Struggling to lose weight despite lifestyle changes? You’re not alone. That’s why more people are using medication to help with weight management.
This educational guide will help you understand how different medications support healthy, sustainable weight loss and when they may be prescribed.
There is also an in-depth guide which explains weight loss injections in more detail, as well as a guide to compare types of medication and how they work.
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Written by
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Reviewed by
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Last Updated:
Next Review: Oct 30, 2026
Guide contents
01What are weight loss medications?
02Who is weight loss medication suitable for?
03How weight-loss medications work
04Weight-loss injections
05Tablets and oral medications
06Comparing your options
07What to expect on medication
08Tools and resources
09Weight loss medication FAQ's
10More questions about weight loss medications?
Weight loss medications include prescription and over-the-counter remedies designed to support weight loss in people with obesity or weight-related health conditions. These medications typically work by either regulating appetite, slowing digestion, or blocking fat absorption.
They are used alongside a healthy diet and increased physical activity and are suitable for people who have a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27+ with other health conditions like type 2 diabetes.
Weight-loss medication can be an effective option for adults whose BMI is 30 kg/m² or higher, or 27 kg/m² or higher with health risks such as high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, or type 2 diabetes. These treatments work best when combined with nutrition, exercise, and behavioural support.
Medication is only ever prescribed following a medical assessment to ensure it’s suitable and safe.
Weight-loss medications influence appetite, digestion, or nutrient absorption.
Appetite regulation (GLP-1s, dual agonists): examples include semaglutide and tirzepatide. These medications signal fullness and help reduce hunger.
Fat absorption inhibitors: such as orlistat. They work by preventing some of the fat from being absorbed during digestion.
Combination appetite suppressants (less common in the UK): such as phentermine–topiramate, which affects the brain’s appetite centres.
Injectable medications (usually once a week) are currently the most clinically effective treatments for weight management.
These medications mimic a natural hormone that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar. They slow digestion, increase satiety, and can lead to significant weight reduction over time.
In the UK, semaglutide is available under brand names such as Wegovy. (Educational reference only; Medicspot does not promote specific POMs.)
Dual-pathway treatments act on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, often resulting in even greater weight loss.
In the UK, tirzepatide is marketed as
Mounjaro. (Educational reference only; Medicspot does not promote specific POMs.)
More weight loss injection information:
Based on the results of a clinical study with 806 participants.
Oral treatments, such as Orlistat (Educational reference only; Medicspot does not promote specific POMs.), work by reducing fat absorption from food. They are typically used when injection therapies aren’t suitable or preferred.
These options generally result in smaller average weight loss than GLP-1 injections but remain clinically useful for some individuals.
(Branded weight loss medication names mentioned in the images are for educational reference only; Medicspot does not promote specific POMs.)
For personalised weight loss advice please take our assessment, and our clinicians will review it and respond.
Medicspot and our GPhC regulated prescribing partner TIP do not promote any specific medication; all advice is based on medical suitability.
How you feel: most people notice reduced appetite within a few weeks.
Your weight: meaningful weight loss typically builds over 3–6 months, with continued progress thereafter. Long-term success depends on sustained behaviour change and clinical follow-up.
Side-effects: mild nausea, constipation, reflux, fatigue.
These often settle as the dose is adjusted.
Based on the results of a clinical study with 806 participants.
Do I need a prescription for weight-loss medication?
Yes. All GLP-1 and dual-agonist medications are prescription-only in the UK.
How fast do results appear?
Weight typically begins to reduce within 4–6 weeks.
Can I switch medications?
Sometimes, depending on your progress and tolerance.
Are there long-term risks?
Your clinician will discuss safety and monitoring.
Is this suitable for everyone?
Not for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain medical conditions; only for UK adults aged 18-74.
What happens if I stop the medication?
Weight regain is common if lifestyle changes aren’t maintained.
Can I use these medications if I have diabetes?
Some GLP-1 medications are licensed for both diabetes and weight management, but the dose and brand differ.
Are injections painful or difficult to use?
Most people find them simple to self-administer using a pen device.
What side-effects should I expect?
Mild nausea, constipation or fatigue are common and usually improve over time.
Can men and women use the same medications?
Yes. Both men and women respond to GLP-1 and dual-agonist medications, though results can vary based on body composition and dose.
Book a free call with our team to discuss any questions you may have about Medicspot’s weight loss medications.
