Weight Loss Drugs

[BasicMadeira]

Hi all, well I am really struggling to shift the extra 2 stone I lug about me. I know I over eat and have bad habits but I can’t seem to stick to diets. I try I really do but I fail constantly. Has anyone any experience of approaching their doctor for these weight loss jabs? Any experience of the various beyond bmi type companies either. Any advice you can offer? Asking specifically for Irish health experience. TQ

In the same boat so hopefully you get some replies

I’ve been told by my GP the NHS will not prescribe GLP1 meds for weight loss regardless of BMI. Only for diabetes. Not sure if it’s different in Ireland.

Worth asking your gp but as far as I am aware they are only recommended for people who are clinically obese as part of a weight loss plan and they are closely monitored, not for just shifting a couple of stone

Thanks all. I thought it was more widespread than that . Definitely different in Ireland as we pay for our medications so I think they have more flexibility with what they can do and offer. When I heard it shuts down the food noise I completely understood what was going on with me all the time- food noise. Will let you know how I get on @wobblyweewoman

Responding from the ROI here

My dad suffered with obesity for years and had to try various dieticians etc through the GP in ROI before he could go on the injections.

He eventually went on the injections, but they made him really ill, his quality of life was not good. He lost about 2 stone in 6 months before he unexpectedly passed away.

A friend recently approached her GP about them and he said she could only go on them if she had diabetes.

If you can get them then do it. Mounjaro is what most family and friends are using. It’s a game changer.

Hey, I've used TribElle, which is an online pharmacy for women. They supply Mounjaro. Ask them if you're eligible.

I’m on them. In in NI so buy them myself. I’ve lost three stone. Minimal side effects.

I'm in Dublin so hopefully can help.
I tried Ozempic back in 2022, but because of the shortages I couldn't get it, so had to give up.
In February this year I went to my GP and asked him for Mounjaro. He tried to get me to try Saxenda, but as it's a daily injection and there are a lot of hoops to jump through to get approved by HSE, I said that I wanted Mounjaro instead. He was very good...he didn't know anything about it, so went off and researched it and said yes a couple of days later. I was on 2.5mg for a month, then 5mg for a month, then 7.5mg. I've lost over two stone so far, and find it great. Yes I've had some side effects, but nothing I can't handle. My food noise has been switched off, and I understand what actual hunger is now.
As for actually getting it, I send my prescription to a chemist in Northern Ireland and they courier it down to me. It's a lot cheaper than buying at home.

I am so sorry to hear about your dad @Imperfectpolly thank you for responding everyone else. May I ask if your bmi was 30 or over @magicstar1? I will have a look at tribelle @YourQuickBee I spoke to beyond bmi today and it is 150 per month for support from a dietitian, coach and appointments and check up with docs every three months. I think a cbt therapist may be helpful alongside more than coaches and dietitians.

Hi Magicstar, would you mind if I dm you for details on how you get it sent from the north . Currently getting from Zava, very easy process but your bmi does need to be over 30, it’s also quite expensive so love the idea of ordering from the north if possible

I used my-bmi.ie and would highly recommend the service. There is another thread here where it was recommended

Could you skip over the border to Newry/Strabane or Derry. Quite a few chemists prescribe it. I am mounjaro, 2.5 stone off.

I just get my prescription on paper and send it to the chemist. Unfortunately, the one I use has just stopped taking on new customers. Their name was shared all over TikTok and they’ve been inundated with enquiries.

Hi @Ello27 how does my bmi work? I was getting my Wegovy from virtual slimming clinic but they can no longer deliver to Ireland my go won’t prescribe me anything - any help appreciated I’m in the roi too

Hi @magicstar1

I’m in Cork and saw my GP today and she’s referred me to a chemist in Newry, Co. Down. NI.

Apparently, they will post it down here using DPD and I wondered if this was who you were using?

I gather from my GP that she’s referred a few patients this way as she says the current rules make it almost impossible for most obese Irish women to qualify for free treatment under the HSE. That’s because the rules appear to favour men as they are more likely to suffer from the specified additional issues you have to suffer from as well as being seriously overweight. 🤯

Hey, my chemist is in Tyrone, but aren’t taking any new customers. I get it sent by DPD too and it’s grand. I just buy one month at a time. Mounjaro isn’t available free from HSE unless you’re diabetic, so it’s much cheaper to get it up North. The two drugs on HSE are Ozempic and Saxenda. My GP said the same as yours….that it’s almost impossible to meet the criteria.

I’m down 65lb so far - it’s absolutely amazing.

Wow, you’re doing brilliantly. Definitely gives me hope. 👍

Reading with interest. Am in ROI and my GP says I'm not heavy enough but I'm just borderline the BMI and that's only cos I lost a few lbs recently! I'm a bit annoyed to be honest because I think I'd be a good candidate for it. I met a friend recently who is smaller than me although she has gained a bit recently and said her GP is putting her on injections. No medical issues different from me, i dont know why she got it. I know I won't qualify through HSE but don't mind paying money for it, I pay a nutritionist or diet club every week for the past 4 years or so, it adds up. I didn't push it with GP just asked casually, I haven't investigated fully. If I lost 20 to 30lbs it would be a life changing experience.

@Dontlletmedownbruce

I have a high BMI but no other co-morbidities so don’t qualify under HSE rules, but my female GP was very supportive.

She gave me a prescription letter (free as covered by my medical card) and I have bought MJ from McKeevers in Armagh,NI.

I’m really pleased as they sent me an email today about re-ordering and their new prices and the increase is much less than I expected for the smaller doses. Was £145 and increasing to £169 for the 2.5mg dose pen.
£145 up to £189 for 5mg pen.

Thank you all for this info. I put weight loss to the back of my mind trying to just live and not be consumed with thoughts of losing weight .