Weight Loss Clinic near Chiswick

A once-weekly injection licensed in the UK for weight management. It is the newer of the two treatments we prescribe and, in trials, the more effective.

How it works

Tirzepatide acts on two gut hormone receptors, GIP and GLP-1, rather than one. In practice that means it slows how quickly the stomach empties and reduces appetite signalling, so you feel full sooner and stay full for longer. It is not an appetite suppressant in the older sense and it does not change what your body does with food you have already eaten.

Dosing

Treatment starts at 2.5mg once a week and is reviewed before each step up, typically after four weeks at each dose. Most people settle at a maintenance dose somewhere between 5mg and 15mg. Escalating slowly is what keeps side effects manageable, so there is no advantage in rushing it.

Evidence

In clinical trials, patients using tirzepatide lost on average 15-22% of their body weight over 72 weeks alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

A once-weekly injection, also licensed for weight management, and the more established of the two with a longer track record in UK practice.

How it works

Semaglutide acts on the GLP-1 receptor. It slows gastric emptying and reduces appetite, which for most people shows up as smaller portions and less interest in snacking between meals rather than as a dramatic loss of hunger.

Dosing

Treatment starts at 0.25mg once a week and steps up roughly every four weeks towards a maintenance dose of 2.4mg. As with Mounjaro, each increase is reviewed first, and we will hold a dose for longer if side effects need time to settle.

Evidence

In clinical trials, patients using semaglutide lost approximately 10-15% of their body weight alongside diet and lifestyle changes.