Get qualified support and feel happier and healthier! Meet Dr Ulrike Naumann, our new specialist GP in Obesity and Weight Management – your partner on the journey to a healthier and happier you.
With years of experience in General Practice and expertise in weight management, Dr Naumann combines compassionate care with modern medical solutions to help you reach your health goals.
Virtual evening and weekend appointments available.
We partner with SignatureRx as our primary pharmacy provider and have also secured discounted GLP-1 rates through Primed Pharmacy.
Our GP-led Weight Loss Clinic offers a personalised, evidence-based approach to help you achieve sustainable results. Book a 15-minute video or telephone taster session for just £30 to explore how medical expertise, lifestyle guidance, and – where appropriate – judicious use of medication can support your goals. Start your journey to better health with trusted, professional care.
a whole-person approach that addresses the root causes of diseases rather than just symptoms, considering physical, mental, and social well-being
up-to-date therapies that offer several significant benefits and aim to provide lasting solutions
a multi-component therapy approach which combines up to date medical therapy with evidence-based lifestyle changes as primary treatments, which focus on nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, avoidance of risky substances, and positive social connections
a personalised care plan designed to help you achieve sustainable weight loss and improve your overall health.
regular follow-ups and progress tracking
During your initial appointment, I will work with you to understand your unique health needs and goals. This first appointment includes an exam and a targeted obesity-focused assessment.
You can expect a comprehensive assessment that includes:
This personalised approach allows us to create a tailored plan together that supports your journey towards a healthier, happier you. I look forward to partnering with you on this path to wellness and personal and professional success.
To accommodate your needs and preferences, I offer various options for follow-up appointments and flexible payment packages:
Flexible payment packages to suit different budgets and needs are available on request. I also offer a special discount for NHS staff as a token of my appreciation for their dedication and hard work. Please contact us for more details on how to take advantage.
What are the roles of diet and physical activity in weight management?
Both nutrition and physical activity are important for health, but they contribute to weight management in different ways. Diet has the greatest influence on weight loss, as it is generally much easier to reduce calorie intake than to burn the equivalent number of calories through exercise. Choosing a balanced diet that is rich in protein, fibre, vegetables, fruit and minimally processed foods helps reduce hunger, improve satiety and create a sustainable calorie deficit.
The most effective eating pattern is the one that helps you maintain a healthy weight or lose excess body fat in a sustainable way. This may be lower in carbohydrates, higher in carbohydrates, or somewhere in between, depending on personal preference and what you can stick to long term.
Food quality also plays an important role because it influences how much we eat. We are much more likely to overconsume ultra-processed foods, sugary drinks, alcohol, highly palatable foods rich in fat, sugar and salt, energy-dense foods, and foods low in protein and fibre. In contrast, minimally processed foods rich in protein, fibre, and whole-food carbohydrates tend to be more filling and help reduce overall calorie intake.
Protein plays a vital role in successful weight management and overall metabolic health. It is the most filling (satiating) of the three main macronutrients carbohydrates, fat and protein), helping to reduce hunger and support appetite control. Protein also has a higher thermic effect, meaning your body uses more energy to digest and process it than it does for fats or carbohydrates. Importantly, adequate protein intake helps preserve muscle mass during weight loss, supporting strength, physical function and a healthy metabolism, as muscle is one of the body’s most metabolically active tissues. A target protein intake of approximately 1.2–1.5 g per kilogram of body weight per day is recommended, spread across 3 meals where possible
Combined with regular resistance exercise, a protein-rich diet can help maximise fat loss while minimising muscle loss and promoting long-term health.
Fibre is an essential part of a healthy diet and plays a key role in weight management, digestive health and metabolic wellbeing. Most adults should aim for at least 30 g of fibre each day. Soluble fibre dissolves in water to form a gel, helping you feel fuller for longer, slowing the absorption of sugar, improving blood glucose control and helping to lower cholesterol. Good sources include oats, barley, beans, lentils, peas, apples, citrus fruits and psyllium. Insoluble fibre does not dissolve in water and adds bulk to the stool, helping food pass through the gut more easily and reducing the risk of constipation. It is found in wholegrains, bran, nuts, seeds and the skins of fruit and vegetables. A diet rich in fibre also nourishes the beneficial bacteria in your gut, supporting a healthy gut microbiome and reducing inflammation. Increasing fibre intake gradually and drinking plenty of water can help minimise bloating and wind, which sometimes occur when fibre intake is increased too quickly.
