Weight loss medications

BACK TO MAIN INDEX

Practice enquires

The practice has received a significant number of enquiries about weight loss injections. This page clarifies how this medications are used in Lothian, the practice position on these drugs when accessed privately, and some basic information about this treatment.

Lothian position

Weight loss medications have recently been approved for use in Scotland for weight loss although this is with a number of restrictions.  At the present time there is no way to access this treatment in Lothian although work is underway to develop a service.  It is likely that when it comes access to these treatment on the NHS will be heavily restricted and most likely only through the specialist weight management service. We will update this page once more information is available.

The practice can support patients with weight loss through the existing channels but at the present time we cannot refer or prescribe these weight loss treatments.

Practice position on patients who access these drugs privately

Many patients are currently accessing these drugs privately.  The practice cannot advise on these treatments started elsewhere and nor are we able to issue any prescriptions.  It is important to remember that there are many reasons why patients should not take these medications and the private company will not have access to your NHS record.  Most private companies do operate safely and take care to check your medical history thoroughly but it is important for you to make sure you are dealing with a regulated provider.

Many companies will write to us after prescribing you these medications but this does not mean we are checking or confirming your suitability for treatment. 

While we cannot advise on your suitability for these treatments we are happy to provide patients with a summary of their medical history and a list of their current medications for you to share with private services.

Information about these treatments

There are a number of drugs available for weight loss at present:  Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro. These drugs are not new and have been in use for many years for the treatment of diabetes.  One of the major side effects was weight loss and after further study and approval they are now sold both for use in diabetes and as a weight loss treatment.

These drugs work by mimicking natural hormones that make you feel full and suppress your appetite.  They can help people lose weight but are expensive and only work while you are taking them.  Generally the weight will go back on when you stop them unless you have made more permanent changes to your lifestyle.

These medications are generally safe but as with any drug there are some people who shouldn't take them.  There are also a long list of possible side effects which your private provider should inform you about.  It is also very important to be aware of potential impacts on other treatments - in particular the impact on contraception if you are taking Mounjaro (see more information link below).  

For more information:

• The FSRH (Faculty of sexual & reproductive health have written a helpful leaflet on the effect these weight loss medications may have on contraception.  This is particularly relevant to those taking Mounjaro.  This can be read here. 
• NHS Inform has some information about these medications available here.
• A GP practice in England has written an excellent page on these medications and it would be worth taking time to read this to understand more about these treatments. This can be read on their own website here.