Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Cardiff Lifestyle Medicine?
A doctor-led clinic specialising in safe, medically supervised weight management. Every patient is assessed by a GP, and all treatment plans are individually tailored. We prescribe Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) alongside structured lifestyle support.
2. Who will I see?
The lead GP is Dr Jim Pink, a GP with more than 20 years of NHS experience. He is a member of the Royal College of General Practitioners, the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine, and is SCOPE certified — the only internationally recognised obesity qualification.
Cardiff Lifestyle Medicine may also employ associate GPs, all of whom will be fully qualified GPs with SCOPE certification.
3. Do weight management injections work?
Yes. Both Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are highly effective medical treatments for weight management. They work by targeting the hormones that regulate appetite and fullness, helping you feel satisfied sooner and reducing hunger between meals. When combined with lifestyle changes, both medications lead to meaningful and sustained weight loss.
Clinical trials show that Mounjaro typically leads to 15–22% average weight loss, whereas Wegovy leads to 10–16%, when both are combined with lifestyle changes.
4. Are they safe?
Yes. Both medications have been thoroughly studied and are approved by the MHRA (UK regulator) and FDA (USA) for weight management. For most people, they are safe when prescribed and monitored by a qualified clinician.
Common side effects include nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, or reduced appetite — typically mild and improving over time. Serious side effects are rare.
Your treatment is closely supervised to ensure both safety and effectiveness.
5. Who can take Mounjaro or Wegovy?
You may be suitable if you:
Have a BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with a weight-related condition such as diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnoea
Are ready to make lifestyle changes alongside medication
Have no medical contraindications to GLP-1-based treatment
A full clinical assessment is required before starting either medication.
6. Who cannot take Mounjaro or Wegovy?
These medications are not suitable if you:
Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy
Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2
Have a history of pancreatitis
Are taking insulin or another weight-loss medication
Have severe gastrointestinal disease or certain rare endocrine conditions
Your GP will assess safety fully before prescribing.
7. How do I take it?
Both Mounjaro and Wegovy are injected once weekly using a pen device with a very small needle. Injections are given into the abdomen or thigh.
Mounjaro: Each pen contains 4 weekly doses of the same strength. Dose increases occur every 4 weeks.
Wegovy: Each pen also contains 4 weekly doses, so one pen lasts 4 weeks. You follow a structured titration schedule over several months.
Your doctor will show you how to use the pen and provide access to video guides.
8. What’s included in the £299 Comprehensive Assessment?
Discovery call
Online medical and lifestyle questionnaires
Home visit by a phlebotomist for blood tests (kidney, thyroid and liver function, diabetes screening, cholesterol)
GP home visit for a medical assessment to include measurements, discussion of goals and formulation of a management plan.
Personalised lifestyle prescription
Initiation of Mounjaro or Wegovy (if appropriate)
Medication is supplied separately by our partner pharmacy.
Comparable private services often charge more than £180 for blood tests alone and over £290 for private GP home visits, making this comprehensive assessment exceptional value.
9. What happens after the first assessment?
Each month, you will receive an email invitation to book an online review with your Cardiff Lifestyle Medicine doctor.
During the review, your GP will:
Discuss your progress
Review your lifestyle prescription
Adjust your medication dose
Address any concerns
Issue your prescription electronically
Your medication will be delivered to your home via our partner pharmacy.
Mounjaro and Wegovy are long-term treatments; Mounjaro generally reaches maximal effect after around 19 months.
10. How much is the monthly treatment?
Current Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) Monthly Price*
2.5mg - £145
5mg - £165
7.5mg - £210
10 mg - £235
12.5 mg - £255
15 mg - £275
Current Wegovy (Semaglutide) Monthly Price*:
0.25mg - £95
0.5mg - £100
1mg - £110
1.7mg - £145
2.4mg - £195
These prices are discounted for Cardiff Lifestyle Medicine and represent the wholesale price of medication, plus dispensing charges.
Discounted medication is only available following a GP consultation (costing £75). Our aim is not to compete with low-cost online pharmacies. Our focus is on providing safe, medically supervised treatment with personalised support.
11. Will the prices stay the same?
Wholesale prices for Mounjaro and Wegovy can fluctuate, so prices cannot be guaranteed long term. We will always confirm the current price before you purchase, and updates will be made promptly to our website.
12. What is a “lifestyle prescription”?
Lifestyle medicine focuses on six pillars:
Healthy eating
Physical activity
Sleep
Avoidance of harmful behaviours
Mental wellbeing
Healthy relationships
Your GP will explore each area with you and produce a personalised lifestyle prescription. This will be reviewed at monthly follow-ups. Our approach is coaching-based, empowering you to develop sustainable changes that work for your life.
13. Can you help me if I don’t want to take medication?
Yes.
Our Lifestyle-Only Programme begins with the £299 GP assessment and blood tests, followed by £75 monthly follow-ups focusing on lifestyle medicine. This option is also ideal for those who have completed a medication programme and want structured support to maintain their weight.
14. I’m not sure this is for me. Can I discuss it first?
Absolutely.
A free discovery call allows you to ask questions and explore whether the programme is right for you. This is not a medical consultation but helps assess suitability. Click here to book a discovery call.
15. Where are appointments held?
Initial assessments take place in your home. Many people feel self-conscious about seeking help for weight management, and we aim to reduce barriers by offering discreet, respectful home visits.
Free home visits within North Cardiff
A supplement may apply outside this area (discussed during your discovery call)
Follow-up appointments are held online (via secure video link) for convenience, usually with the same doctor who completed your initial assessment.
16. What if I have side effects or questions between reviews?
During your first 8 weeks, you will have access to secure online messaging for brief, non-urgent questions. Responses are provided within three working days.
Cardiff Lifestyle Medicine does not replace NHS services.
For urgent or serious concerns, contact your GP, NHS 111, or A&E.
17. I’ve already been taking Mounjaro or Wegovy from another provider. Can I switch?
Yes.
For safety reasons, an initial assessment is required before we can take over prescribing responsibility. Please contact us to discuss.
18. Are you regulated?
Yes.
Cardiff Lifestyle Medicine Ltd is registered with Companies House (No. 16671764) and with Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) for independent medical services.
Dr Pink is registered with:
The General Medical Council (GMC 6045269)
Royal College of General Practitioners
British Society of Lifestyle Medicine
World Obesity Federation (SCOPE certification)