01
Weight repeatedly returns
Losing weight is possible, maintaining it is not. Long-term reasonable habits may still be unable to overcome the body's biological mechanisms.
When lifestyle measures alone are not enough
Obesity can be treated.
Without shame or shortcuts.
A clear guide to GLP-1 injections for obesity treatment, their benefits, side effects and a safe route to an online medical consultation.
✓ Verified sources✓ No medicine sales✓ A doctor decides
Not a failure of willpower
Obesity is a chronic disease, not a character flaw.
Body weight is influenced by genetics, hormones, sleep, mental health, medicines and environment. Nutrition and movement remain essential, but for some people they are not enough to achieve and maintain a meaningful health improvement.
GLP-1 treatment is not a cosmetic shortcut. It is one medical option considered together with wider care.
Quick orientation
BMI and treatment eligibility
BMI is an initial guide, not a diagnosis. It does not reflect body composition, medical history, waist circumference or individual risk.
* The calculator is not intended for children, pregnancy or precise assessment of very muscular people.
When standard measures are not enough
When to discuss injectable obesity treatment
A doctor always decides whether treatment is appropriate. These situations can be a reason to open the conversation.
02
Health risks are increasing
High blood pressure, prediabetes or type 2 diabetes and sleep apnoea or lipid disorders may justify more active treatment.
03
Hunger makes change difficult
Strong biological hunger signals can undermine long-term change. Some medicines influence appetite and satiety.
04
Weight limits everyday life
Joint pain, fatigue or reduced fitness can affect movement, work, sleep and day-to-day functioning.
* A reason listed here or a BMI value is not an automatic indication for treatment.
In simple terms
How GLP-1 treatment works
These medicines mimic or influence hormonal signals involved in appetite, satiety and glucose metabolism. Some act on GLP-1; tirzepatide acts on both GIP and GLP-1.
- They may reduce hunger and bring earlier satiety.
- They are injected daily or weekly, depending on the product.
- The dose is usually increased gradually according to tolerance.
- They complement nutrition, movement and follow-up; they do not replace them.
Evidence-based comparison
Mounjaro, Wegovy and Saxenda in the EU
All options shown are prescription medicines. The choice depends on medical history, contraindications, tolerance and local availability.
G
Brand name
Wegovy
Active substancesemaglutide
- Mechanism
- GLP-1
- Dosing
- 1× weekly
- Approved use
- Obesity; overweight with at least one related health risk
Currently the most comprehensive option
G+
Brand name
Mounjaro
Active substancetirzepatide
- Mechanism
- GIP / GLP-1
- Dosing
- 1× weekly
- Approved use
- Obesity; overweight with at least one related health risk
* Acts on both GIP and GLP-1. This does not mean it is the best option for everyone.
Official EMA information ↗L
Brand name
Saxenda
Active substanceliraglutide
- Mechanism
- GLP-1
- Dosing
- 1× daily
- Approved use
- Obesity; overweight with at least one related health risk
Why is Ozempic not in the comparison?
Ozempic is authorised in the EU for type 2 diabetes, not as a weight-management medicine. Ozempic and weight loss should only be discussed with a doctor; this website does not promote off-label use.
What you should know first
Benefits come with possible side effects
Common adverse effects include nausea, diarrhoea, constipation and vomiting, particularly after starting treatment or increasing the dose. Specific risks differ by medicine.
Seek urgent medical help
for severe or persistent abdominal pain, repeated vomiting with dehydration, a serious allergic reaction or a sudden change in vision.
Before treatment
Tell the doctor about diagnoses, all medicines, possible pregnancy and previous pancreatic, gallbladder or digestive problems.
During treatment
Follow the prescribed dose escalation, hydration advice and check-ups. Do not change the dose based on social media.
Do not combine products yourself
Do not buy unknown peptides or imitations. The EMA has warned about illegal GLP-1 products.
A safe route to care
Start with a conversation, not a purchase
A prescription follows medical assessment. It is not a product to click and buy.
Recommended first step
01Your primary care doctor
They know your history and can review risks, blood tests, previous attempts and related conditions.
- List medicines and diagnoses.
- Bring recent results.
- Ask about all suitable care options.
Obesity or diabetes specialist
A specialist is useful for a complex medical history, diabetes or when the first approach has not worked.
- More comprehensive assessment.
- Linked nutrition support.
- Long-term monitoring.
Partner option
03Hi-Doctor online medical consultation
An online consultation with the possibility of an EU cross-border prescription. A prescription is issued only when a licensed doctor considers treatment appropriate.
- Reviewed by an EU-licensed doctor.
- A prescription is not automatic or guaranteed.
- Check availability and dispensing rules with a pharmacy.
Before the appointment
Five things that help the doctor- 01Weight and waist history.
- 02What you have tried and for how long.
- 03Medicines, supplements and allergies.
- 04Sleep, blood pressure and other conditions.
- 05Your goals for health and daily function.
EU
EU cross-border prescription in brief
A prescription issued by a doctor in one EU country can generally be used in another if it contains the required information. It is not necessarily an e-prescription connected to every national system. The medicine may be unavailable locally and dispensing follows local law.
Official EU information ↗Straight answers
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to the questions people ask most often.
Myth‘Just eat less.’
Energy balance matters, but appetite and expenditure are controlled by complex biology. A slogan is not a treatment plan.
Is injectable obesity treatment suitable for everyone who wants to lose weight?+
No. These are prescription medicines for defined groups. A doctor assesses BMI, related conditions, previous care, other medicines and risks.
Does an online medical consultation guarantee a prescription?+
No. The doctor may decline treatment, request results or recommend an in-person examination. A website promising a prescription without proper assessment is a warning sign.
Can an EU cross-border prescription be used in another country?+
Generally yes, but product availability, brand names and dispensing rules differ. Electronic prescriptions are not automatically interoperable between all national systems.
Can I order GLP-1 injections online?+
Online medicine rules differ across the EU. Never buy prescription products from unverified shops or social media. Use a valid prescription at an authorised pharmacy.
Is BMI enough to qualify for treatment?+
No. BMI is only a screening tool. A clinician also considers health status, waist circumference, history and individual risk.
Is treatment only a short course?+
Obesity is chronic and treatment may be long term. A doctor reviews effectiveness, safety and whether continued treatment remains appropriate.
Our evidence base
Primary and official sources
Health information is based on regulators and public institutions, not influencer anecdotes.
EMAAuthorisations, product information and medicine safety↗European CommissionEU rules and information on medicinal products↗Your EuropeOfficial rules for cross-border prescriptions↗
Sources last reviewed 12 August 2026.