Weight Loss

Travelling with medication can be simple... with the right tips. We have broken down the best ways to stay on track with your treatment when you go away. You can enjoy your time away and take your medication worry-free.

The "King Kong" of weight loss medications, Mounjaro (tirzepatide), is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist licensed in the UK for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus and for weight loss. As with any medication affecting pancreatic function, questions have emerged regarding potential links between Mounjaro and pancreatic cancer. Current evidence from clinical trials and regulatory reviews does not establish a causal relationship between tirzepatide and pancreatic malignancy. L

Labour MP for Neath and Swansea East Carolyn Harris has said using Mounjaro has changed her lifestyle completely. As a woman who is going through the menopause she has seen first hand the impact hormonal health has on weight gain and loss. Labour MP for Neath and Swansea East Carolyn Harris Having had a positive experience on the weight-loss drug, Carolyn is campaigning for the Government to widen the current criteria that is needed to have Mounjaro prescribed on the NHS. Alt

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a tablet version of the weight-loss drug Wegovy, according to pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk. Although Oral Semaglutide is already on the market in the UK as the brand Rybelsus, this is currently licensed for Type 2 Diabetes. However, Rybelsus can be prescribed off-label for weight loss within the UK by a qualified healthcare professional, which is helpful for those who do not like injections or have needle phobia. Thi

Researchers say daily calorie intake may be up to 10 times more influential than physical activity in weight gain.

You may have heard that Rybelsus is changing doses... RIP 3mg, 7mg & 14mg

There are no strict dietary restrictions with Mounjaro, but eating balanced, nutrient-rich meals helps the medication work most effectively. Many people find smaller portions and lighter meals are easier to tolerate, especially early on. Limiting high-fat, spicy, or overly rich foods can also reduce nausea and improve comfort while your body adjusts. Why diet still matters with Mounjaro NICE (TA1026, 2025) and NHS guidance both stress that Mounjaro should be used alongside a

At the moment, there is no generic version of Mounjaro available. The medication is still under patent protection, meaning only Eli Lilly can produce tirzepatide until that period ends. Generic versions may become available in future years, once regulatory timelines and patent conditions allow. Understanding what “generic” means A generic medicine is an equivalent version of a branded drug that becomes available once patent and exclusivity rights expire. It must contain the s

Mounjaro was developed by the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and first approved for medical use in 2022. It’s based on years of research into dual hormone therapies that target both GIP and GLP-1 pathways. Its effectiveness has since been demonstrated in large international trials, helping establish it as a new generation of treatment for type 2 diabetes and weight management. How Mounjaro began The story of Mounjaro started in the early 2010s, when researchers explored way

Mounjaro doesn’t “speed up” metabolism in the traditional sense, but it improves how your body processes glucose and stores energy. By enhancing insulin sensitivity and reducing appetite, it helps the body use energy more efficiently. Over time, this balance can lead to gradual fat loss and better overall metabolic health. How Mounjaro supports metabolic function Metabolism is the body’s process of converting food into energy. NICE (TA1026, 2025) explains that tirzepatide — t

Mounjaro is not usually prescribed alongside other weight-loss injections or tablets, as combining treatments that affect similar hormone pathways could increase side effects or complications. Doctors generally recommend using it as a single therapy so its effects can be properly monitored. If you’re already on another weight management medication, your clinician will advise whether it’s best to pause or switch before starting Mounjaro. Why Mounjaro is used alone NICE (TA1026

Mounjaro works by activating areas in the brain that sense fullness and regulate food intake. This helps reduce appetite while enhancing satiety, meaning you feel content with less food. Over time, it can help reshape eating patterns by supporting a more natural balance between hunger and satisfaction. The science behind hunger control Appetite control depends on communication between the gut and the brain. After eating, the body releases two hormones — GLP-1 (glucagon-like p

In the early weeks, it’s common to notice reduced appetite and mild digestive effects such as nausea, bloating, or fatigue. These reactions usually improve as your body adjusts to the treatment and dose increases gradually. Keeping meals light, staying hydrated, and avoiding rich or spicy foods can make the transition smoother. Understanding your body’s early reactions NICE and NHS guidance describe the first month of Mounjaro treatment as a period of adjustment rather than r

Evidence suggests Mounjaro can support sustained weight loss when used alongside lasting lifestyle changes. Long-term studies show participants maintained significant reductions in both weight and blood sugar over a year or more of treatment. Continued success depends on consistency, as stopping the medication may lead to weight regain if healthy habits aren’t maintained. What the long-term trials show The main long-term evidence comes from the SURMOUNT-1 and SURMOUNT-4 studi

Mounjaro mimics the effects of GIP and GLP-1 hormones, which influence brain regions that control hunger and satiety. It slows stomach emptying, helping you feel full for longer after eating smaller portions. By reducing cravings and promoting fullness, it makes it easier to stick to balanced, mindful eating habits. How the GIP and GLP-1 hormones signal fullness Both GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) are gut hormones releas

Mounjaro is most effective when combined with a balanced diet and regular movement, such as walking, swimming, or cycling. The medication helps regulate appetite and blood sugar, which can make lifestyle changes easier to sustain. Working with a healthcare professional or dietitian can help tailor these habits for long-term success. Why lifestyle still matters NICE and NHS guidance emphasise that Mounjaro should always be used alongside lifestyle modification. The medicine he

Most people notice reduced appetite and better blood sugar levels within the first few weeks of starting Mounjaro. Visible weight loss tends to appear more gradually, often becoming noticeable after two to three months of consistent use. Long-term results are typically seen over several months as the medication supports steady, manageable progress. What happens in the first few weeks NICE and NHS guidance describe Mounjaro’s early effects as a period of “metabolic adjustment.

Mounjaro is usually taken once a week by injection under the skin, on the same day each week. Treatment often begins with a 2.5 mg dose for four weeks, before gradually increasing to higher doses like 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg. This step-up approach helps your body adjust and reduces the likelihood of side effects such as nausea. How the weekly routine works Mounjaro (tirzepatide) comes in a pre-filled, single-use injection pen designed for once-weekly administration. NICE (TA102

Yes — several large clinical trials, including the SURPASS and SURMOUNT studies, have shown that Mounjaro significantly lowers blood sugar and supports weight loss in adults with or without type 2 diabetes. In some trials, participants lost over 20 % of their body weight, depending on dose and duration. These results were published in respected medical journals and reviewed by agencies such as the MHRA and NICE. The major trials behind Mounjaro The key research programmes tha

Most other weight-loss injections, like semaglutide (used in Wegovy), act only on the GLP-1 receptor. Mounjaro’s dual action on GIP and GLP-1 sets it apart, giving it a broader effect on metabolism and appetite regulation. Clinical studies suggest this combination may lead to greater improvements in blood sugar and weight, though results vary from person to person. Understanding the difference in how they work Both Mounjaro and Wegovy belong to a class of medicines known as i