Available Treatments
We offer the following treatments to support your weight loss journey. All prescriptions are subject to approval by our prescriber after completing your medical consultation form. Please select a treatment below to learn more.
Understanding weight loss
Many people try crash diets and exercise plans and still struggle to lose weight. It’s frustrating, so alternatives such as prescription treatments can help shift excess weight. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any programme or medication.
Weight-loss treatments we provide
At Pharmacy Online, we stock a range of medicines including injectable treatments like Wegovy and Saxenda, and oral options such as Orlistat and Xenical.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI is weight (kg) divided by height (m)². It’s a quick screening tool to see if you’re underweight, a healthy weight, overweight, or obese. It has limitations (e.g., high muscle mass), so use it alongside clinical advice.
- Underweight: < 18.5
- Healthy weight: 18.5–24.9
- Overweight: 25.0–29.9
- Obesity: ≥ 30.0
Causes of excess weight
Excess weight usually results from a mix of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors.
- Genetics: Predisposition to weight gain, appetite and metabolism differences.
- Diet & nutrition: High-sugar drinks, energy-dense foods, emotional eating.
- Physical activity: Fewer calories burned leads to gradual gain.
- Stress & mental health: Hormonal changes and comfort eating; some medicines affect weight.
- Sleep: Poor sleep disrupts hunger hormones and can increase intake.
Health risks associated with obesity
- Heart disease & stroke due to atherosclerosis risk
- Type 2 diabetes via insulin resistance
- Sleep apnoea
- Cancers (e.g., breast, colon, endometrial)
- Osteoarthritis and joint pain
- Mental health—depression, anxiety, low self-esteem
- Fertility issues and pregnancy complications
The benefits of losing weight
- Lower blood pressure and cholesterol
- Better control of blood sugar and reduced diabetes risk
- Lower risk of certain cancers
- Improved mood and self-esteem
Ways to lose weight
Diet & nutrition
Choose nutrient-dense foods (veg, fruit, lean proteins, whole grains, healthy fats). Watch portion sizes.
Physical activity
Combine cardio and resistance training. Pick activities you enjoy so they stick.
Behaviour change
Plan meals, schedule activity, and use stress-management strategies that don’t involve food.
Medication for weight loss
Medicines can support clinically significant, sustained loss when lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough. They’re not a magic pill and work best alongside diet and activity.
Important: Not suitable for everyone. Share your full medical history with a healthcare professional.
Risks & side effects
Some medicines have contraindications (certain conditions or interacting drugs). Rarely, allergic reactions can occur (rash, swelling, severe dizziness, breathing difficulty). Seek urgent help if this happens.
About the medicines we stock (Wegovy, Saxenda, Orlistat)
Wegovy (semaglutide)
Weekly GLP-1 injection for adults with obesity/overweight and a related risk (e.g., type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol). Titrates from 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg over several months. Not suitable with history of pancreatitis, medullary thyroid cancer, or allergy to semaglutide.
Saxenda (liraglutide)
Daily GLP-1 injection that similarly reduces appetite. Typically results in less weight loss than Wegovy. Avoid with history of pancreatitis, medullary thyroid cancer, or allergy to liraglutide.
Orlistat (Xenical/Alli)
Oral lipase inhibitor taken with meals; blocks ~30% of dietary fat absorption. Not suitable for some with kidney stones or liver problems, or allergy to ingredients.
Always discuss suitability and dosing with a clinician before starting any medicine.