GLP-1 Weight Loss Injections – What You Need to Know | Kensington Medical Centre Belfast

Supporting Your Health, Safely

GLP-1 weight loss injections such as Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are now commonly offered by private clinics to support weight loss. These medications can be helpful for some individuals, but they are not without risks – and it’s essential that you are fully informed.

At Kensington Medical Centre in Belfast, our priority is your safety. Even if your treatment is being provided privately, we encourage all patients to communicate openly with us to stay protected and well-informed.

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What Are GLP-1 Injections?

GLP-1 receptor agonists were developed to treat type 2 diabetes but are now also prescribed for weight management in specific cases. They work by:
• Reducing appetite
• Slowing digestion
• Helping to regulate blood sugar

Common GLP-1 medications include:
• Ozempic (semaglutide – licensed for diabetes)
• Wegovy (semaglutide – licensed for weight loss)
• Mounjaro (tirzepatide – licensed for weight loss)
• Saxenda (liraglutide – licensed for weight loss)

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Potential Benefits
• Appetite suppression and reduced calorie intake
• Gradual weight loss (when combined with a healthy lifestyle)
• Possible improvement in blood sugar levels
• May support heart health in some patients with diabetes

For long-term success, these injections must be used alongside lifestyle changes.
Explore NHS-backed resources:
• Lose weight with NHS Better Health
• Treatment for obesity – NHS

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Possible Side Effects

Common side effects can include:
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Headaches, dizziness
• Fatigue or low mood
• Gallstones or pancreatitis (in rare cases)

If you experience any serious or worrying symptoms, please seek medical attention promptly.

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Using GLP-1 Injections from a Private Provider

If you are receiving GLP-1 injections through a private clinic or online service, you must take full responsibility for:
1. Providing an accurate medical history and medication list (including over-the-counter and contraceptive use).
2. Informing your GP that you are using weight loss injections.
3. Monitoring for side effects and seeking help if needed.
4. Understanding that your GP is not responsible for prescribing or monitoring your private treatment.

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Your Safety Matters

We strongly advise you to request a printed clinical summary from our reception team to share with your private prescriber.

Contraception advice

GLP-1 agonists and contraception Patient information leaflet

⚠️ Important Information for Women Under 55 Taking GLP-1 Injections (Ozempic /Mounjaro)

If you are taking GLP-1 weight loss medications, please read this carefully:

🛑 Contraception Alert
• All women of reproductive age taking GLP-1 agonists (like semaglutide or tirzepatide) must use reliable contraception.
• If you are taking tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and use oral contraception, it may be less effective after you start or increase the dose.
• ➤ You must use a barrier method (e.g. condoms) in addition to your pill for 4 weeks after each dose change.
• Semaglutide (Ozempic) does not currently require this change, but caution is still advised.

💊 HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) Alert
• GLP-1 medications may interfere with oral HRT, particularly oral progestogens.
• If you are using oral HRT:
• Transdermal (skin patch) or intrauterine (coil) options are preferred.
• You may need a dose adjustment or a switch in HRT formulation to protect your womb lining.
• Always report any unexpected vaginal bleeding promptly.

✅ What you should do:
• Contact your GP or prescribing clinician to review your contraception and/or HRT.
• Discuss whether a non-oral method may be safer and more effective while using GLP-1 medications.

This information is based on the most recent (April 2025) guidance from the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) and the British Menopause Society (BMS). For further details or a review, please contact your healthcare provider.

Official Practice SMS:

If you’re seeking GLP-1 weight loss injections (e.g. Mounjaro) from a private clinic, you must provide accurate medical history and a full list of medications, including OTC and contraceptives. Not disclosing this may pose serious health risks. You can collect a printed clinical summary from our receptionist to assist with this.

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How Kensington Medical Centre Can Support You

We do not prescribe GLP-1 injections privately, but we can assist with:
• Blood pressure checks
• BMI monitoring
• Issuing a clinical summary of your records (upon request)

Let us know if you are using or planning to use a GLP-1 injection privately.

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Contact Us

Kensington Medical Centre, Belfast
Phone: 028 9032 5679
Reception: Ask for a printed clinical summary if using a private provider.

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Further Trusted Resources
• NHS Better Health – Lose Weight
• NHS: Obesity Treatment Options