{"id":740387,"date":"2026-07-03T06:46:09","date_gmt":"2026-07-03T06:46:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/740387\/"},"modified":"2026-07-03T06:46:09","modified_gmt":"2026-07-03T06:46:09","slug":"everything-you-need-to-know-about-glp-1s-for-weight-loss-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/740387\/","title":{"rendered":"Everything you need to know about GLP-1s for weight loss"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists were touted as \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.science.org\/content\/article\/breakthrough-2023\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">breakthrough\u201d drugs<\/a>\u00a0in 2023 \u2014 and their popularity has soared since.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More than 4 million items of tirzepatide and semaglutide were dispensed on the NHS in England in 2025\/2026\u200b\u200b1\u200b, while around\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pharmaceutical-journal.com\/article\/feature\/how-safe-are-glp-1s\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">2.5 million people each month<\/a>\u00a0accessed GLP-1s privately at the end of 2025, according to James Kingsland, chair of the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/digitalclinicalexcellence.com\/the-dice-network\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Digital Clinical Excellence (DiCE) network<\/a>\u00a0of primary care digital health providers.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.npa.co.uk\/news\/2026\/january\/pharmacies-urge-patients-to-avoid-criminal-weight-loss-jab-sellers-in-predicted-new-year-surge-in-demand\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">YouGov poll commissioned by the National Pharmacy Association<\/a>, an estimated 3.3 million UK adults are expected to use weight-loss injections in 2026. This article collates the latest evidence supporting GLP-1 use for weight loss, including trials in which they are being evaluated, while signposting to relevant articles from\u00a0The Pharmaceutical Journal\u00a0for detailed information related to their safe and effective use. It will be updated on a regular basis.<\/p>\n<p>What are GLP-1s?<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">GLP-1 receptor agonists work by targeting GLP-1 receptors: increasing insulin, decreasing glucagon and delaying gastric emptying\u200b\u200b2\u200b.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Originally developed for use in type 2 diabetes mellitus,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pharmaceutical-journal.com\/article\/feature\/beyond-glp-1-the-next-wave-of-weight-loss-medication-innovation\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">GLP-1s are increasingly being licensed for weight-loss<\/a>\u00a0and other cardiometabolic applications.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some newer drugs combine GLP-1 receptor agonists with other metabolic targets or additional mechanisms to achieve more effective weight loss. For example, tirzepatide (Mounjaro; Eli Lilly) combines a GLP-1 receptor agonist with a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For weight loss, all are licensed as an adjunct to a healthy diet and exercise.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Figure 1 outlines the GLP-1 receptor agonists that can be prescribed in Great Britain for weight loss\u200b3\u201316\u200b.<\/p>\n<p>Figure 1: Which GLP-1s can be prescribed in Great Britain for weight loss?<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two types of GLP-1 drug are no longer in use in the UK: exenatide (Bydureon BCise;\u00a0AstraZeneca UK) 2mg\/0.85mL prolonged-release suspension for injection pre-filled pen was\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/cpe.org.uk\/our-news\/medicine-supply-notification-exenatide-bydureon-bcise-2mg-0-85ml-prolonged-release-suspension-for-injection-pre-filled-pen\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">discontinued<\/a>\u00a0in October 2025, and lixisenatide (Lyxumia; Sanofi) 20 micrograms\/0.2mL solution for injection 3mL pre-filled disposable devices were\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicinesresources.nhs.uk\/medicine-supply-notification-discontinuation-of-lixisenatide-lyxumia-r-20micrograms-0-2ml-solution-for-injection-3ml-pre-filled-disposable-devices.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">discontinued<\/a>\u00a0in 2023. Dulaglutide is currently only licensed for people with diabetes, as Trulicity (Eli Lilly)\u200b\u200b17\u200b.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Other weight-loss drugs are currently in development or regulatory approval stages, including:<\/p>\n<p>Once-daily GLP-1 pill\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pharmaceutical-journal.com\/article\/news\/daily-glp-1-receptor-agonist-pill-leads-to-significant-weight-loss\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">orforglipron (Eli Lilly)<\/a>, which, when taken alongside a healthy diet and exercise, resulted in a 7.5% weight loss over 72 weeks on the 6mg dose, 8.4% loss with 12mg of orforglipron, and 11.2% loss with 36mg of orforglipron, as compared with 2.1% loss with placebo\u00a0(funded by Eli Lilly;\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/clinicaltrials.gov\/show\/NCT05869903\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">ATTAIN-1<\/a>)\u200b18\u200b. A NICE committee is due to meet in July 2026\u00a0to discuss NHS use in England and Wales;Retatrutide (Eli Lilly) an