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WEIGHT LOSS NEWS

WHAT TO DO IF YOU CAN’T GET YOUR WEIGHT LOSS INJECTIONS

Should you start taking weight loss injections amidst a global supply shortage?

We look at whether you should start taking Wegovy® for weight loss now and what to do if you are already using the weight loss medication, but can’t get any.

This article is written from a UK perspective; we don't consider US health insurers, instead, we focus on private prescribers and how to make a decision to start now or wait until supply issues have eased.

Wegovy® is a weight loss drug that you inject once a week to help reduce your appetite and cravings. It has been shown to help people lose weight and its popularity and use is growing at a phenomenal rate. Wegovy® contains Semaglutide® which is a GLP-1 RA. You can read more about Wegovy®, Semaglutide®, GLP-1 RAs (and how Wegovy® differs from Ozempic®) here.

So many people are using weight loss injections that it's highly unlikely you haven't heard of them. Many people with unwanted weight will be considering whether these new drugs are for them. Even with the steep price tag of paying monthly for injections (currently between £200 - £250 / month), many will have decided to give it a try. But here’s the rub. It’s hard to get hold of. Many online providers are listing it as simply out of stock, many providers have email wait lists, and many will email you when they have stock, but few have stock for very long. You might get your first dose but not your next. You may use it for months and then find it hard to come by. So we take a look at what your options are if you want Wegovy® but are finding it hard to come by right now.

If you haven't already started on Wegovy®, but want to you have some options. In the UK, you can either join a NHS trial if you are eligible, or you can purchase the weight loss medication privately via an online pharmacy or weight care provider. The NHS trial is open to 50,000 people at the moment, and is set to run for 2 years. Given that 25.9% UK population suffers from obesity, your chances of getting a place on the trial are ‘slim’. You can learn more about the NHS trial and how to request a referral to a weight management specialist here. So if you want it and you’re in the UK, you’ll most likely have to buy it privately. But is starting using Wegovy® now a good idea?

Wegovy® requires you to titrate - that means you gradually increase your dose month by month until you have reached the therapeutic dose (the dose that will help you to actually lose weight). Starting on the starting dose with a provider but then not being able to get the increased dose when the time is right could play havoc with how well your body adapts to the drug. It may cause you health issues if you stop and start, as your body can't get used to the drugs properly, and it will definitely cause stress. If you are forced to buy lower doses than you need you will also end up paying over the odds for the right dose, if for example, you purchase Wegovy® from more than one supplier to make up the dose to keep up with the titration plan.

Your options are to go ahead regardless and hope for the best, knowing you may need to shop around to get your supply or to wait until the supply issue has eased. Here’s our guide to what to do in both situations.

What to do if you decide to go ahead and start Wegovy® now

1. Find a provider that is more likely to have ongoing supply

The larger online pharmacy brands and online weight care brands may have more supply but they also have more customers. Attempt to make purchases to understand whether providers are likely to have stock.

2. Sign up to receive stock notifications

Most providers have email wait lists that will notify you when they have stock. But be warned, you will need to be quick when you do get an alert.

3. Research alternative / backup suppliers

We don’t recommend buying more weight loss medication than your proper dose. However, you may want to sign up for accounts with several providers so your details are already stored and ordering will be easier.

3. Monitor the news about supply

Of course, reading Weight Loss Buzz can help with that.

4. Let your doctor or healthcare provider know if you have problems

You should let your HCP know if you’re taking Wegovy® but especially if you have supply issues and breaks in usage.

5. Manage your budget

Make sure you know what you will pay and when, and anticipate, that supply issues aside, you’ll be on the drugs for some time depending on how much weight you want to lose. You may also lessen the dose to a maintenance dose once you've reached your goal weight, so factor in the costs of that too.

6. Only pay for what you get

Don’t subscribe to a monthly programme unless you are guaranteed to receive the medication. Don’t pay for a medicated programme without medication. We have heard of several ‘weight care programmes’ expecting their users to keep paying even when they don't have supply. While some weight management programs may pitch Wegovy® (or Saxenda®) as one part of a broader weight loss programme, the drugs represent the lion's share of the cost. Charging for a program without the main component is just awful. If they don’t deliver the goods, request your money back. Shop elsewhere.

What to do if you suddenly can’t get your weight loss medication

If you’ve been using Wegovy® or Saxenda® for some time but suddenly can't find any here’s what to do. (And what not to do).

1. Don’t Panic

If you suddenly can't access your weight loss medication like Wegovy® or Saxenda®, the first and most important thing to do is not to panic. Panicking can lead to stress, which may negatively impact your weight loss journey. Stress can lead you to make ill-informed decisions (see 5 and 6) so it's important not to panic. If you do end up having a break, there are things you can do to mitigate the reduction or lack of weight of medication.

2. Notice Symptoms

You are unlikely to experience withdrawal symptoms or discomfort due to the absence of your medication, but of course, you should notify your HCP if you do. It’s more Iikely you will notice appetite changes if you are forced to stop taking the medication. If you had cravings before you started the medication, your cravings may start to come back. This could of course lead you to want to eat more. At this point, being very conscious of the changes in appetite will help you manage them.

3. Track Your Food Intake

During the period without your weight loss medication, it's crucial to maintain a record of your food intake. Tracking what you eat can help you stay accountable and make healthier choices. This will also allow you to monitor your calorie intake and ensure you don't overcompensate for the medication's absence by overeating. If you find it hard to keep eating at the same rate you were while you were taking the medication, make a note of that. Take notes or journal about your feelings, as this will help you to process what’s happening.

4. Practice Mindful Eating

Mindful eating could be a valuable technique that can help you stay on track without your weight loss medication. Pay close attention to your meals, savour each bite, and eat slowly. This practice can help you recognise feelings of fullness and prevent overeating. It's a useful tool in maintaining portion control and making better food choices.

5. Don't Fall Prey to Scammers

When facing a medication shortage, you might be tempted to search for alternative sources online. However, be extremely cautious and avoid falling prey to scammers. Only obtain your medication through legitimate channels, such as licensed pharmacies or healthcare providers. Do not purchase any weight loss medication from unverified or suspicious sources, as it can be unsafe and ineffective.

6. Don't Pay Over the Odds

While searching for your weight loss medication, be mindful of pricing. Ensure that you are not overpaying for the medication, even if it's challenging to find. Compare prices from various reputable sources, including local pharmacies and online retailers, to ensure you are not paying an exorbitant amount. Additionally, check for any available discounts that may help reduce costs.

If you find yourself unable to get hold of your medication suddenly or for a few weeks or even longer, remember that this is temporary, and these steps are temporary measures to help you cope with the unavailability of your weight loss medication.

And of course, always consult your healthcare provider for guidance on resuming your medication regime, as they can provide the best advice tailored to your specific situation.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE WEB

Here’s our weight loss news and opinions roundup from around the web this week. For Scottish readers, you may be interested to learn that Wegovy has been given the go-ahead by NHS Scotland.

WEIGHT LOSS TIPS

We share a WLB weight loss tip each week to help you on your healthy weight loss journey.

Weight Loss Buzz Tip 15: The Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Ideal Weight Loss Program

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Sensate

Sensate is a sensory device that uses vibrations and sound to lower your stress, in just 10 minutes. And we like less stress because being less stressed can aid your weight loss journey. Sensate is utterly gorgeous! Find out more here.

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Until next time,

The Weight Loss Buzz Team

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