Weight loss injections have gained significant attention in recent years as a groundbreaking solution for individuals struggling with obesity management. These injections are being prescribed to eligible patients around the world, helping them see incredible weight loss results where they were never able to do so before.
Mounjaro, particularly, has been soaring in popularity as its impact in tackling obesity becomes more and more clear. Studies show its effectiveness far surpasses other weight loss medications on the market, due to the dual-acting mechanisms of tirzepatide, producing weight loss of over 20% of a user’s starting weight!
However, there’s been a spike in black market sales of weight loss injections in the UK, as well as an increase in misuse of the prescription medications. Patient safety is paramount when prescribing medications like slimming pens, because without proper supervision there can be health risks.
That’s why we wanted to offer a question guide to those interested in finding out more about weight loss injections like WeGovy, Mounjaro, and Saxenda, so they can be fully informed throughout a consultation process and ensure there can be no nasty surprises.
When you’re getting prescriptions from faceless online pharmacies, it can make the process difficult to receive clarity, openness, and advice throughout a weight loss journey. Being able to ask questions to an expert who knows exactly what you need is vital for patient safety and for a sustainable weight loss solution.
Essential Questions for your first Consultation
- How does this medication work for weight loss?
Being able to hear from a specialist weight health nurse or doctor what the medication does, and how it should work for you, is very important, so you can know what to expect throughout the process. They should be able to walk you through the physiological changes you would start seeing, and why.
- What results can I realistically expect in terms of weight loss?
Be wary of providers who overpromise and oversell the impact of the medication. You should be able to gauge the results you’ll achieve with a clinician, who can help let you know what you should be doing to get the most out of these injections – every weight loss journey is different and it is important to have a personalised programme.
Find out the timeline of your weight loss journey, and what you can realistically expect to achieve at each milestone.
- What is the typical duration for treatment, and do I need to be on the medication long-term?
This is very important to know because sometimes weight loss injections like WeGovy or Mounjaro are replacing important hormones or bodily processes that you are no longer able to perform naturally.
Healthcare professionals should be able to help you understand that this is not a short-term solution – it is a complete lifestyle change, and for many people struggling with obesity they require long-term medication to ensure the results can be sustained. Otherwise, there’s a risk that when coming off the medication patients could gain back the weight they lost, which is why a lifestyle transformation and habit-forming advice is essential to a successful weight loss.
Prioritising your safety with weight loss injections
- What are the potential side effects of this medication?
- What should I do if I experience severe side effects or an allergic reaction?
- Are there any interactions with other medications I am currently taking?
- What is the risk of developing other health issues while on this medication (e.g., pancreatitis, gallstones, thyroid problems)?
In a prescribing process, it’s vital to find out what you can expect, what is normal, and when the side effects are an allergic reaction, or potentially life-threatening.
Unfortunately, when you’re buying prescription medications like Mounjaro online without an individual appointment with a specialist, it’s harder to gauge what is normal as a side effect, and what could be your body reacting badly to the new medication.
Plus, a prescriber must be aware of your medical history, current medications, and whether you are actually eligible for the medication. If not, they should be able to guide you to suitable alternatives – be that other injectables or oral medications.
A&E nurses are experiencing a huge uptick in the number of admissions of people experiencing horrible effects of weight loss injections, particularly in those who are misusing and those who are not eligible for a prescription – but got them anyway.
You must do your due diligence – what can you expect, and can you call them up to find out if what you’re experiencing is normal? If not, why not?
At Bodyline, we offer support in all areas of the weight loss journey, with a brilliant customer service team and a number of specialist nurses and staff keen to offer their expertise and help you through the journey.
After your prescription, before your first injection
- How do I properly administer the injection?
- Where do I inject?
- Are there any special instructions for storing the medication?
- How do you dispose of the weight loss needle after use?
Perhaps these questions seem too obvious, but it’s vital that you cover your bases to ensure you know exactly what you are doing once you’ve been prescribed a weight loss injection. Afterall, this is a self-administered subcutaneous weight loss injection, meaning you are required to inject yourself.
Get the proper guidance and advice from a specialist or expert who can even show you how to do it your first time. You should feel confident to know exactly how often, where, and when to use these injections – all of which can depend on a variety of factors.
Storing the medication is also vital for patient safety – so it is of paramount importance that you confirm exactly what you should be doing to ensure you are using the safest medication.
- What kind of monitoring can I expect during the treatment?
Checking how often you are being monitored throughout the process is a good indicator of the quality of your provider.
Trustworthy providers prioritise patient wellbeing and have your best interests at heart. They will take the time to understand your individual needs, provide guidance, and monitor your progress throughout your weight loss journey.
Providers like us at Bodyline offer regular consultations to assess your reactions to the weight loss injections, manage any side effects, and adjust the treatment plan if necessary.
Contact Bodyline today to find out more about our safe and effective weight loss programmes and range of treatment options.
Managing your expectations for weight loss results
- How quickly should I start seeing results, and how will my progress be assessed?
- What happens if I stop losing weight after a certain point?
- How will I need to adjust my diet or exercise routine while on this medication to see optimal results?
Weight management is a complex process that requires a holistic approach, including lifestyle changes, proper nutrition, and exercise. Dramatic weight loss with a single injection or without considering other aspects of weight management is simply unrealistic, and incredibly sustainable.
Using life-changing medical weight loss injections just to fit into a dress for an event is not what they were produced for, and not how they should be used. Medical weight loss programmes focus on sustainable weight loss and provide guidance on lifestyle modifications for long-term success, to ensure the weight is not regained as soon as the medication is reduced or removed from the equation.
Bodyline’s Dr Morgan Toerien:
“You probably find that people will take them to lose the weight and then stop taking them and the weight will go back on. They’ll end up with that up and down yo-yo effect, which is far less healthy than long term sustainable kind of weight loss. This is especially the case when users are not incorporating diet and exercise, not modifying their lifestyle. But also, if you haven’t really got the amount of weight to lose, you can do a lot of harm to your body by losing too much.”
Asking questions to manage your expectations will help you understand exactly what is required of both you and your healthcare provider throughout the process.
It’s also important to have a reoccurring team who know your lifestyle, how you are managing the weight loss, and whether you are hitting a plateau. Experts at Bodyline Clinics have dealt with over 100,000 patients, so we can rely on a wealth of knowledge and experience to turn to and find an alternative that helps you reach your goals.
Bodyline works, Bodyline cares
Medical weight loss is a journey that requires personalised care and ongoing support, with insightful weight health clinical professionals who can answer every question you have.
For more information about the questions you want answered, contact Bodyline Clinic today at 0800 995 6036 or fill out the online contact form. Our experienced healthcare professionals are ready to guide and support you every step of the way.
