Are weight loss medicines suitable for you?
Weight loss injections have become very popular in recent years, and probably will be part of our lives for years to come. This is a change I have seen happen rapidly as a pharmacist in a private clinic.
One of the biggest changes I have seen is around the accessibility of information: while you can access medicines online cheaply and readily, there isn’t as much information about how the medicine might affect you, and whether it is safe to use. While there is so much information out there, finding the appropriate information for your journey is one of the most daunting experiences as one size does not fit all.
This is why we have created Aster: an online weight management service specialising in tailored treatments and better care. See more about Aster below.
What determines whether a person can use weight loss medicines?
The eligibility criteria is based on factors such as:
body mass index (BMI)
medical history
current medication
overall health and medical history
As weight loss injections are prescription only medication it is very important you find a registered and appropriately qualified healthcare professional, attached to a regulated and reputable clinic, to go through the process with you step by step.
What is Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) and Wegovy (Semaglutide) are prescription only medication that work by:
Regulating appetite and giving a sense of satiety which means it makes you feel less hungry.
Reducing food cravings for fast-food fats, sweets, carbohydrates and starches.
Slowing down how quickly food leaves the stomach.
Regulating fat utilisation.
Who May be Eligible?
Patients with:
BMI of 30 or above
BMI of 27 or above with certain co-morbid conditions
A longstanding history of trying unsuccessfully to lose weight.
Who might not be able to use weight loss medicines?
People who are or have:
Pregnant or breastfeeding
Certain gastro intestinal disorders
History of pancreatitis
Specific endocrine disorders
Certain medication interactions
Other clinical factors (medical reasons) that are identified during assessment
Please always consult with a certified and registered healthcare professional for your individual requirements. This ensures safety, compliance and better long term health outcomes as well as safe supply of prescription only medication.
What happens during a weight management consultation and why does a clinical assessment matter?
During consultation it is important your clinician reviews your weight and calculates effectively your BMI.
In addition, a thorough medical history review is important as well as a review of your current medication and allergies.
The importance of the consultation is not just to establish eligibility but mostly to understand your goals, discuss your motivation for considering a weight management service and provide useful information about the medication.
Your clinician should work with you long term to advise through the changes during the journey, side effects, monitoring your progress as well as create personalised action plans.
Therefore, it is important you choose a service correctly, that aligns with your values and your long-term goals.
How can you find out if you are eligible?
The easiest way to find whether weight loss injections are suitable for you is to book a weight management consultation.
A qualified prescriber will assess your individual circumstances and discuss the most appropriate treatment options.
We are offering these assessments with assistance to join Aster*, completely for free. You can book an appointment at our clinic below.
*All consultations from that point onwards will be conducted online.