injectable triagonist\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/40563436\/#&amp;gid=article-figures&amp;pid=figure-1-uid-0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">adds a glucagon receptor agonist to its mechanism of action<\/a>, promising an even greater impact on weight loss\u200b19\u200b. Topline\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pharmaceutical-journal.com\/article\/news\/phase-iii-retatrutide-study-demonstrates-30-weight-loss\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">results<\/a>\u00a0from the phase III\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/clinicaltrials.gov\/study\/NCT05929066\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">TRIUMPH-1 study<\/a>showed\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pharmaceutical-journal.com\/article\/news\/phase-iii-retatrutide-study-demonstrates-30-weight-loss\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">up to 30% weight loss<\/a>\u00a0over 104 weeks\u200b20\u200b;AstraZeneca\u2019s GLP-1 pill, elecoglipron, which\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thelancet.com\/journals\/lancet\/article\/PIIS0140-6736(26)00748-8\/fulltext\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">in phase II trials<\/a>\u00a0showed clinically meaningful weight loss of up to 10.5% at 26 weeks and 11.8% at 36 weeks in the highest-dose groups of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thelancet.com\/journals\/lancet\/article\/PIIS0140-6736(26)00748-8\/fulltext\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">adults without diabetes<\/a>\u200b21\u200b.What are the known side effects and safety concerns?<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gastrointestinal side effects make up around half of the side effects reported to the MHRA via the Yellow Card Scheme for tirzepatide, semaglutide and liraglutide between 2020 and 2025 (43,475 out of 78,171 side effects; see Figure 2)\u200b\u200b18,22\u200b. In April 2026, \u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41586-026-10330-z\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">a study published in\u00a0Nature<\/a>\u00a0suggested medication-related nausea or vomiting could be linked to genetic variation among patients\u200b23\u200b.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Skin and nervous system effects also make up a high proportion of adverse reaction reports. And in diabetes management, dysaesthesia\u00a0\u2014 abnormal and unpleasant touch-based sensations \u2014 has already been added to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pharmaceutical-journal.com\/article\/news\/dysaesthesia-added-to-semaglutide-side-effects-list\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">side effect profiles for semaglutide products<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Figure 2: Around half of GLP-1 side effects are gastrointestinal<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">GLP-1s have previously been suggested to be linked to self-harm and suicidal thoughts, but the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pharmaceutical-journal.com\/article\/news\/mhra-finds-no-link-between-glp-1-receptor-agonists-and-suicidal-behaviour\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">MHRA concluded in September 2024<\/a>\u00a0that the available data do not support a causal association between GLP-1s and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pharmaceutical-journal.com\/article\/ld\/depression-in-adults-screening-treatment-and-management\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">depression<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pharmaceutical-journal.com\/article\/ld\/suicide-how-to-recognise-the-warning-signs-and-deal-with-disclosure\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">suicidal ideation and suicide<\/a>, following a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pharmaceutical-journal.com\/article\/news\/ema-finds-no-link-between-glp-1-receptor-agonists-and-suicidal-thoughts\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">review by the European Medicines Agency\u2019s pharmacovigilance risk assessment committee<\/a>\u200b\u200b24\u200b.<\/p>\n<p>Can GLP-1s cause pancreatitis?<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While the majority of side effects so far reported to the MHRA for tirzepatide and semaglutide are non-serious\u200b22\u200b, there are growing warnings about serious conditions, such as\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pharmaceutical-journal.com\/article\/ld\/signs-symptoms-and-management-of-pancreatitis\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">acute pancreatitis<\/a>,\u00a0associated with GLP-1 use, although studies currently remain inconclusive\u200b25\u200b.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On 29 January 2026, the MHRA updated\u00a0product information\u00a0for GLP-1s and issued a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/drug-safety-update\/glp-1-receptor-agonists-and-dual-glp-1-slash-gip-receptor-agonists-strengthened-warnings-on-acute-pancreatitis-including-necrotising-and-fatal-cases\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">drug safety alert<\/a>\u00a0to highlight that acute pancreatitis is a\u00a0known but\u00a0infrequent\u00a0side effect that can be fatal,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/drug-safety-update\/glp-1-receptor-agonists-and-dual-glp-1-slash-gip-receptor-agonists-strengthened-warnings-on-acute-pancreatitis-including-necrotising-and-fatal-cases\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">stressing that patients and clinicians should be alert to initial symptoms<\/a>, such as\u00a0severe, persistent\u00a0stomach\u00a0pain that may radiate to the back and may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting\u200b26\u200b.