@Alexandra84
-with a bmi of 32, would I be prescribed it?
Yes. The criteria is a BMI of 30 or over, or 27 or over with a weight related health condition or 27 or over whilst being one of a list of ethnicities where obese is classed as 27 or over. So you qualify.
I don't mind paying, I would just like to source the way that has the most health checks-if any?
-what health checks are done?
You will have to pay and get a private prescription. The NHS essentially don’t prescribe WLI, except for a few people who have been referred to the highest tiers of weight management programmes because the lower tiers have not worked (diet, weight loss groups etc) and they still have a very high BMI and several weight related health issues like T2 diabetes, high BP, sleep apnoea etc.
You don't need any health checks to start this medication. A few of the online pharmacies offer blood tests before you start, Shemed is one and I think Numan offer them too. You give your full medical history when you apply online, plus photos or a video consult to show your weight and height.
-can I really just send my details online & have it approved?
Yes, as long as you don’t have any contra-indications which will be checked when you fill out the forms.
-why do people move up dosages? Is 2.5 sufficient, and will have fewer side effects (the hair loss reports are a worry
People move up doses because it’s the recommended schedule from the medication manufacturer, as shown by all their research. People lost the most weight on the 10 and 15mg dose. The 2.5mg dose has been shown not to produce significant weight loss for the majority, so it is usually just an initial step to move onto the 5mg dose, which is the first dose level where significant weight loss was shown. Some people stay on that dose, but if you’re not losing a reasonable amount of weight then you move up until you reach a dose that works for you. The 7.5mg and 12.5mg doses were not studied long term so they are usually seen as step up doses to reach the 10 or 15mg dose. But, if they’re working for you, you can stay on them.
Side effects can happen at any point. Some people don’t get them, some get them straight away. Hair loss is down to weight loss not the medication itself, although some people feel it is down to that. I had some hair loss, it stopped on its own and it’s fine now.
Would you recommend?
Yes, as long as you’re realistic about what this medication is, and that it’s a long term process not a short term rapid solution. People seem to want to lose huge amounts immediately and are disappointed when they’re “only” losing 2 or 3 pounds a week. The expected weight loss is 1 to 2 pounds per week on average, and the first 4 weeks of 2.5mg may not produce any weight loss at all. You might get side effects, they are usually mild, manageable and not long lasting. You can try to help as much as possible by eating healthily, often low carb higher protein seems to work for people.
My BMI was 50 when I started. I’ve lost just over 8 stone so far, so it’s been life changing for me in a multitude of ways. My health and fitness are vastly improved, my blood pressure is down hugely when it was high even when medicated previously.