Weight Management

Losing weight through diet and exercise alone can be a long and difficult road for many people, particularly where underlying biology, hormones, or years of yo-yo dieting are working against you. For a growing number of patients, medicated weight loss offers a genuinely effective and evidence-based route forward, provided it is managed safely and properly.

At Junction Pharmacy in Brixton, London, we offer private, medically supervised weight loss treatment using Mounjaro and Wegovy, supported by an in-person consultation with our clinical team from the very first appointment.

We understand that starting this kind of treatment can feel like a big decision, which is why our approach is built around clear information, honest expectations, and ongoing clinical support rather than a one-off prescription.

If you would like to find out whether medicated weight loss is right for you, our pharmacists are here to talk it through.

Contact Us To Discuss Your Options

How Mounjaro And Wegovy Work

Both Mounjaro and Wegovy belong to a group of medicines that mimic hormones your gut naturally releases after eating. These hormones tell your brain that you are full, slow down how quickly food leaves your stomach, and reduce the constant background noise of hunger that makes dieting so hard to sustain long term. In simple terms, they help you feel fuller for longer and reduce the urge to snack or overeat, which makes it easier to stick to a lower calorie intake without constantly fighting your own appetite.

• – Wegovy contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It works by acting on GLP-1 receptors in the brain and gut, slowing digestion and reducing appetite signals.
• – Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, which acts on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. This dual mechanism is thought to be why some patients see slightly greater average weight loss with Mounjaro compared with Wegovy, although individual response varies considerably.
• – Both medications are given as a once-weekly injection, using a simple pre-filled pen device that most patients learn to self-administer at home after their first supervised dose in clinic.
• – Neither medication is a “quick fix” on its own. They work best as part of a wider plan that includes changes to diet, activity, and daily habits, which we support you with throughout treatment.

A Wegovy tablet was approved for use in the UK in June 2026, offering an oral alternative for patients who prefer not to inject. This is a welcome development for people who find needles difficult or who have a strong preference for tablets over injections. At present, our clinic in Brixton, London focuses on the injectable forms of Wegovy and Mounjaro, as these have the longest established safety and effectiveness record in UK clinical practice. We are, however, happy to discuss the tablet option with you as availability develops, and to advise on whether it may become a suitable alternative for you in future.

How The Medications Compare

Choosing between Mounjaro and Wegovy is one of the most common questions we are asked during consultations. There is no single “better” option for everyone. The right choice depends on your medical history, how your body responds, your tolerance of side effects, and your personal goals. The table below gives a general overview to help you understand the key differences before your consultation.

Feature	Wegovy (semaglutide)	Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
Mechanism	GLP-1 receptor agonist	Dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist
Administration	Once weekly injection (tablet also now available in the UK)	Once weekly injection
Typical average weight loss*	Around 10 to 15% of body weight	Around 15 to 21% of body weight
Dose titration	Gradual, over several months	Gradual, over several months
Common side effects	Nausea, constipation, fatigue	Nausea, diarrhoea, reduced appetite
Best suited to	Patients who prefer a well-established treatment history and, in future, a tablet option	Patients seeking potentially greater average weight loss, subject to clinical suitability

*Figures are general averages from clinical trial data and should not be used to predict individual results.

Neither medication is inherently “stronger” or “safer” than the other. Both are licensed, well-studied treatments when prescribed appropriately. Your clinician in Brixton will talk through which option best fits your health profile and lifestyle before any prescribing decision is made.

Safety With A Registered Pharmacy

Weight loss injections are prescription-only medicines and should never be sourced without proper clinical oversight, whether from unregulated online sellers, social media adverts, or informal sources. Counterfeit and incorrectly stored pens are a genuine and growing safety concern in the UK, which is why choosing a registered pharmacy matters as much as choosing the right medication.

As a registered pharmacy in Brixton, London, we take this responsibility seriously.

• – Every new patient completes an in-person consultation before any prescription is issued, so we can properly assess suitability face to face rather than through a short online form.
• – We take a full medical history, including current medications, allergies, existing health conditions, and any relevant family history.
• – Your treatment plan is reviewed regularly, not just prescribed once and forgotten. This includes checking in on side effects, progress, and whether your dose remains appropriate.
• – We only supply genuine, correctly stored medication dispensed under proper pharmacy governance, giving you confidence in exactly what you are injecting.
• – You will always have a point of contact for questions between appointments, rather than being left to manage things alone.

According to NHS Digital’s Health Survey for England, over a quarter of adults in England are living with obesity, underlining why safe, regulated access to effective treatment matters so much on a national scale, not just for individual patients.

 

Who Can And Cannot Use These Medications

Eligibility is assessed individually at your consultation in Brixton, London, but general guidance includes the following.

Generally suitable for: adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27 or above with a weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.

Not suitable for: those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or actively trying to conceive, as these medications have not been established as safe in pregnancy.

Not suitable for: people with a personal or family history of certain thyroid cancers, or endocrine conditions such as Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2).

Caution required: patients with a history of pancreatitis, severe gastrointestinal disease, gallbladder problems, or diabetic retinopathy should discuss this fully and honestly with our clinical team.

Caution required: patients taking certain other medications, particularly some diabetes treatments, may need adjustments to avoid interactions.

This list is not exhaustive, and it is not intended as a substitute for a full assessment. A thorough clinical review during your consultation is what ultimately determines whether treatment is appropriate and safe for you as an individual.

Realistic Expectations: Timeline And Results

One of the most important parts of any consultation is setting realistic expectations from the outset. Weight loss with Mounjaro or Wegovy is gradual and builds over several months, in step with a careful, structured dose titration schedule designed to minimise side effects.