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Data show that there were 1,176 cases of acute and chronic pancreatitis following tirzepatide use reported between January 2023 and June 2026, 18 of which had a fatal outcome. Between January 2019 and June 2026, 383 cases of acute and chronic pancreatitis associated with semaglutide use were reported to the MHRA, 5 of which had a fatal outcome\u200b12\u200b.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For liraglutide, there were 137 reports of\u00a0\u00a0acute and chronic pancreatitis made to the MHRA\u2019s Yellow Card scheme between 2020 and 2026, one of which had a fatal outcome\u200b27\u200b. Yellow Card reports for liraglutide more generally record a higher rate of serious adverse effects, but a lower total of reports overall, which may reflect less widespread use of the drug\u200b27\u200b\u200b.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Acute\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pharmaceutical-journal.com\/article\/ld\/signs-symptoms-and-management-of-pancreatitis\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">pancreatitis<\/a>\u00a0can be caused by gallstones or bile duct stones when they block the tubes leading from the pancreas to the stomach, which can be caused by rapid weight loss\u200b28\u200b. To investigate further,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk\/biobank-glp-1medicines-pancreatitis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">the MHRA and UK Biobank<\/a>\u00a0are working together to understand if there is a genetic link between GLP-1s and drug-induced acute pancreatitis,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pharmaceutical-journal.com\/article\/news\/genetics-plays-a-role-in-drug-induced-pancreatitis\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">similar to that with immunosuppressant drug thiopurine<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Does GLP-1 use cause muscle loss and reduced bone density?<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">GLP-1s are thought to cause\u00a0higher muscle loss\u00a0(25\u201339%) than non-pharmacological methods of weight loss, such as diet and exercise (10-30%)\u200b29\u200b.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Excess body weight puts stress on the joints, increasing risk of fractures, but weight loss from calorie restriction is associated with reductions in bone mineral density (BMD) with increased bone turnover; however, emerging evidence suggests that GLP-1s may pharmacologically mitigate against the negative bone health impacts of weight loss\u200b30\u200b.<\/p>\n<p>Can GLP-1s affect the eyes?<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Analysis of GLP-1 side effects reported to the US FDA suggest an increased reporting of various eye disorders across both patients with diabetes and those without; however, a 2025 study concluded that further research is required to support these findings and confirm a biological causation\u200b31\u200b.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In patients with diabetes, GLP-1 RAs have been linked to an\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pharmaceutical-journal.com\/article\/news\/study-finds-association-between-glp-1-use-and-macular-degeneration-in-diabetes\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">increased risk of age-related macular degeneration<\/a>, although the overall risk is still low[38].\u00a0But, in patients without diabetes, preliminary studies suggest GLP-1 use could be associated with lower risk, although more research is needed\u200b32\u200b.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to a review conducted by the European Medicine\u2019s Agency safety committee in 2025,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pharmaceutical-journal.com\/article\/news\/eye-disorder-is-a-very-rare-side-effect-of-weight-loss-drugs-concludes-ema-review\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy\u00a0is a very rare side effect of semaglutide<\/a>\u00a0that could affect 1 in 10,000 people\u200b33\u200b\u200b.<\/p>\n<p>Can GLP-1s be used in pregnancy?<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">GLP-1s should not be used in pregnancy. There are\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/uktis.org\/monographs\/use-of-glp-1-receptor-agonists-in-pregnancy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">not enough data to determine the impact of GLP-1 medicines on human pregnancies<\/a>\u00a0but, in\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/journals.physiology.org\/doi\/full\/10.1152\/ajpendo.00361.2023?doi=10.1152\/ajpendo.00361.2023\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">some animal studies<\/a>, GLP-1 medicines were found to be harmful to the unborn foetus\u200b34\u200b. An analysis of studies \u2014 which involved 49,395 human pregnancies with periconceptional GLP-1 RA exposure \u2014 found a small but statistically significant association with renal malformations in children, but the researchers said this likely reflects \u201cresidual confounding by maternal disease severity\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Senior\u00a0author Javier Tello, lecturer in pharmacology at the\u00a0School of Medicine\u00a0at the University of St Andrews, said:\u00a0\u201cOur findings offer cautious reassurance for women who\u00a0become pregnant\u00a0unexpectedly while on these\u00a0medications but\u00a0do\u00a0not endorse\u00a0routine use during pregnancy\u201d\u200b35\u200b.