Medical Weight Management & Weight Loss With GP24.

Our medical weight management programme is designed for adults who are living with obesity. Obesity is a complex and chronic disease resulting from a combination of factors. These factors can include genetic, hormonal, environmental, and behavioural. Our team of health care professionals are trained to guide, support and empower you to meet your goals, find your healthy weight and improve your health. 

This service may be suitable for you if you:  

• Are 18 years of age or older  

• Are seeking a prescription for injectable or oral weight loss medication  

• Are committed to following a clinician-guided nutrition and exercise plan  

• Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 30 and 45kg/m2  or BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2 (BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2 in the case of Orlistat) with weight related health complications including high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, cardiovascular disease or sleep apnea.

Note: Weight loss medication works best as part of a structured weight management programme. For optimal results, it should be combined with a structured nutrition plan, increased physical activity, and regular clinical support.  

Our programme is designed with your safety in mind. You may not be suitable for our medical weight loss treatments if any of the following apply: 

Age and Pregnancy Considerations

• You are under 18 or over 65 years of age

• You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or actively trying to conceive (including through IVF) 

Medical Conditions

• You have diabetes (including type 1 or type 2) 

• You have a thyroid condition, such as: 

• Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) 

• Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) 

• Thyroid cancer 

• You have experienced weight gain due to medication or an endocrine (hormonal) disorder

• You have been diagnosed with, or suspect you may have, an eating disorder

• You have severe liver, kidney, or heart failure

You have significant digestive conditions, including: 

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) 

• Gallbladder disease (including gallstones) 

• Pancreatitis 

• Chronic Malabsorption Syndrome 

• Cholestasis (reduced or blocked bile flow) 

Medications That May Interact with weight loss treatment

• Warfarin 

• Anti-epileptic medications 

• Antiretroviral medications for HIV 

• Ciclosporin 

• Lithium 

Treatment Type

• You are only seeking injectable weight loss medication without enrolling in a full treatment programme that includes medical review, dietary support, and lifestyle changes 

Please note: All weight loss medications should be used under clinical supervision as part of a structured programme that includes nutritional support, physical activity, and ongoing medical monitoring. Our team will assess your health history to ensure this service is safe and appropriate for you.

If our doctor-led Medical Weight Management programme isn’t the right fit for you, we can still support you on your weight-loss journey, including one-to-one consultations with experienced dietitians and Healthcoaches through our Virtual Nutrition Clinic.

You can also use our Ask the Expert feature on this page to book a short consultation with our lead dietitian. They’ll review your situation and recommend the safest, most effective next steps — whether that’s tailored nutrition advice, a lifestyle programme, or another approach that suits your health goals.

Medical weight management uses prescription-only medication to support healthy, sustainable weight loss — alongside lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. These medications work in different ways, depending on whether they are oral tablets or injectable treatments:

• Oral medication: Usually taken three times daily with each meal that contains fat. These medication work in the gut to reduce the absorption of dietary fat by about 30% and ishould be taken in conjunction with a balanced low fat diet to minimise symptoms of malabsorption.

• Injectable medication: Typically taken once a week, these injections mimic natural hormones that regulate hunger and digestion. They slow how quickly food leaves your stomach and help control cravings.

Your Doctor will discuss which option (if any) is most suitable for you, taking into account your medical history, weight-loss goals, and overall health.

There are two parts to the cost of our Medical Weight Management programme:

• Initial appointment: Your first consultation costs €85. During this session, your Doctor will take a detailed medical history, discuss your weight-loss goals, and decide if medication is suitable for you.

• Ongoing monthly check-ins: If you start medication, you’ll have a follow up appointment each month to review your progress and renew your prescription. Each monthly check-in costs €55.

The cost of the medication itself is paid separately to your pharmacy and will vary depending on the treatment prescribed. Your Doctor will discuss options and give you an estimate of monthly medication costs at your first appointment.

There is no long-term commitment to continue with monthly check-ins — you can stop at any time. However, for your safety we will not issue repeat prescriptions without a check-in appointment.

Patients start with an initial 30-minute consultation, followed by monthly check-ins while using medication, typically for the first 3-6 months.

