Weight Loss

The newest FDA-approved treatment for weight management and type 2 diabetes.

Includes tirzepatide, a medication that acts on two important hormones: GLP-1 and GIP.

This dual-action approach helps suppress appetite while also supporting better blood sugar regulation.

Intended to deliver improved results when used alongside lifestyle modifications.

Approved for weight management in adults who are overweight or obese.

Contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist medication.

Works by mimicking a natural hormone that influences the brain’s appetite regulation centers.

Supports reduced hunger and calorie consumption to encourage long-term weight loss.

Although oral and injectable weight loss medications can contain the same active ingredient (like semaglutide), their chemical formulations are specifically tailored to their method of delivery. Injectable medications are administered directly into the bloodstream, while oral medications must withstand the digestive process, resulting in different designs to maintain their effectiveness.

Key distinctions include:

• Injectables bypass the digestive tract, allowing for more efficient absorption; oral medications often require absorption enhancers.
• Oral tablets are formulated with protective coatings and carriers to withstand stomach acid.
• Injectables are often chemically more stable, especially for peptide-based drugs.
• Injectables generally allow for higher drug levels in the blood.
• Oral tablets contain more excipients (binders, coatings, etc.) than injectables.

Oral weight loss medications can be effective, but they don’t always function identically to injectable treatments. Even when containing the same active ingredient, oral medications are absorbed differently, which can slightly impact how much of the drug is available to work in the body.

That said, for many individuals, oral options offer a convenient and clinically effective alternative.

Key points:

• Oral medications may deliver lower drug levels into the bloodstream compared to injectables.
• Higher oral doses are often used to make up for reduced absorption.
• Clinical trials show that oral semaglutide (like Rybelsus) can produce weight loss comparable to injections in some individuals.
• For those who prefer to avoid injections, oral treatments provide an effective option when taken as directed and consistently.

Multiple factors can contribute to weight gain, including:

- Unhealthy Dietary Patterns: The consumption of calorie-dense foods high in sugars, saturated fats, and refined carbohydrates can result in excess calorie intake, leading to weight gain over time.

- Sedentary Lifestyle: Modern-day routines characterized by prolonged periods of sitting and minimal physical activity can impede energy expenditure, contributing to weight gain.

- Genetic Predisposition: Genetics can influence an individual's metabolism and their propensity to store or burn calories.

- Environmental Influences: Easy access to energy-dense foods and sedentary environments can foster unhealthy weight gain.

- Medical Factors: Certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can affect metabolism and contribute to weight gain.

Diagnosing the need for weight loss encompasses:

- Body Mass Index (BMI): Calculating BMI based on an individual's height and weight serves as a valuable indicator of their weight status, helping classify whether they fall within the underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese range.

- Comprehensive Health Assessment: Healthcare providers conduct an in-depth evaluation of medical history, existing health conditions, and risk factors associated with weight gain.

Weight loss treatment options encompass a diverse array of strategies:
Nutritionally Balanced Diet: The adoption of a nutrient-rich, balanced diet emphasising whole grains, lean proteins, fresh fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats lays a solid foundation for effective weight loss.
Physical Activity Regimen: Regular engagement in a variety of physical activities, encompassing aerobic exercises and strength training, amplifies calorie expenditure and elevates overall fitness.
Behavioural Therapy: Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and targeted counselling delve into psychological aspects that may contribute to unhealthy eating patterns, fostering sustainable behavioural changes.
Medication (Active Ingredient - Orlistat): Orlistat, available over-the-counter in the UK, emerges as a weight loss medication that functions by diminishing the absorption of dietary fat in the digestive system. It is most efficacious when used alongside a reduced-calorie diet.
Surgical Solutions: In severe cases of obesity, surgical interventions like gastric bypass or gastric sleeve surgery may be considered following thorough medical evaluation and guidance.

The maintenance of a healthy weight and the prevention of weight gain involve a comprehensive spectrum of strategies:

Mindful Nutrition: Prioritising whole, unprocessed foods, embracing portion control, and being cognizant of eating triggers contribute to calorie management.

Structured Physical Activity: The integration of regular physical activity into daily routines, with a target of at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, substantiates long-term weight management.

Cultivating Mindful Eating Habits: Elevating awareness of hunger cues, practising mindful consumption, and curbing emotional eating foster a more harmonious relationship with food.

Holistic Lifestyle Shifts: Stress management, sleep optimisation, and curbing sedentary behaviour serve as pillars supporting a well-rounded and health-centric lifestyle.
Guidance from

Healthcare Experts: Seeking guidance from healthcare professionals, registered dietitians, or nutritionists before embarking on any weight loss endeavour, especially those involving medications, ensures a tailored approach attuned to individual requirements.

In summation, weight loss is a multifaceted expedition marked by astute dietary choices, regular physical engagement, and an exploration of behavioural intricacies. Attaining a healthy weight not only embodies an aesthetic aspiration but also plays an instrumental role in fortifying overall health and mitigating obesity-related health complications. By amalgamating evidence-driven treatments, embracing transformative lifestyle alterations, and availing professional insights, individuals can embark on a personalised weight loss journey yielding enduring and constructive outcomes. Should you contemplate embarking on a weight loss voyage, the counsel of healthcare professionals is invaluable in orchestrating a plan harmonised with your unique necessities and circumstances.

Read more about Weight Loss on NHS website, following the link below:

https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/lose-weight/

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/bmi-calculator/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/obesity/treatment/