In the UK, the issue of obesity is more pressing than ever, with an increasing number of people looking for effective weight loss management.
While diet and exercise are the foundation of weight management, some can’t meet their weight loss goals with these methods alone. This has increased interest in prescription weight loss treatment as a supplementary solution.
Using OpenPrescribing, we found that in the last 12 months alone, the NHS has prescribed over 525,000 drugs for the treatment of obesity. Weight loss tablets offer a helping hand in the journey towards a healthier weight, providing an additional tool for those struggling to see results.
Weight loss pills are designed to support people on their weight loss journey. Unlike weight loss supplements, these drugs go under more rigorous testing and regulation, aiming to provide a safe and effective aid alongside a healthy diet and exercise.
They are mainly geared towards those who have struggled to achieve significant weight loss through lifestyle changes alone, which are either prescribed by healthcare professionals or, in some cases, purchased over the counter.
Their primary goal is to offer a helping hand in reducing body weight, making the path to a healthier lifestyle more accessible for those facing challenges with traditional weight loss methods.
Weight loss pills target different aspects of the metabolic process, offering a versatile approach to weight management. Their mechanisms are categorised into three main types: appetite suppression, fat absorption reduction, and metabolic rate enhancement.
These weight loss tablets increase the feeling of fullness and reduce overall calorie intake. They also interact with the body’s natural hunger signals or neurotransmitters in the brain, which are responsible for appetite control, making it easier for people to consume fewer calories without feeling deprived.
Certain weight loss tablets are designed to inhibit the body’s ability to absorb fat from the food you eat. These pills can effectively reduce the calories you absorb from meals by blocking the enzymes that break down fat for absorption. This unabsorbed fat is then eliminated from the body in the stool, contributing to a deficit necessary for weight loss.
Some weight loss capsules aim to increase the body’s metabolic rate, which is the rate at which the body burns calories. These are also known as ‘fat burners’. By boosting metabolism, these medications help the body burn more throughout the day, even at rest.
This increase in energy can contribute to faster, but healthy weight loss when combined with a change in diet and regular exercise.
How effective the weight loss pills are will vary from person to person, and their success will depend on how well you stick to complementary lifestyle changes, like improved diet and increased physical activity.
Each type of weight loss treatment has potential side effects and risks, highlighting the importance of consulting with a GP or pharmacist before starting any weight loss medication.
Like all medicines, weight loss pills have side effects, though many people take them without any issues. The most common side effects are temporary digestive changes like loose stools or needing to go to the toilet more often. These usually improve as the body adjusts to the treatment.
Depending on the different types of weight loss tablets, some people notice changes in their eating patterns or feel more energetic than usual. While less common, some may experience headaches or trouble sleeping when first starting treatment.
To minimise any side effects, you should:
| Tablets | Unbranded Orlistat | Alli | Xenical | Mysimba | Rybelsus |
| Active Ingredient | Orlistat 120mg | Orlistat 60mg | Orlistat 120mg | Naltrexone 8mg + Bupropion 90mg | Semaglutide 2mg /7mg/ 14mg |
| Prescription Required | Yes | No (OTC) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mechanism of Action | Blocks fat absorption | Blocks fat absorption | Blocks fat absorption | Reduces appetite and food cravings | Regulates blood sugar and makes you feel fuller for longer |
| Fat Blocked | ~30% | ~25% | ~30% | N/A | N/A |
| Dosage | 1 capsule with each meal containing fat, up to 3 times daily | 1 capsule with each meal containing fat, up to 3 times daily | 1 capsule with each meal containing fat, up to 3 times daily | Up to 4 tablets daily | 1 tablet a day, 30 minutes before food |
| Average Weight Loss | 10% of starting weight in 1 year | 5% of starting weight in 1 year | 10% of starting weight in 1 year | 5-10% of starting weight after 56 weeks | 4% of starting weight in 26 weeks |
| Suitable For (By Body Mass Index) | BMI ≥ 30 or ≥ 28 with weight-related health risks | BMI ≥ 28 | BMI ≥ 30 or ≥ 28 with weight-related health risks | BMI ≥ 30 or ≥ 27 with weight-related health risks | Those with type 2 diabetes (licensed use) or BMI of 27 ≥ with at least one weight-related health risk (unlicensed use) |
| Common Side Effects of Weight Loss Tablets | Oily stools, abdominal pain, diarrhoea | Oily stools, abdominal pain, diarrhoea | Oily stools, abdominal pain, diarrhoea | Nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting | Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea |
| Duration of Use | Up to 6 months (longer with doctor’s advice) | Up to 6 months | Up to 6 months (longer with doctor’s advice) | Long-term use possible under medical supervision | Long-term use possible under medical supervision |
Orlistat is one of the most widely recognised and prescribed weight loss medications available in the UK, known for its effectiveness in helping users shed excess pounds. It functions by inhibiting the enzyme lipase, which is necessary for the breakdown and absorption of fats in the diet.