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/glp-1-medicines-for-weight-loss-and-diabetes-what-you-need-to-know\/glp-1-medicines-for-weight-loss-and-diabetes-what-you-need-to-know\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">MHRA advises<\/a>\u00a0patients on all GLP-1s to use contraception while taking GLP-1 medicines (including an additional barrier method for patients starting or increasing tirzepatide who are using oral contraception), as well as for a defined \u201cwash-out\u201d period afterwards before trying to get pregnant (see Figure 3). GLP-1 drugs should not be used while breastfeeding\u200b36\u200b.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Meanwhile, the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cosrh.org\/Public\/Documents\/FSRH-statement-Glucagon-like-peptide-1-agonists-and-oral-contraception-Feb-2025\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) has warned<\/a>\u00a0that if patients experience severe diarrhoea or vomiting whilst using GLP-1 agonists and oral contraception, they should follow FSRH recommendations, including manufacturers advice for a missed pill and use of condoms\u200b37\u200b.<\/p>\n<p>Figure 3: How many months should GLP-1s be stopped before a pregnancy?<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"517\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Fig-3-Everything-GLP1s-v2-1-1024x517.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-397938\"  \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">*These medicines leave your body much quicker than the other GLP-1 medicines, which means they should be stopped just before trying to become pregnant.<\/p>\n<p>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/glp-1-medicines-for-weight-loss-and-diabetes-what-you-need-to-know\/glp-1-medicines-for-weight-loss-and-diabetes-what-you-need-to-know\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Are weight-loss jabs available on the NHS?<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Semaglutide is currently only available on the NHS in England\u00a0and Wales\u00a0via specialist weight management services\u200b38\u200b. It is available for people with weight-related health problems with:<\/p>\n<p>A BMI of 35 or more, or 32.5 or more for people of Asian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean origin;A BMI of 30 to 34.9, or 27.5 to 32.4 for people of Asian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean origin, who meet other criteria to be treated by a specialist weight management service.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Provision may vary by integrated care board\u200b39\u200b.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Scotland, semaglutide is only available on the NHS for patients with\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/scottishmedicines.org.uk\/medicines-advice\/semaglutide-wegovy-full-smc2872\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">established cardiovascular disease<\/a>\u00a0and a BMI of 27 or higher\u200b40\u200b.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tirzepatide\u00a0is currently only available on the NHS in England\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/research.senedd.wales\/research-articles\/what-next-for-weight-loss-medication-in-wales-updated-november-2025\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">and Wales<\/a>\u00a0via specialist weight management services, with a phased roll out to primary care settings\u00a0in England\u00a0including GPs. Initially, only patients with four weight-related health problems and a BMI of 40 or more (adjusted for ethnicity) will be eligible to access tirzepatide (Mounjaro) through primary care settings in England\u200b41\u200b.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In October 2025, the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.wales\/new-clinical-pathway-treating-and-managing-obesity-whc2025043-html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Welsh government confirmed plans to develop a new clinical pathway<\/a>\u00a0to treat obesity as a chronic, recurring condition and support equitable access to weight-loss drugs and wrap-around care, including in appropriate primary care and community settings\u200b42\u200b.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/scottishmedicines.org.uk\/medicines-advice\/tirzepatide-mounjaro-obesity-full-smc2653\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Tirzepatide\u00a0is available in Scotland<\/a>\u00a0to people with a BMI of 30 or more, or between 27\u201330 if they have at least one weight-related comorbidity, such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or type 2 diabetes mellitus\u200b43\u200b.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just 1% of eligible patients are currently accessing weight-loss services on the NHS, the Health and Social Care Committee (HSCC) told NHS England and Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) representatives on 3 June 2026\u200b44\u200b.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Clare Hambling, national clinical director for diabetes and obesity at NHS England, said that owing to \u201caffordability challenges\u201d, NHS England pathways currently prioritise patients with complex care needs where GP oversight was \u201cessential\u201d.