Getting started with weight loss medications

While many people think of medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro as new, the class of medication that they belong to were originally developed as a type 2 diabetes treatment. The first medication was FDA-approved in 2005 and licensed for use in the UK in 2007. Researchers discovered that these drugs not only helped regulate blood sugar but also led to significant weight loss. Over time, newer GLP-1 treatments like liraglutide (Saxenda) and semaglutide (Wegovy) were specifically approved for obesity management.

GLP-1s work in the body by affecting multiple organs. They help to regulate appetite, metabolism, and fat storage.

This means that Mounjaro mimics two incretin hormones instead of just one. GIP also enhances insulin secretion after you eat and reduces appetite, which increases the effectiveness of Mounjaro.

Appetite suppression: Your treatment activates receptors in parts of the brain called the hypothalamus and brainstem to reduce your appetite and increase feelings of fullness. It also works on the dopamine dependent systems in the brain, reducing the desire to snack by reducing the rewarding effects.

This helps to reduce “food noise” which is an informal term which describes the feeling of constant food-focused thoughts, such as what to eat, when to eat, and how much to eat.

Slows digestion: Your medication slows down the rate at which food leaves your stomach, helping you stay fuller for longer.

Blood sugar regulation: After eating, your treatment enhances insulin secretion from your pancreas, helping to control blood sugar levels. Mounjaro also increases insulin sensitivity, which means your cells can respond more effectively to insulin. When cells respond effectively to insulin, they efficiently take up glucose from the bloodstream and help to keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range to reduce cravings.

Mounjaro is a dual GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glugacon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist. It works by mimicking the naturally occurring GLP-1 and GIP hormones in your body. These are hormones that are released from your gut after you eat to trigger insulin production to help stabilise your blood sugar levels. They also reduce your appetite and the rate that food leaves your stomach, which helps increase feelings of fullness and reduce your food intake.

This means that Mounjaro mimics two incretin hormones instead of just one. GIP also enhances insulin secretion after you eat and reduces appetite, which increases the effectiveness of Mounjaro.

Wegovy is a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist, which works by mimicking the naturally occurring GLP-1 gut hormone in your body that is released after you eat. This helps stabilise your blood sugar levels. GLP-1s also reduce your appetite and the rate that food leaves your stomach, which helps increase feelings of fullness and reduce your food intake.

• 1 x medication pen
• 4 x disposable needles
• Disposable alcohol wipes (Mounjaro customers only)
• Sharps disposal box
• Patient information leaflet
• Welcome booklet

• Keep your medication in the fridge between 2-8°C before your first use and between doses.

• Keep the pen cap on to protect the medication from light and contamination.

• Track expiration dates and set reminders to replace your medication if needed.

Injecting your treatment for the first time might feel intimidating, but many patients find it to be a quick and easy process. Follow the instructions below to make it a seamless part of your weekly routine.

Wegovy and Mounjaro are administered once a week. Choose a day that works best for your routine and set a reminder on your phone or calendar. Staying consistent helps your body adjust and makes it easier to remember.

Choosing Friday or Saturday gives you time to manage potential side effects (like nausea or fatigue), and adjust your routine without workday stress. If weekends tend to trigger binge eating or overindulgence, injecting towards the end of the week (e.g., Thursday or Friday) can help curb weekend cravings, promoting more mindful eating habits.

On the other hand, some people prefer early-week injections (like Monday) to reinforce healthy habits and maintain structure throughout the week.

Titration is the process of gradually increasing your medication dose over time. This allows your body to adjust while helping to minimise potential side effects.

GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro follow a structured titration schedule to ensure a smooth transition At MedExpress, our team will guide you through each increase, with regular email reminders so you know exactly when it’s time for the next step.

You’ll usually increase your dose every four weeks until you reach your maintenance dose. This dose is the amount that provides the best results while keeping side effects manageable. For some people, this will be the maximum recommended dose. For others, it may be lower, if that’s where you feel best and see steady progress.