Consultant-prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy — semaglutide and tirzepatide — at our private specialist clinic in Naas, Co. Kildare. All medications are prescription-only and prescribed following full clinical assessment. Serving patients across Kildare, Newbridge, Sallins, Kill, Clane and the wider Leinster region.
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists are a class of injectable medications that mimic the action of a natural gut hormone released after eating. They stimulate insulin secretion, suppress glucagon, slow gastric emptying, and reduce appetite by acting on receptors in the brain — producing sustained reductions in blood glucose and body weight.
Originally developed for Type 2 diabetes management, GLP-1 receptor agonists have transformed the landscape of both diabetology and obesity medicine. They are now among the most evidence-backed pharmacological treatments for both conditions, with robust long-term clinical trial data supporting their efficacy and cardiovascular safety.
In Ireland, GLP-1 medications are prescription-only medicines regulated by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA). They must be prescribed by a qualified medical practitioner following a thorough clinical assessment.
This page is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice or a recommendation to take any medication. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment.
Clinical Benefits
Conditions Treated
GLP-1 receptor agonists are used in the management of the following conditions:
Type 2 diabetes (HbA1c reduction)
Obesity (BMI ≥30)
Overweight with comorbidities (BMI ≥27)
Cardiometabolic risk reduction
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Pre-bariatric optimisation
Insulin resistance
Metabolic syndrome
Established cardiovascular disease (select agents)
Pre-diabetes with high-risk features
Available Medications
GLP-1 Treatments Available in Ireland
At our Naas clinic, we prescribe the following GLP-1 receptor agonist treatments following thorough clinical assessment by Dr Syed Kazmi, Consultant Endocrinologist.
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Semaglutide — Ozempic
Once-weekly subcutaneous injection licensed for Type 2 diabetes management. Reduces HbA1c by up to 1.5–2.0% and body weight by 5–10%. Available in 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg doses.
Licensed indication: Type 2 diabetes. Regulatory body: HPRA (Ireland) / EMA.
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Semaglutide — Wegovy
Higher-dose semaglutide (2.4 mg weekly) specifically licensed for chronic weight management. Achieves average 15% body weight reduction over 68 weeks in the STEP clinical trials programme.
Licensed indication: Chronic weight management (BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with comorbidity). Regulatory body: HPRA / EMA.
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Tirzepatide — Mounjaro
A dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist — the first in a new class. Achieves up to 20–22% weight reduction in the SURMOUNT trials and superior HbA1c reduction vs semaglutide in head-to-head trials (SURPASS-2).
Licensed in Ireland for Type 2 diabetes and weight management. Regulatory body: HPRA / EMA.
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Liraglutide — Saxenda
Daily injectable GLP-1 agonist licensed for weight management. Achieves 5–8% average body weight reduction. May be used in adolescents aged 12 and above meeting licensed criteria.
Licensed indication: Chronic weight management. Regulatory body: HPRA / EMA.
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Dulaglutide — Trulicity
Once-weekly GLP-1 agonist primarily used in Type 2 diabetes management. Demonstrated cardiovascular risk reduction in the REWIND trial in patients with established or high cardiovascular risk.
Licensed indication: Type 2 diabetes. Regulatory body: HPRA / EMA.
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Cardiovascular Outcomes
Landmark trials including LEADER (liraglutide), SUSTAIN-6 and SOUL (semaglutide), and SURPASS-CVOT (tirzepatide) have demonstrated significant reductions in major adverse cardiovascular events in high-risk patients.
MACE reduction: up to 26% vs placebo in cardiovascular outcome trials.
HPRA regulatory notice: All GLP-1 receptor agonist medications listed above are prescription-only medicines regulated by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA). They are not available over the counter. Prescribing requires full clinical assessment of indications, contraindications, and individual risk-benefit profile by a qualified medical practitioner. The above information is for educational purposes only.
Eligibility & Assessment
Who Qualifies for GLP-1 Treatment?
Eligibility for GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy depends on the indication, clinical history, and individual patient profile. All prescribing at our Naas clinic follows current EMA/HPRA licence criteria and Irish clinical guidelines.
For Type 2 Diabetes
Diagnosed Type 2 diabetes mellitus
HbA1c above target despite oral therapy
Overweight or obesity with diabetes
Established cardiovascular disease (preferred agent)
High cardiovascular risk profile
Requirement to avoid hypoglycaemia
Insulin-resistant Type 2 diabetes
Need to avoid weight gain with intensification
For Weight Management
BMI ≥30 kg/m² (any comorbidity)
BMI ≥27 kg/m² with Type 2 diabetes
BMI ≥27 kg/m² with hypertension
BMI ≥27 kg/m² with dyslipidaemia
BMI ≥27 kg/m² with sleep apnoea
Prior failed dietary interventions
High cardiometabolic risk
Pre-bariatric optimisation requirement
Contraindications include personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2, prior hypersensitivity reaction to the agent, and pregnancy or breastfeeding. All contraindications are evaluated at consultation.
Your Pathway to Treatment
The Treatment Process at Our Naas Clinic
GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment at our clinic follows a structured, evidence-based pathway from initial consultation through to ongoing management. All treatment is consultant-supervised.
Initial Consultation
A comprehensive medical history covering weight history, diabetes status, medication history, cardiovascular risk factors, and any relevant family history. Body weight, BMI, blood pressure, and waist circumference are recorded.
Baseline Investigations
Bloods including HbA1c, fasting glucose, lipid profile, liver function, thyroid function, renal function, and full blood count. An ECG may be arranged. Results are reviewed before prescribing.
Clinical Assessment & Prescribing Decision
Eligibility is assessed against HPRA licence criteria. Contraindications and potential drug interactions are reviewed. If appropriate, a GLP-1 agent is prescribed with a tailored dose escalation schedule. Injection technique is explained at the first session or via follow-up nurse contact.
