Most likely, people in Glasgow, thinking about Wegovy injection treatment, consider it a big and bright step. On average, the drug Wegovy is a single injection once a week and is the main proven way of weight loss when combined with a calorie-restricted diet and increased physical activity.
Nevertheless, in Glasgow, what are you supposed to do to get such therapy? This patient guide describes the requirements for Wegovy patients, obtaining a drug through the NHS or a private clinic, and the way of starting your treatment.
Learning about Wegovy: What Is It and How Does It Work?
Wegovy is a brand name for a drug semaglutide that biologically mimics the human hormone GLP-1, one of the hormones the body produces naturally.
Several experiments have proven that patients who take Wegovy along with lifestyle changes can lose a very substantial amount of weight, far more than what is usually achievable by diet and exercise alone.
How to Get Wegovy in Glasgow
You can’t just walk in and pick up Wegovy; you need a prescription. And it’s not for everyone. Whether you’re going through the NHS or a private clinic, you have to meet certain health requirements.
Roughly Necessary Health Conditions in the United Kingdom
- Age: You must be 18 years old or older.
- BMI: Minimum 30 (which is the obese category). Or, in case your BMI is in the range of 27 to 30 (overweight), you likewise have to have a health problem which is related to your weight – for instance, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnoea.
Therefore, if you meet these requirements and your physician considers it appropriate, this is the time when Wegovy could be an alternative.
Weight-Related Health Conditions
- If your BMI is 27 or more, then you should only have one of these conditions.
- Wegovy is a drug that is used for carrying out a total plan of losing weight, which includes healthy eating and exercising.
- It is not a way of cheating or giving up a healthy lifestyle.
How to Get Wegovy? The NHS vs. the Private Sector in Glasgow
The way one gets Wegovy injections Glasgow depends on whether they use the NHS or private care.
The NHS Route: Specialist Weight Management Services
In Scotland, Wegovy is sanctioned for use on the NHS; however, it is only accessible through specialist weight management services, i.e., Tier 3 and Tier 4.
First Step: Talk to Your GP – Make an appointment with your NHS GP to discuss your weight loss goals and health history. They will see whether you meet the minimum criteria.
Referral to a Specialist Service: The first step your doctor takes is a referral to the NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde (NHSGGC) Specialist Weight Management Service (SWMS) if you meet the conditions for this.
Specialist Assessment: A team of dietitians, nurses, and doctors will get to know you.
They will not only decide if the use of Wegovy is appropriate in your situation, but also think of it as a potential part of a comprehensive weight management program.
Note on Availability: Although drug approval has been granted, its provision through these services is still at the implementation stage. Therefore, waiting times and access issues can fluctuate.
The Private Route: Quick and Easy Access
If you don’t meet the NHS requirements or wish to expedite the process, private healthcare is the option that gives you direct access to Wegovy.
Find a Reliable Private Provider: Search for good private clinics or pharmacies that offer medical weight management programs under professional supervision, such as Wegovy.
Typically, these services are governed by different regulatory agencies, for example, Health Improvement Scotland (HIS). Doc Plus style clinics that offer doctor-led consultations and are regulated by the proper authorities are one of such instances.
Setting up a Consultation: Schedule the first meeting either face-to-face or via the web.
Full Examination: The doctor or pharmacist will examine your medical history and current medication. Besides, they will determine your BMI and talk weight loss goals and previous attempts with you.
Sometimes, they may also require some blood tests. Should you be granted approval, your provider will issue you a prescription and demonstrate to you the safe method of employing the Wegovy injection pen.
However, they will be by your side regularly during follow-up appointments, monitor your progress, help you manage side effects, and adjust your treatment if necessary.
Last Safety Point
Safety should be the most important concern when looking for Wegovy injections Glasgow.
Do not get a prescription from a non-registered and non-regulated healthcare practitioner in the UK under any condition, for example, your NHS GP, a private clinic, or a reputable pharmacy.
Do not put your health at risk by using unregulated or counterfeit products. These may not only harm you but also put your life in danger.
Wegovy can be a great tool to help you lose weight; however, the real secret to success is doing it safely and taking your doctor’s advice. You can take a safe and effective step towards better health in Glasgow by knowing the eligibility requirements and sticking to the right medical plan.
