New GLP-1 medication has launched in the UK

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
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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.