As a result, a portion of the fat you have eaten isn’t digested and is excreted from the body, helping you lose weight. Orlistat is available under several names, each catering to different needs and circumstances:
While Orlistat can effectively aid weight loss, users should be mindful of potential side effects, such as gastrointestinal discomfort and other digestive issues, especially high-fat meals. These effects are generally mild and can be minimised by a low-fat diet.
Prolonged-release tablets are a weight loss medication designed to release their active ingredients slowly. This approach offers several benefits, including more stable blood levels, reduced dosing frequency, and potentially fewer side effects.
Mysimba targets the two brain areas that regulate food intake and energy consumption. It contains a combination of naltrexone and bupropion, which helps reduce appetite and control cravings. The prolonged-release formulation of Mysimba allows for a gradual increase in dosage, helping to minimise side effects as the body adjusts to the medication. Those taking this medication should follow a calorie-reduced diet and exercise regularly to achieve the best results.
The benefits of prolonged-release tablets like Mysimba include improved patient adherence to the medication regimen, as fewer daily doses are easier to remember and manage. The steady release of medication can also lead to a better patient experience, as it avoids the peaks and troughs in blood concentration associated with immediate-release formulations.
Mysimba is not exempt from side effects, including nausea, constipation, headache, dizziness, and dry mouth. More serious but less common side effects are increased blood pressure or heart rate, necessitating monitoring within a specialist weight management plan.
Rybelsus (semaglutide) is an innovative oral medication in the GLP-1 receptor agonist class, the same family as popular weight loss injections. As a tablet form of this medication, Rybelsus offers a needle-free alternative for those who prefer not to use injections.
Rybelsus works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone that naturally occurs in your body after eating, helping to regulate blood sugar levels and creates a feeling of fullness that reduces appetite. By slowing down stomach emptying, Rybelsus helps you feel satisfied for longer after meals, naturally reducing your overall food intake.
While Rybelsus is primarily licensed for managing type 2 diabetes, healthcare professionals may consider it for weight management in people with a BMI of 27 or above who have at least one weight-related health condition, like high blood pressure. The convenience of taking just one tablet daily, 30 minutes before food, makes it easier to fit into your daily routine compared to multiple daily tablets.
Users of Rybelsus typically experience a gradual weight loss that they can maintain with continued use under medical supervision. Like other weight loss medications, Rybelsus works best when combined with a healthy, balanced diet and regular physical activity.
Common side effects include digestive issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, which often improve as your body adjusts to the medication. Taking Rybelsus as directed – on an empty stomach with a small amount of water and waiting 30 minutes before eating – helps maximise its effectiveness and reduce the likelihood of side effects.
Weight loss injections, such as Wegovy, Mounjaro and Saxenda, mimic the action of the GLP-1 receptor hormone. This helps to lower blood sugar levels and promotes feeling fuller for longer, reducing overall calorie intake and supporting weight loss.
There are some potential side effects associated with weight loss injections, which range from mild gastrointestinal issues to more severe conditions like pancreatitis and gallbladder problems.
People might choose weight loss injections over tablets for their convenience and effectiveness. Injections often provide a more sustained release of medication, leading to potentially better appetite control and longer-lasting effects. Those who have difficulty adhering to a daily pill regimen may find the weekly or monthly injection schedule more manageable and less intrusive to their daily lives.
Some individuals may prefer weight loss tablets over injections due to their non-invasive nature, avoiding the discomfort or anxiety associated with needles. Tablets can also offer more flexibility in dosage adjustments and are often seen as a less intimidating first step into medically assisted weight management.
If you’re exploring weight loss tablets or other prescription weight loss medications, our team is ready to provide guidance and practical solutions. With our convenient online weight loss treatment clinic, accessing the support and treatments you need has never been easier. Buy weight loss tablets online with Click2Pharmacy and take the step to a healthier you by managing weight loss effectively and safely.
