Wanting to lose a lot of weight quickly is completely understandable. Whether you’ve got a holiday coming up or just want to feel better in yourself, it’s natural to wonder how fast you can shift the weight. A common goal is to lose a stone in a month — but is it realistic, and more importantly, is it safe? In this blog, we’ll explore what’s possible, what to watch out for, and where to get support if you need a little extra help.

Is It Safe to Lose a Stone in a Month?

Losing a stone in a month is possible, but it’s considered quite a fast rate of weight loss. That’s around 6.3kg in just four weeks. For many people, that means making major changes to their diet, activity levels, and daily habits — all at once. It can be physically and mentally demanding.

The NHS recommends aiming to lose 1 to 2 pounds (around 0.5 to 1kg) per week. This slower pace is safer and more likely to lead to long-term success. Fast weight loss often involves cutting calories too low or following extreme diets. These can lead to fatigue, cravings, and even muscle loss. You might also see big drops on the scales early on due to water loss, not fat. That’s why your approach really matters.

Factors That Affect How Quickly You Lose Weight

Weight loss isn’t the same for everyone. Some people see fast results, while others take longer to notice changes. This doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. Your body, lifestyle, and health all play a part in how quickly you lose weight.

Here are some of the key factors that can affect your progress:

• Starting weight and BMI – People with a higher starting weight may see faster early results.
• Metabolism – Some bodies burn energy quicker than others, often due to age or genetics.
• Activity levels – The more you move, the more energy you burn.
• Sleep and stress – Poor sleep and high stress can make it harder to lose weight.
• Health conditions or medications – Some issues, like thyroid problems or insulin resistance, can slow things down.

Because there’s no one-size-fits-all result, it’s important to stay focused on what works for you.

What Works Better Than Crash Diets

It can be tempting to try a crash diet when you’ve got a big weight loss goal. But cutting out food groups or slashing calories often leads to quick burnout. These approaches can slow your metabolism, increase cravings, and leave you feeling exhausted.

Instead, focus on simple, realistic changes that you can stick with. These tend to give better results over time and support your overall health too.

Here are some habits that make a difference:

• Choose high-protein meals – These keep you full and help preserve muscle while you lose fat.
• Watch portion sizes – Eating slightly less at each meal can add up over the week.
• Move more each day – Walking, stretching, or light exercise can boost your progress.
• Drink enough water – Staying hydrated supports energy and helps reduce unnecessary snacking.
• Track your habits – Writing things down can help you stay focused and spot any patterns.

Steady, consistent changes are far more effective than anything extreme.

When to Consider Medical Support

For some people, no matter how hard they try, lifestyle changes just aren’t enough. If you’ve been eating well, moving more, and still not seeing results, medical support could be an option. This is especially true if your weight is affecting your health or confidence.

You might be wondering how can I lose a stone in a month without doing anything extreme. In some cases, medical treatments like weight loss injections can help by making it easier to manage hunger and portion sizes.

Some prescription options include:

• Mounjaro – A weekly injection that helps reduce appetite and improves feelings of fullness.
• Saxenda – A daily injection that works on the brain to control hunger signals.
• Orlistat – A tablet that stops some fat from being absorbed by the body.

These treatments are not for everyone and should only be used with proper medical advice. A consultation is always needed to check if they’re safe and suitable for you.

Speak to Heald Green Pharmacy’s Weight Loss Team

At Heald Green Pharmacy, we know how hard it can be to lose weight — especially when you’ve got big goals and feel unsure where to start. That’s why our Weight Loss Clinic is here to offer expert support in a friendly, confidential setting. We provide one-to-one consultations and can offer access to prescription treatments like Mounjaro, Saxenda, and Orlistat.

Our trained team will help you explore your options, answer your questions, and guide you every step of the way. You don’t have to do this alone. Get in touch with us today to book your consultation and take the first step towards a healthier, more confident you.

This blog was written on behalf of Heald Green Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.

At Heald Green Pharmacy, we understand that the journey to getting lean can be challenging. While diet and exercise are essential components, for many, achieving and maintaining weight loss requires additional support. Two medications currently making headlines in the world of weight management are Mounjaro and Wegovy. Both have shown significant promise in helping individuals lose weight effectively, but each works differently.

In this blog, we’ll explore how these medications can support your weight loss journey and help you decide which option might be best for you.

Why Medication Can Be Key to Your Weight Loss Journey

Losing weight is more than just about appearance – it’s about improving your overall health. Maintaining a healthy weight can lower your risk of developing chronic conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. However, some individuals struggle to lose weight through diet and exercise alone, especially if hormonal or metabolic factors are involved. This is where weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy come in.