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, community pharmacies have called for NHS commissioning of their weight-loss services as\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pharmaceutical-journal.com\/article\/news\/commissioning-pharmacies-would-be-most-effective-way-to-meet-weight-loss-demand-mps-told\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">\u201cthe most effective way\u201d to meet demand for the treatment<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/news\/new-help-for-patients-battling-obesity-through-pharmacies-and-community-access\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Obesity Pathway Innovation Programme<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 funded by government and weight-loss drug manufacturer Eli Lilly to test methods of offering weight management services across the UK \u2014 is expected to include some community pharmacies. In addition,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pharmaceutical-journal.com\/article\/feature\/integrated-care-boards-leave-an-uncertain-future-for-the-prescribing-pathfinder-programme\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">some pharmacies have explored using pharmacist prescribing for weight management<\/a>\u00a0as part of the NHS England pathfinder programme.<\/p>\n<p>What is current best practice when prescribing GLP-1s for weight loss?Switching GLP-1s<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Patients or clinicians might consider switching between weight-loss medications; for example, owing to adverse effects, patient preference, cost pressures or formulary decisions. There is little clinical guidance on this, so pharmacists must prioritise patient safety and, since there is no validated dose equivalence,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pharmaceutical-journal.com\/article\/ld\/switching-between-weight-loss-medications\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">the safest approach is to start the new medication its lowest available dose then titrate gradually per standard schedule<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For oral semaglutide, the MHRA has said that patients receiving a 2.4mg semaglutide injection once weekly can be transitioned straight to semaglutide 25mg tablets once daily, but otherwise the dose must be started at 1.5mg daily and escalated with one month minimum at each dosage.<\/p>\n<p>Stopping GLP-1s<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.eurekalert.org\/news-releases\/1128299\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">some evidence<\/a>\u00a0to suggest that\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.eurekalert.org\/news-releases\/1128299\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">rapid weight loss is much more effective than gradual weight loss<\/a>\u00a0in achieving and sustaining a clinically meaningful drop in weight.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, a 2025 study found that people who used weight-loss medication regained weight more rapidly, with an average monthly weight regain of 0.4kg compared with 0.1kg in those who followed behavioural weight management programmes\u200b.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">John Wilding, professor of medicine in the Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine at the University of Liverpool,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pharmaceutical-journal.com\/article\/news\/weight-regain-after-weight-loss-medicine-shows-need-for-sustained-lifestyle-change\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">said<\/a>\u00a0this was unsurprising, adding: \u201cObesity is a chronic disease that usually relapses when treatment is stopped.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tricia Tan, professor of metabolic medicine, diabetes and endocrinology at Imperial College London\/Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, said: \u201cThere is increasing evidence that structured exercise is important to prevent weight regain after cessation of weight-loss drugs,\u201d but noted that this was not discussed in the study.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Trials of orforglipron and lower-dose tirzepatide suggest that if and when these drugs are licensed, they could be\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/investor.lilly.com\/news-releases\/news-release-details\/lillys-foundayo-and-lower-dose-zepbound-helped-people-maintain\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">used to maintain weight loss<\/a>\u00a0after higher-dose injectable incretin therapies\u200b45\u200b.<\/p>\n<p>Wraparound support in weight loss<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Experts have stressed the \u201cmulti-factorial\u201d causes of obesity and therefore the need for a multi-faceted approach, considering other factors like lifestyle, trauma and psychological support\u200b46\u200b\u200b.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Obesity and dietitian societies have issued a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/eurheartj\/article\/45\/38\/4063\/7738070\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">joint consensus statement\u00a0<\/a>on the use of obesity drugs for weight-loss treatment, which highlights the role of dietitians in medical nutritional therapy, psychological vulnerabilities that may exist around weight loss, the importance of physical activity and other socioeconomic\u00a0factors that should be considered\u200b47\u200b.