MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS CLINIC BELFAST & CO.DOWN

What treatments are available? 

GLP-1 analogues (MOUNJARO, WEGOVY, OZEMPIC) are injectable treatments available via the NMWLP. GLP-1 analogues have been used for almost 20 years in the NHS to help patients with diabetes lose excess weight, in recent years they have been approved for use in overweight/obese patients without diabetes. 

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The majority of patients in our clinic are most suitable for Mounjaro which provides better results in terms of weight loss and is a more affordable option long-term than wegovy. 

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What is involved?

These treatments are not suitable for everyone. Like every medication, there are potential side effects and certain patients that should not receive these treatments. Therefore a robust consultation and evaluation is required by Dr. Victoria before proceeding with any treatments. 

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Step 1: Initially patients will complete an online consultation form to deem if they meet the criteria to be prescribed these treatments. If not, they will not be able to proceed- this is in the best interests of their own health and other weight loss alternatives are more appropriate. 

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The criteria for prescription of Mounjaro is: A BMI of 30 or greater, or a BMI of 27 or more with one weight-related health issue. 

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Step 2- Those patients who appear to fit the criteria will then be contacted by the clinic to arrange a face-to-face consultation with Dr. Victoria. 

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At this consultation the focus is on ensuring the best treatment is chosen for each patient. Dr. Victoria will explore past medical history, drug history, family history, and previous weight loss attempts. Measurements will be taken to include weight, blood pressure, blood sugar readings, body fat percentages etc. Dr. Victoria will also explore nutrition and exercise regimes and discuss other treatment or therapy alternatives for patients.

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The purpose of the consultation is to exclude any obvious medical causes which would make GLP-1 injections unsuitable for patients, explore alternatives which may be better suited to the patient and discuss what the treatment pathway will involve. 

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Patients will not be able to proceed with treatment at this initial consultation, they will require a cooling-off period to think over their options.

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Step 3- If patients do decide to proceed Dr. Victoria will prescribe the appropriate treatment and arrange another appointment to start the medication. Patients must be witnessed giving the first injectable treatment to themselves to ensure they can do so safely and correctly. 

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Step 4- Dr. Victoria will follow up with each patient to monitor for side effects or issues. Patients will be required to have a consultation (in person ideally) before each new supply of medication is given. This is to recheck measurements and weights to ensure the treatment is effective for patients, assess their eating and exercise patterns and monitor side effects. 

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Patients will not be alone of this journey, Dr. Victoria feels passionatley about supporting each of her patients and will be available to advise throughout the treatment course. 

 

FAQs

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Could I not buy these medications cheaper online?

Yes, these treatments are available through large online pharmacies. There is no follow up, no in person monitoring and no personal support however with these treatments. We know weight loss is much more complex than simply "eating less" and therefore why we have built in robust steps for our patients to ensure the very best chance of success at losing weight and making healthier choices. 

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We also know patients are using photos of family/friends with much higher BMIs or putting in false weights/heights to have these medications prescribed. To ensure these medications are only given to those who need them and meet the criteria, we conduct a face-to-face consultation. This is to keep you, our patients, safe.

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We appreciate it may be cheaper and simpler to buy these medications from reputable online pharmacies, but we believe patients deserve much more than being part of a transaction. Dr. Victoria will be there to help you at each step and ensure the treatment remains suitable for you. We believe our service offers a more effective and safer option for patients. 

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My beautician is selling these medications, why should I not buy them there? 

The provision of these by anyone who is not a prescribing healthcare practitioner is totally illegal. These treatments require a legal prescription for you from a doctor, prescribing pharmacist or prescribing nurse. Anyone else distributing these medications is doing so illegally. There is a very high probability that these are fake or counterfeit medications- not tested, not traceable and pose a significant risk of ill health and even death. There is no way of knowing what is in these medications, and sadly several patients have lost their lives to counterfeit pens with insulin or other medications in them instead. 

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PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do not risk your safety with these cheap pens. 

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I want to lose a few extra pounds- why can I not get these treatments?

These are prescription-only medications. Like all medications their risks have to be weighed up against their intended benefits. These treatments are only suitable for certain patient groups. They are not a quick way to loose extra weight. There are much easier, cheaper and sometimes less risk-associated methods for this. 

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How much do the treatments cost? 

It is important to remember that when you start treatment with our clinic you are not simply paying for "weight loss pens" like in the case of online pharmacies. You will be started on a treatment programme, overseen by a qualified medical-doctor, with in-person reviews and follow-up. The service provided by Dr. Victoria goes above and beyond that offered by most clinics, in an attempt to ensure the best results and safety for patients. 

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An initial consultation is £50 which is redeemable against treatment. 

Treatment with MOUNJARO costs £200 per month, including 4 weekly review appointments.

 

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