like to get treated, you will be taken to a consultation booking screen. Follow the simple steps to complete your booking. During the booking confirmation, you will be able to select a date and time that is convenient for you, along with the preferred language and gender of the prescribing clinician you wish to choose. You will then see a list of all available expert clinicians who are trained to assess the medication or condition chosen. Once you have confirmed your booking, you will see a summary of the appointment including preliminary information about the consultation. At this point, you will also be able to add a reminder to your calendar. Always ensure your account health profile is up to date before any consultation. This ensures that our clinicians have the most up-to-date information about your current health status and anything that may influence their prescribing decisions. You will receive a push notification, SMS notification and email reminding you of your consultation, 30 minutes before the virtual consultation is due to start.
Depending on certain medications which require our clinicians to have your up-to-date blood pressure readings, you may be required to submit a virtual blood pressure check, using your smartphone or device. We will provide you with full instructions, when this is required.
What happens during the remote video consultation?
During the consultation, the clinician will ask you a series of questions that will allow the clinician to assess your condition and potential treatment options for Weight loss tablets. At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide which treatment options are safe and suitable option for you.
If it is, the clinician will discuss the treatment option, so that you can jointly agree on the treatment plan. Once you have jointly agreed on a treatment plan, the clinician will issue a prescription treatment for your Weight loss tablets which will be available in your Cart at the end of the consultation.
Also, with your consent, the clinician may wish to inform your doctor of the treatment that was prescribed. We recommend that you agree to this since your doctor is responsible for your overall care and they should have a record of this consultation and medication prescribed. In addition, our clinician may take the opportunity to advise you on your overall health including advice on healthy living or stop smoking.
What happens at the end of the Weight loss tablets consultation?
At the end of the consultation, you will receive a notification which will summarise the outcome. It will also advise you if any referrals were made to your doctor, along with any other advice that was given to you by the clinician.
If a referral letter was issued to your doctor, you will be able to view a copy of this in the ‘Documents’ section of the dashboard.
If you were prescribed a treatment, it will now be available in your Cart.
When you go to your Cart, you will be able to select the treatment, checkout and make payment. Once the checkout is complete, your prescription order will be sent to our regulated online pharmacy for processing.
What if the prescriber does not prescribe a treatment for Weight loss tablets?
We operate a safe prescribing service. This means that our prescribing clinicians always exercise their clinical judgment when prescribing . Unfortunately, we do not operate a self select service where you can choose a medication and simply buy. If the clinician that sees you does not prescribe anything, then you will not be charged.
Will I get status updates for my order?
Yes. When your Weight loss tablets treatment is approved, and after you have checked out and paid for your order, we will keep you fully updated with the status of your order. Every time the status of your order changes, you will be notified immediately. These notifications will appear in the ‘Notification Feed’ section on the dashboard.
How will my Weight loss tablets treatment be delivered?
All orders are shipped in discreet and unmarked packaging. This means it is suitable for delivery wherever you require (home, work, or a neighbour).
For thermo-sensitive orders (e.g. Insulin or weight loss injections) we use cold chain-validated packaging. Your parcel will normally receive an estimated delivery window from the courier on the day of delivery.
For your protection and safety, your first order can only be delivered to the address that is registered with NowPatient. Future orders can be delivered to any other address, for example, your workplace.
Do you ship cold-chain or temperature sensitive products?
Yes. We use a specialist courier service for all thermo-sensitive deliveries. This is to ensure that cold chain integrity is always maintained and thus the product quality, safety and efficacy.
Learn more about how we handle the delivery of temperature sensitive products.
Where do you deliver?
We currently deliver to all postcodes/zipcodes worldwide. Some postcodes in rural areas may have a slightly longer delivery time.
When will my order arrive?
We aim to ship all orders placed Monday – Friday before 3pm on the same day. Orders placed outside these times will be shipped the next working day. All deliveries are shipped by Royal Mail, which delivers Monday through Saturday in the UK. For deliveries outside of the UK, please check with your national postal service for accurate delivery days.
Our delivery options have the following delivery times:
- UK – Royal Mail Tracked 24 & Signed for Delivery – Next day delivery
- Europe – Royal Mail Tracked – Typical delivery of 3-5 working days
- Worldwide – Royal Mail – Typical delivery of 5-7 working days. If a tracked option is available for your country via Royal Mail, this service will be applied.
What should I do if my order has not arrived?
Delivery is normally made promptly after your dispatch notification is received. You can check the tracking details of your Weight loss tablets order in the ‘Notification Feed’ section of the dashboard, at any point after dispatch.
Unfortunately, packages can sometimes get lost in the delivery system. If after 10 days you have not received your delivery, please contact us and we will do all we can to resolve the problem.
Can you prescribe GLP-1 weight loss injections?
Yes. However, with GLP-1 weight loss medications, the license requires that there are support resources put in place as part of the plan including coaching for a healthy lifestyle, exercise, and diet. Our clinicians will discuss this with you, if you are prescribed this type of treatment.
You can learn more on our Weight Loss Programs feature page.
What’s included with my order?
If you are ordering a treatment for Weight loss tablets, your order will contain your medication only.
If you are ordering weight loss injections, your order will contain:
- Your prescription of pre-filled weight loss injection pens
- Needles
- Sharps bin for safe disposal of needles (if ordered as part of the bundle)
Can I reorder my medication, if I have already been prescribed a course?
Yes. However, as a responsible prescribing service, we do not issue more than one monthly cycle of medication at a time.
This means that, if you would like to reorder, you will need to rebook a consultation.
This is important, because it allows our clinicians to keep track on the progress of your treatment plan and ensure that the medication remains safe and effective for you.
What is the earliest I can reorder my medication or treatment?
14 days after you have received your first monthly supply of medication, we will send you a notification to advise you that you are eligible to reorder your medication. To ensure that we are able to safely prescribe the Weight loss tablets medication for the next supply, you will need to rebook a consultation.
This ensures that our clinician can check in on your treatment plan and ensure it is working as intended and continues to be safe, suitable and appropriate for you.
How do I reorder my Weight loss tablets?
When you are eligible to reorder your next Weight loss tablets prescription, we will send you a notification reminder. This notification reminder will request that you book a consultation with a NowPatient Clinician.
You should book a suitable time and date for the consultation.
At the end of the consultation, the clinician may advise you to either
- Stop the treatment
- Stay on the current dose
- Increase the dose
If our clinician deems it safe for you to continue the medication used to treat Weight loss tablets, the prescription will be added to your cart, from where you can checkout.
Delivery will be made in line with our delivery timescales.
As a responsible prescribing service, we will always monitor your Weight loss tablets treatment plan to ensure that it remains safe, effective and suitable for you.
How do I reorder weight loss medication?
Our weight loss programs are built to closely monitor treatment progress and safety. Please refer to the Weight Loss Programs Service Guide that explains how you can reorder or step edit your dose.
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