Weight Loss Management
Blood Test
A focused blood test to support weight-loss treatment, assessing cholesterol, blood sugar, liver, kidney, and pancreatic health in 20 key markers.
- Description
- Why This Test?
- Associated Conditions
- Uses of This Test
The Weight Loss Management (Essential) blood test is designed to support patients undergoing a weight-loss programme, whether that involves GLP-1 medications such as Mounjaro® or Wegovy®, bariatric care, or significant lifestyle change. It provides a focused overview of the health markers most likely to shift during weight loss.
This profile includes 20 biomarkers covering cholesterol balance, long-term blood sugar control, liver health, kidney function, protein status, and pancreatic enzymes. Together, these markers give a clear snapshot of how the body is responding to treatment and flag any areas that may need clinical attention.
It is ideal as a baseline test before treatment starts, and can also be used for ongoing monitoring throughout a weight-loss programme. Results are reviewed alongside your symptoms, medical history, and treatment plan to guide safe, effective progress.
Weight-loss treatment can affect several important systems in the body – particularly metabolism, liver function, kidney function, and the pancreas. Understanding these markers before and during treatment is essential for both safety and effectiveness.
This test is important because:
- It establishes a clear baseline of metabolic and organ health before treatment begins.
- It assesses blood sugar and cholesterol markers linked to cardiometabolic risk.
- It monitors liver and kidney markers relevant to GLP-1 treatment suitability.
- It measures pancreatic enzymes (lipase and amylase), which is a recognised monitoring requirement for patients on Mounjaro® or Wegovy®.
- It helps identify underlying issues that may be affecting weight, energy, or treatment response.
Results are often reviewed alongside symptoms, medical history, weight-loss goals, and current treatment.
Obesity
Pre-Diabetes
A raised blood sugar state that precedes type 2 diabetes. Often reversible with weight loss and lifestyle change, but requires monitoring.
Type 2 Diabetes
A condition of elevated blood sugar often linked to excess weight. HbA1c is the primary marker used to detect and monitor diabetes during weight loss.
Dyslipidaemia
An imbalance of cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood, strongly linked to weight and a major risk factor for heart disease.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD_
A common condition in people carrying excess weight, where fat builds up in the liver. Liver enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT) help detect and track it.
Metabolic Syndrome
A cluster of cardiovascular risk factors including high cholesterol, raised blood sugar, and central obesity that increases the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Pancreatic irritation or inflammation
GLP-1 Related Pancreatitis
A rare but monitored side effect of GLP-1 medications. Lipase and amylase are used to detect pancreatic inflammation early.
- Baseline assessment before starting GLP-1 treatment (Mounjaro®, Wegovy®)
- Ongoing monitoring during weight-loss treatment
- Support safe dose titration and treatment review
- Liver and kidney function assessment
- Assess cardiometabolic risk during a lifestyle change programme
- Screen for fatty liver, diabetes, and cholesterol imbalance
- Monitor pancreatic health during GLP-1 therap
What We Test
Biomarkers analysed by accredited UK laboratories
Biomarkers Tested
Lipid Profile
Assesses cholesterol balance and cardiovascular risk, which are strongly influenced by weight and diet.
- Total Cholesterol
Combined measure of all cholesterol types in the blood. Used alongside HDL, LDL, and triglycerides to evaluate cardiovascular risk.
- Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol
Often called “bad cholesterol”, elevated LDL contributes to plaque build-up in arteries and increases cardiovascular risk. A key marker to monitor during weight-loss treatment.
- High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol
Known as “good cholesterol”, HDL helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream. Higher levels are protective against heart disease.
- HDL Percentage
Calculates HDL as a proportion of total cholesterol. Useful for assessing the overall quality of the lipid profile alongside absolute values.
- Triglycerides
A type of fat in the blood linked to diet, alcohol, and metabolic health. Elevated levels can indicate insulin resistance or cardiovascular risk.
- Total Cholesterol
Diabetes & Metabolic Health
Evaluates long-term blood sugar control - a core marker for anyone on a weight-loss programme.
- HbA1c (Glycosylated Haemoglobin)
Reflects average blood glucose over the previous 2–3 months. Used to screen for pre-diabetes, diagnose diabetes, and monitor long-term metabolic control during weight loss.
- HbA1c (Glycosylated Haemoglobin)
Liver Function
Checks liver health, protein status, and bile flow. Fatty liver is common in people carrying excess weight and should be monitored during treatment.
- Alanine Transaminase (ALT)
A liver enzyme that is one of the most sensitive markers for liver cell damage. Often raised in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is common in patients carrying excess weight.
- Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
A liver and muscle enzyme. Elevated levels can indicate liver cell damage, fatty liver disease, or muscle injury.
- Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)
A liver and bile duct enzyme. Useful for detecting bile flow problems, alcohol-related liver strain, and fatty liver.
- Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
An enzyme found in the liver, bile ducts, and bone. Helps identify liver, gallbladder, or bone-related issues.
- Total Bilirubin
A waste product from red blood cell breakdown processed by the liver. Elevated levels can indicate liver strain or bile flow issues.
- Albumin
The main protein made by the liver. Reflects nutritional status, hydration, and liver function — all important during a weight-loss programme.
- Globulin
A group of proteins involved in immune function and transport. Helps detect liver disease, chronic inflammation, or protein imbalances.
- Total Protein
A combined measurement of albumin and globulin. Used to assess nutritional status, liver function, and fluid balance.
- Alanine Transaminase (ALT)
Kidney Function
Evaluates how well the kidneys are filtering waste and maintaining electrolyte balance - important for GLP-1 treatment safety.
- Creatinine
A waste product filtered by the kidneys. Raised levels can indicate reduced kidney function, which is important to monitor before and during GLP-1 treatment.
- Urea
A waste product from protein breakdown, filtered by the kidneys. Affected by hydration, diet, and kidney function.
- Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)
A calculated measure of how well the kidneys are filtering blood. One of the most important indicators of overall kidney health.
- Sodium
An electrolyte critical for fluid balance, blood pressure, and nerve function. Can be affected by reduced appetite, vomiting, or dehydration during weight-loss treatment.
- Creatinine
Pancreatic Markers
Monitors pancreatic health, which is routinely tracked in patients using GLP-1 medications such as Mounjaro® and Wegovy®.
- Lipase
A pancreatic enzyme that digests fats. Raised levels can indicate pancreatic inflammation, which is a monitored side effect of GLP-1 medications such as Mounjaro and Wegovy.
- Amylase
A pancreatic and salivary enzyme. Used alongside lipase to detect pancreatic inflammation or irritation during GLP-1 treatment.
- Lipase
In-Clinic Blood Testing At Longridge, Preston
If you’d rather leave everything to a qualified professional, our in-clinic blood testing service is the most comfortable and hands-off experience. Once you complete your order, we’ll contact you to arrange a convenient appointment time.
Your sample will be taken by a trained phlebotomist, making the process quick, smooth, and reassuring - especially if you’re nervous around blood or struggle with finger-prick tests.
We send off all samples the same day to the lab to be processed so results can be expected within 72 hours.
Why Use This Service:
Hands-off, professional experience
High-quality samples for complex tests
No risk of “not enough sample”
Support at every step
No posting or packaging required
Convinient appointment times
Taking Charge Of Your Own Health Has Never Been Easier
Worried about your wellbeing?
If you’re experiencing unexplained symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, or other issues, a comprehensive blood test may be the key to discovering potential underlying health problems.
Need to monitor a health condition?
Blood tests offer essential insights into various aspects of your health, from detecting deficiencies to evaluating immune functions.
Enhancing Performance and Fitness?
Whether you’re training for a sport or keeping track of your fitness progress, a blood test serves as an excellent foundation for your performance improvement journey.
All Our Tests Include:
No GP Referral
Order directly - no waiting for appointments
Fast Results
Detailed analysis within 72 hours
Doctor's Commentary
Expert interpretation of your results included
Secure & Confidential
Discreet service and consultations
Frequently Asked Questions
- Qualified Pharmacists
- Flexible Appointments
- Top Customer Service
How accurate are home finger-prick tests compared to clinic tests?
Our home finger-prick tests use the same accredited laboratories as our clinic tests. While clinic tests allow for more comprehensive panels, home tests are highly accurate for the parameters they measure.
Do I need a GP referral for a blood test?
No, you don’t need a GP referral. You can book directly with us for any blood test. We are a private clinic offering direct access to comprehensive blood testing.
How old do I have to be to have a blood test?
We will only draw blood from those aged 16 and above due to legal requirements.
How long does it take for the blood test results to come?
If you have used our clinic to complete a blood test, we send off all samples the same day to the lab to be processed. If you have used a home test kit, then once your sample has been sent off the lab will analyse your sample. Results are usually received within 72 hours.
How do I perform the home finger-prick test?
Your home blood test kit will contain easy-to-follow instructions on how to take your own finger blood sample. If you have any concerns or questions prior to using the kit, please contact our phlebotomists who will be happy to assist.
How do I prepare for a blood test?
There is no preparation required prior to taking any of the blood tests. Please simply remember to stay hydrated prior to your appointment. This is to help your veins dilate better to enable a quick and efficient blood sample to be taken and reduce the risks of feeling faint following your blood test.
Please inform the phlebotomist before your test if you are currently taking any blood thinning medication.
Should I fast before my blood test?
Fasting is not required for most blood tests. However, if your profile includes cholesterol tests and you’ve previously had high levels, consider fasting for 8 hours beforehand. While not essential, fasting can provide more accurate results.
Note: Fasting means abstaining from any food and drink, except for water.