Weight Loss Treatment FAQs
Answers to the questions patients ask us most about our four treatments, pricing, side effects and insurance at Didsbury Weight Loss Clinic, South Manchester.
The four treatments
What weight loss treatments do you offer?
We offer four prescription treatment options: two once-weekly injectables, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide), and two once-daily oral tablets, Foundayo (orforglipron) and oral semaglutide (Wegovy tablets). Our pharmacist will discuss which option may suit you at your consultation.
What is the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
Both are once-weekly injectables that reduce appetite. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) acts on two hormone pathways (GIP and GLP-1), while Wegovy (semaglutide) acts on one (GLP-1). Clinical trial results and side effect profiles differ slightly, and the best choice depends on your medical history, which our pharmacist reviews with you in person.
What is Foundayo?
Foundayo is the brand name for orforglipron, a once-daily oral weight loss tablet. It works on the same appetite-regulating pathway as injectable treatments but needs no injections and has no food or water timing rules. Read our full Foundayo guide for prices and detail.
What are oral semaglutide (Wegovy) tablets?
Wegovy tablets are a once-daily oral form of semaglutide. They are taken on an empty stomach after at least eight hours of fasting, with no more than 120ml of water, and you wait at least 30 minutes before food, drink or other oral medicines. Follow your prescriber's instructions.
Which treatment is best for me?
That can only be decided at an in-person consultation. Our pharmacist reviews your BMI, medical history, current medicines and goals before recommending any option. We never recommend a specific medicine without a clinical assessment.
Who is eligible for treatment?
Typically, treatment may be considered for adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 and above with a weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. All treatments are prescription-only and not suitable for everyone. Suitability is decided by our pharmacist.
Pricing and what is included
How much does treatment cost?
Monthly prices start from £99. Mounjaro ranges from £149 to £309 per month, Wegovy injections from £139 to £229, Foundayo tablets from £99 to £189, and oral semaglutide tablets from £99 to £179, depending on the dose. See the full price list on our pricing page.
What is included in the monthly price?
Every monthly price includes the medication, your initial in-person consultation and ongoing clinical oversight. There are no hidden fees. Prices are indicative and may change.
Do I pay for the consultation separately?
No. The initial consultation is included in the monthly price when treatment is prescribed. If treatment is not clinically appropriate, our pharmacist will explain your options honestly.
Why do prices change between doses?
Higher doses cost more to supply, so the monthly price rises as your dose increases. Your dose is increased gradually over several months, and many patients remain on a maintenance dose long term.
Side effects and safety
What are the most common side effects?
The most common side effects across all four treatments are digestive: nausea, diarrhoea, constipation and sometimes vomiting. These are usually mild and tend to ease as your body adjusts, especially because the dose is increased gradually.
How long do side effects last?
For most people, digestive side effects are strongest in the first few days after starting or increasing a dose and settle within one to two weeks. If side effects persist or feel severe, contact us or your GP.
What should I do if I feel unwell on treatment?
For mild symptoms, smaller meals, staying hydrated and avoiding rich or fatty foods often help. For urgent or severe symptoms, contact your GP, NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency. You can also call our clinic on 0161 706 3090 for guidance.
Are these treatments safe?
All four treatments have been studied in large clinical trials and are prescribed under the supervision of our pharmacist, with regular follow-ups to monitor your progress and any side effects. Like all prescription medicines, they carry risks, which we discuss with you before prescribing.
Insurance and payment
Can I use private health insurance to pay for treatment?
Most UK private health insurance policies do not cover weight management medication, and we do not bill insurers directly. Our service is self-pay, with transparent monthly pricing that includes your consultation and clinical oversight.
Can I claim the cost back from my insurer?
Some patients choose to submit receipts to their insurer, but reimbursement is entirely at your insurer's discretion and most policies exclude weight loss treatment. We recommend checking your policy documents before relying on this.
Do you offer payment plans?
Treatment is paid monthly as you go, so there is no large upfront cost. You can pause or stop at any time following a discussion with our pharmacist.
Is treatment available on the NHS instead?
NHS access to weight management medication is limited and subject to strict eligibility criteria and local waiting lists. Our private service offers faster access with face-to-face pharmacist support in Didsbury. Your GP can advise on NHS options.
Still have a question?
Call us, message us on WhatsApp, or book an in-person consultation at our Didsbury clinic.