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">GLP-1s are only licensed for weight loss as an adjunct to a calorie-controlled diet and exercise, and should be offered as part of a holistic weight management service.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In August 2025, the\u00a0National Institute for Health and Care Excellence<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nice.org.uk\/guidance\/qs212\/chapter\/Quality-statement-7-Advice-and-support-after-stopping-medicines-for-weight-management-or-completing-behavioural-interventions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">\u00a0quality standard for overweight and obesity management<\/a>\u00a0was\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pharmaceutical-journal.com\/article\/news\/boots-launches-support-service-for-patients-coming-off-weight-loss-drugs\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">updated to add<\/a>\u00a0that people who are stopping weight-loss medicines\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pharmaceutical-journal.com\/article\/news\/nice-recommends-ongoing-support-when-coming-off-weight-loss-medications\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">should be given advice for maintaining changes and support for improving their health and wellbeing<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Inappropriate access to GLP-1s<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Concerns have been raised about patients accessing GLP-1s inappropriately; for instance, when they do not meet BMI eligibility criteria. To combat this,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pharmaceutical-journal.com\/article\/news\/gphc-inspection-framework-update-adds-guidance-on-supervision-websites-and-weight-loss\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">the General Pharmaceutical Council<\/a>\u00a0set out guidance in September 2024\u00a0that said pharmacies must:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pharmaceutical-journal.com\/article\/news\/online-prescribing-based-only-on-questionnaires-not-acceptable-says-rps\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Not rely solely on an online questionnaire<\/a>\u00a0but use two-way communication between patient and prescriber;Independently verify the person\u2019s weight, height and\/or body mass index \u2014 for example, through a video consultation (where they may need to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pharmaceutical-journal.com\/article\/letters\/ensuring-patient-safety-detecting-altered-images-in-online-glp-1-consultations\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">detect altered images in online GLP-1 consultations<\/a>), in-person, from the person\u2019s clinical records or by contacting another healthcare provider, such as the person\u2019s GP;\u00a0Consider the person\u2019s wellbeing given that eating disorders, body dysmorphia and mental health issues can play a part in the reason for requesting these medicines;Carry out or signpost to appropriate ongoing monitoring;Advise on side effects\u200b48\u200b.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Weight-loss advertising is also a concern: some providers have fallen foul of\u00a0the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.abpi.org.uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry<\/a>\u00a0regulations that ban the promotion of prescription drugs to patients, while social media and affiliate advertising increases the risk of prescription-only-medication promotion, including\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pharmaceutical-journal.com\/article\/feature\/weight-loss-drugs-is-social-media-promotion-to-teenagers-still-a-problem\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">to teenagers<\/a>\u00a0and other vulnerable people.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The demand for weight-loss medication also makes it a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pharmaceutical-journal.com\/article\/news\/pharmacies-expect-new-year-weight-loss-drug-surge-as-mhra-warns-against-criminal-activity\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">potential hotspot for criminal activity<\/a>, with unregulated suppliers acting illegally and sometimes selling drugs that do not contain medication as labelled and put patients\u2019 health at risk. In 2025,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pharmaceutical-journal.com\/article\/news\/weight-loss-drugs-among-45m-of-illegally-traded-medicines-seized-in-2025\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">the MHRA reported the seizure of more than 5,000 illegally traded GLP-1 pens<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A survey commissioned by LloydsPharmacy\u202fOnline\u202fDoctor (survey size n=2,000, of those 285 are\u00a0current\u00a0and active users of GLP-1s for weight loss and 216 have recently stopped) found that 28% (n=140) of those surveyed who were using or had previously used\u00a0weight-loss injections had\u00a0knowingly\u00a0bought from unlicensed sellers,\u00a012% (n=60) think they may have done, and 20% (n=100) bought drugs that are unlicensed and untested for weight loss\u00a0in the UK\u200b\u200b.