Fermented foods can be a valuable addition to a healthy, balanced diet and may help support both gut and metabolic health. They contain beneficial microorganisms or their by-products, which can contribute to a diverse and healthy gut microbiome. A healthy microbiome is increasingly recognised as playing an important role in digestion, immune function, inflammation, blood sugar regulation and overall metabolic health. Common fermented foods include live natural or Greek yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, tempeh and traditionally fermented vegetables. Although research is continuing and the health benefits may vary between individuals and different foods, including a variety of fermented foods as part of a fibre-rich, minimally processed diet may help support digestive health and overall wellbeing. When choosing fermented foods, look for products labelled as containing live cultures where appropriate, and be aware that some products, such as certain pickled vegetables or processed fermented foods, may be high in salt. Fermented foods should be viewed as one component of a healthy dietary pattern rather than a substitute for a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruit, wholegrains, legumes and adequate protein.
Good hydration is essential for overall health and becomes even more important during weight loss and when taking GLP-1 medicines. Adequate fluid intake supports normal digestion, kidney function, circulation, temperature regulation and physical and mental performance. It can also help reduce constipation, headaches and dizziness, which may occur with reduced food intake or gastrointestinal side effects such as vomiting or diarrhoea. Aim to drink around 2–3 litres of fluid each day, although individual requirements vary depending on body size, activity levels, climate and medical conditions. Water should be your main drink, with tea, coffee, milk and sugar-free drinks also contributing to your daily fluid intake. A simple way to monitor hydration is to aim for pale straw-coloured urine. If you experience persistent vomiting, diarrhoea or are unable to keep fluids down, seek medical advice promptly, as dehydration can become serious and may require temporary interruption of GLP-1 treatment.
Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to improve long-term health and complements the benefits of GLP-1 medication (where applicable). While exercise alone is unlikely to produce substantial weight loss, it plays a crucial role in preserving muscle mass, maintaining a healthy metabolism, improving insulin sensitivity, supporting heart and bone health, enhancing mood and sleep, and helping to maintain weight loss over the longer term. Aim to reduce prolonged periods of sitting by taking regular movement breaks, such as standing up, stretching or walking for a few minutes every 30–60 minutes. In addition, try to build activity into your daily routine through walking, gardening, climbing stairs, housework or cycling.
Strength (resistance) training is particularly important during weight loss because it helps preserve muscle and maintain physical function. This can be performed at home using body weight exercises (such as sit-to-stands, wall push-ups and step-ups), resistance bands or dumbbells, aiming for 2–3 sessions each week involving all the major muscle groups. Begin at a level that feels comfortable and increase the difficulty gradually as your strength improves. If you have significant joint pain, osteoporosis, balance problems, heart disease, are recovering from surgery, or have any other medical condition that may affect your ability to exercise safely, seek advice before starting a new exercise programme. Stop exercising and seek medical attention if you develop chest pain, severe breathlessness, dizziness or feel unwell during activity.
Remember, the best exercise is the one you enjoy and can continue as part of your everyday life—every movement counts, and small, consistent changes often lead to the greatest long-term benefits.
What BMI do you need to be eligible for weight loss medication?
Wessex Private GP typically uses the following BMI thresholds for prescribing weight loss medications:
BMI of 30 or higher: Generally required for most weight loss medications.
BMI of 27 or higher: If the patient has weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnoea.
These thresholds are in place to ensure that medications are prescribed to those who are most likely to benefit from them.
Why are the BMI eligibility criteria different for some ethnic groups?
