Patient
Information
Guide
Lose weight safely under the direct care of a doctor specifically trained in the management of nutrition and obesity and weight management.
Our aim is to provide you with the support and medical care that you need to start and continue to manage your weight and feel better in yourself. Take that first step today.
Why is obesity and overweight important?
Obesity and overweight is a recognised medical condition. People who carry more weight than they should around their middle are more likely to be at risk of developing metabolic syndrome. This is a collection of conditions (one of which is obesity) which means people are at higher risk of Type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease and stroke and an increased risk of death. Obesity has also been associated with an increased risk of some cancers and has also been linked with sleep apnoea, depression, a lower quality of life, tiredness, fatigue and difficulty carrying out physical activity. Research has shown that losing weight can reverse some of these effects on the body.
What causes obesity and overweight?
The cause of obesity and overweight is not as straightforward as simply taking in too many calories or not exercising enough. People with obesity and overweight have reported that they feel there is a large amount of stigma against them because of this misconception and this makes seeking help even more difficult.
There are many complex systems in our bodies which interact to control how hungry we feel, how much we eat and when, how we metabolise the food we eat and how much fat we store. These systems are not simply controlled by will power alone - this is just one small part of the equation.
What can I do about it?
That is why getting medical help with controlling your appetite as well as some of the other lifestyle factors which can affect this, can help you to lose weight and feel better as a whole, both in the short-term, and more importantly longer term. Losing weight can also reverse the contribution made by being overweight to some of the risks as mentioned above.
Book an appointment to see how we can help.
​
Is treatment of my condition with Medical Weight Care right for me?
Are you worried about your weight and the effect it is having on you and may have in the future?
Have you tried other ways to lose weight but never succeeded?
Are you planning on changing your lifestyle and have long term plans to do so but want to kick-start the weight loss process?
Are you struggling with joint pains or other musculoskeletal pain or waiting for joint surgery and would like to lose some weight to see if it would help with your pain?
What is stopping you? Book an appointment and get started and let us help you to lose weight and improve your health and wellbeing for your future and for the future of those you care about.
Consultations
We can see you face-to-face in the clinic based in Harrogate in North Yorkshire at Suite 4.07, Windsor House, Cornwall Road, Harrogate, but can also carry out consultations remotely if that is what you prefer. You can make appointments online through our website at www.medicalweightcare.co.uk, or you can contact us by telephone or WhatsApp on 07745 520201 or by email to info@medicalweightcare.co.uk.
Treatment pathway
This is what your treatment journey may look like:
1 – Book a free appointment and provide us with some background information which will give us an indication of how we can help you.
2 – Introductory virtual appointment - This is a free 15 minute remote appointment to explore how we can help you and explain what we are able to offer, as well as answer any initial questions you may have about our treatment pathway.
3 – First assessment appointment – This will be a detailed consultation with the doctor that may last up to 45 minutes. You will be asked about your medical and lifestyle history in more detail and any other attempts that you have made to lose weight in the past. You will be asked to send in or bring any recent blood test results that you have had or you may be asked to have some blood tests (these can be carried out by the doctor or by fingerprick testing (which can be sent to you direct) if you do not like having blood tests; this will incur an additional cost. We will also need to measure your weight, height and waist circumference and your blood pressure. We will then discuss your options and make a plan for treatment.
If the treatment includes prescription of weight loss medication this will be issued once we have received your blood test results (if needed) and it is safe for you to start the medication. We will then issue you a prescription and the medication will be delivered directly to you. We will meet again either remotely or face to face so that the doctor can show you how to carry out your injections.
4 – Follow-up appointments – We will then speak again every week, to support and monitor how you are getting. After 4 weeks the doctor will need to see you again either in person or remotely, for a follow up appointment. The doctor will continue to be in contact with you as needed and then see you again on a 4 weekly basis thereafter, when she will issue you with a repeat prescription if you are taking medication, and it is working and safe for you. After 24 weeks (roughly 6 months) we will need to see you every 8 weeks where we will continue to monitor your progress.
We will also communicate with your GP, with your consent, to make sure that your GP is fully aware of any treatments you may be receiving and to to avoid any interactions or effect on any other aspects of your medical care.
Costs
Introductory remote appointment – £0
First assessment appointment – £135
Follow-up appointments – £75
Blood tests – price may vary depending on tests required; not all patients need these
Prescription costs – starting at £150 for a 4 week supply
Repeat prescription costs – £40
(replacement scripts or
additional medication such as
antiemetics)
Payments must be made in advance of any appointments, blood tests or prescriptions being issued. We require 24 hours notice of cancellation of any appointments or the full cost of any consultation will be charged. We are unable to offer refunds for any prescription medication but we will liaise with the pharmacies to try and find a resolution. Refunds will only be issued in line with the pharmacies’ refund policies. Medical Weight Care only use pharmacies registered with and regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council. Prescription medication costs may vary depending on supply costs and increase as the dose of medication increases.
Appointments
Book a free introductory virtual appointment to talk to the doctor and see how we can help you.
Telephone or text: 07745 520201
Email: info@medicalweightcare.co.uk
Appointments are available every Tuesday in the Harrogate clinic and remotely at selected times during the week, in the evenings and at weekends. For appointment availability please follow the link https://www.medicalweightcare.co.uk/book-an-appointment or email info@medicalweightcare.co.uk.
Out of hours support
Medical Weight Care does not operate an out of hours or emergency service. Our usual hours are Monday to Friday 9am-6pm. You can contact us by email at info@medicalweightcare.co.uk or message or WhatsApp on 07745 520201 and provide your contact details and a brief summary of what the issue is, and the doctor will come back to you by telephone as soon as possible. If you experience any side effects or problems with your treatment outside of these hours please contact out of hours medical services and take a copy of your most recent appointment letter and your prescription or medication to share with healthcare professionals so that they are clear what treatment and care you are receiving.