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One-third (32%, n=91)\u00a0of those currently taking weight-loss jabs said they had not taken their medication as prescribed. Of those, 28% (n=25) reported \u2018microdosing\u2019\u00a0(taking a smaller amount of medication than prescribed\u00a0to make it last longer), 23% (n=21) reported combining residual medication to create an\u00a0additional\u00a0\u201cgolden dose\u201d and 32% (n=29) reported taking a\u00a0short\u00a0break\u00a0from the medication to\u00a0save money or\u00a0make the most of\u00a0life events,\u00a0such as weddings or holidays.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This off-label use is corroborated by the ongoing \u2018Smoking Toolkit Study\u2019, which added questions around weight-loss jabs to its representative monthly surveys in January to March 2025 (5,893\u00a0total respondents). These revealed that 12% of weight-loss drug users (20 out of 171) were using medication not licensed for this purpose.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The researchers also found that weight-loss medication use was higher among women than men (4.0% versus 1.7%) and higher among those of middle age (4.2% of 45 and 55-year-olds compared to 1.2% of 18-year-olds and 1.5% of 75-year-olds). Prevalence was higher among those who reported moderate or severe psychological distress in the past month (3.7% vs. 2.4% among those reporting no\/low distress) and \u2014 while usage levels were similar across social grades \u2014 interest in using drugs to support weight loss in future was greater among more typically disadvantaged groups (among whom obesity is more prevalent).<\/p>\n<p>2.<\/p>\n<p>Liu QK. Mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications of GLP-1 and dual GIP\/GLP-1 receptor agonists. Front Endocrinol. 2024;15. doi:<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/fendo.2024.1431292\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">10.3389\/fendo.2024.1431292<\/a><\/p>\n<p>5.<\/p>\n<p>Effect of Liraglutide on Body Weight in Non-diabetic Obese Subjects or Overweight Subjects With Co-morbidities: SCALETM \u2013 Obesity and Pre-diabetes. Clinical Trials. January 2018. Accessed July 2026. <a href=\"https:\/\/clinicaltrials.gov\/study\/NCT01272219\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/clinicaltrials.gov\/study\/NCT01272219<\/a><\/p>\n<p>6.<\/p>\n<p>Pi-Sunyer X, Astrup A, Fujioka K, et al. A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management. N Engl J Med. 2015;373(1):11-22. doi:<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1056\/nejmoa1411892\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">10.1056\/nejmoa1411892<\/a><\/p>\n<p>8.<\/p>\n<p>Research Study to Look at How Well Semaglutide is at Lowering Weight When Taken Together With an Intensive Lifestyle Program (STEP 3). Clinical Trials. November 2021. Accessed July 2026. <a href=\"https:\/\/clinicaltrials.gov\/study\/NCT03611582\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/clinicaltrials.gov\/study\/NCT03611582<\/a><\/p>\n<p>9.<\/p>\n<p>Wadden TA, Bailey TS, Billings LK, et al. Effect of Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Placebo as an Adjunct to Intensive Behavioral Therapy on Body Weight in Adults With Overweight or Obesity. JAMA. 2021;325(14):1403. doi:<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1001\/jama.2021.1831\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">10.1001\/jama.2021.1831<\/a><\/p>\n<p>11.<\/p>\n<p>Wharton S, Freitas P, Hjelmes\u00e6th J, et al. Once-weekly semaglutide 7\u00b72 mg in adults with obesity (STEP UP): a randomised, controlled, phase 3b trial. The Lancet Diabetes &amp; Endocrinology. 2025;13(11):949-963. doi:<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/s2213-8587(25)00226-8\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">10.1016\/s2213-8587(25)00226-8<\/a><\/p>\n<p>14.<\/p>\n<p>Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2022;387(3):205-216. doi:<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1056\/nejmoa2206038\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">10.1056\/nejmoa2206038<\/a><\/p>\n<p>16.<\/p>\n<p>Wharton S, Lingvay I, Bogdanski P, et al. Oral Semaglutide at a Dose of 25 mg in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2025;393(11):1077-1087. doi:<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1056\/nejmoa2500969\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">10.1056\/nejmoa2500969<\/a><\/p>\n<p>18.<\/p>\n<p>Wharton S, Aronne LJ, Stefanski A, et al. Orforglipron, an Oral Small-Molecule GLP-1 Receptor Agonist for Obesity Treatment. N Engl J Med. 2025;393(18):1796-1806. doi:<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1056\/nejmoa2511774\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">10.1056\/nejmoa2511774<\/a><\/p>\n<p>21.<\/p>\n<p>Davies MJ, Aroda VR, Rosenstock J, et al. Elecoglipron, an oral small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist in adults with obesity or overweight (VISTA): a multicentre, phase 2, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The Lancet. 2026;407(10547):2503-2514. doi:<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/s0140-6736(26)00748-8\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">10.1016\/s0140-6736(26)00748-8<\/a><\/p>\n<p>23.<\/p>\n<p>Su QJ, Ashenhurst JR, Xu W, et al. Genetic predictors of GLP1 receptor agonist weight loss and side effects. Nature. 2026;653(8115):770-775. doi:<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41586-026-10330-z\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">10.1038\/s41586-026-10330-z<\/a><\/p>\n<p>24.<\/p>\n<p>Bezin J, B\u00e9nard-Laribi\u00e8re A, Hucteau E, et al. Suicide and suicide attempt in users of GLP-1 receptor agonists: a nationwide case-time-control study. eClinicalMedicine. 