Managing weight recognises that obesity and overweight are complex medical conditions influenced by genetics, hormones, lifestyle, environment, and mental health. It is not simply a matter of willpower, and we treat it as the health condition it is.

Carrying excess weight can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, joint problems, and certain cancers. Even modest weight loss of 5–10% of your body weight can bring significant health benefits.

Treatment Options

Modern weight management combines several approaches, tailored to the individual:

1. Lifestyle Measures

The foundation of any weight management plan. This includes a balanced, reduced-calorie diet, increased physical activity, and behavioural strategies to support sustainable change.

2. Surgical options

For patients with a BMI over 40 — or over 35 with significant weight-related health conditions — referral for bariatric surgery may be considered once other measures have been tried. Your GP will discuss this with you if it is appropriate.

3. Medications

A number of medications are now available to support weight loss alongside lifestyle changes. Our doctors can discuss which, if any, is suitable for you based on your BMI, health history, and other conditions.

Medication Options:

Liraglutide (Saxenda)
A once-daily self-administered injection. It belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which reduce appetite and slow digestion. This was the first injectable weight loss medication widely available in Ireland.

Semaglutide (Wegovy)
A once-weekly injection, also a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It works by reducing appetite, delaying gastric emptying, and helping you feel fuller for longer. It is started at a low dose and gradually increased over several weeks. Available in Ireland on private prescription.
Please note: Ozempic contains the same active ingredient as Wegovy but is licensed in Ireland for type 2 diabetes only, not for weight loss.

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)
The newest option, given as a once-weekly injection. Mounjaro is a dual-action medication that works on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, giving a combined effect on appetite and metabolism. Clinical trials have shown it produces the greatest average weight loss of the currently available injectable medications. Available in Ireland on private prescription.

Orlistat (Xenical / Alli)
An oral tablet that reduces the amount of fat absorbed from food. The most established weight loss medication. Available on prescription from your GP.

What Is Covered — Costs and Schemes?

We understand that cost is an important consideration. Here is a clear guide to what is currently available under Irish State schemes:

Medical Card (GMS Scheme) and Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS)

• At present, Saxenda (liraglutide) is the only weight loss medication covered under the Medical Card or Drugs Payment Scheme in Ireland. It is available under a HSE Managed Access Protocol, which means strict eligibility criteria apply:

  • BMI of 35 kg/m² or above

  • Diagnosed with prediabetes

  • High cardiovascular risk

• Reimbursement is reviewed in stages. You must show at least 5% weight loss after 12 weeks on the full dose to continue receiving it under the scheme. Coverage can last for up to two years.

Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS) — General

• If you do not have a Medical Card, the DPS limits the amount your household pays for approved medicines each month. Saxenda qualifies under this scheme subject to the same criteria above. Speak to your pharmacist about registering your household on the DPS if you have not already done so.

Long-Term Illness (LTI) Scheme

• Ozempic (semaglutide) may be available under the LTI scheme, but only for patients with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes — it cannot be prescribed under this scheme for weight loss.

Wegovy and Mounjaro — Private Prescription Only

• Wegovy and Mounjaro are not currently reimbursed under any State scheme for weight loss in Ireland.

• They are available on private prescription and are paid for by the patient. The HSE's National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE) is currently reviewing both medications for possible future reimbursement, but no decision has been confirmed at the time of publishing this leaflet.

• They are licensed for use if:

  • Your BMI is > 30kg/m2 (obesity)

  • Your BMI is or >27kg/m2 to <30 kg/m2 (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbidity e.g. prediabetes, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obstructive sleep apnoea or cardiovascular disease.

You GP will discuss all options with you honestly, including costs, so you can make an informed decision that works for your health and your circumstances.

Our Approach at Strand Medical

We believe safe and effective weight management requires regular, personal care. All appointments in our programme are face-to-face at the practice.

Initial consultation with your GP

• Your journey begins with a full GP consultation. We will review your medical history and current medications, discuss your weight history and previous attempts at weight loss, carry out or arrange baseline blood tests, measure your weight, height, BMI, and blood pressure, discuss all available options including lifestyle, medication, and costs, and agree a personalised plan with you.

Ongoing Nurse Appointments

• Our practice nurse Siobhan Kinsella plays a central role in supporting your progress.

• You will have regular face-to-face nurse appointments to monitor your weight and blood pressure, review how you are tolerating any medication, provide dietary and lifestyle guidance and encouragement, address any side effects or concerns, and support you with injectable medication technique if prescribed.

• Regular blood tests are an important part of your care. Depending on your individual plan, these may include HbA1c (blood sugar), lipid profile (cholesterol), liver and kidney function, thyroid function, and full blood count. Results are always reviewed and discussed with you.

Doctor Review Appointments

• You will have scheduled GP reviews to assess your overall progress, review and adjust medication as needed, interpret blood test results, and address any emerging health concerns.

What We Ask of You

• Attend all scheduled face-to-face appointments

• Be open and honest about your progress and any difficulties

• Engage with the lifestyle advice provided

• Contact the practice promptly if you experience side effects

• Inform us of any changes to your health or other medications

Getting Started

Speak to our reception team to request a weight management appointment with your GPs. Please mention that you are interested in the weight management programme so that enough time can be allocated for your first appointment.