These monthly appointments are required for us to safely renew your prescription. They are an important part of the programme because they allow us to monitor your health, address any side effects early, and adjust your treatment plan to help you get the best results.

Some patients achieve their goals within a few months, while others choose to stay on the programme for longer with ongoing support. There’s no minimum commitment — you can stop at any time — but monthly reviews are essential for your health, safety, and the success of your treatment.

Follow-up appointments are a key part of your Medical Weight Management programme. Their purpose is to:

• Monitor your health: Check your weight, blood pressure, and any side effects to make sure the medication remains safe for you.

• Adjust your treatment: Your Doctor can change the dose, switch medication if needed, or update your plan based on your progress.

• Support your goals: Regular check-ins give you the chance to ask questions, get advice, and stay motivated.

These reviews are essential for patient safety and to give you the best chance of achieving long-term success with your treatment.

Yes. Weight management medication is only prescribed one month at a time. You will need a new prescription each month, which is why follow-up appointments are required.

This approach ensures that your Doctor can monitor your progress, check for any side effects, and make adjustments if needed — keeping your treatment safe and effective.

Your prescription will be sent electronically via the Healthmail system to your chosen pharmacy in Ireland - you can nominate any pharmacy within Ireland to receive your prescription. 

In some cases, yes. Before starting certain types of weight management medication, you may need to have a recent blood test. This helps us confirm that the treatment is safe and suitable for you.

If blood tests are required, your Doctor will let you know after your initial consultation and explain exactly which tests you need. Once you’ve had them done, you can send us the results securely before we issue your first prescription.

This step is important for your safety and allows us to tailor the treatment to your individual health needs.

If your Doctor decides that medication isn’t safe or appropriate for you, we won’t prescribe it — but we will still support your weight-loss journey.

You’ll be guided towards alternative, clinically-backed options such as our sister company Spectrum Health’s Virtual Nutrition Clinic, where you can work one-to-one with a dietitian on a tailored nutrition and lifestyle plan.

You can also use our Ask the Expert feature on this page to book a short consultation with our lead dietitian. They’ll review your goals and recommend safe, effective strategies to help you achieve results without medication.

Potential side effects of oral weight loss treatments:

Oral weight loss medications are generally well tolerated, especially when combined with a low-fat diet. Most side effects are related to the way the medication works — by reducing the absorption of dietary fat. 

Common side effects may include: 

• Crampy stomach pain 

• Oily or fatty stools 

• Diarrhoea 

• Unexpected bowel movements or stool leakage 

• Urgent need to use the toilet 

• Unpleasant-smelling gas (flatulence) 

These effects are usually mild and can be significantly reduced by limiting fat intake at each meal. 

Less common side effects: 

• Headaches 

• Increased feelings of anxiety  

Potential side effects of injectable weight loss treatments:

As with all medications, side effects are possible — though not everyone will experience them. 

The most common side effects include: 

• Nausea 

• Vomiting 

• Diarrhoea or constipation 

• Stomach cramps or discomfort 

These are usually mild and tend to improve over time, which is why the dosage is gradually increased. We’ll provide tips to help manage them if they occur. 

Other possible side effects: 

• Redness, bruising, or itching at the injection site 

• Headaches, dizziness, tiredness, or trouble sleeping 

• Altered taste, increased heart rate, or low blood sugar 

• Gallbladder issues (e.g. gallstones)  

Rare but serious side effects: 

• Severe allergic reaction (seek urgent help for lip/tongue swelling or breathing difficulty) 

• Pancreatitis (seek urgent help for severe upper stomach pain with nausea or vomiting) 

Always read the patient information leaflet before starting your medication. If you experience side effects that concern you, stop the treatment and speak to a healthcare professional. 

No. Medical weight management medication is designed to work alongside a healthy diet and lifestyle — not replace them.

These treatments make it easier to control hunger, manage portion sizes, and stay consistent with your nutrition plan. For the best and safest results, medication should be combined with balanced eating, regular physical activity, and ongoing support from your GP or dietitian.

