When used consistently and combined with regular exercise and a healthy, balanced diet, patients could lose up to 20% of their starting body weight.

Our experienced pharmacists will talk you through your options for weight-loss treatments in your initial personal video consultation. However, in some instances, we may determine that weight-loss medications such as Mounjaro injections are not a suitable choice.

There are several reasons why you may not be eligible to use Mounjaro weight-loss injections, including if:

• You are under the age of 18
• You are over the age of 75
• You are pregnant, planning on getting pregnant or currently breastfeeding
• You are allergic to any of the active ingredients in Mounjaro
• You have an initial BMI of under 27, unless you are already using the medication or wish to transfer your treatment
• You have an initial BMI of 27 to 30 and you don't have a weight-related health condition

Some medical conditions may also make you ineligible for Mounjaro injections, including:

• Renal (kidney) impairment
• Congestive heart failure
• Hepatic (liver) impairment
• A thyroid disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• A history of pancreatitis
• An eating disorder
• Diabetic gastroparesis
• Obesity secondary to endocrinological

If you take your recommended dose of Mounjaro as prescribed by one of our pharmacists, you should start to see noticeable changes in how you look and feel within a couple of weeks.

However, if you don't combine your use of Mounjaro weight-loss injections with a healthy diet and regular exercise, you may find that it takes longer for you to lose weight.

You may find that you experience some side effects when taking Mounjaro weight-loss injections or when you increase your dose.

Some of the most common side effects from the medication include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Bloating
• Excess wind
• Acid reflux or heartburn
• Low blood pressure
• Hair loss or thinning

In some rare cases, patients could experience the following side effects:

• Pain at the site of injection
• Fast pulse
• Gallstones
• Inflammation of the pancreas or symptoms of pancreatitis
• Anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction)
• Gall bladder infection

You should contact 999 or go to A&E if you are experiencing serious or severe illness.

Although there are no known foods or drinks that interact with Mounjaro, there are several things you should try to avoid to ensure you achieve your weight-loss goals.

• Foods with high sugar content: Sweets, cakes, fizzy drinks, biscuits and the like.
• Fried foods: Bacon, sausages, chips, burgers and fried eggs contain high levels of unhealthy fats, which may increase the risk of nausea while taking Mounjaro weight-loss injections.
• High glycaemic index fruit and vegetables: Mango, sweetcorn, potatoes, pineapple and watermelon can cause your blood sugar levels to spike.

Additionally, you should avoid drinking alcohol while taking Mounjaro as this can make some of the common side effects of the medication such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea worse.

We also prescribe two other types of weight-loss medication at Well Pharmacy. Wegovy is a self-injectable medication that can be taken weekly. We can also prescribe orlistat as part of our weight management services, which comes in the form of a capsule and is taken three times a day.

If our clinicians find that you are not suitable for weight-loss medication or you would like to explore other options, our pharmacists can share a wealth of expert advice on different ways you can reach your weight-loss goals. From exercise regimes to healthy eating advice, we can offer you the support you need.

To find out more about how you can work towards becoming a happier, healthier version of yourself, be sure to check out our Health hub.