• – Most patients notice reduced appetite within the first few weeks of starting treatment.
• – Meaningful, visible weight loss typically becomes noticeable from around three months onwards, as the dose increases.
• – Maximum results are usually seen between twelve and eighteen months of consistent treatment, alongside supportive lifestyle habits.
• – Weight loss is rarely linear. Plateaus, weeks of slower progress, and fluctuations are all a normal part of the process rather than a sign that treatment has failed.
• – Results vary considerably depending on starting weight, dose, adherence, diet, activity levels, and individual biology.

To get a rough, personalised sense of what might be achievable for you, try our weight loss calculator below. Please treat this as general guidance only, it cannot account for your full medical picture, so always reach out to our team in Brixton for a proper, personalised assessment.

Side Effects

As with any prescription medicine, side effects are possible, and being properly informed about them in advance is part of safe, responsible prescribing. Most side effects are mild to moderate and tend to settle over time as your body adjusts to treatment.

• – Nausea, particularly in the days following a dose increase
• – Constipation or diarrhoea, depending on the individual and the medication
• – Fatigue or low energy, especially in the early weeks
• – Reduced appetite, which is an expected and intended part of how the medication works
• – Occasional headaches or mild dizziness
• – Rarely, more serious effects such as pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, or severe allergic reactions

You will be given clear, written guidance on what to expect at each stage of treatment, alongside advice on when symptoms are normal and when they warrant contacting us urgently.

Lifestyle Changes That Support Your Treatment

Medication works best alongside sensible, sustainable lifestyle habits, not instead of them. Patients who combine treatment with the following changes tend to see steadier, longer-lasting results.

• – Prioritise protein and fibre at each meal to support fullness and help protect muscle mass as weight is lost
• – Stay well hydrated, particularly if your appetite is significantly reduced and you are eating less overall
• – Include some resistance exercise alongside cardiovascular activity, to help protect lean muscle as body weight decreases
• – Aim for consistent, good quality sleep, as poor sleep can disrupt appetite-regulating hormones and undermine progress
• – Eat slowly and mindfully, since reduced appetite can sometimes mean smaller windows in which nausea or fullness are noticeable
• – Build habits gradually rather than overhauling everything at once, so changes are more likely to stick beyond the treatment period

How We Support You

Our approach in Brixton, London goes beyond simply writing a prescription and sending you on your way.

• – An in-person consultation before starting treatment, so we can assess you properly rather than relying on an online questionnaire alone
• – Regular clinical reviews to monitor progress, discuss any side effects, and adjust dose where clinically appropriate
• – Direct access to our pharmacy team for questions between appointments, rather than waiting weeks for your next scheduled visit
• – Ongoing support through plateaus, side effects, life changes, or anything else that affects your progress along the way
• – Guidance on maintaining results and planning any future dose changes, should you and your clinician decide treatment needs to be adjusted or stepped down

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly will I lose weight on Mounjaro or Wegovy?

Most patients begin to notice changes within the first month, with more significant results developing over three to six months as the dose is gradually increased under clinical supervision.

Can I choose between Mounjaro and Wegovy?

In many cases, yes. Your suitability, medical history, and personal preference will be discussed at your consultation to help decide which option is the right fit for you.

Do I need to inject myself?

Yes, both medications are self-administered once weekly using a pre-filled pen. We will show you exactly how to do this safely and confidently at your first appointment, with ongoing support if you need it.

Is the Wegovy tablet available at Junction Pharmacy?

The Wegovy tablet was approved for UK use in June 2026. We are closely monitoring its availability and rollout and can discuss this option with you directly as it becomes established.

What happens if I experience side effects?

Contact our team promptly. Most side effects are manageable and often improve with time or minor adjustments, and your clinician can advise on managing symptoms or reviewing your dose if needed.

Will I regain weight if I stop treatment?

Weight regain is possible if medication is stopped without a clear plan for maintenance. This is why ongoing support, gradual dose planning, and lifestyle habits built during treatment all matter so much.

Is this service private, or available on the NHS?

This is a private service. NHS availability for weight loss medication is limited and criteria-based, so many patients in London choose private treatment for faster, more flexible access. Read more via NHS guidance on obesity treatment.

How long will I need to stay on treatment?

This varies by individual. Some patients remain on treatment for a year or more to reach and stabilise at their goal weight, while others taper down once results are achieved. Your clinician will discuss a realistic plan with you.

What if I have a needle phobia?

This is common and understandable. Our team can talk you through the injection device, which is designed to be as straightforward as possible, and can support you through your first few doses until you feel confident.

Can I combine these medications with other weight loss approaches?

Yes, many patients combine medication with dietary changes, structured exercise, or wider lifestyle support. We can help you build an approach that works alongside your treatment.

Ready To Take The Next Step?

Medicated weight loss can be a genuinely effective option when it is managed safely, properly explained, and supported over the long term rather than treated as a quick fix. At Junction Pharmacy in Brixton, London, we combine clinical oversight, in-person consultations, and ongoing support to help you approach treatment with confidence rather than guesswork.

Whether you are just starting to explore your options or ready to book your first consultation, our team is here to answer your questions honestly and help you make an informed decision.

Call us on 02072747599, email junctionpharmacy@gmail.com, or explore our weight loss support services to find out more.

Disclaimer: This page is intended for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and should not replace a personalised consultation with your prescribing clinician or pharmacist. Suitability for treatment, expected results, and side effects vary between individuals and should always be discussed directly with a qualified healthcare professional.