People from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African and African-Caribbean backgrounds are at increased risk of developing obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease at a lower BMI than people from White ethnic backgrounds. UK guidance therefore recommends lower BMI thresholds when assessing eligibility for weight management treatment, including GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 medicines such as Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide). In these groups, overweight is defined as a BMI of 23–27.4 kg/m² and obesity as a BMI of 27.5 kg/m² or above, compared with 25–29.9 kg/m² and 30 kg/m² or above, respectively, in White populations. This means that people from these higher-risk ethnic groups may be eligible for assessment and treatment at a lower BMI, helping to reduce the risk of serious obesity-related complications through earlier intervention.
How long will I need to take GLP-1 medication such as Wegovy® or Mounjaro®?
There is no fixed treatment duration. Obesity is now recognised as a chronic, relapsing disease, and for many people GLP-1 medicines such as Wegovy® (semaglutide) and Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) may be required long term to help maintain weight loss and reduce the risk of regaining weight after treatment is stopped.
Current specialist recommendations support an individualised approach. The decision to continue treatment depends on factors such as the amount of weight lost, improvements in health, side effects, quality of life, and the individual’s preferences and goals. NICE recommends regular review to ensure treatment continues to provide meaningful clinical benefit and remains safe and appropriate.
Some people may only need treatment for 1–2 years, while others may benefit from treatment for several years or longer. Evidence from clinical trials shows that most people regain a substantial proportion of lost weight after stopping GLP-1 medication, particularly if treatment is discontinued before sustainable lifestyle habits have become established. For this reason, medication should always be combined with healthy eating, regular physical activity and long-term behaviour change.
In addition to helping people lose weight, GLP-1 medicines—particularly semaglutide—have been shown to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular death in people with overweight or obesity and established cardiovascular disease (e.g. a previous heart attack or stroke). Exciting areas of ongoing research suggest these medicines may also help reduce chronic inflammation and could have benefits for addictive behaviours, such as alcohol misuse and smoking, as well as potentially lowering the risk of some obesity-related cancers. While these emerging benefits are promising, further research is needed before these potential benefits can become established uses of these medications.
The decision to continue, reduce or stop treatment should always be made jointly between you and your clinician, balancing the benefits, any side effects, your overall health, and the likelihood of maintaining weight loss without medication.
This reflects the current position of NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) and the consensus of UK obesity specialists, who increasingly view GLP-1 therapy as a long-term treatment for a chronic disease rather than a short-term course of medication.
We will review your progress regularly and work with you to decide whether to continue, reduce or stop treatment, taking into account the benefits you have achieved, any side effects, your overall health, your personal goals, and your ability to maintain your weight loss with healthy lifestyle habits.
What is the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy?
While both medications enhance GLP-1, Mounjaro additionally targets another hormone called GIP, which offers more comprehensive benefits compared to Wegovy, which primarily focuses on GLP-1.
Mounjaro is often better tolerated due to its dual action on GLP-1 and GIP, which can result in fewer side effects compared to medications that solely target GLP-1. The addition of GIP helps to balance the effects of GLP-1, potentially reducing common side effects such as nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort. This makes Mounjaro a more comfortable option for many patients, improving their overall treatment experience and adherence to medication.
Mounjaro also encourages your body to use fat stores as a source of energy and is considered a more potent in its effect on satiety (feeling full/satiated) and reward centres (reducing craving).
What is the evidence that Mounjaro and Wegovy work?
Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) and Wegovy® (semaglutide) are among the most extensively researched weight management treatments available. Large, high-quality clinical trials involving tens of thousands of participants have consistently shown that, when combined with healthy lifestyle changes and ongoing support, they produce substantially greater weight loss than diet and exercise alone.
Most people can expect to lose 15–20% of their starting body weight with Mounjaro® and 10–15% with Wegovy, although individual results vary and some people lose considerably more. Even losing 5–10% of body weight can lead to meaningful health benefits.
The benefits extend well beyond the number on the scales. Studies have demonstrated improvements in:
Semaglutide has also been shown to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular death in people with overweight or obesity and established cardiovascular disease. Emerging evidence suggests GLP-1 medicines may also reduce inflammation and could have wider benefits for conditions linked to obesity, although research into areas such as addictive behaviours, kidney disease, neurodegenerative disorders and some obesity-related cancers is still evolving.
