Webpages relating to Step 2 of your weight loss journey
Discover how Ready to Change can support you whilst on weight loss medications/injections
Weight loss medication (including injections) are referred to also as GLP-1 medicines. These can be prescribed by a doctor following eligibility criteria or bought privately from licensed healthcare professionals.
GLP-1 medicines have several effects on the body. This includes reducing appetite and helping the body to produce more insulin, which is the hormone that regulates blood sugar). Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), Semaglutide (Ozempic/ Wegovy) and Liraglutide (Saxenda) are examples of weight loss medicines that are taken as an injection but others can be taken orally. GLP-1 medicines are used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, and for weight loss and weight management, particularly when other approaches have not proved effective.
Find out more about weight loss medications and treatments for obesity from the NHS.
You can get the most benefit when weight loss medications are combined with sustainable behaviours such as increased physical activity and a healthier diet.
Sustainable weight loss whilst using weight loss medication
If you use weight loss medication then you should focus on building sustainable, healthy habits such as regular physical activity and eating a healthy diet. these habits will enable you to maintain your weight loss long-term once you stop taking the medication. This is because there is a risk that when you stop your weight loss medication, you may fall back into your old dietary habits.
A balanced nutritious diet is advised to reduce possible malnutrition and fuel the body with essential nutrients whilst on weight loss medication.
It is also recommended to undertake physical activity whilst on weight loss medication. This is to reduce muscle mass loss which is possible with weight loss medications and to encourage sustainable levels of physical activity once you stop your medication.
Physical activity can also help with side effects caused by weight loss medication such as nausea and constipation.
Support via weight management schemes
Please note that weight-loss medications cannot be accessed via the Norfolk County Council's Tier 2 Weight Management Schemes: Slimming World and Your Health Norfolk.
Those accessing weight loss medication via the NHS will be receiving / required to attend nationally NHS-funded wraparound care (accessed via your GP).
If you access weight loss medication privately you are encouraged to attend a Tier 2 Weight Management Scheme to support long-term weight loss and receive key nutritional, mental and physical activity guidance. We advise you discuss this with your GP or private prescribing clinician before you enrol.
Any person using weight loss medications is encouraged to use the content available on Ready to Change to help build sustainable long-term behaviours.
