A weight-loss injection which suppresses the appetite is now available at all Boots and Lloyds Pharmacy branches.
After Britain was confirmed as the most obese nation in Europe, the jab – which is named Saxenda, or is sometimes referred to as Liraglutide – is intended to suppress a person’s appetite and works by mimicking a hormone called GLP1, which is the hormone that is released after you eat to let you know you’re full.
When combined with a low-fat food plan and moderate levels of activity, users of Saxenda should expect to lose 5% of their body weight over three months.
It is not recommended if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, or have certain health conditions, such as liver or kidney problems.
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Users of Saxenda should expect to lose 5% of their body weight over three months / Credit: Saxenda | Novo Nordisk
On Saxenda’s website, it says that common side effects for those taking the injection include nausea, tiredness, constipation and low blood sugar, among other things, and among the serious side effects it lists “thyroid tumours, including cancer”.
It is important to note, however, Saxenda is a weight-loss aid and not a cure that works without major dietary and lifestyle changes.
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First approved in the UK in 2017 and initially only available through private prescription, Saxenda was recently rolled out on the NHS under strict criteria, which means that to get access to the jab at the likes of Boots and Lloyds Pharmacy, you will have take an online questionnaire and match such criteria that changes depending on the individual.
Saxenda is now available at all Boots and Lloyds Pharmacy branches / Credit: Flickr
In most cases, you have to be 30 or above on the Body Mass Index (BMI) scale and have tried other methods of losing weight before being accepted for Saxenda.
During the online consultation, you will be asked about your medical history and symptoms, and your answers help assess your suitability for treatment.
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If accepted, you can pick up your jabs in store or have them delivered for free to your home. Saxenda comes in a 3ml pre-filled injection pen, with a single pen lasting 17 days and a pack of three covering 4.5 weeks.
A pack of three pens costs £150 and a pack of five is priced at £240.
Saxenda® (liraglutide 3mg) is a once daily prescription medicine and always needs to be prescribed by a licensed healthcare professional.
Boots Saxenda® prescriptions are issued by a doctor and collected in store. Lloyds pharmacy dispense their prescriptions under a Patient Group Directions (PGD). PGD’s are documents in the U.K. National Health Service that permit the supply of prescription-only medicines to groups of patients, without individual prescriptions.
A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford, as police hunt ‘answers’
Daisy Jackson
Floral tributes have begun to pile up outside the Salford park where the remains of a baby were found earlier this week.
The child, who is being called Baby A, was discovered near Ashtons Field on Wednesday 20 November.
Their identity is not yet known, and police are trying to determine ‘who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died’.
In an update shared last night, GMP said their investigation was continuing and the force will do ‘everything we can to get answers’.
They also shared images of cuddly toys, flowers and letters that have been left at the snowy scene by officers and by the local community.
In the latest update, GMP said: “Our investigation continues after the remains of a young baby were tragically found in Little Hulton yesterday.
“The thoughts of everyone at Greater Manchester Police are with Baby A, and we will do everything we can to get answers.
“We would like to thank the community for their tributes to Baby A and their support and compassion at this time. We are truly grateful.”
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford. Credit: GMP
GMP are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward so they can ‘find answers for this baby’.
Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood said: “Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation. If you have seen anyone in the area over the last few days, or know who the parents could be, please call us as soon as you can.
“As soon as we are in a position to confirm further details about the circumstances, we will do so.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Emily Sergeant -
7th March 2022 