The greatest and most sustainable benefits are achieved when medication is combined with a nutritious, protein-rich diet, regular physical activity (including strength training), good sleep, stress management and ongoing behavioural support. At Wessex Private GP, we use medication as one part of a comprehensive, personalised programme to help you achieve lasting improvements in your weight, metabolic health and overall wellbeing.
What are the limitations of cinical trials compared to real life?
Clinical trials often provide more intensive support and monitoring which helps participants stick to the plan. In real life, people might not have this level of support, making it harder to achieve the same results
Some participants leave before the study is completed. This can affect the results because those who stay might be different from those who drop out.
The conditions in a trial are carefully controlled to ensure accurate results. In everyday life, various factors like stress, lifestyle changes, and personal circumstances can affect how well a treatment works.
I will help you with this by:
Are there any extra precautions for women?
GLP-1 medicines, including Mounjaro® (tirzepatide), Wegovy® (semaglutide), oral Wegovy® (oral semaglutide) and Ozempic® (semaglutide), should not be used during pregnancy because there is insufficient information about their safety for an unborn baby.
If you could become pregnant, you should use effective contraception while taking these medications. If you are planning a pregnancy, treatment should be stopped in advance to allow the medicine to leave your body:
Mounjaro® (tirzepatide): Stop at least 1 month before trying to conceive.
Wegovy®, Ozempic® and oral Wegovy® (semaglutide): Stop at least 2 months before trying to conceive.
If you become pregnant while taking one of these medications, stop treatment and contact your healthcare professional promptly.
Because tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) slows stomach emptying more than other currently available GLP-1 medicines, it can reduce the absorption and effectiveness of the combined oral contraceptive pill and the progestogen-only pill, particularly when treatment is started and after each dose increase.
The Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) recommends using a non-oral contraceptive method (such as the contraceptive implant, hormonal or copper coil, injection, patch or vaginal ring) or adding a barrier method (such as condoms) for 4 weeks after starting tirzepatide and for 4 weeks after every dose escalation.
Current evidence does not indicate that semaglutide (Wegovy, oral Wegovy or Ozempic) significantly reduces the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. However, if vomiting or severe diarrhoea occurs, the contraceptive pill may not be fully absorbed. In this situation, follow the missed pill advice in the manufacturer’s leaflet and consider additional contraception if appropriate.
GLP-1 medicines slow stomach emptying, which may reduce the absorption of oral micronised progesterone (for example, Utrogestan®). Adequate progesterone is essential for women with a uterus taking oestrogen, as it protects the lining of the womb (endometrium) from overgrowth and reduces the risk of endometrial cancer.
Current specialist guidance suggests considering non-oral methods of endometrial protection, particularly for women taking GLP-1 medicines who have obesity and/or other risk factors. The 52 mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (Mirena® or equivalent) provides highly effective endometrial protection and avoids concerns about reduced absorption of oral progesterone.
If you are taking HRT, planning a pregnancy or have questions about contraception while using GLP-1 medication, please discuss this with your clinician so that your treatment can be tailored to your individual circumstances.
Are GLP-1 weight loss medications safe?
Yes. Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) and Wegovy® (semaglutide) have undergone rigorous clinical trials and are approved for weight management by both the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). GLP-1 medicines have been used to treat type 2 diabetes for almost 20 years, and semaglutide has been used for diabetes since 2017 and for obesity since 2021. Tirzepatide has been used for diabetes since 2022 and for obesity since 2023. Millions of people worldwide have now been treated, providing an extensive and reassuring safety record.
Most people tolerate these medications well. The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, indigestion, abdominal discomfort and reduced appetite. These symptoms are usually mild, are most likely to occur when starting treatment or increasing the dose, and often improve as your body adapts. Starting with a low dose and increasing gradually helps minimise these effects.
