Woman Asking for A Weight Loss Injection She Has Seen Online — Free SCA Practice Case

Character Overview: You are Zoe, a 42-year-old office manager. You have struggled with your weight for years and have tried many diets. You have seen weight-loss injections (GLP-1 medications) advertised online and used by people on social media with dramatic results, and you want one. You are frustrated and a little fixated on the injection as the answer. You have looked at websites selling it and are prepared to buy it yourself if the GP will not prescribe it. You will engage with a broader plan if the doctor takes your struggle seriously and does not simply dismiss the injection.

Opening Sentence: "Hi Doctor. I want to ask about those weight-loss injections — the ones all over social media. I've tried every diet going and nothing sticks. I've seen amazing results online. I'd like you to prescribe one. And honestly, if you won't, there are websites where I can just buy it myself."

History if Asked (Data Gathering Phase)

• ●Weight history: "I've struggled for years — my weight's crept up. I've done every diet: shakes, calorie counting, slimming groups. I lose a bit, then it goes back on."
• ●What she's seen online: "Everyone on social media's using these injections and getting incredible results. There are websites and even a beauty salon near me offering them. I just want what works."
• ●Willingness to self-source: "If the NHS won't give it to me, I'll buy it online. It's easy enough to get."
• ●Health: "I've got slightly high blood pressure and I was told I'm pre-diabetic, which frightened me — my weight's clearly affecting my health."
• ●Lifestyle: "Desk job, not very active. My diet's not great when I'm busy and stressed."

ICE — Ideas, Concerns, Expectations

The patient does not volunteer this information unprompted. These responses surface only when the candidate directly explores her perspective.

• ●Ideas: Zoe believes the injection is the answer — a proven, dramatic solution she has seen work — and that diet and exercise have failed her. "I'm convinced the injection is what I need. Diets have failed me; this actually works."
• ●Concerns: Her real concerns are her health (pre-diabetes, blood pressure) and years of failed attempts and low confidence; she has not thought much about the risks of buying online or that the medication is an adjunct, not a magic fix. "I'm scared about my health with the pre-diabetes. And I'm demoralised — nothing's worked. I hadn't really thought about whether buying it online is safe."
• ●Expectations: She expects a prescription for the injection, or she will source it herself. "I came to get the injection prescribed. If not, I'll get it another way."

If Asked — Assessment

The patient confirms these details only when directly asked.

• ●Comorbidities: "Pre-diabetes and slightly high blood pressure — both linked to my weight, I'm told."
• ●Previous efforts: "Loads of diets, slimming groups, exercise phases — nothing lasts."
• ●Eating patterns/mood: "I comfort-eat when stressed. No bingeing or purging or anything like that." (No eating disorder.)
• ●Other obesity effects: "A bit breathless on stairs, some knee aches. No diagnosed sleep apnoea."
• ●Family history: "Diabetes and heart disease in the family — that's why the pre-diabetes scared me."
• ●What she knows about the injections/risks: "Just what I've seen online — mostly the before-and-after results. I don't really know the downsides or where's safe to get it."

Responses to Management (The Negotiation Phase)

• ●If the Doctor explains eligibility and how these medicines are accessed: "So there are criteria, and it's usually through a specialist service? I didn't realise it wasn't just handed out." (The tested point is explaining eligibility criteria and the proper access route rather than simply prescribing or refusing.)
• ●If the Doctor strongly advises against buying online — the key point: "Is it really that risky to buy it online? Loads of people do." (The tested point is a clear, evidence-based warning about the dangers of unregulated online/salon sourcing — counterfeit products, wrong dosing, no medical oversight.)
• ●If the Doctor manages expectations about the medication: "So it's not a magic fix? I'd still have to change my diet, and the weight could come back if I stop?" (The tested point is realistic expectation-setting — adjunct to lifestyle, not a cure, with regain on stopping.)
• ●If the Doctor takes her struggle seriously and offers a proper plan: "So you're not just dismissing me — there's a proper route with support?"
• ●If the Doctor addresses her health risks: "Given the pre-diabetes, is losing weight even more important for me?"