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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 offer expert guidance on safe and appropriate physical activity to support mobility, reduce the risk of injury and maintain muscle function, helping you sustain a healthy, active lifestyle throughout your weight loss journey.

Medical support

For some patients with an eligible BMI, weight loss injections such as Wegovy® or Mounjaro or weight loss tablets such as Wegovy® 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 injections such as Wegovy® or Mounjaro or GLP-1 tablets such as Wegovy®. 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 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.

I have a question about weight loss injections

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 30 or more – use this calculator to find out your BMI
  • High BMI (Body Mass Index) of 27 or more if you have a weight-related health condition 
  • 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 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.

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

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. Our Private GP and Nutritional Therapy services can help.

How much are weight loss injections?

  • Initial Private GP Consultation: £110
  • Wegovy® (Semaglutide): From £120 to £260 per pen (4 doses)
  • Mounjaro (Tirzepatide): From £190 to £371 per pen (4 doses)

Prices vary depending on dosage.

I have a question about weight loss tablets

Do I qualify for weight loss tablets?

Not everyone is suitable for weight loss tablets. 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 tablets:

  • High BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30 or more – use this calculator to find out your BMI
  • High BMI (Body Mass Index) of 27 or more if you have a weight-related health condition
  • 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 tablets even if you have a lower BMI

You will not qualify for tablets 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 are the potential weight loss tablets side effects?

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

The most common side effects 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 (or your own GP), 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.

When should I take my weight loss tablets?

You should take your tablet whole (not crushed or chewed) first thing in the morning on an empty stomach with a sip of water.

You will need to wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking or taking any other oral medications.

During your consultation, our GP will provide exact instructions and will be happy to discuss any questions you may have.

What medication dose will I be given?

Your initial prescription will be for 1.5mg and you may work your way up to 4mg and 9mg.

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

How long does Wegovy® take to work?

People respond to Wegovy® differently, so it isn't possible to give an exact timeframe. During your consultation, our GP will discuss what you can realistically expect from treatment, answer any questions you may have, and arrange follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and provide ongoing support.

What happens when you stop weight loss tablets?

When you stop taking weight loss tablets, 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. Our Private GP and Nutritional Therapy services can help.

How much are weight loss tablets?

  • Initial Private GP Consultation: £110
  • Wegovy® (Semaglutide) 1.5mg: £112/month
  • Wegovy® (Semaglutide) 4mg: £120/month
  • Wegovy® (Semaglutide) 9mg: £139/month

Prices vary depending on dosage.

Our weight loss experts

Mr Jordan Dehara

Jordan Dehara

Physiotherapy Lead

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

Language(s): English

Location(s): Kent

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.

Language(s): English

Location(s): Kent

Dr Nadgir

Aniket Nadgir

GP

Dr Nadgir's specialities are in holistic healthcare, LGBTQ+ health, medical education, women’s health and menopause, mental health and wellbeing, dermatology and palliative care.

Language(s): English

Location(s): Kent

Dr Shanmuganathan

Karthika Shanmuganathan (Shan)

GP

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

Language(s): English

Location(s): Kent

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Book a consultation

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

 

Page last reviewed: 21 July 2026