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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask GP for Wegovy weight loss injections

59 replies

FattyGonzalez · 05/09/2023 21:37

Ok im a busy single mum, working full time along with running a business. Also have suspected ADHD. Ive tried every diet going but truth is, when i get stressed, eating healthy is the last thing on my mind. Sometimes eating is but then when i eat, its like eating the entire supermarket, i binge. Ive put myself to the back and i do anything for my children. Lifes just full on.

so currently 40 years old, 5ft 8, 17 stone and dress size 18. Bmi is 36 according to the nhs online calculator. Bloody obese.

am i being unreasonable to think the doctor would prescribe this for me?

OP posts:
bellac11 · 05/09/2023 21:42

If you're in teh UK then I dont think so because I dont think its licenced here for weight loss

GP is more likely to start you on orlistat (not sure how you spell it) and refer you to a weight management programme that will only offer you sessions that you cant make because you're either at work or need child care and then when you cant engage they'll say you werent committed or motivated so drop you off the programme.

Not that Im bitter or anything.....

caerdydd12 · 05/09/2023 21:42

A GP won't prescribe it, you'd need to be referred to a weight management service by your GP first. I'd be surprised if wegovy is their first action, clinical trials have supported up to 15% weight loss after a year but this is with diet and physical activity as well.

OnAMidnightTrainToGeorgia · 05/09/2023 21:45

You won't get a gp to prescribe it

You CAN buy wegovy yourself though via a private consultation

Riverlee · 05/09/2023 21:47

Ask your gp for a referral.

MyFuckRationsAreDepleated · 05/09/2023 21:47

GP’s can’t prescribe it. In my area there isn’t even currently a commissioned service they can refer to for it either.

HermioneWeasley · 05/09/2023 21:48

wegovy has just been licensed for weight loss in the UK, but I think NICE guidelines say you have to have a certain BMI plus a co morbidity such as heart disease or diabetes. Which is ridiculous because it would be far more cost effective for the NHS to prescribe it and avoid the co mordbidiites.

if you can afford it you can get it or ozempic on private prescription, though there are shortages

mummabubs · 05/09/2023 21:48

Personally I'd be reluctant as preliminary studies have suggested the majority of people regain the weight as soon as they stop using it. Likely because it works as an appetite suppressant, so doesn't change your diet habits or change what caused people to overeat in the first place.

bellac11 · 05/09/2023 21:55

GPs refer people to weight loss programmes all the time like slimming world etc, studies show that when people stop going to them or adhering to the principles they also put the weight back on, not sure what the point is of that post

The drug changes significantly what foods you find attractive and satiating, its not an appetite suppressant in the traditional sense, it works on your hormones and the hunger hormone which can control cravings and triggers for food noise. It dampens that down.

Original poster
FattyGonzalez · 05/09/2023 22:39

I read an article yesterday to say it has been approved in the UK. You have to have a bmi of 30+ or if not have a co morbidity eg diabetes.

OP posts:
TomatoSandwiches · 05/09/2023 22:44

Well, you can always ask and see.

Toddlerteaplease · 05/09/2023 22:44

I think it's extremely unlikely it will be available for people on the NHS without co morbidities.

MMorales · 05/09/2023 22:47

caerdydd12 · 05/09/2023 21:42

A GP won't prescribe it, you'd need to be referred to a weight management service by your GP first. I'd be surprised if wegovy is their first action, clinical trials have supported up to 15% weight loss after a year but this is with diet and physical activity as well.

This

You'd be referred to the weight loss service. Locally this medication isn't available yet through the service and the GP's can't prescribe it for weight loss.

The people who were taking it for the diabetes had to be stopped because it was out of stock. So even people with diabetes aren't getting this right now.

It's just soundbites from the government.

Dollydaydreeam · 05/09/2023 22:51

You can buy it online, boots or any other well-known pharmacy. Very expensive though, if your going to go back to your regular eating habits afterwards you would have just wasted your money. Better off trying to change your lifestyle and eating habits and save yourself 500 quid for a few months

SmokeMeAKipperIllBeBackForBreakfast · 05/09/2023 22:56

MMorales · 05/09/2023 22:47

This

You'd be referred to the weight loss service. Locally this medication isn't available yet through the service and the GP's can't prescribe it for weight loss.

The people who were taking it for the diabetes had to be stopped because it was out of stock. So even people with diabetes aren't getting this right now.

It's just soundbites from the government.

Show quote history

^ all of MMorales post.

theGooHasGone · 05/09/2023 22:58

You can't medicate away a bad diet.

egowise · 05/09/2023 23:11

NHS have stated they will only prescribe to those who are obese and with comorbidities. Also as part of weight management plan. You'll be expected to try other things first. So it would likely be at least 6 months to a year down the line it would be offered if you went to the GP today.

Original poster
FattyGonzalez · 05/09/2023 23:17

I know, i need to meal plan really. My kids eat well but it comes to me, i treat my body badly really. Its having the headspace. I have to make some time to exercise as well. Lifes complete madness at the moment but im fat and feel like shit. I guess im just looking for a quick fix

OP posts:
LivStanshall · 05/09/2023 23:29

There was a consultant on the news talking about it today. Apparently, there is a shortage and diabetic patients aren’t being prescribed it by the NHS because people in lesser need (her view) are taking all the supplies and they can’t guarantee diabetic and other patients in severe need will be able to get it from one prescription to another.

OnAMidnightTrainToGeorgia · 05/09/2023 23:46

@LivStanshall

That's ozempic not wegovy

MissBattleaxe · 06/09/2023 00:13

@OnAMidnightTrainToGeorgia yes but they do the same thing. There's a big ozempic shortage right now. Wegovy will fill the gap when it's up and running.

OP. YABU.

Frozensun · 06/09/2023 00:17

I’m currently using a similar drug (not in UK). I thought it’d be a ‘magic bullet’, but my take away - you MUST change your diet (I’m not talking restricting calories per se, but what you eat). It cuts your hunger, but if you stop it and return to ‘normal’ eating, the weight will increase again. It can help with hunger pangs while you work on a different way of eating.
And quick large weight loss can lead to gallstones, which a number of patients are reporting (any quick weight loss, not just this). Geez, I know it’s hard!

OnAMidnightTrainToGeorgia · 06/09/2023 00:40

Wegovy is up and running

Ordered mine yesterday

junbean · 06/09/2023 00:45

Be sure to research the side effects. It causes gastroparesis quite frequently. I actually have gastroparesis due to nerve damage from Covid. It’s horrific. Of all the symptoms I have from Covid this one is the worst. It’s ruining my life. It’s not worth to even risk it. Please do your research first! And try anything else you can before resorting to this.

HelenaHandbasket84 · 06/09/2023 00:46

It is really really not a magic bullet. I took it, only lost 10lbs over 5 months, felt absolutely shit on it, throwing up loads, barely eating and it took my gallbladder with it. I've regained all the weight back.

HollieHobbie · 06/09/2023 01:07

Have you considered the side effects?

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