In recent years, weight loss injections have gained significant popularity as a potential tool for individuals struggling with weight management. Saxenda, a GLP-1 receptor agonist injection, has been widely recognised for its effectiveness in promoting weight loss.
However, for those who may not be approved for a prescription to Saxenda, there are other medical weight loss alternatives that can be considered based on medical history, BMI, lifestyle, and your individual weight loss goals.
We’re exploring the alternatives could be and their potential benefits, but first, what is Saxenda?
What is Saxenda and how does it work?
Saxenda is a popular weight loss injection that has been prescribed for the treatment of obesity since 2014. The medication’s active ingredient is liraglutide, which is a “GLP-1 receptor agonist”.
GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1, is a hormone naturally produced in our intestines after we’ve eaten for the purpose of regulating blood sugar levels and controlling appetite. Liraglutide mimics the effects of GLP-1, helping to control blood sugar, regulate appetite, and allow users to remain in a calorie deficit.
By activating GLP-1 receptors, Saxenda helps users feel fuller and reduces their food intake, contributing to the healthy lifestyle transformation needed for weight loss. It is a convenient and painless injection self-administered once a day. In clinical trials, researchers have demonstrated that over a 56-week period, patients can lose between 5-10% of their body weight with Saxenda.
Bernie Murphy, our head of clinical services says,
“At Bodyline, we have been prescribing Saxenda for many years, and our clients have experienced improvements in all weight health indicators: BMI, waist circumference, body weight, and blood sugar levels. We have a wealth of experience supporting our patients over the years on personalised and holistic wellness programmes to improve their health and wellbeing.”
Contact Bodyline today to find out more about our safe and effective weight loss programmes and range of treatment options.
What are the alternatives?
If you are unable to be prescribed Saxenda due to contraindications (medications that you already take that do not work well with Saxenda), or due to your medical history, there are other avenues available to you through Bodyline’s bespoke medical weight loss programmes.
We’ve put together a guide to the other treatments that work to help you lose weight safely and sustainably.
WeGovy (Semaglutide)
WeGovy is another GLP-1 receptor agonist injection that has shown remarkable results in weight loss studies. You may have heard of it from its other brand name, Ozempic, though WeGovy is the injectable pen specifically approved for weight loss prescriptions.
It contains the active ingredient semaglutide and is administered as a once-weekly injection. Clinical trials have demonstrated that individuals using WeGovy can experience life-changing weight loss, with an average of up to 15% of their starting weight lost over a 68-week period. To put that into context, the average user who started at 200lbs lost 30lbs thanks to this injectable weight loss therapy.
WeGovy has been approved for obesity treatment in the UK and can be prescribed by a specialist weight management clinic to those with a BMI of over 30, or over 27 with at least one weight related health problem.
However, it is vital to remember to be safe when looking to use semaglutide injections. There has been a worrying trend of counterfeit semaglutide injectable pens being sold online and through social media, causing serious harm to those who mistakenly take them.
If you’re unsure which injectable pens are safe and which aren’t, read this handy guide from our medical team at Bodyline.
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)
Mounjaro, (also known as Zepbound in USA) contains tirzepatide, which is a brand-new injectable medication with glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptides (GIP) and GLP-1 receptor agonists.
In other words, it is a weight loss injection with an extra mechanism to help users living with obesity successfully lose even more weight.
It has shown incredible results in clinical trials, surpassing the weight loss seen from other injectable medications, and has been approved for obesity treatment by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) since November 2023.
Once again, users must have a BMI classifying them as obese (30 or above), or a BMI of 27 with at least one weight related comorbidity such as heart disease or high blood pressure.
Participants in research trials experienced an average weight loss of up to 21% of their starting weight over a 72-week period. Mounjaro is expected to be available soon at specialist weight management clinics, join our waiting list now to be the first to find out if you are eligible.
Apart from WeGovy and Mounjaro, people looking for help on their weight loss journey can look to oral treatments such as Phentermine or Diethylpropion.
At Bodyline, we have treated 10s of thousands of clients with these effective weight loss pills, helping them lose up to a stone per month!
Phentermine is a very effective appetite suppressant, taken in the form of a slimming pill. It works within the central nervous system controlling appetite and can also only be prescribed by our specialist CQC registered clinicians, either via video or in-clinic consultation alongside a Bodyline weight loss plan.
Studies have shown successful weight loss with Phentermine over short periods of time, with significant proportions of users losing between 5-10% of their starting weight over a 14-week period. Like all medical weight loss treatments, Phentermine is not a magic pill, and only works alongside consistent and sustained lifestyle changes. The weight loss can be maintained if you create habits that you can keep up with when short term use of the medication ceases.
Similarly, Diethylpropion works in the appetite centre of the brain, aiding weight loss efforts for those living with obesity. It is often prescribed as an alternative to Phentermine, but once again can only be prescribed by specialist weight loss clinicians in CQC regulated clinics like Bodyline.
Using the Right Weight Loss Medication
The most suitable weight loss medication depends on various factors, including individual health conditions, weight loss goals, and response to different medications. Consulting with a healthcare professional or a specialised weight management clinic, such as Bodyline, is crucial to determine the most appropriate option. We can provide personalised guidance based on an individual’s specific needs and help develop a comprehensive weight loss plan.
It is important to remember that weight loss medication should always be used as part of a comprehensive weight management plan. This includes adopting a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and making necessary lifestyle modifications.
Weight loss medications are most effective when used in conjunction with fully supported medical weight loss programmes.
Our experienced healthcare professionals can provide the necessary guidance and support on your weight loss journey, tailoring a comprehensive weight management plan to fit your individual needs.
For more information about weight loss injections and personalised weight loss programmes, contact Bodyline Clinic today at 0800 995 6036 or fill in the online contact form for a call back.
