An estimated 1.6 million UK adults used weight loss medications in the past year, with an additional 3.3 million expressing interest in trying them. With GLP-1 medications rapidly gaining popularity and NHS prescriptions increasing by nearly 900% since 2020, the landscape of weight management has shifted dramatically.
As Dr Louis Aronne, Director of the Comprehensive Weight Control Center at Weill Cornell Medicine, notes: “Medicines work best when they go hand in hand with changes in eating habits and daily behaviors. When hunger is reduced, people finally feel able to follow the healthy steps they were told to take for years.”
Here’s what’s available in the UK right now.
1. Curely Wegovy
Curely Wegovy stands as the clear frontrunner for UK patients seeking effective, accessible weight loss treatment. This once-weekly semaglutide injection delivers an average 14.9% weight loss over 68 weeks and carries the added benefit of reducing cardiovascular risks by 20% in patients with existing heart disease.
What distinguishes Curely is the complete care package. Beyond medication, patients receive UK-registered pharmacist consultations, home delivery, ongoing monitoring, and digital behavioural support. Starting from £89.54 monthly, the service eliminates the typical barriers of months-long NHS waiting lists or fragmented private care.
The once-weekly injection schedule keeps things simple. Wegovy begins at a low 0.25mg dose and gradually increases to 2.4mg over 16-20 weeks, allowing your body to adjust while minimising side effects. Most patients notice reduced hunger within the first few weeks, and the structured dose escalation helps maintain consistent results.
Curely’s platform handles everything from initial consultation through prescription approval to discreet delivery. Regular check-ins and nutritional guidance support sustainable weight loss beyond the medication itself.
2. Mounjaro
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) entered the UK market with NICE approval in December 2024. This weekly injection activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, with clinical trials showing 15-22.5% average weight loss over 72 weeks at higher doses.
The results are respectable, though accessing Mounjaro presents challenges. NHS rollout is phased over 12 years with strict eligibility criteria, and private prescriptions typically cost £200-400 monthly. The dose titration schedule is also longer than alternatives, taking up to 20 weeks to reach maximum dosage.
Common side effects include nausea and diarrhoea during dose increases. As the newest option, there’s less long-term safety data compared to semaglutide-based treatments.
3. Saxenda
Saxenda (liraglutide) works similarly to Wegovy but requires daily injections at 3mg. Weight loss is more modest, with patients typically losing 5-10% of their initial body weight after 12 weeks at maximum dose.
The daily injection schedule is less convenient than weekly options, and the five-week dose titration from 0.6mg to 3.0mg still brings nausea for many patients. While Saxenda has more long-term data due to being on the market longer, the combination of daily administration and lower average weight loss makes it less appealing compared to newer alternatives.
NHS availability for Saxenda has become increasingly restricted as more effective medications have emerged.
4. Orlistat
Orlistat (Xenical or Alli) takes a completely different approach by blocking about one-third of dietary fat absorption. Taken three times daily with meals, it prevents fat from being digested and instead passes it through the bowel.
Weight loss is notably modest compared to GLP-1 medications, with patients losing an additional 2-3 kilograms beyond diet and exercise alone over a year. The catch is a strict low-fat diet requirement—consuming meals with more than 30% fat content often results in oily stools, urgent bowel movements, and other uncomfortable gastrointestinal effects.
While Orlistat is available as a tablet and doesn’t require injections, the dietary restrictions and modest results make it a less attractive option for those seeking substantial weight loss.
What to Look for in a Weight Loss Medication
Choosing the right prescription weight loss treatment depends on several practical factors:
Dosing Frequency
Weekly injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro fit more easily into busy schedules than daily options like Saxenda or three-times-daily tablets like Orlistat. Consider what you’ll realistically stick with long-term.
Weight Loss Results
Weight Loss Results vary significantly. GLP-1 medications like Wegovy show 14-15% average weight loss, while older options like Orlistat deliver closer to 5%. If you’re looking for substantial results, the newer medications demonstrate clearer outcomes.
Side Effects
Side effects differ by mechanism. GLP-1 medications typically cause temporary nausea during dose escalation. Orlistat creates gastrointestinal effects that persist as long as you take it. Think about which trade-offs you’re willing to accept.
Access and Support Systems
Services like Curely that bundle medication with consultations, monitoring, and nutritional guidance often produce better long-term results than medication alone. The convenience of home delivery and regular check-ins helps maintain consistency.
Cost and Availability Fluctuate
NHS access to weight loss medications remains limited, with long waiting lists. Private prescription costs range from under £100 to over £400 monthly, depending on the medication and service provider.
Final Thoughts
The effectiveness of weight loss medications has improved dramatically over the past few years. GLP-1 medications like Wegovy demonstrate superior results compared to traditional options, while integrated services address the practical challenges of accessing and maintaining treatment.
For most patients seeking substantial, sustainable weight loss, semaglutide-based treatments through comprehensive providers offer the best combination of efficacy, convenience, and support. That said, any medication requires commitment to dietary changes and increased activity to achieve lasting results.
The transformation in weight loss treatment means more people can now access medical support that actually works. Choosing the right option depends on your individual circumstances, but understanding what’s available helps you make an informed decision.
Sources
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