Serious side effects are uncommon, but can include pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), gallstones or gallbladder disease, dehydration, and, rarely, kidney problems caused by severe vomiting or diarrhoea. Animal studies found an increased risk of a rare type of thyroid tumour, but this has not been shown in people. As a precaution, these medicines are not suitable for anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 (MEN2).
Like all medicines, GLP-1 treatments continue to be closely monitored by the MHRA, FDA and other international regulators. As more people use these medications, their benefits and safety continue to be assessed through ongoing research and real-world clinical experience.
Before recommending treatment, we will carry out a thorough medical assessment to make sure it is appropriate for you. We will then review your progress regularly, help you manage any side effects and ensure your treatment continues to be safe, effective and tailored to your individual needs.
Can I switch between Mounjaro and oral Wegovy and vice versa?
Yes, switching is usually possible with the support of a qualified clinician, based on your individual needs and wishes.
Common reasons for switching include a preference for a daily tablet or weekly injection, side effects, cost considerations, medication availability, or a desire to try an alternative treatment approach.
While both treatments can be highly effective for weight management, they work slightly differently, with Mounjaro targeting both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, which may have a greater effect on appetite suppression, blood sugar regulation, and fat metabolism, which may contribute to greater average weight loss compared to Wegovy treatments, which target the GLP-1 receptor alone, although individual results can vary.
As these medicines are not interchangeable on a dose-for-dose basis, we will recommend an appropriate starting dose and transition plan. Most patients can switch with fairly minimal interruption to treatment, although the exact timing will depend on their current medication and dose. During the changeover, some patients may experience temporary differences in appetite control, gastrointestinal side effects, or the rate of weight loss while their body adjusts to the new medication.
Your progress, weight loss, appetite control, and any side effects will be carefully reviewed to ensure the new treatment is working well and remains suitable for you.
Although both medications support significant weight loss, some patients may achieve greater weight-loss results with Mounjaro®, while others prefer the convenience of oral Wegovy®. The best treatment is the one that is effective, well tolerated, and fits your individual needs and lifestyle.
What about Orlistat (commonly sold under the brand name of Xenical)?
Orlistat is a weight-management medicine that works in a different way from GLP-1 treatments. It acts locally in the gut by blocking pancreatic and gastric lipase enzymes, which are responsible for breaking down dietary fat. As a result, around one-third of the fat consumed is not absorbed and passes through the digestive system instead. This reduces calorie absorption and can support weight loss when combined with a healthy, balanced diet and regular physical activity.
The average weight loss with Orlistat is modest compared with newer GLP-1 treatments, typically around 3–5% of initial body weight over 12 months when combined with lifestyle changes. However, even modest weight loss can improve metabolic health, including blood pressure, blood sugar control and cholesterol levels. The effectiveness depends heavily on dietary choices, particularly reducing excess dietary fat.
Because Orlistat prevents some fat from being absorbed, the most common side effects are related to the digestive system. These may include oily or fatty stools, urgency to open the bowels, increased wind and occasional leakage of stool. These effects are not harmful but can be inconvenient.
Side effects can usually be reduced by:
The gastrointestinal effects can also act as a useful reminder of how much fat is present in the diet.
Because Orlistat reduces the absorption of dietary fat, it can also reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K). A daily multivitamin supplement containing these vitamins is usually recommended, taken at least 2 hours before or after Orlistat (for example, at bedtime) to reduce the chance of reduced absorption.
Orlistat may also affect the absorption of some medicines. Important examples include:
Committed to providing holistic individualised care, I can help you develop more desirable habits for health, including an improved relationship with food and exercise. I primarily provide assistance with non-surgical weight loss interventions and will talk with you about your medical treatment options which will be focused on what you hope to achieve against the backdrop of your medical history and barriers to change. Together we will create a personalised treatment plan tailored to meet your specific needs and goals.
I am genuinely excited to bring my expertise to Wessex Private General Practice. With a collaborative and flexible approach, I strive to help my clients gain a deeper understanding of their needs, goals and challenges. Together, we’ll work towards achieving your health and wellness aspirations.
