Our Services
Weight Loss Service
Being overweight puts you at risk to a number of health problems and also affect your confidence. Weight loss can help reduce the risk of a wide range of health problems and it enables you to lead a healthier lifestyle. Obesity is the second most common preventable cause of death after smoking in Britain today and is responsible for more than 9,000 premature deaths per year in England.
Weight loss is more than just calories counting. Many people fail to understand that weight loss is a process which requires you to change your habits and attitude towards eating and exercise. Our pharmacists and weight loss experts can help you to put a weight loss plan in place and help you set smart goals. The aim is that your nutritional requirements are taken care of with a balanced diet plan.
There is a wide range of supplements, meal replacement bars, snakes and shakes available to suit your needs and lifestyle. Also, there a number of treatments available to aid you with weight loss. These include Lipotrim, Orlistat (Alli) and a number of prescription only treatments.
Start your weight loss journey today and let our weight loss expert help you achieve your weight loss goals.
Weight Loss with Saxenda injections
What is Saxenda?
Saxenda is a once-daily subcutaneous injection that can help people to lose weight. It is usually given to those with a BMI of more than 30 or in people who have a BMI of more than 27 who also have a weight-related medical condition. Unlike other weight loss products and regimes, it can also help you to keep the weight off. Saxenda contains a substance called liraglutide which is responsible for weight loss.
We offer Saxenda injections at our pharmacies in Glasgow.
How does it work?
Saxenda can help you lose weight in several ways; it suppresses your appetite and makes you feel full for longer, thereby leading to a reduction in calorie intake and causing weight loss. Liraglutide (the active ingredient in Saxenda) causes the release of a natural hormone called glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 is responsible for regulating appetite, and its activation by liraglutide causes the reduced appetite and feeling of satiety experienced when using Saxenda.
How do I use Saxenda?
Saxenda is an injection that looks like a pen. This injection is self-administered on your thigh, abdomen, or the upper arm, and suitable training on how to use the pen will be provided by a healthcare professional. The Saxenda pen contains a dial which you can turn to select the dose you wish to inject, and each pen lasts for 30 days. You will initially begin at a low dose of 0.6mg during the first week, after which the dose will increase to 3mg in steps of 0.6mg each week. At week 5, you will reach the full dose of 3mg daily, on which you will be maintained. Saxenda should be used in addition to a reduced-calorie diet and exercise regimen.
What side effects might I experience?
Initially, you may experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation. These are the most common side effects, but they will subside within one to two weeks as your body becomes accustomed to the medication. Other less common side effects include low blood sugar (more common in diabetics), dry mouth, indigestion, fatigue, taste disturbance and insomnia (usually in the first 3 months). More serious (but uncommon) side effects can include fast heartbeat, inflammation of the pancreas, and enlargement of the thyroid gland.
Why should I use Saxenda?
Studies show that when Saxenda was used with a low-calorie intake and increased physical activity, it causes almost 2.5 times more weight loss than dietary and lifestyle measures alone. Almost two-thirds of those involved in the study lost between 5-10% of their body weight within the study period of 56 weeks, and more than a third lost 10% of their body weight. Within 12 weeks you should see a reduction by at least 5% of your initial body weight.