Medicated Weight Loss Service

Medicated Weight Loss Service

At Peak Pharmacy we care about your health, and it’s well-known that maintaining a healthy weight is a great way to ensure you stay fit and healthy.  This is why Peak Pharmacy has launched a medicated weight loss program.  

An unhealthy lifestyle has strong links to conditions like Type 2 Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease and Musculoskeletal problems like arthritis.  It’s also common to see complications like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and some cancers.

Our service is not just medication, because we firmly believe that you cannot tackle weight gain and obesity through medication alone. 

Weight gain should be tackled holistically, with a view to each and every patient’s individual’s lifestyle.  This means addressing diet and exercise with support and positive reinforcement so you can reach your goals.  The addition of the injectable weight-loss treatment will complement the lifestyle changes, helping you reach, and maintain a healthy weight.

What is Medicated Weight Loss?

The service uses a prescription only injectable medicine to supress your appetite, in turn reducing your food intake.  If used in conjunction with a healthy calorie controlled diet and increased exercise sustained healthy weight loss can be achieved. 

Who is it suitable for?

Our service is suitable for patients:

• Ages 18 – 75 years old
• Have a BMI over 30
• Or a BMI over 27 with conditions made worse by weight gain such as a heart condition

How much does it cost?

The service costs £260 per month.  For this you get:

• Your medication Saxenda,

• Access to the Liva app (ios and android),

• Regular motivational follow ups with our pharmacists. 

• Needles and Sharps Bins – which can be returned to your pharmacist for safe disposal.

After 12 weeks, a full review of your weight loss will be carried out to see how successful the treatment has been.

Our Service

Do I need to book an appointment?

The service is appointment only.  This is to ensure our team can give you the care attention you need to succeed.

You can schedule your appointment by booking online or phoning one of our participating pharmacies.

What happens at the appointment?

The first appointment is the most in depth.  The first appointment will typically last 30 minutes. 

Our pharmacists will also ask for some information about you, any current medical conditions before also taking your weight and measuring your height.  This will help them calculate your BMI.

It’s at this appointment where you’ll be taught how to safely administer Saxenda, and receive the sharpsbin to dispose of the needles safely. 

You’ll also be introduced to Liva, and be given information about the medicated weight loss program.

Our pharmacists will also ask for some information about you, any current medical conditions before also taking your weight and measuring your height.  This will help them calculate your BMI.

What support will I get?

No one ever said weight loss was easy, but we want you to succeed, and in order to succeed you will need support.  That’s why our team promise to keep in touch regularly during your first month, with an initial face to face meeting, 3 weekly telephone follow ups and monthly face to face meetings thereafter. 

Lifestyle changes are never straightforward but with friendly helpful advice from our pharmacists and your new pocket companion Liva, we know you can do it.

The Injection

What’s in the weight loss injection?

The weight loss injection is called Saxenda.  Saxenda which contains the active ingredient Liraglutide and is licenced for weight management in combination with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity. 

How does the weight loss injection work?

Saxenda works by helping to reduce your appetite, making you feel more full and satisfied after a meal.  A calorie controlled diet with increased levels of activity is key to using the stored fat and Saxenda is your partner to help achieve this.  Patients who have used Saxenda report increased fullness after a meal with less food eaten. 

Are there any side effects?

Saxenda is associated the following very common (>1 in 10) and common (>1 in 100) side effects:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach Upset
• Low Sugar levels
• Dizziness
• Sleeplessness
• Dry Mouth
• Indigestion
• Stomach discomfort
• Tenderness, redness at the injection site
• Tiredness
• Lack of energy

The above side effects are the most common side effects, a more extensive list of the more uncommon adverse effects can be found in the patient information leaflet.  It is important to note that whilst these events can occur, most people do not have significant side effects.  If you are concerned your pharmacist will be able to answer your questions. 

How long can I use Saxenda for?

The initial course is 12 weeks, but Saxenda can be used for longer if needed to help maintain weight loss.  Our pharmacist’s will regularly review your weight and BMI to makes sure you are reaching your goals. 

Liva App – What is it?

All users of Peak Pharmacy’s Medicated Weight Loss programme get complimentary access to Liva healthcare.

Liva, is an app available for iOS and Android users that gives subscribed users access to the following features/benefits:

• Stay motivated to meet your goals
• Monitor your health goals, eg Steps, Sleep, Exercise
• Tailored health plans
• Get free access to a Liva Health Coach for tailored help and advice on lifestyle changes. Your coach can help you via video chat, photos or text.
• Set reminders to use your medication
• and so much more.

Why not have not check out the Liva healthcare website for more information?

Access to Liva is sponsored by our Novo Nordisk. Free access to all the functionality is available until 31/7/21.

Are there any other options?

If Saxenda isn’t suitable for you then there are other options.  Why not have a chat with your GP? Or try an over the counter medicine like XLS-Medical? 

Most importantly, these medicines are just an aid to reaching your goals.  You won’t ever reach your goals without making changes to your lifestyle.  Start small, do more exercise than usual, perhaps make some small changes to your diet.  Even little changes to your lifestyle could start you on your journey to a healthier weight. 

Which pharmacies are offering the service?