Heath Pharmacy

We currently offer Mounjaro, Saxenda, Wegovy, Xenical (Orlistat), and Mysimba as weight loss treatments. The table below outlines key details about each option.

Feature	Saxenda (Liraglutide)	Wegovy (Semaglutide)	Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)	Orlistat (Alli/Xenical)	Mysimba (Naltrexone/Bupropion)
Drug Type	GLP-1 receptor agonist	GLP-1 receptor agonist	Dual GIP & GLP-1 receptor agonist	Lipase inhibitor	Dopamine/Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor + opioid receptor antagonist
How It Works	Slows digestion & reduces appetite	More potent appetite suppression & longer action	Targets two hormones (GIP + GLP-1) for superior appetite & blood sugar control	Blocks fat absorption in the intestines, reducing calorie intake	Reduces hunger & food cravings via the brain’s reward system
Dosing	Daily injection	Once-weekly injection	Once-weekly injection	Taken with meals (3 times daily)	Daily tablets (gradual increase in dose over 4 weeks)
Dosage	0.6 mg → 3 mg daily	0.25 mg → 2.4 mg weekly	2.5 mg → 15 mg weekly	120 mg (Xenical) or 60 mg (Alli) per meal	Up to 2 tablets (16mg Naltrexone / 180mg Bupropion) twice daily
Average Weight Loss	5-10% of body weight	15-20% of body weight	20-25% of body weight (most effective)	5-10% of body weight	5-10% of body weight
Approved For	Weight loss (BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with health conditions)	Weight loss (BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with health conditions)	Weight loss (BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with health conditions)	Weight loss (BMI ≥30, or ≥28 with health conditions)	Weight loss (BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with health conditions)
Common Side Effects	Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fatigue	Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue	Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue	Oily stools, diarrhea, gas, stomach pain, urgency to use the toilet	Insomnia, nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation
Best For	People who prefer daily injections	People looking for a highly effective once-weekly option	People who want the most effective weight loss medication	People who don’t want injections and are okay with dietary fat restrictions	People who prefer tablets over injections and need help controlling cravings
Biggest Advantage	Available longer, widely used	Once-weekly, more effective than Saxenda	Most effective weight loss drug, dual hormone action	No injection needed, available over the counter (lower dose Alli)	Targets cravings & overeating habits instead of just appetite

Weight Loss and Medication – What to Expect

When do weight loss treatments start working?

Orlistat and Xenical take effect immediately after your first dose with a meal, preventing some fat from being absorbed by your body. Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Saxenda begin working straight away, and noticeable effects may appear within 2 to 4 weeks.

How long does it take to see weight loss results?

By following your prescribed treatment along with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle changes, you can expect to lose at least 5% of your body weight within three to six months. However, long-term success depends on sustainable habits related to diet, activity, and sleep.

Switching Between Weight Loss Medications

If you’re considering switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro, you’ll need to pause treatment for five weeks before starting Mounjaro at its lowest dose.

What Is a Healthy Weight?

The NHS recommends using Body Mass Index (BMI) as a general guide to assess a healthy weight. BMI is calculated based on your height, weight, and age, with a healthy range typically falling between 18.5 and 24.9.