2025;80:103029. doi:<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.eclinm.2024.103029\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">10.1016\/j.eclinm.2024.103029<\/a><\/p>\n<p>25.<\/p>\n<p>Ayoub M, Chela H, Amin N, et al. Pancreatitis Risk Associated with GLP-1 Receptor Agonists, Considered as a Single Class, in a Comorbidity-Free Subgroup of Type 2 Diabetes Patients in the United States: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis. JCM. 2025;14(3):944. doi:<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/jcm14030944\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">10.3390\/jcm14030944<\/a><\/p>\n<p>29.<\/p>\n<p>Prado CM, Phillips SM, Gonzalez MC, Heymsfield SB. Muscle matters: the effects of medically induced weight loss on skeletal muscle. The Lancet Diabetes &amp; Endocrinology. 2024;12(11):785-787. doi:<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/s2213-8587(24)00272-9\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">10.1016\/s2213-8587(24)00272-9<\/a><\/p>\n<p>30.<\/p>\n<p>Gatto A, Liu K, Milan N, Wong S. The Effects of GLP-1 Agonists on Musculoskeletal Health and Orthopedic Care. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2025;18(10):469-480. doi:<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s12178-025-09978-3\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">10.1007\/s12178-025-09978-3<\/a><\/p>\n<p>31.<\/p>\n<p>Murray M, Schifano F, Chiappini S, Corkery JM, Guirguis A. Potential Eye Disorders in People With and Without Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Exposed to GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: An Examination of the FAERS (FDA Adverse Event Reporting System) Database. American Journal of Ophthalmology. 2026;283:279-290. doi:<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.ajo.2025.12.015\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">10.1016\/j.ajo.2025.12.015<\/a><\/p>\n<p>32.<\/p>\n<p>Shor R, Mihalache A, Noori A, et al. Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists and Risk of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2025;143(7):587. doi:<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1001\/jamaophthalmol.2025.1455\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">10.1001\/jamaophthalmol.2025.1455<\/a><\/p>\n<p>34.<\/p>\n<p>Qiao L, Lu C, Zang T, Dzyuba B, Shao J. Maternal GLP-1 receptor activation inhibits fetal growth. American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2024;326(3):E268-E276. doi:<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1152\/ajpendo.00361.2023\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">10.1152\/ajpendo.00361.2023<\/a><\/p>\n<p>35.<\/p>\n<p>Hakim J, Rajesh D, Tello JA. Neonatal and obstetric outcomes following periconceptional exposure to glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists: a systematic review and meta-analysis. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Published online April 2026. doi:<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.ajog.2026.04.037\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">10.1016\/j.ajog.2026.04.037<\/a><\/p>\n<p>37.<\/p>\n<p>Ahuja AS, Paredes AA III, Young BK. Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists and Age-Related Macular Degeneration. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2025;143(12):999. doi:<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1001\/jamaophthalmol.2025.3821\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">10.1001\/jamaophthalmol.2025.3821<\/a><\/p>\n<p>44.<\/p>\n<p>West S, Scragg J, Aveyard P, et al. Weight regain after cessation of medication for weight management: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ. 2026;392:e085304. doi:<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1136\/bmj-2025-085304\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">10.1136\/bmj-2025-085304<\/a><\/p>\n<p>46.<\/p>\n<p>Beyond GLP-1: the next wave of weight-loss medication innovation. Pharmaceutical Journal. Published online 2025. doi:<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1211\/pj.2025.1.375713\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">10.1211\/pj.2025.1.375713<\/a><\/p>\n<p>47.<\/p>\n<p>Koskinas KC, Van Craenenbroeck EM, Antoniades C, et al. Obesity and cardiovascular disease: an ESC clinical consensus statement. European Heart Journal. 2024;45(38):4063-4098. doi:<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1093\/eurheartj\/ehae508\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">10.1093\/eurheartj\/ehae508<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists were touted as \u201cbreakthrough\u201d drugs\u00a0in 2023 \u2014 and their popularity has soared since.\u00a0&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":740388,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[58],"tags":[97,243],"class_list":["post-740387","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-medication","tag-health","tag-medication"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/740387","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=740387"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/740387\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/740388"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=740387"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=740387"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=740387"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}