Question 1

Which peptide-based weight-loss medicines are licensed in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Three GLP-1 receptor agonists for chronic weight management: Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg, NICE TA875), Mounjaro (tirzepatide, NICE TA1026), and Saxenda (liraglutide 3 mg daily, narrower NICE criteria). All are MHRA-licensed prescription-only medicines.

Question 2

How much weight loss do these medicines produce?

Accepted Answer

Trial averages: Wegovy ~15% mean body weight at 68 weeks. Mounjaro ~22% at 72 weeks. Saxenda ~5-8% at 56 weeks. Individual responses vary considerably; lifestyle context matters.

Question 3

Can I get a GLP-1 on the NHS?

Accepted Answer

Wegovy and Mounjaro are NHS-available through specialist weight-management services where you meet NICE eligibility criteria (BMI ≥35 with comorbidity, or ≥30 in some ethnic groups). Wait times vary substantially by region. See /glp-1-centre/nhs-access.

Question 4

What is 'compounded semaglutide'?

Accepted Answer

Pharmacy-compounded versions of semaglutide marketed as a cheaper Wegovy alternative. The UK 'specials' framework is narrow and prescriber-led; compounded semaglutide marketed on price is an MHRA enforcement priority. Identity, sterility, and concentration are not equivalent to licensed product. See /legal/compounded-peptides-uk.

Question 5

Is retatrutide available?

Accepted Answer

No — not licensed anywhere in the world at the time of writing. Phase 3 trials are ongoing. The only lawful UK access is clinical-trial enrolment. Grey-market 'retatrutide' has unverifiable identity. See /stacks/claim-reviews/retatrutide-grey-market.

Question 6

What about AOD-9604 and HGH Fragment for fat loss?

Accepted Answer

Both failed to progress as licensed obesity treatments. AOD-9604 failed Phase 3 obesity development. Marketing as 'targeted fat loss' or 'lean-mass preservation' is not supported by Phase 3 outcome data. See /stacks/claim-reviews/aod-9604-fat-loss.

Question 7

What side effects are common on GLP-1s?

Accepted Answer

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, decreased appetite, fatigue. Dose-related; often improve over weeks. Red flags: severe abdominal pain (pancreatitis), right upper abdominal pain (gallbladder), severe mood changes. See /faq/side-effects.

Question 8

Can I lose weight without medicine?

Accepted Answer

Yes — sustained calorie deficit, dietary pattern change, resistance training, aerobic activity, sleep optimisation, behaviour-change support. NHS Tier 2 weight-management programmes (12-week behavioural support) are free via GP referral for eligible patients.

Question 9

What weight returns after stopping a GLP-1?

Accepted Answer

Trial data shows partial weight regain after discontinuation in most patients. The medicines treat ongoing biology; stopping them removes the treatment effect. This is true for any chronic-condition pharmacotherapy.

Question 10

Are there UK NHS bariatric surgery options?

Accepted Answer

Yes — for BMI ≥40 (or ≥35 with comorbidities), after specialist multidisciplinary assessment. Sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass are the most common. Discuss with your GP if you may meet criteria.

Weight-loss peptides — frequently asked questions

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Weight-loss peptides — frequently asked questions

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