So, you’ve started your weight loss journey using one of the groundbreaking weight loss injectable medications? But you naturally have some questions? Something so new can throw up lots of questions and it’s completely normal to seek peace of mind. We’ve reached out to our weight loss community and answered the standout common questions on everyone’s mind.
Let’s get into it and hear from Alistair Murray, Chief Pharmacist and weight loss clinical expert, on weight management using Mounjaro and Wegovy. Remember, always read the Patient Information Leaflet and instructions that come with your specific medication.
It’s normal to feel nervous about self-injecting for the first time. But it’s not as scary as you might think, and in fact, millions of people easily inject their own medications each day for conditions like diabetes. If you’re unsure about where is best to inject your medication, our advice is to read all the literature that comes with it so you can understand and feel comfortable with everything. The literature (linked below and in your order when it arrives) will take you through everything you need to know, including step-by-step instructions on what to do before, during and after each injection. The more times you use it, the more it becomes second nature and easier to do. Both types of weight loss pens are designed for easy home use.
Mounjaro resources
Wegovy resources
These medications are designed to work with your body and its natural rhythms, so you don’t need to start any crash diets or shock tactics, such as extreme detoxes or drastic calorie reductions. But, you will achieve the best results by doing two things alongside taking the medication – eating a balanced diet and moving your body through daily exercise and general movement.
For the majority of people, having 3 main meals a day which each include a portion of protein, carbohydrate and fat will fulfil all their daily nutritional and energy needs. This should also include adequate water intake (6-8 glasses a day) and plenty of fruits and vegetables in meals and as snack alternatives. Explore more in our detailed weight management food blog.
This means your medication is working by helping to suppress your appetite and reduce food cravings. But you should still make sure you eat 3 well balanced meals a day and keep on top of your water intake. Both of these are key to the long-term success of your treatment and can help minimise any minor side effects. Fuelling your body with regular meals means you reduce the risk of a sudden hunger pang where you might be tempted to over-indulge. Consider easy to eat light meals such as nutrient-packed soups, salads and rice dishes. Remember, as tempting as it might be, not eating doesn’t equate to healthy or sustainable weight loss. Explore more in our detailed weight management food blog.
As with all medications, side effects can occur for 1 in 3 people when taking injectable weight loss medications. The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Rest assured that these tend to settle as your body adapts to the medication.
You might also experience headaches, which can be linked to low blood sugar levels. Ease these symptoms by regularly eating balanced and light meals throughout the day. It’s important to keep your body and brain fuelled and hydrated. Eat and drink slowly to aid the digestive process, whilst avoiding any foods you know can upset your stomach. Herbal teas like mint can also aid in settling an upset stomach.
You may also notice side effects returning when you increase your dose level. Again, this is normal and should settle as your body adapts to the increased dose.
Remember, if any side effects become too intense or unmanageable please stop using your treatment and get in touch if you experience prolonged stomach pain, a sustained increased heart rate, or any symptoms that are alarming to you.
Not everyone will experience side effects with their weight loss medications. This doesn’t mean it isn’t working! In fact, as soon as you inject your first dose, your medication is getting to work inside your body. The active ingredients are doing their thing and over the first couple of months you should start to notice a difference in weight, appetite and energy levels.
During your online consultation we asked you to let us know about any medicines you’re taking. We did this to make sure it’s safe for you to start one of our weight loss medications. Our qualified clinical team continually review each order you place to ensure your safety. If we approved you for treatment, then we’re satisfied it’s safe to take alongside any of the medicines you told us about.
If you’ve been prescribed any new medications since your last check-in, get in touch with us, and make sure you tell your prescribing GP or specialist that you’re taking a weight loss medication.
These things happen, but it’s important to understand what to do next. It also depends which medication you’re taking. Never double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
Mounjaro
Wegovy
You should take your medication on the same day each week, but you can change the day of your weekly injection, as long as it has been at least 3 days since your last injection. After selecting a new dosing day, continue with once-a-week dosing on that new day. You should try to avoid changing your injection day more than once in a 4-week cycle.
Over the course of your treatment, we expect most people to steadily move up the dose levels. This gradual increase is more likely to result in greater weight loss over the long term. It might be time to consider an increase if your weight loss has slowed down over the last month, or if you’re experiencing consistent weight loss and have no side effects (or minimal side effects).
During the reorder stage our clinical team will be able to ask questions and advise if an increase in dose is right for you and your circumstances. Remember, if you’re struggling to lose weight, make sure you’re making the complementary lifestyle adjustments to your diet and exercise. These are essential to see noticeable results and will contribute to your overall weight loss.
Explore our handy weight loss resources for everything you need to know!
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