Results vary from person to person. Medical weight management can be very effective, but the amount of weight you lose depends on factors such as your starting weight, the type of medication prescribed, and how well you combine treatment with healthy lifestyle changes.

Clinical studies show that, on average, patients using weight management medication alongside diet and exercise lose around 5–10% of their body weight over 6 months. Your doctor will discuss realistic goals with you at your initial appointment and help track your progress over time.

The focus is not just on short-term weight loss, but on building habits that support your long-term health and wellbeing.

Yes. This service is only available to patients in Republic of Ireland. 

Yes - this service is based on the same patient-doctor confidentiality that you would expect in a face-to-face consultation. 

No — oral and injectable weight loss medications are not suitable if you are: 

• Currently pregnant 

• Breastfeeding 

• Actively trying to conceive, including undergoing fertility treatments like IVF 

You should stop taking these treatments at least 1–2 months before trying to get pregnant, depending on the medication prescribed. 

Key points to keep in mind: 

• A reliable form of contraception is recommended while using weight loss medication. 

• Fertility often improves with weight loss, so it's important to plan ahead if you're hoping to conceive. 

• If you become pregnant while taking a weight loss medication, stop the treatment immediately and speak with your doctor. 

• If you've recently given birth and are not breastfeeding, we recommend waiting at least 3 months postpartum before starting any weight loss medication. 

Stop taking the medication and seek medical advice immediately. You can also contact us for follow-up support or guidance from one of our Doctorss. 

Our prescribed oral weight loss medication is designed to support your journey toward a healthier weight when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise. Here’s how to take it safely and effectively: 

• Take one tablet three times daily — ideally with water immediately before, during, or up to one hour after your breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

• Do not take the medication if you skip a meal or if your meal contains no fat, as the medication works by reducing fat absorption. 

• After 12 weeks of treatment, you will need a weight review to assess your progress. To continue using the medication, you must have achieved at least a 5% reduction in total body weight. If this goal is not met, the medication should be discontinued. 

• You will be asked to upload verified height and weight measurements (confirmed by a healthcare professional or a machine printout) to monitor your progress accurately. 

• This oral medication is intended for short-term use only and is designed to support sustainable lifestyle changes, including healthy eating, behavioural adjustments, and increased physical activity. 

Injectable weight loss medications are taken via a subcutaneous injection (just under the skin), using a pre-filled pen. Depending on your prescription, the injection is either: 

• Once daily, or 

• Once weekly, on the same day each week. 

You’ll administer the injection yourself at home, and we’ll provide full training to ensure you’re confident and safe with the technique. 

Where do I inject the medication?

The best areas for injection include: 

• The abdomen (avoiding a 2-inch radius around the belly button) 

• The front of your thighs 

• The outer upper arms 

Rotate injection sites with each dose to avoid irritation or tissue damage. 

How do I use the injection pen?

Each injection comes in a pre-filled pen with a dose gauge so you can easily set and check the correct amount. Before each injection: 

• Attach a new sterile needle 

• Inject as instructed 

• Dispose of the needle in a provided sharps container. Your pharmacy should be able to provide a sharps box for safe disposal of needles. 

Never reuse or share needles or pens with anyone else. 

Will I receive training on how to inject?

Yes — we provide full support: 

• Prepare your pen and needle 

• Choose a safe injection site 

• Inject properly and safely 

• Store and dispose of supplies correctly 

Remember, your pharmacist is a great point of contact and can answer any questions you may have about your medication when you collect your prescription.

Yes — some medical weight management treatments can affect how other medications work. This is why we ask about your full medical history before starting.

Certain oral treatments can change how other medicines are absorbed, which may reduce their effectiveness. Examples include:

• Blood thinners (e.g. warfarin)

• Lithium

• Ciclosporin

• Some anti-epileptic medicines

• HIV medications

• Thyroid medications (these may need to be taken at a different time of day)

If you’re taking any of the above, or any other regular prescription, your GP will review it carefully and may contact your specialist before starting treatment.

Important: Oral contraceptives may be less effective while using certain oral weight management treatments. Your GP will advise you on using additional or alternative contraception.

Please bring a weighing scales and any blood test results you have had in the past 6 months.