GLP-1 Injections for Weight Loss: UK Guide to Wegovy & Mounjaro

Let’s be real: weight loss is hard.
Not “you didn’t try hard enough” hard — but biologically, emotionally, socially complicated. And yet, so many of us have carried the shame of it like a personal failure.

Here at TribElle, we’re rewriting that narrative.
Because weight loss is a healthcare issue — and now, we have real, medical tools to help. One of the most powerful? GLP-1 weight loss injections like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro.

Whether you’ve just heard about these "skinny jabs” on TikTok or you’ve been researching them for months, this blog is for you. We’re breaking it down in simple, honest terms — what these medications do, how they work, and what to expect if you’re starting your journey.

Wait, what are GLP-1 injections?

GLP-1s (short for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) are medications that mimic a natural hormone your gut releases after you eat. That hormone does three major things:

• Tells your brain you’re full

• Slows how quickly food leaves your stomach

• Helps your body regulate blood sugar

Put simply: you feel satisfied faster, stay full longer, and crave less. The result? You naturally eat less — without feeling like you’re starving.

Originally created to help people with type 2 diabetes, these weekly injections were found to cause significant weight loss, even in people without diabetes. That led to the development of Wegovy, Mounjaro, and the off-label use of Ozempic for weight loss.

Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro — what’s the difference?

We get asked this a lot. Here’s the short version:

Mounjaro is slightly different — it acts on two hormones (GLP-1 and GIP) and has shown even greater results in trials than semaglutide.

Do they actually work?

Yes — and the research backs it up.

In the STEP 1 trial, people on Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4mg) lost an average of 15% of their body weight over 16 months. That’s about 3 stone if you weigh 90 kg — and they kept it off with continued support source.

Even more impressively, the SURMOUNT-1 trial showed people on Mounjaro (tirzepatide 15mg) lost up to 21% of their body weight source.

These aren’t crash diets. They’re medications that quiet the food noise, so you can finally focus on living your life.

What does it feel like to be on it?

The good:

• Less obsession around food

• Feeling full quicker

• Easier to say no to snacks and sugar

• Gradual, consistent weight loss

• Better blood sugar and blood pressure

The challenging:

• Nausea (especially when increasing dose)

• Digestive issues like bloating, constipation, or diarrhoea

• Low appetite that might feel too strong at times

• Occasional headaches or fatigue

Side effects are usually mild and temporary. Your body adjusts with time, and most people feel fine within a week or two. Starting on a low dose and increasing slowly really helps.

Is this safe?

GLP-1s have been used in diabetes care for over 15 years. Semaglutide and tirzepatide are both approved by regulatory bodies like the MHRA, NICE, EMA, and FDA.

Serious side effects are rare, but some people should not use them — including those with:

• Type 1 diabetes

• Active gallbladder or pancreas issues

• A personal or family history of MEN2 or medullary thyroid cancer

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

That’s why a prescription and medical review is essential. (P.S. We do all that at TribElle 🧡)

Who qualifies for weight loss injections in the UK?

Great question. There’s a difference between NHS access and private treatment.

NHS eligibility:

✅ BMI requirements vary by location of care and require patients to experience a myriad of related health conditions.
✅ Must attend a Tier 3 weight management programme
✅ South Asian and Black communities may qualify with lower BMI

Private eligibility:

✅ BMI over 30
✅ Or BMI over 27 with weight-related issues
✅ Wider access to Wegovy and Mounjaro
✅ Available via trusted online clinics and pharmacies (like us!)

How long will I be on it?

GLP-1s are not a forever medication for most people, but they are long-term. Think of it like insulin for diabetes or high blood pressure medication, even if your BP goes to normal, you still have to continue taking the medication.

You may:

• Taper down after reaching your goal

• Switch to a maintenance dose

• Stop completely (if lifestyle habits are strong and sustainable)

What else should I do while on it?

GLP-1s open the door — but you still have to walk through it. You’ll get the best results when you combine your injection with:

• 🌱 A healthy, high-protein diet

• 🧘🏽‍♀️ Moderate activity (walking, yoga, resistance training)

• 🧠 Support (whether that’s a coach, community, or clinician)

• 😴 Rest and recovery — your body is doing important work!

Studies show that people who combine injections with lifestyle changes lose more weight and keep it off longer source.

You’re not lazy. You’re not broken. You just finally have the right tools.

Obesity is not a personal failing — it’s a chronic health condition. And now, for the first time in history, we have medications that really work.

✨ You deserve access to the best evidence-based care.
✨ You deserve to feel good in your body.
✨ You deserve support that’s kind, not judgmental.

That’s what we’re here for at TribElle.

Whether you’re just curious or ready to start, we’ll meet you exactly where you are — with no shame, no pressure, and everything you need to succeed.

Ready to begin?

💻 Start your online consultation
📦 Get your prescription delivered
🧡 Begin your GLP-1 journey with support at every step

Sources for all referenced studies and stats:

• STEP 1 Trial: Semaglutide 2.4mg for Weight Loss – NEJM

• SURMOUNT-1 Trial: Tirzepatide – NEJM

• NICE Guidelines: Obesity management – Wegovy

• Obesity Journal: Muscle vs fat loss on GLP-1s