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What weight loss options are available to me at Benenden Hospital?

At Benenden Hospital, we offer a comprehensive non-surgical weight loss management service. Whether you're just starting your journey or looking for support to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, we provide a range of safe, professional services tailored to your individual needs:

Nutritional Therapy

Our Registered Nutritional Therapist offers personalised guidance and nutrition programmes to kickstart healthier nutrition choices and lifestyle habits.

Physiotherapy and exercise support

Our Senior Physiotherapists can help you develop an effective exercise routine, to reduce the risk of injury and preserve muscle mass during your weight loss journey.

Medical support

For some patients with an eligible BMI, weight loss medications such as Wegovy® or Mounjaro may be prescribed. These are always prescribed by our Private GP and in combination with lifestyle changes.

I have a question about medical support for weight loss

How our medical weight loss support works

If appropriate, your GP may discuss the option of GLP-1-based medications such as Wegovy® or Mounjaro. These medications work by mimicking natural hormones that help regulate appetite and metabolism. They are typically introduced gradually and monitored closely to ensure safety and effectiveness.

However, medication is just one part of the picture. We emphasise the importance of:

  • A nutritious, balanced diet
  • Regular physical activity, including strength training, to preserve lean muscle mass while you’re losing weight
  • Ongoing support and follow-up care

What are the potential weight loss injections side effects?

During your consultation with our expert, all side effects will be explained as well as any risks to be aware of.

Both types of weight loss injections can present similar side effects after the appropriate dose. The most common are:

  • Nausea: vomiting, belching
  • Changes in bowel habits: diarrhoea, constipation, gas, bloating, upset stomach including some pain
  • Tiredness
  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Heartburn

It is important to contact the GP who’s supporting you at our hospital, if you are struggling with any severe symptoms. If you are extremely concerned about your health, please call NHS 111 or attend A&E for more immediate advice.

Do I qualify for weight loss injections?

Not everyone is suitable for weight loss injections. Our Private GP will assess your BMI, medical history and mental state in order to make the safest decision for your health.

If you have the following, you may be suitable for weight loss injections:

  • High BMI (Body Mass Index) of 35 or more – use this calculator to find out your BMI
  • Some ethnic minority backgrounds are prone to central adiposity (increased amount of visceral fat around the stomach and abdomen) and so are at an increased risk of chronic weight-related health conditions at a lower BMI. During your appointment, our Private GP can decide your eligibility for weight loss injections even if you have a lower BMI

You will not qualify for injections if you:

  • Are pregnant
  • Are trying to get pregnant
  • Are breastfeeding
  • Have certain other health conditions – our GP will assess and discuss your individual risk factors with you

However, medication is just one part of the picture. We emphasise the importance of:

  • A nutritious, balanced diet
  • Regular physical activity
  • Ongoing support and follow-up care

What happens during my GP appointment?

During your consultation, you’ll discuss your health goals, previous weight loss efforts, and any concerns you may have. If medication is appropriate, you’ll receive guidance on how to use it safely, along with a personalised plan that includes nutritional and physical activity support.

Follow-up appointments are encouraged to monitor your progress and adjust your plan as needed.

When should I take my weight loss injections?

You should take your injection on the same day each week, at any time of day, with or without food. Your initial prescription will include four injection pens of the lowest dose – this dosage amount is different depending on whether you’re using Mounjaro or Wegovy®. Each month, the dose you receive will increase until you reach a manageable weight.

Weight loss injections should accompany a nutritious, balanced diet and increased exercise.

If you need to change the day of the week, you may do so, as long as your last dose was given two or more days before.

How long does Mounjaro vs Wegovy® take to work?

Both have promising results in clinical trials:

  • Mounjaro: On the highest maintenance dose of 15mg, it was found to help people lose up to 22.5% of their starting weight after 72 weeks
  • Wegovy®: Almost 50% of people taking it lost 15% or more of their starting weight after 68 weeks on the maintenance dose of 2.4mg

If you’re struggling to know where to start with your diet, our private Nutritional Therapy Service offers a personalised approach to supporting patients in getting the nutrients needed to maintain good health and wellbeing. We also have a Psychologist who you can be referred to if you feel you need additional support prior to your treatments.

What happens when you stop weight loss injections?

When you stop taking weight loss injections such as Mounjaro or Wegovy®, you may notice an increase in appetite, which can make weight maintenance more challenging. However, by continuing with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and healthy lifestyle habits, many people are able to maintain their weight loss successfully. Planning ahead and staying consistent with your routine can make a big difference in long-term results.

How much are weight loss injections?

  • Initial Private GP Consultation: £110
  • Wegovy® (Semaglutide): From £109.88 to £263.70 per pen (4 doses)
  • Mounjaro (Tirzepatide): From £138 to £183 per pen (4 doses)

Prices vary depending on dosage.

Our weight loss experts

Dr Shanmuganathan

Karthika Shanmuganathan (Shan)

GP

Dr Shan's specialities are in women's health, health and wellbeing, weight management and medical aesthetics.

Mrs Hamza-Goodacre

Abir Hamza-Goodacre

Registered Nutritional Therapist

Mrs Hamza-Goodacre's interests include weight and blood sugar management, digestive health and female hormonal health.

Mr Jordan Dehara

Jordan Dehara

Physiotherapy Lead

Jordan's interests include sports medicine, shoulder injuries, lower back pain and other chronic conditions.

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Book a consultation

It's easy to book online or by giving us a call.

 

Page last reviewed: 17 July 2025