Weight Loss Treatments

• What is a healthy rate of weight loss?

  A sustainable and healthy rate of weight loss is typically 0.5kg to 1kg (1-2lbs) per week. Losing weight at this steady pace helps preserve muscle mass, reduces the risk of rapid regain, and allows your body to adjust. While treatments like Wegovy or Mounjaro can accelerate results, our goal is safe, long-term progress supported by a balanced diet.

• How do I know if my weight is in a healthy range?

  The most common tools are Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference.

  • BMI: A score between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy. 25–29.9 is overweight, and 30+ is classified as obese.
  • Waist Size: Carrying excess weight around your middle can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. During your online consultation, we assess these metrics to determine if medical weight management is right for you.

• What actually helps with long-term weight loss?

  Lasting results come from a combination of biology and behaviour. While lifestyle changes such as balanced nutrition, hydration, sleep, and movement are the foundation, biology sometimes fights back. That is why many people benefit from medical weight loss treatments (GLP-1s) to regulate appetite while they build the healthy habits that sustain weight loss for years to come.

• Who is eligible for medical weight-loss treatment?

  Prescription treatments are generally licensed for adults with:

  • A BMI of 30 or above (obesity).
  • A BMI of 27 or above (overweight) if you also have a weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or sleep apnoea. Our UK prescribers review your medical history to ensure the medication is safe for you.

• Are weight-loss medicines safe?

  Yes, when prescribed by a qualified clinician. Treatments like Wegovy and Mounjaro have undergone rigorous clinical trials and are approved for use in the UK. However, like all medicines, they can have side effects (commonly nausea or digestive changes). Your SwiftMedi prescriber will review your health profile to ensure the benefits outweigh the risks and monitor your safety throughout the programme.

• How do GLP-1 medicines help with weight loss?

  GLP-1 medicines work by mimicking a natural hormone in your gut that regulates hunger. They help to:

  • Reduce your appetite so you feel less hungry.
  • Increase satiety so you feel full after smaller meals.
  • Quiet "food noise" so you spend less time thinking about cravings. This makes it significantly easier to stick to a calorie-controlled diet without the constant struggle of willpower.

• Can I buy medical weight-loss treatment online in the UK?

  Yes, but you must ensure you are using a GPhC-registered online pharmacy like SwiftMedi. It is illegal to sell these medicines without a prescription. You should avoid unregulated websites that offer medicine without a proper consultation, as these products may be counterfeit or unsafe. We provide a fully regulated service with genuine UK-sourced medication. You can search for a pharmacy on the General Pharmaceutical Council to ensure they’re registered.

• What tests might I need before starting treatment?

  To ensure your safety, we may ask for details regarding your blood pressure, BMI, and current medications. In some cases, we may recommend checking blood markers like blood sugar (HbA1c) or cholesterol. These checks ensure that weight loss medication is suitable for your specific biology and that there are no underlying issues that need attention first.

• How long do weight-loss medicines take to work?

  Most patients feel a change in their appetite within the first few days or weeks of their first dose. However, weight loss is a journey. The dosage is usually increased gradually (titrated) over several months to minimise side effects. Significant, visible results are typically seen after 3 to 6 months of consistent use alongside lifestyle changes.

• Can I take weight-loss treatment if I don’t have diabetes?

  Yes. Treatments like Wegovy and Mounjaro are specifically licensed for weight management in people without diabetes. While these drugs belong to the same family as some diabetes medications, they are prescribed specifically to treat obesity and overweight conditions in patients who meet the BMI criteria.

• What should I do if my weight loss plateaus?

  Weight loss plateaus are a normal part of the process as your metabolism adjusts to your new body size. If your progress stalls:

  • Review your calorie intake and activity levels.
  • Check if you are ready for a dosage adjustment.
  • Focus on "non-scale victories" like how your clothes fit. Our clinical team is available to offer advice and adjust your treatment plan to help get things moving again.

• Can weight-loss medicines interact with other treatments?

  Yes, certain medicines can interact with weight-loss injections. For example, because GLP-1s slow down digestion, they can affect how your body absorbs other pills. During your consultation, you must list all medications (including herbal remedies and over-the-counter drugs). Our pharmacists will check for interactions to ensure your safety.

• Are results permanent after stopping medication?

  Obesity is a chronic condition, and many people find that their appetite returns if they stop treatment abruptly. However, results can be maintained if you have used your time on medication to establish sustainable, healthy habits. Some patients may require a lower "maintenance dose" long-term, while others successfully transition off medication. We support you through whichever path is best for your health.

• Can I take weight-loss treatment when planning pregnancy?

  No. GLP-1 medications are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you are planning to conceive, you generally need to stop treatment at least 2 months in advance to ensure the drug is completely out of your system. Please speak to our team immediately if you become pregnant or are planning a pregnancy.

If you have any questions, concerns, or need advice, our team is always available to help, just as you'd expect from your local pharmacy.