Another new starter with no idea where to start

[Sbera]

There’s probably a hundred of these threads but here I am, another person with no clue where to start or what to do first.

I have around 4 stone to loose (14stone and 5ft3 currently). I typically hate taking medicine or injections but I have tried for the past 3 years to shift some weight through diet and exercise and menopause is making this impossible. A kilo comes off and 2 more are going on.

I don’t want to see my GP and truthfully there’s probably a little shame to how I feel about it all.

I did a quiz on Voy which suggests I am eligible and to start with wegovy.

I’d be grateful for any advice or signposts to articles / threads that you think might be useful.

Get off Mumsnet and do some research online. There’s lots out there.

I chose Mounjaro rather than Wegovy because MJ seemed to produce better average weight-loss results and generally looked like the better option in terms of side effects.

But it is more expensive.

I use this website now to decide where is the cheapest to buy: https://monj.co.uk/mounjaro-price-comparison-by-monj/

Pick one, place an order and get started.

There’s one for WG too: https://igovy.co.uk/wegovy-price-comparison-uk/

My only regret? Not doing it earlier!

All the threads in this section are probably useful in some way or other.

Your BMI is 34.7 which means you are eligible for any of the GLP1 weight loss medications that are available (BMI over 30 is the main criteria). There’s no point going to see your GP, as the NHS have additional criteria for funding and management reasons, you’d need a BMI over 40 and 4 out of 5 specific weight related health issues.

Voy are expensive after the first month and operate a rolling subscription model which if you sign up for 3, 6 or 12 months they will charge you an early cancellation fee if you want to leave before the last month of the contract.

You can find a list of reputable online pharmacies at https://monj.co.uk/ which lists the prices for Mounjaro but has links to similar pages for Wegovy injections, Wegovy tablets and Foundayo tablets.

Mounjaro is the most effective (in terms of average weight lost on the clinical trials) but the most expensive. Wegovy injections and tablets are a bit less effective but also a bit cheaper. Foundayo is a little cheaper than Wegovy but less effective again than both of those.

Don’t overthink it. You’ll be eligible. Don’t fear side effects. Not everyone gets them. Don’t fear the needle, you can’t even feel it. Be prepared that 2.5mg might work really well or might do zilch until you get on to 5mg.

Thanks so much for the support. I have done some research actually, if you read my post it even quotes a specific place I have spent some time reading. I was interested in having some conversation to supplement my research which is why I turned here.

Have the best weekend 😘

Thank you so much, that is really useful as a starting point on the price comparison 🙏

And I’ve also asked for some extra signposting to things outside of mumsnet so if you do have anything useful I’d appreciate that too 🙏

Thank you. I appreciate the reply.

Is there any research on a sliding scale of how “bad” the side effects may be for each of the options?

That’s interesting, thanks.

So there is a world where the first month does nothing until the dose gets upped?

The clinical trials for each medication report in depth about side effects. The Asda Online Doctor website has lots of clear and well evidenced articles about weight loss medication. Here’s one that includes a summary of side effects:

https://onlinedoctor.asda.com/uk/wegovy-vs-mounjaro-vs-ozempic.html

In general side effects are similar because they are all affecting your system in a similar way. Most people don’t get severe or serious side effects, they are rare. Side effects are usually mild and manageable and associated with starting treatment and then moving up doses. Longer term they usually settle down.

That's common for all of the GLP1s. Most people get some small effect from the lower doses but some get none. Expect and prepare to have to go up to the top dose potentially. My advice is plan your food from day one. Don't rely on the drug to do the work for you. That will work for a while but not for the long term.

That’s great, thank you and I appreciate the link.

For some people 2.5mg does nothing, it’s not designed to really, it’s meant to get you ready.

My own experience is different, I lost 12lb on 2.5mg, I responded very well, and you might too, but just don’t be despondent if you don’t.

Im on Wegovy tablets and have lost 1.5st since starting in July when they were first launched. I have found them to be very good and have had no side effects, but you do have to take them under fairly strict guidelines for them to be effective, because they are absorbed in your gut unlike the injections and so, you need to strictly follow the proscribed 30 min non-eating or drinking rule after taking them ... However, I have found that you actually really need longer for them to work properly. I've linked a thread, I started which links an article about this which gives evidence to say you should really wait up to 90 minutes. But if you can fit that into your lifestyle then I'd definitely recommend the tablets.
I buy mine from Asda and have found them to be good and price competitive. Although the cost does rise as you triate up through the dosages.
Hope this is useful OP .

Here is my link to my thread with article link:. ( its from Simple Pharmacy, not Asda, but looks well evidenced, and I have been following their 90 min guidline by taking my tablet early in the morning, and have had very good appetite suppression on both 4mg and 9mg tablets. You start on 1.5mg and build up. I did however lose right from the first week.
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight-loss-injections/5569614-wegovy-tablets-the-possible-benefit-of-extending-the-30-minute-window?reply=154364644

Thank you
I really appreciate the info from someone who chose tablets

Thank you. I really appreciate you taking the time to post.

For those quoting weight loss in the first month does/ on the first dose. How much did you up your exercise as well?

What do you do about getting rid of the pens after? Do I need to get a sharps bin or does that come with the pens?

@Sbera the pen needles which are single use and attach/detach from the pens go in a sharps bin. How to dispose of that when full can be tricky, depending on where you are.

The pens themselves can go in household waste. Wegovy pens can be sent back to Novo Nordisk to be recycled, I think.

@Sbera sorry, forgot to say that most pharmacies include a sharps bin with your first order or let you add one to your order.

Use monj.co.uk to find the best price and switch supplier each month

Be prepared financially to be on it for the long run, the prices do increase as you go up the doses!

Manage the side effects as and when / if you get them

Don’t expect it to be a magic bullet, you have to make changes too.

Good luck! I was 14st 5lb and 5ft4 when I started. I’m down to 11st8lb and settling here for a while as I want a weight I can maintain and I’ve ran out of money. I still feel too big but can’t believe how big I was the looking back at photos. Well worth the money.

I haven't upped exercise at all. Im not sporty or enjoy exercise classes but only walk and cycle . But unfortunately because I have had an attack.of Mortons Neuroma ( nerve swelling in foot ) from previous to starting tablets I really haven't been able to do much of that (Tbh I have also not given up white wine at weekends either. ) But am now only eating 2 meals a day , Brunch and dinner and feeling full on just that. Also cut a lot carbs, ( not all, I still have oats and new potatoes etc) so mainly eatong protein and veg but that because I'm not so hungry, and its important to get the right nutrients so you don't lose muscle

Thank you for starting this thread @Sbera , I wish you all the best. I’m in a very similar situation to you but I think mentally you are one step further on than I am. Wishing you the best 😊

To the person who told you to get off mumsnet and do some research.. nope.. mumsnet is full of very good research and info from people who are on it. There is loads of helpful information here..

Monj website will give you the prices for mounjaro and there are other websites for the other drug prices.

Are you trying to get Mumsnet to close down? 😀😀