Weight Management treatments
Explore information about Weight Management. An independent doctor decides whether a prescription is appropriate. Dispensing and delivery depend on a valid prescription, the available route and an independent licensed pharmacy.
Choose a treatment to review
Pricing is indicative where shown. Final route, fulfilment, and whether treatment is clinically appropriate remain subject to independent doctor review. Check platform, independent doctor, pharmacy and delivery charges before payment. A listed medicine amount is not a complete route quotation.
Mysimba (Naltrexone/Bupropion)
Learn about Mysimba (naltrexone/bupropion) for weight management: dosing, side effects, important safety information, and alternatives.
Ozempic (Semaglutide)
Ozempic (semaglutide): EU diabetes indication, dosing, side effects and differences from Wegovy. Independent assessment through Prescrivia.
Semaglutide
Semaglutide: effects on appetite and glucose, product-specific indications, dosing and digestive adverse effects. Independent medical assessment.
Tenuate Retard (Amfepramon)
Tenuate Retard (amfepramone): EU authorisations withdrawn by binding decision on 13 January 2023. Historical product information and safety context.
Xenical (Orlistat)
Xenical (orlistat 120 mg): weight-management indication, meal timing, adverse effects and interactions. Independent medical assessment through Prescrivia.
About weight management treatments
Excess weight and obesity represent one of the most significant public health challenges across the European Union. Overweight and obesity are common among adults in the WHO European Region.[3] The health consequences extend well beyond aesthetics: obesity is a chronic condition associated with type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, sleep apnoea, and certain cancers.
For many people, lifestyle interventions — dietary changes and increased physical activity — are the foundation of weight management. However, clinical evidence consistently shows that for individuals with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions, prescription medications can provide meaningful additional benefit when used alongside lifestyle modifications.
Clinical trial results and the populations studied are described in the product information. Results vary between people. A doctor will discuss what is realistic for you.[1]
It is important to understand that prescription weight management medications are not a substitute for lifestyle changes, and they are not appropriate for everyone. All prescribing decisions must be made by a qualified, independent doctor based on a thorough assessment of each individual’s clinical circumstances.
Available treatments
The following prescription medications are described here for weight management. Independent doctors make prescribing decisions. Licensed pharmacies dispense only where approved and available. This comparison is provided for informational purposes only. A doctor will assess which medication, if any, is appropriate for your individual situation.
| Medication | Active Ingredient | Form | Dose examples (not all authorised doses) | EMA-Approved Indication |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic | Semaglutide | Weekly injection | 0.5 mg–2 mg/week | Type 2 diabetes (also used off-label for weight management) |
| Wegovy | Semaglutide | Weekly injection | 2.4 mg/week | Chronic weight management |
| Saxenda | Liraglutide | Daily injection | Up to 3 mg/day | Chronic weight management |
Key distinctions:
- Ozempic vs Wegovy: Both contain semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Ozempic carries EMA approval for type 2 diabetes management; Wegovy is the formulation approved specifically for chronic weight management with product-specific dosing. The table is not an exhaustive list of current authorised doses; the doctor must consult current product information.
- Saxenda: Contains liraglutide, a different GLP-1 receptor agonist requiring daily rather than weekly injections. Clinical head-to-head evidence suggests semaglutide achieves greater mean weight reduction than liraglutide over comparable treatment periods.
- Starting price: Prices vary by country, pharmacy, and dosage. Use the links above to see indicative starting prices for each medication through Prescrivia’s platform.
How to get weight management treatment online
Prescrivia operates as a technology intermediary. We do not prescribe medications, employ doctors, or sell medicines. Our platform collects your health assessment for review by an independent licensed prescriber.
The process:
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Complete a health assessment — Answer a structured set of medical questions covering your health history, current medications, BMI, and weight management goals. The assessment is designed to give the reviewing doctor a thorough clinical picture.
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Independent doctor review — An independent doctor reviews your assessment. If a prescription medication is clinically appropriate for you, the doctor may issue a prescription. If it is not appropriate — due to contraindications, insufficient clinical indication, or other factors — the doctor will explain the reasoning.
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Pharmacy fulfilment — A valid prescription does not guarantee dispensing or delivery. An independent licensed pharmacy checks lawful supply, stock and an available supply route for the destination country.
Important: Prescrivia does not guarantee that a prescription will be issued. Prescribing decisions are made entirely by independent medical professionals. All medications are prescription-only medicines (POMs) in EU member states and require a valid prescription from a licensed doctor.
How we compare
| Through Prescrivia | In-person GP appointment | |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Online assessment, subject to platform availability | Subject to appointment availability |
| Wait time | Review time depends on clinical needs and availability | Depends on appointment availability |
| Travel required | No | Yes |
| Prescribing decision | Made by independent doctor | Made by your GP |
| Ongoing monitoring | Supported via follow-up assessments | Managed by your GP |
| Cost | Transparent pricing displayed upfront | Varies by country and healthcare system |
Note: For patients with complex medical histories, multiple comorbidities, or conditions requiring close clinical monitoring, an in-person consultation with a GP or specialist may be more appropriate. Prescrivia’s platform is designed for adults who meet the clinical criteria for prescription weight management medications and whose health profile is suitable for remote assessment.
Sources
Medical information on this page is based on the following sources:
- [1] European Medicines Agency (EMA). Wegovy — Summary of Product Characteristics, § 5.1. EMA.
- [2] European Medicines Agency (EMA). Saxenda (liraglutide) — Summary of Product Characteristics. Available at: ema.europa.eu
- [3] World Health Organization, Regional Office for Europe. WHO European Regional Obesity Report 2022. WHO.
- [4] Wilding JPH, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity (STEP 1). N Engl J Med. 2021;384:989-1002.
Medical information may change as clinical guidance is updated. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for advice relevant to your individual health circumstances.
Availability, dispensing and delivery depend on the country, clinical assessment, pharmacy and applicable law. A Spanish-language page does not establish eligibility for supply in Spain.
Frequently asked questions
- How does an online assessment for weight loss medication work?
- Yes, you can access weight management medications through online intermediary platforms that connect you with independent doctors. A doctor will assess whether treatment is clinically appropriate based on your health profile.
- Do I need a BMI of 30 to qualify for weight loss medication?
- Eligibility depends on the specific medication and clinical guidelines. Generally, GLP-1 medications are considered for patients with a BMI of 30+ (obese) or 27+ (overweight) with weight-related comorbidities. The prescribing doctor makes the final determination.
- What do clinical trials report about weight change?
- Results vary between people. Trial results and who they apply to are described in the product information. A doctor will discuss what is realistic for you.
- Are weight management medications safe?
- EMA-approved weight management medications have undergone extensive clinical trials. Common side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms that typically diminish over time. A qualified doctor will assess whether the benefits outweigh the risks for your individual situation.
- What is the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy?
- Both contain semaglutide. Ozempic is authorised for type 2 diabetes and Wegovy for weight management. This page compares reference doses of 2.4 mg and 2 mg; it does not replace current product information or the individual prescription.
Intermediary notice: Prescrivia connects patients with independent doctors and licensed pharmacies. We do not provide medical advice, employ doctors, or sell medicines. All medical decisions are made by independent healthcare professionals, and prescription-only medicines require a valid prescription. Treatment is not guaranteed — whether a prescription is issued depends on an independent doctor's clinical assessment.
Ready to begin your assessment?
Complete a short health assessment and, where clinically appropriate, connect with an independent doctor for review.
Prescrivia is not a doctor or pharmacy — it is a technology platform. Any prescription decision is made by an independent doctor; medicines are dispensed by licensed pharmacies only where available.