I’ve heard that weight loss drugs are to be available on demand from my GP?
Despite what you may have read , or heard, in the media, this is not the case. Our practice is awaiting the launch of an Integrated Care Board (ICB) Weight management and Complex Obesity Service (WMCOS), which will provide comprehensive support for eligible patients. Until this service is operational, we encourage patients to continue focusing on healthy lifestyle choices and consult with us for personalised advice. You can find out more about the proposed new service from Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board here.
What are weight loss drugs? ( known as GLP 1 Agonists, Mounjaro, Ozempic etc)
GLP-1 agonists include medications such as tirzepatide and semaglutide which may be better known by their different brand names (see below). They are prescription only medications that may be prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional for people with type two diabetes, or to facilitate weight loss. One of the main ways they work is by slowing the rate at which food leaves the stomach (delayed gastric emptying).
| Medication | Brand name examples |
| Tirzepatide | Mounjaro |
| Semaglutide | Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus |
| Exenatide | Bydureon BCise |
| Liraglutide | Saxenda, Diavic, Victoza |
| Dulaglutide | Trulicity |
| Lixisenatide | Contained in Suliqua |
I am taking the contraceptive pill. Will using a GLP 1 Agonist affect my contraception?
This depends on the type of GLP-1 agonist that you are using. If you are using tirzepatide you should use a barrier method of contraception (e.g. condoms) in addition to your pill for four weeks after starting the medication, and for four weeks after any increase in dose. This is because tirzepatide works slightly differently to the other GLP-1 agonists. Alternatively, you may wish to consider another (non-oral) method of contraception whilst using tirzepatide. There is currently no evidence that semaglutide, exenatide, liraglutide, dulaglutide or lixisenatide reduce the effectiveness of oral contraception (i.e. the combined pill, or the progestogen only pill/ “mini-pill”). To view a leaflet from the Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare please click here. We recommend that if you have any concerns around this issue , that you read the leaflet thoroughly.
I am thinking of obtaining a weight loss drug privately
Private prescriptions may provide quicker access to these drugs particularly when there is uncertainty over how to obtain them on the NHS. Private prescriptions can be expensive with costs adding up over time, so it is important to consider long term affordability.
Medications obtained privately may also not be supported by NHS services.
Without proper medical oversight, there may be risks related to side effects or interactions with other medications. It’s crucial to have a healthcare professional involved in your care.
We recommend that you keep yourself informed about the latest developments in NHS services, such as the upcoming SNEE ICB Weight Management and Complex Obesity Service.