LloydsPharmacy stores nationwide has announced the addition of a new service offering to patients which will challenge Ireland’s national obesity crisis. The new Weight Loss Management Programme is available now in over 80 LloydsPharmacy branches and will aid and support Irish customers on their weight loss journey in 2023 and beyond. This service is supported by your GP or an online GP service such as MyClinic, Lloyds Online Doctor Services – LloydsPharmacy Ireland

Obesity in Ireland is among the country’s biggest public health problems. Research has shown that obesity in Ireland is at an all-time high with the WHO reporting that one-quarter of adults are obese. A total of 61 per cent of adults are overweight or obese; 66 per cent of men and 55 per cent of women. Being overweight or obese is the fourth most common risk factor for non-infectious disease, after high blood pressure, diet and tobacco and it is the leading risk factor for disability.

The Weight Loss Management Programme is available to:

• Adults aged 18–75-year-olds
• BMI over 30
• Or a BMI of over 27 but have been diagnosed with a condition that is made worse by weight gain such as pre-diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia or obstructive sleep apnoea.

The Weight Loss Management Programme is a prescription medication treatment. Potential patients will be asked to complete an initial weight management consultation and health questionnaire with their GP. Eligibility criteria will be assessed and if the patient is deemed a suitable candidate for this treatment, medication will be prescribed and sent to their chosen LloydsPharmacy to begin their Weight Loss Management Programme. Those not suitable for the service, are encouraged to speak with their local LloydsPharmacy Pharmacist who may recommend alternative treatments or lifestyle changes.

This prescription medication, which is self-administered as an injection, works to decrease your appetite and therefore reduce your food intake.  When used in conjunction with a calorie-controlled diet and increased exercise, it has been shown to aid weight loss. Patients must meet certain targets of weight loss while using the medication. If the targets are not met with use of the medication, the course of the service may be discontinued.

After week 5 of treatment and after 12 weeks on maintenance dose, patients must consult with the GP team to discuss progress and any potential side-effects. LloydsPharmacy is on hand to offer advice and support. Patients of the Weight Loss Management Programme will also benefit from regular check-ups in person or by phone during the first month, and monthly face-to-face consultations with your LloydsPharmacy pharmacy team providing the highest level of patient support to those on their weight loss journey.

Denis O’Driscoll, Superintendent Pharmacist with LloydsPharmacy said: ‘Studies have shown the worrying trends and impact that obesity is having on the Irish public. It is well documented how an unhealthy lifestyle can lead to a number of health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. At LloydsPharmacy we are committed to bettering the lives of our patients across Ireland and believe that the addition of this service and high level of patient support & care from our LloydsPharmacy Pharmacy teams will change and positively impact on our patients lives while aiding them on their weight loss journey.’

The programme offered by your chosen LloydsPharmacy involves the cost of a starter pack which is €150 and follow-on maintenance packs costing €255.