New Guidance for GPs on Managing Patients Using Weight-Loss Injections

Recent guidance from experts at King's College London and the University of East Anglia offers valuable advice for general practitioners (GPs) on how to handle patients who are privately using weight-loss injectable medications. Although these medications are not typically prescribed in primary care for obesity treatment, an estimated 1.5 million people in the UK used weight-loss injections in March 2025, with a significant majority obtaining them through online sources. These patients often do not disclose their use of such medications, which can lead to unrecognized symptoms and potential health risks.

The new evidence-based tips aim to support GPs in identifying and managing these patients effectively. Key recommendations include adopting a non-judgmental approach to inquire about weight-loss drug use when patients present with symptoms such as dizziness, falls, gastrointestinal issues, or rapid weight changes. GPs are advised to review ongoing medications early, considering adjustments to insulin, sulphonylureas, or antihypertensives to prevent hypoglycemia and low blood pressure as patients lose weight.

Furthermore, the guidance highlights the importance of recognizing red flags such as severe abdominal pain, which could indicate serious conditions like pancreatitis or biliary disease, warranting urgent assessment. It also emphasizes advising women of childbearing age to cease GLP-1 medications two months prior to conception attempts and to stop weekly medications a week before surgery to reduce complications.

This initiative is the first output from the Obesity Management Collaborative UK, formed in 2024 to improve clinician support in obesity management. The guidance aims to raise awareness among GPs about the widespread private use of these drugs and the necessity of comprehensive care, including dietary and psychological support, to enhance patient safety.

Developed collaboratively by professionals in primary care, endocrinology, and lived experience, these practical tips are designed to be easily incorporated into routine practice, ultimately aiming to optimize care and safety for individuals living with obesity. The guidance underscores the importance of routine inquiry, medication review, and vigilance for adverse symptoms in managing patients using weight-loss injections privately.