A Doctor's Complete Guide to Starting Weight Loss Injections in the UK

Welcome to the start of your treatment journey. Embarking on a new path to manage your weight is a significant step, and we are here to support you. We are fortunate to be in a time when we have these powerful medicines to help weight loss. We have seen the most success in our patients when combined with positive and sustainable lifestyle changes. We want you to succeed, we’ve created this guide for getting the most out of your treatment safely and effectively.

Understanding Your Dosing Schedule (Titration)

Your dose will start low and be gradually increased over several weeks or months. This process, called titration, is essential. It allows your body to adapt to the medication, which significantly reduces the intensity of potential side effects. Please follow the prescribed schedule and do not increase your dose faster than recommended. Some patients may even benefit from a slower titration, especially if you have troublesome side effects, talk to your doctor to see if this might work for you.

How to Manage Common Side Effects on Wegovy and Mounjaro

Most side effects are mild and tend to improve as your body adjusts. We’ve gathered a few tips that can make those first few weeks easier. If you are concerned about your side effects at any time please talk to your doctor for personalised advice.

Tips for Dealing with Nausea and Indigestion

Nausea is the most common side effect, it affects up to 70% of people. Eating smaller, blander meals (e.g., toast, rice, bananas) can help. To avoid indigestion and reflux, try to avoid very fatty, greasy foods and an excess of fizzy drinks. Over-the-counter indigestion remedies like Gaviscon can be used if needed.

Managing Constipation and Fatigue in the First Few Weeks

The medication can slows down your gut, and cause constipation. Ensure you are drinking plenty of water and eating high-fibre foods. If this isn’t enough, speak to your doctor about gentle remedies. Some patients also feel more tired initially; prioritising good sleep and gentle movement can help boost energy levels. Fruit is a great choice for people on these medicines, the natural sugars can give a good energy boost, plus fibre will help regulate your gut. Some people worry about the “sugar” in fruits, but it is not the same as sugars in processed foods. To get the most benefit eating fruit whole though is much better for you than juices or smoothies.

The Best Diet Plan for Weight Loss Injections

Your nutrition is vital for not just your long term success but also your overall health. These medicines will reduce your appetite, if you are eating much less than usual then it becomes even more important to choose the best foods for your body.

The Importance of Protein, Fibre, and Hydration

Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. This can also help with fatigue or feeling light-headed. Include fruit, vegetables, and whole grains to boost fibre, which supports gut health and energy. If you want to check your fibre intake, we’ve got a quick online score here, which is a good place to start. Prioritise protein-rich foods (e.g., chicken, fish, eggs, Greek yoghurt) in your meals and snacks, as protein helps you feel fuller for longer. We all know how important protein is for keeping a healthy muscle mass. When people lose a significant amount of weight they often lose muscle. Trying to minimise muscle loss is important, this is because in the long term a healthy muscle mass will help to ensure you have good metabolic health and stay a healthy weight. If you feel your appetite increasing then make sure you start with a high-protein food.

Foods and Drinks to Avoid to Minimise Side Effects

As mentioned, very fatty, greasy foods and sugary, fizzy drinks are common triggers for bloating, nausea, and indigestion. Listen to your body and take note of any foods that cause you discomfort.

A Note on Alcohol Consumption and Cravings

Be mindful of your alcohol consumption. Alcohol contains a significant number of calories which can hinder your progress. Furthermore, some people find their tolerance to alcohol changes, or that it can worsen side effects like acid reflux. Interestingly many patients report they don’t desire alcohol as much on these medicines. This is likely from how they affect our ‘reward’ pathways in the brain. We’ve seen similar positive effects on other addictions like gambling. Many people also notice their cravings or “food noise” are much less.

Lifestyle, Exercise, and Your Mental Wellbeing

We want our patients to be succesful for the long term. We have seen this is more likely to happen when these injections are used as part of a complete plan including your lifestyle, exercise and psychological wellbeing.

Finding an Exercise Routine That Works for You

Increasing your activity is crucial and can help you remain on the lowest effective dose. This isn’t just about going to the gym. Daily movement is very important, think about how you can make your life active, rather than just a few sessions per week. Take the stairs, go for a walk on your lunch break, or enjoy active hobbies. Every step counts!

What to Do When You Hit a Weight Loss Plateau

Weight loss is not always a straight line. It is normal to have weeks where your weight loss stalls. We recommend using other measurements alongside regular weigh-ins, simple at-home tests include measuring your waist and hips with a tape measure. There are also lots of great options for ‘smart’ scales that estimate body fat and muscle mass. Focus on “non-scale victories” like your clothes fitting better, having more energy, or improved health markers, and discuss any concerns with your doctor.

Navigating Social Events and Eating Out

Social events centred around food can feel challenging. Plan ahead: look at menus online to choose a lighter option, consider ordering a starter as your main course, eat slowly, and focus on the social connection rather than just the food.

Looking After Your Mental Health During Your Journey

Adjusting to changes in your body can be an emotional process. Be mindful of your mental health. Simple things like daily walks, talking to supportive friends, or seeking professional support can be incredibly beneficial. Some people find support from sharing their journey with friends, others prefer to keep it private. Either option is absolutely fine.

A Practical Guide to Your Medication

Here are the essential practicalities for handling your medication safely and confidently.

How to Inject Wegovy, Saxenda, and Mounjaro Safely

It is vital that your injections come from a regulated UK pharmacy to ensure they are genuine and safe. Using the correct injection site is also important for absorption and comfort. Please refer to the manufacturer’s official guidance for your specific medication.

• For Wegovy® (semaglutide): click here
• For Saxenda® (liraglutide): click here
• For Mounjaro® (tirzepetide): click here

Forgot Your Injection? What to Do for a Missed Dose

The advice for a missed dose varies between medications. Always refer to the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication for precise instructions, or contact us at the clinic if you are unsure.

Managing Your Prescriptions and Travelling with Your Medication

Always ensure you order your repeat prescriptions in good time, especially before holidays or if you are planning to travel. Our patients may contact us by email to reception@coynemedical.com with prescription requests. It is helpful to share an up-to-date weight at the same time so we can monitor your progress. We usually recommend a doctor’s review at least every 3 months to ensure you get the most from your medicines.

Safe Disposal: Using Your Sharps Bin Correctly

You must use a dedicated sharps bin to safely dispose of your used needles and pens. You can buy these easily through online retailers or from your pharmacy. When full sharps bins must be safely disposed of, your pharmacy or local council should be able to advise on how to do this.

Long-Term Success: Maintenance, Stopping, and Overall Health

Thinking about the future is an important part of your journey. Here’s how to plan for sustainable, long-term health.

Important Drug Interactions to Be Aware Of (Thyroid, HRT, etc.)

Ensure your doctor is aware of all medicines you take. These injections can affect the absorption of some oral medications, so it’s particularly important to discuss if you are taking medication for your thyroid, on HRT, or use the oral contraceptive pill.

Planning to Stop or Reduce Your Dose? Read This First.

As you approach your target weight, work with your doctor to create a plan. Some patients benefit from a slow dose reduction, while others may stay on a lower maintenance dose long-term to prevent weight regain. Having a robust plan for your nutrition and exercise is essential during this phase.

The Role of Vitamins and Long-Term Health Monitoring

If you are on the medication long-term, we may recommend occasional blood tests to check your nutritional status. A good quality multivitamin and a Vitamin D supplement are sensible for most, but please discuss this with your doctor first.

This is a collaborative journey. Please never hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns. We are here to help you achieve your health goals.