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Additional benefits of weight loss drugs!

Additional benefits of weight loss drugs!

By now, you must be living under a rock if you haven't heard of the weight loss drugs - Wegovy, Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirepatide) These are collectively called GLP-1 receptor agonists, or GLP1's for short. Mounjaro targets 2 hormones GLP1 and GIP. 

 

We know these medications are very successful at causing weight loss, due to their action on GLP1 or GLP/ GIP receptors. They mimic these hormones and promote the feeling of fullness and reduce cravings. Users can typically expect to loss 15-20% of their starting weight. Patients are carefully screened to ensure they are the right candidate for these drugs, as they are not suitable for everyone. If you want to know more about Melvin Pharmacy's weight loss program - follow this link 

Services – Melvin Pharmacy Ltd

 

But we now know that there are many more benefits to these drugs than simple weight loss. They are also used to reduce blood sugars in patients with type 2 diabetes. (if you are worried that you may have type 2 diabetes - you can book a blood test here

HBA1C – Melvin Pharmacy Ltd

 

But research now shows there are many other beneficial effects, including improved cardiovascular health, enhanced kidney function, neuroprotective effects and reducing addictive behaviours.

Improving Cardiovascular Health

Due to the reduction in weight caused by these drugs, blood pressure and cholesterol levels drop, reducing the risk of heart attacks and stroke. In addition, research is now showing that these drugs reduce inflammation of the heart, which may lower the risk of blood clots. (1)

 

Enhanced kidney function

We know people with obesity are at higher risk of chronic kidney disease - which leads to a reduction in kidney function. Just like we've seen with other drugs used in diabetes, we have observed that people on GLPs, progress much slower to CKD. In overweight people, less protein in their urine has been noted, which is a key indicator of kidney damage. (2)

 

Neuroprotective Benefits

A study in the lancet showed people on semaglutide had reduced likelihood of developing Alzheimer's - compared with those not taking the drugs. Other emerging trials, are reporting patients saying their depression has improved. This has been reported to us from our own patients. This is therefore an area to watch! (3)

 

Metabolic Health

Many patients who are over weight or obese have insulin resistance - their body is not utilising insulin properly. This puts them more at risk from developing diabetes. If you want to book a blood test for diabetes, click here. (4)

HBA1C – Melvin Pharmacy Ltd.

The GLP1 drugs used in weight loss improve insulin sensitivity, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

 

Reduction in Addictive Behaviours

This has been very interesting and something many patients have reported to us. We have had patients report reduced cravings for processed food, cigarettes, and alcohol. Its due to how these drugs stimulate the brains reward pathways. Interesting, we have had people report a reduction in online shopping and gambling. 

 

Risks

As with all medications - there are risks, and not everyone is suitable for GLP1 receptor drugs. People have reported nausea, vomiting, constipation, headaches, and a decreased desire to eat and drink water. We know, there is a potential risk of pancreatitis and gall stones.

 

In conclusion

Everyone commencing these drugs should be assessed by an Endocrinologist, GP, or prescribing pharmacist with extensive training in this area. Indeed, there are some patients who when assessed by a GP/pharmacist, will be referred on to an endocrinologist. 

When used correctly - these drugs are likely to change the face of obesity, and benefit long term help.

 

Melvin Pharmacies Weight Management Service

We offer 3 options for weight management

(1) Join our weight management service - We prescribe the Mounjaro injection only if you are a suitable candidate. You do not need a GP's prescription. You must present in person, and you undergo an extensive screening process. You are weighed monthly, given extensive mentoring, and have regular access to a pharmacist. You will goal set, consider food choices and discuss exercise. This starts at £225/month, but places are limited. Your initial appointment is 1.5 hours, and follow up appointments are approx 40mins. 

(2) Your GP provides you with a prescription and we dispense it. Initially we show you how to use the pen. All follow up, weighing, follow up prescriptions and monitoring is down with your GP. If you would like follow up with ourselves- see option 3. 

Prices/month (at time of writing this blog - 27th April 2025 - this may be subject to wholesaler price changes, and are NOT guaranteed) This is for price of drug only, no follow up included. 

Mounjaro 2.5mg and 5mg £138.00/ pen

Mounjaro 7.5mg and 10mg £161/pen

Mounjaro 12.5mg and 15mg £181/month

 

(3) Your GP prescribes your prescription and we dispense it.  We provide you with extra support such as monthly weighing, blood pressure monitoring, food choices, exercise advice, goal setting, regular access to our pharmacist. Your appointment is roughly 30 mins. This option is not available to patients who have had the medication dispensed elsewhere. 

 

The price is - cost of pen as above and £60/ 30 min consultation. So if you are on Mounjaro 2.5mg, and GP has provided you with a prescription, your cost is £138.00 + £60 consult with pharmacist = £198.00 (Your GP may also charge you for the initial prescription)

 

For more advice email garrisonpharmacy@hotmail.com

Watch the video below re differences between Mounjaro, Ozempic and Wegovy (Be aware - Mounjaro is now licensed for weight loss - it had been when this video created)

(1)   Do the new weight-loss drugs improve your health? - Harvard Health

(2)   https://umcgresearch.org

(3)   http://medicalnewstoday.com

(4) Treatment with tirzepatide in adults with pre-diabetes and obesity or overweight resulted in sustained weight loss and nearly 99% remained diabetes-free at 176 weeks | Eli Lilly and Company