Dose Escalation
All GLP-1 medications are started at a low dose and escalated every 4 weeks to minimise gastrointestinal side effects. The escalation schedule is tailored to individual tolerability. Slower titration may be used for patients with higher sensitivity.
Structured Follow-Up
Follow-up appointments are scheduled at 12–16 weeks and 6 months to assess response (weight loss or HbA1c reduction), review tolerability, confirm ongoing eligibility, and titrate or adjust treatment as needed. We liaise with your GP to ensure joined-up care.
Serving Kildare & Leinster
GLP-1 Treatment Near You
Our private specialist clinic is located in Suite 5, Vista Primary Care Clinic, Ballymore Road, Naas, Co. Kildare (W91 E6H2). We are conveniently accessible from across County Kildare and the broader Leinster region. Consultations are held on Sundays, 9am–5pm.
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists are injectable medications that mimic the action of the natural gut hormone GLP-1. They work by stimulating insulin release in response to meals, suppressing glucagon, slowing gastric emptying, and reducing appetite through central nervous system effects. They are licensed in Ireland for the management of Type 2 diabetes and, in higher doses, for chronic weight management in people with obesity. All GLP-1 medications are prescription-only and must be prescribed by a qualified medical practitioner following a clinical assessment.
GLP-1 receptor agonists available in Ireland include semaglutide (Ozempic for Type 2 diabetes; Wegovy for weight management), tirzepatide (Mounjaro — a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist for Type 2 diabetes and weight management), liraglutide (Victoza for diabetes; Saxenda for weight management), and dulaglutide (Trulicity for diabetes). All are prescription-only medicines regulated by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA). At our Naas clinic, we prescribe semaglutide and tirzepatide following thorough clinical assessment.
Eligibility depends on the indication. For Type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 receptor agonists may be considered when HbA1c is above target despite oral therapy, particularly in patients with cardiovascular disease or obesity. For weight management, HPRA-licensed indications for Wegovy require a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27 or above with at least one weight-related health condition such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidaemia. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) has similar licensing criteria. A full clinical assessment by Dr Kazmi is required before any prescribing decision is made.
Clinical trial data shows significant weight loss outcomes. Semaglutide achieves an average 15% reduction in body weight over 68 weeks in the STEP trials. Tirzepatide achieves up to 20–22% reduction in the SURMOUNT trials — the highest average weight loss demonstrated by any currently approved weight management medication in clinical trials, though individual results vary significantly and depend on adherence, lifestyle factors, and patient-specific characteristics. Both medications are used as part of a structured programme at our clinic, with clear treatment goals and regular follow-up. The most appropriate treatment for each patient is determined by individual clinical assessment.
Both Ozempic and Wegovy contain semaglutide — the same active ingredient — but are licensed for different indications and use different dose ranges. Ozempic is licensed for Type 2 diabetes management (maximum weekly dose: 2 mg) and produces weight loss as a secondary benefit. Wegovy is specifically licensed for chronic weight management (maximum weekly dose: 2.4 mg) in people meeting the obesity or overweight criteria. Prescribing must reflect the licensed indication — using Ozempic purely for weight loss when a patient does not have diabetes is off-label prescribing and not our clinic practice.
Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) is a selective GLP-1 receptor agonist. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) is a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 receptor agonist — the first in a new class of medications. By activating both receptors, tirzepatide achieves superior glycaemic control and greater weight loss than semaglutide in head-to-head trials (SURPASS-2). Both are once-weekly subcutaneous injections. The choice between them depends on clinical indication, patient history, tolerability, cost, and availability. Dr Kazmi will discuss the most appropriate option at your consultation.
Funding status varies by medication and indication. Some GLP-1 receptor agonists are available through the HSE Drugs Payment Scheme or Medical Card for eligible patients with Type 2 diabetes, subject to prescribing criteria. Weight management formulations such as Wegovy have more limited HSE reimbursement at present. At our private specialist clinic in Naas, we prescribe these medications on a private basis following a full clinical assessment. We recommend discussing HSE funding pathways with your GP, who may be able to prescribe or apply for reimbursement in appropriate cases.
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort. These are typically dose-dependent, most pronounced during dose escalation, and improve over time. Slow titration significantly reduces their severity. Rare but serious adverse effects include acute pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and tachycardia. GLP-1 receptor agonists are contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2. A thorough clinical assessment at our clinic identifies any contraindications before prescribing.
GLP-1 receptor agonists are chronic treatments — their effects persist only while the medication is taken. Stopping treatment typically leads to gradual weight regain over 12–18 months, as demonstrated in extension arms of the STEP and SURMOUNT trials. For patients with Type 2 diabetes, these agents may be continued indefinitely as part of a long-term management strategy. Duration of treatment is agreed between patient and clinician based on clinical benefit, tolerability, and individual circumstances. We provide structured follow-up to review ongoing suitability and treatment response at every appointment.
Yes. GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment is available at our clinic in Naas, Co. Kildare, prescribed by Dr Syed Kashif Hussain Kazmi, Consultant Endocrinologist (IMC: 213626). We see patients from Naas, Newbridge, Kildare Town, Sallins, Kill, Clane, Kilcullen, Athy, Celbridge, Maynooth, and across Leinster. Consultations are held on Sundays, 9am–5pm. To book, call 089 656 7597 or email info@naascardioendocrineclinic.ie. A GP referral letter is helpful but not required for a private appointment.
Start Your GLP-1 Treatment Journey
Book a private consultation with Dr Kazmi, Consultant Endocrinologist, at our Naas, Co. Kildare clinic. Evidence-based assessment and consultant-prescribed GLP-1 therapy.
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