Weight loss injections have become a common topic of discourse in communities, with the drug known as Ozempic leading the way. In the UK, the brands that have been authorised by the National Health Service (NHS) are Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide).

To choose the most suitable weight loss injection pen, users need to consider the efficiency, safety, and accessibility of these injections in Yorkshire and Lancashire.

The Weight Loss Injection Boom in the Northern Region

The popularity of these drugs came into focus due to the widespread coverage on traditional and social media, coupled with the NHS noting the high obesity levels in the UK. The accessibility of these injections and the awareness surrounding their benefits and risks have greatly increased.

In areas like Lancashire and Yorkshire, several NHS clinics provide structured support to patients who fit the criteria of having a body mass index (BMI) of more than 35 with a weight-related health condition. NHS has a Tier 3 Weight Management service that offers programmes to help patients under their care. This care includes having access to the weight loss injections as well as lifestyle support that encompasses creating better eating habits and engaging in exercise.

NHS support requires a referral from a general practitioner (GP), often after other weight loss interventions have failed.

Private clinics offer these injections under slightly less strict conditions. They are available to patients with a slightly lower BMI than the NHS requires. However, a prescription can only be made after the patient undergoes an assessment.

Both routes offer ongoing support, such as reviewing the medication’s progress, providing lifestyle advice, and monitoring for side effects.

How These Weight Loss Injections Work

Mounjaro Pens

Mounjaro has a dual-action mechanism that works on glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptors (GIP).

• It enhances insulin secretion in response to meals, which is when blood glucose is high.
• The injection improves insulin sensitivity and reduces glucagon secretion, which lowers blood sugar.
• It delays gastric emptying, which makes the user feel fuller for longer.
• It decreases appetite and subsequently food intake.
• The combined effect leads to better blood glucose control and significant weight loss.

Wegovy Pens

Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which mimics the GLP-1 hormone. This hormone is released after eating and acts in the brain and digestive system.

• Wegovy regulates appetite and reduces hunger.
• It slows gastric emptying and prolongs the feeling of fullness.
• It increases insulin secretion when blood sugar is high, and decreases glucagon release, helping lower blood sugar.
• Ultimately, Wegovy helps reduce calorie intake and sustains weight loss while improving blood sugar control.

Clinical Effectiveness of These Weight Loss Injection Pens

• Mounjaro: With this option, users can lose up to 22.5% of their average body weight when using the highest dose over 72 weeks.
• Wegovy: Users can lose up to 16% of their average body weight over 68 weeks.
• Clinical trials show that Mounjaro delivers about 47% more relative weight loss compared to Wegovy after 72 weeks.
• Mounjaro users are 2-3 times more likely to reach milestones.

Speed of Results

• Mounjaro produces a noticeable weight loss within weeks, with steady progress over months. Clinical studies state that an average loss of 6% of body weight occurs after 8 weeks, and 8% after 12 weeks. The typical weight loss is about 0.5kg per week after the initial phase. The initial weight loss can be attributed to water loss, with fat loss becoming more prominent over time. Maximum results are achieved over the 72 weeks.
• With Wegovy, the initial change occurs within the first month, with significant change occurring after several months. Weight loss generally starts to become noticeable after 4 weeks of use, with appetite reduction starting as little as a few days. Users can lose about 2% of body weight in the first month. By 3 months, people can lose up to 5% of their starting weight when combined with a nutritious diet and exercise.

Safety and Side Effects

Common Side Effects

These occur in the gastrointestinal area. These include vomiting, nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, tiredness, heartburn, burping, and excessive gas.

Other Side Effects

Users can experience injection site reactions, headaches, low blood pressure, and hair loss. These experiences adjust with continued use of the medication.

Serious Risk

In rare cases, some users can experience pancreatitis, allergic reactions like swelling, difficulty breathing, rashes and dizziness.

There are also instances of thyroid tumours, possible cancer (lump in neck), hoarseness, trouble swallowing, acute gallbladder disease (pain after eating, chalky stools, bloating), acute kidney injury, especially if experiencing vomiting and diarrhoea.

Gastroparesis, which is stomach paralysis, severe delayed gastric emptying, and diabetic retinopathy complications, affect those who have a history of these conditions. Hypoglycemia also occurs when combined with insulin and sulfonylureas.

Safety Measures

If you experience any of the serious symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. If mild symptoms persist, inform the medical practitioner so they can adjust the dosage.

Users need to take these medications according to the directions of medical supervision and obtain the weight loss injections from legitimate prescription channels. There has been a surge of unregulated and illegal sales, which can result in serious consequences like hospitalisation and criminal investigations. These medications should be obtained via prescription and regulated pharmacies.

Accessibility in Yorkshire and Lancashire

• The NHS makes obtaining weight loss injections accessible. The process involves a referral from a GP, an assessment from a Tier 3 service, and, if eligibility is met, the user will receive a prescription and undergo ongoing monitoring from the clinic.

The downsides of NHS assistance are that patients have to endure meeting the strict criteria and waiting times. There are also troubles with limited funding and potential medication shortages, which can be challenging for these patients.

• Obtaining weight loss injections from private clinics: Self-referral to a clinic, take a medical questionnaire, if eligible, you can obtain a prescription to Mounjaro or Wegovy, and receive ongoing support and monitoring.

Private clinics offer virtual and in-person consultations, with regular scheduled follow-ups and support for side effects. While private clinics offer faster access, these injections come at a higher cost.

Cost of Weight Loss Injections

The NHS offers these medications for free to those who qualify, while private clinics charge between £125 and £320 per month, depending on medication, dose, and clinic.

Practical Considerations

• Administration of Injection: Both are to be taken once a week and self-administered using the injection pens. Before taking the injection, patients should wash their hands and clean the injection site with an alcohol swab. Injections should be stored in the refrigerator until use and checked frequently for expiry, clarity, and damage before injection. The injection waste should be disposed of in a sharps container to prevent injury and contamination.
• Dosage Mounjaro: The regular dosage starts at 2.5mg weekly for 4 weeks and is thereafter increased by 2.5mg increments every 4 weeks or as advised. The maximum dosage is 15mg, based on individual response and tolerability.
• Dosage Wegovy: Users must be educated on the dosing and escalation required. For Wegovy, users start with 0.25mg weekly, and it is increased every 4 weeks to reduce side effects. The maintenance dose is 2.4mg weekly and is adjusted for tolerability. The solution should not be used if it is cloudy, discoloured, or contains particles. Wegovy should also not be co-administered with other GLP-1 medications.
• Support: Patients should receive ongoing medical guidance, dietary advice, and lifestyle support from local clinics. For best results, these injections should be taken alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Which Pen Delivers Better Results

Weight loss injections have become increasingly popular thanks to media coverage and the NHS realising the rising health crises in the UK related to obesity. Wegovy and Mounjaro are the ideal choices when it comes to weight loss injections, as the NHS has approved them.

In terms of effectiveness, evidence points to Mounjaro’s results in greater average weight loss compared to Wegovy, but both are effective for sustainable weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes.