New GLP-1 medication has launched in the UK
Start your weight loss journey with medication developed specifically for weight management


What does GLP-1 mean?
GLP-1 (otherwise known as glucagon-like peptide 1) medication is a class of drugs that describe GLP-1 receptor agonists. GLP-1s can be a weekly injectable medicine, some of which are developed specifically for weight loss, to regulate appetite and reduce food cravings. When used alongside a calorie deficit and exercise routine, they are proven to regulate appetite and reduce food cravings.
How do GLP-1 medications work?
When we eat, our bodies release a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 (otherwise known as GLP-1), which releases insulin, helps regulate blood sugar levels and induces satiety. In other words, it lets our brains know that we're full and that it's time to stop eating. The main ingredient present in some GLP-1 weight loss injections is able to mimic this natural hormone, helping to regulate your appetite and slow down your 'gastric mobility'. As a result, you consume fewer calories and, ultimately, reduce your body weight.
How effective are GLP-1 medications for weight loss?
A higher-dose of a type of GLP-1 medication it has been shown in clinical trials to be more effective for weight loss than some of its alternatives. The study from 2021 looked at 1,961 obese and overweight adults who were randomly assigned the GLP-1 injections or a placebo. After 68 weeks, those taking the GLP-1 lost an average of 15.3kg, whereas the placebo group lost an average of 2.6kg. It's important to mention that the participants also implemented lifestyle changes, particularly in their diet and exercise habits, which helped enhance the impact of GLP-1 medication as a weight loss drug.
How do I get GLP-1 Medication in the UK?
In 2023, the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommended Wegovy as a safe option for weight management in the UK.
Since GLP-1 medications are prescription-only, they aren't available over the counter. Instead, a doctor or pharmacist can prescribe GLP-1s through telehealth clinics, pharmacies, and GPs across the UK.
How the Juniper programme works
Take the quiz
Prescribers assess your eligibility
Express, discreet, delivery
1:1 Health coach support

The science behind
the medication
Juniper's clinically proven medication resets the body's
metabolic patterns for 10-15% weight loss in one year.
Slows stomach emptying
Slows the rate at which the stomach empties, helping you feel fuller for longer.

Suppresses appetite
Targets the reward centre of the brain, which limits cravings between meals.
Lowers your ‘set point’
Safely lowers your ‘set point’, which is the weight your body fights to maintain, according to your biology.
Why patients choose us
We’re grateful to be helping women
reach their weight goals every day.
FAQ
We believe that successfully keeping weight off is just as important as losing it in the first place.
That’s why we provide a holistic programme which focuses on three important areas:
1. A biological reset - we prescribe the latest available weight loss medication which targets the receptors in the brain that control your appetite. The medication works to lower your body’s ‘set point’, which is the weight it fights to maintain at a biological level. This helps you to lose weight.
2. A behavioural reset - our clinicians, health coaches and community supports you every step of the way. During the course of our programme you’ll learn sustainable nutritional, exercise and lifestyle choices, tracking your progress to help you form long term habits that stick. This will not only help you lose weight, but keep it off for good.
3. Our community - Research shows that people in group communities achieve greater weight loss than those who do it alone. That’s why we’re here – we’re dedicated to helping women to make lifestyle changes that are often difficult to achieve on their own.
The starting dose is 0.25mg and you will gradually increase your dose. The highest available dose is 2.4mg in weekly injections. You'll work closely with your prescriber to determine the appropriate dosage at specific points during your treatment. Pens titrate up from 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1.0mg, 1.7mg, and 2.4mg.
As with most prescription medications, weight loss medication can cause some side effects or allergic reactions. Mild and temporary side effects (as your body adjusts to the treatment) are expected in 1 in 10 (or 10%) of patients.
Common side effects, for the minority of patients that experience them, are mild and temporary and include:
- loss of appetite
- nausea (feeling sick)
- vomiting (being sick)
- dizziness
- fatigue
- headache
- abdominal pain
- acid reflux / heartburn
- diarrhea or constipation
- burping and flatulence
Note: Many of these side effects are caused by knock-on impacts rather than the medication itself. For example vomiting or diarrhea can lead to dehydration which presents itself as a headache and fatigue. It’s important to make sure you continue to hydrate and eat balanced regular meals throughout the day whilst taking the medication.
If you do experience any of these side effects, our team is here to help you. Contact us at hello@myjuniper.co.uk and we’ll be able to advise you on the best course of action to mitigate your symptoms, or arrange a consult with your clinician to review your dosage and treatment plan. Should your side effects be acute, or if you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (such as swelling of your face, lips or throat, problems breathing or swallowing or a rapid heartbeat), we recommend seeking immediate medical assistance through your GP or nearest A&E service.
Here is a more comprehensive guide on side effects.
In 2022, the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) approved and recommended a GLP-1 treatment licensed for obesity as a safe option for weight management in the UK. Since these are prescription-only medicines, they aren't available over the counter. Instead, a doctor or pharmacist can prescribe GLP-1 treatments, which are available through telehealth clinics, pharmacies, and GPs across the UK.
After you stop taking the medication it can take your body around 4-5 weeks to fully clear from your system. This means that you may still experience some of the side effects during this period.
It's essential to maintain the healthy behavioural, nutritional and movement habits that you’ll develop during the Juniper Programme in order to sustain your achieved weight loss.
A study from 2021 looked at 1,961 obese and overweight adults who were randomly assigned GLP-1 injections or a placebo. The results speak for themselves: after 68 weeks, those taking a GLP-1 medication lost an average of 15.3kg, whereas the placebo group lost an average of 2.6kg. It's important to mention that the participants also implemented lifestyle changes, particularly in their diet and exercise habits, which helped enhance the impact of GLP-1s as a weight loss drug.