Weight Loss Management

Our weight loss management programme is a service that allows you to achieve a sustained and healthy weight loss, and our colleagues are here to help you every step of the way.

Medicated Weight Management Service

Ireland is on track to have highest level of obesity by 2030 and has one of the highest levels of obesity in Europe, with 60% of adults and one in four children and young people living with overweight and obesity.

If, following an assessment it is deemed clinically appropriate, a doctor will prescribe you medication which works to decrease your appetite. This, when used in conjunction with a calorie-controlled diet and increased exercise has been shown to aid weight loss.

How does the service work?

  •  

    Step 1

    Set up a consultation with an online doctor service. They will ask you to complete a health questionnaire for review by a GP.

    Book online doctor

  • Step 2

    Following this, a GP will complete an online consultation to discuss weight management strategies. If appropriate, medication will be prescribed.

  • Step 3

    Your prescription will be sent via email to your preferred McCabes Pharmacy or any pharmacy of your choice. You must attend the pharmacy to have your BMI and waist circumference checked.
Online Doctor Service McCabes Pharmacy Service
Initial Consultation Online In store
Treatment • Weight management advice
• Prescribe medication if necessary		 • BMI & Waist Circumference Check
• Report Side Effects
• In-store advice on medication dosage and use
• Lifestyle advice
Cost Dependant on GP Mounjaro 2.5mg/dose - €265

Mounjaro 5mg/dose - €325

Mounjaro 7.5mg/dose - €450
Appointments Follow-up with GP after 4 and 8 weeks of maintenance treatment BMI & Waist Circumference Check after 4 and 8 weeks of maintenance treatment

McCabes Pharmacy Weight Management Service costs are separate to online GP service fees. However, medication costs are included in the McCabes Pharmacy Weight Management Service. Medication is obtained at your preferred pharmacy.

This service is for patients who are not eligible for reimbursement on government schemes.

Who is eligible for the treatment?

The service is provided to adults aged 18-75 year old with:

⦁ BMI of 30kg/m2 or greater (obesity)

⦁ BMI of at least 27kg/m2 but less than 30kg/m2 (overweight) and weight-related health problems (pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal levels of fats in the blood, breathing problems during sleep called “obstructive sleep apnoea”, history of heart attack, stroke or blood vessel problems)

You can calculate your BMI here: Safefood BMI-calculator

You can find instruction of how to correctly measure your waist here: Safefood - Measure your waist

Please note, the pharmacist will check your weight, height and measure your waist in the pharmacy in order to calculate the BMI. If your BMI is significantly different to the one you stated in the questionnaire, you will be referred back to your chosen online GP team and the pharmacists might not be able to dispense the medication. 

Important Information

For more information on the weight management programme and how to avail of this service please click on the below sections.

Treatments

The weight loss management service begins with an online questionnaire and GP consultation. Once the GP consultation is completed, a management plan can be put in place. This can involve diet and lifestyle measures as well as the use of medication. The use of medication is not indicated without trying out other measures first. Any medication used must be used in conjunction with other weight loss measures.

Obesity is a common problem and can be difficult to achieve goals of weight loss. The best way to have success is with a multidisciplinary team approach. There are now medications available which can assist with weight loss.

The online doctors can prescribe medication where appropriate to assist with weight management. This can include the use of subcutaneous injections. It is similar to a natural occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and GIP: Tirzepatide is a single molecule that activates the GIP and GLP-1 receptors in the body that is released from the intestine after a meal. The medication works by acting on receptors in the brain that control your appetite, causing you to feel fuller and less hungry. This may help you eat less food and reduce your body weight.

There can be risks with all medication and as a result a comprehensive assessment is required in advance of commencing any prescribed treatment. 

Patients must meet certain targets of weight loss while using the medication. If the targets are not met with use of the medication, it may be discontinued. 

After 4 weeks of treatment and 8 weeks of maintenance dose, patients must make a follow-up appointment with the GP team to discuss progress and any potential side-effects.

The medication is contraindicated in a variety of conditions and can cause side effects so the clinical and pharmacy team will follow up regularly while one is using any medication.
How do I start weight management treatment?

Complete an initial Weight Management Consultation with an online doctor service, which includes an online questionnaire. One of the online GPs will conduct a follow up call and give you advice and next steps. He or she can discuss necessary medications and direct you to the best available treatment options suitable for you.
How many appointments do I have?

You will need to book an initial Weight Management Consultation with the online doctor service. If you are eligible for the treatment after the initial online consultation, the doctor will prescribe medication should you meet the criteria. On attendance to your chosen McCabes Pharmacy for your prescription, your BMI and waist circumference will be checked by a trained colleague. This information will then be provided to the online doctor to validate the information provided in the initial online consultation. Once this is validated, the medication can be dispensed. After 4 weeks of treatment and 8 weeks on maintenance dose you will need to book a follow up Weight Management Consultation with your preferred McCabes Pharmacy. 
Why do I need follow up appointments with a GP?

It is vital that patients have touchpoints with the GP to ensure effective weight management, to discuss any possible side effects, and to alter the treatment plan, if needed. The patient will follow up with the GP after 4 weeks and then at the end of the treatment course to ensure specific targets are met and there are no significant side effects.