This section will tell you more about the medicines we may use to help you lose weight and keep it off.
Update on GLP-1 Type Medications in NHS Forth Valley
Trizepatide (Mounjaro), Semaglutide (Wegovy) and Liraglutide (Saxenda) are types of medication known as glucagon-like peptide receptor agonists (Commonly known as GLP-1 medicines). They work by helping people to feel fuller and may help reduce appetite or hunger.
NHS Forth Valley is testing a new service commencing February 2026 to help high‑risk patients who are living with obesity and may benefit from GLP‑1 medicines. These medicines can help people manage obesity and improve their health.
As we are testing a pathway, only a limited number of patients will be able to be managed through this service. Running this pathway as a test will help us learn and understand the safest and most effective way to offer this type of care in the future. Further planning is underway within the Health Board to determine how patients will be able to access this type of treatment safely in the longer term.
- Referrals can only be made by hospital doctors and GPs.
This service is separate from the Adult Weight Management Service, and self‑referrals are not possible
Further guidance on the use of these medications has been produced the UK Government
If you are purchasing these medicines via a private prescriber, you can find out more about how they work and possible side effects here: Diabetes and weight loss medication | NHS inform
Orlistat
This is a capsule that is taken 3 times per day with meals. It works by stopping some of the fat in your food being taken in (absorbed) by the body during digestion. Any fat that has not been absorbed is then removed from the body through your poo (faeces).
We may recommend this medication after you have completed your programme as part of the weight loss maintenance phase. It can help you to keep your weight off for longer. You will need to make some lifestyle changes while taking this medicine. A low-fat diet is needed to prevent any side effects.
If we feel this would be beneficial. We can ask your doctor to prescribe Orlistat for you. We can also ask your doctor to stop this medication if you have side effects or it is not working for you.
For more information on this medication see: Orlistat | NHS inform