By addressing the underlying biological processes that make losing weight difficult, these medications can help you achieve more sustainable results. Let’s take a closer look at how Mounjaro and Wegovy compare and what makes each unique.

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is a weight loss medication that contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, it has been found to be highly effective in promoting weight loss. Wegovy works by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps regulate appetite and food intake. By making you feel fuller for longer and reducing your cravings, Wegovy can significantly reduce calorie intake and promote weight loss.

Key Benefits of Wegovy:

Appetite Suppression: By influencing hunger signals in the brain, Wegovy helps reduce food cravings and makes you feel satisfied with smaller portions.

Long-lasting effects: Wegovy is administered once a week as an injection, making it convenient for long-term use.

Proven results: Clinical trials have shown that individuals using Wegovy can lose, on average, 15-20% of their body weight over the course of treatment.

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is a newer medication on the market, containing tirzepatide. Unlike Wegovy, which only targets the GLP-1 receptor, Mounjaro acts on both GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptors. This dual-action approach amplifies its effect on appetite regulation and metabolic function, making it a powerful tool for both weight loss and blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes.

Key Benefits of Mounjaro:

Dual-action: By targeting both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, Mounjaro not only reduces appetite but also enhances fat metabolism, providing more comprehensive weight loss support.

Blood sugar control: Mounjaro is particularly beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes, as it also improves insulin sensitivity and glucose regulation.

Superior weight loss: In some studies, individuals taking Mounjaro have seen even greater weight loss results than those using Wegovy, with average losses of up to 20-25% of their body weight.

Mounjaro vs Wegovy: How Do They Compare?

When comparing Mounjaro vs Wegovy, it’s important to understand how these medications differ in terms of their mechanisms and suitability for different individuals.

Mechanism of Action:

• • – Wegovy works by mimicking GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite and satiety.
  • – Mounjaro targets both GLP-1 and GIP, offering an added layer of metabolic enhancement alongside appetite suppression.

Effectiveness:

• • – Both medications are effective for weight loss, but Mounjaro may offer slightly more significant results in certain cases, particularly for individuals who also have type 2 diabetes.
  • – On average, individuals using Wegovy can expect to lose around 15-20% of their body weight, while Mounjaro users may achieve weight losses of 20-25%.

Suitability:

• • – Wegovy is suitable for anyone with a BMI of 30 or higher, or for individuals with a BMI of 27 and above who have at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure or cholesterol.
  • – Mounjaro has seen impressive results for weight loss, despite being approved as a medication for type 2 diabetes, ultimately helping users lose more weight if used correctly.

Side Effects:

• • – Both medications may cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, diarrhoea, or constipation, particularly when first starting treatment. These usually subside as the body adjusts.
  • – Due to the more complex dual-action of Mounjaro, some individuals may experience slightly more pronounced side effects.

Choosing the Right Medication for Your Health Journey

If you are considering Wegovy or Mounjaro as part of your weight loss journey, the choice between the two will largely depend on your specific health needs and goals.

Wegovy may be the ideal option if you are seeking a tried-and-tested medication for long-term weight loss and do not have type 2 diabetes.

Mounjaro, on the other hand, could be more suitable if you are managing type 2 diabetes in addition to wanting to lose weight, or if you are looking for potentially greater weight loss results.

At Heald Green Pharmacy, we recommend discussing your options with a healthcare professional who can assess your medical history, lifestyle, and weight loss goals. With the right guidance, you can make an informed decision that supports your long-term health and helps you achieve sustainable results.

The Role of Lifestyle in Weight Loss

While both Mounjaro and Wegovy offer powerful support for weight loss, they work best when combined with healthy lifestyle choices. To get lean and stay lean, it’s essential to focus on balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and behavioural changes that promote lasting health.

Healthy Diet: Focus on nutrient-dense, whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Reducing processed foods and refined sugars can support your weight loss efforts and overall well-being.

Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, including both aerobic and strength-training activities.

Mindful Eating: Practising mindful eating can help you become more aware of your hunger cues and avoid overeating.

Your Health and Weight Loss Journey

When it comes to choosing the best weight loss medication, the decision between Mounjaro vs Wegovy will depend on your personal health needs and goals. Both medications offer effective solutions for weight loss, with slight differences in their mechanisms and results. At Heald Green Pharmacy, we are here to guide you through your health journey, ensuring that you make informed decisions that support your well-being and help you achieve lasting results.

Get in touch to find out how we can support you, or book a consultation to kick-start your weight loss journey.

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This blog was written on behalf of Heald Green Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.