Medical Weight Loss

What is Medical Weight Loss?

Medical weight loss is a specialised program that helps people struggling with excess weight using medications. It differs from commercial or fad diets because it is based on scientific principles and is personalised to an individual's unique needs and medical history. The goal of medical weight loss is not just to shed weight but to improve overall health and well-being. At Hunter Weight Loss, we have an expert endocrinologist who can help you with the various medications that can help with weight management.

Why is Medical Weight Loss Needed?

Obesity is a serious health concern that can lead to various medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and joint problems. Medical weight loss is necessary when someone's weight poses a significant risk to their health and quality of life. It's not just about appearance; it's about reducing the health risks associated with obesity. Often, medications are used in conjunction with surgery, sometimes before, occasionally after, to get you the best result possible.

How Does Medical Weight Loss Work?

• Initial Assessment: The journey begins with a thorough assessment by one of our surgeons or physicians. They will review your medical history, conduct physical examinations, and order tests to understand your overall health and underlying conditions.
• Personalised Plan: A personalised weight loss plan is created based on the assessment. This plan includes dietary recommendations, exercise routines, and medications suited to your circumstances.
• Dietary Guidance: Like surgery, medical weight management needs to be supplemented with healthy eating patterns. You'll learn about portion control, balanced nutrition, and how to make healthier food choices. The emphasis is on sustainable changes rather than extreme restrictions. Our dieticians are experienced in helping people reach their weight goals.
• Exercise: An exercise plan tailored to your fitness level and health needs is essential. Regular physical activity helps burn calories and improve overall fitness.
• Behavioural Support: Changing habits and behaviours is crucial to medical weight loss. Some patients find having a psychologist involved very helpful.
• Regular Monitoring: You'll have regular check-ins with the team to track your progress, address any concerns, and adjust your plan.

Is Medical Weight Loss Right for You?

Medical weight loss is typically recommended for individuals with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30 or higher or those with a BMI of 27 or higher with obesity-related health issues. However, the suitability of this approach depends on your specific circumstances and should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Types of Medical Weight Loss

Medical weight loss encompasses a variety of approaches and treatments tailored to individual needs. These approaches are designed to help individuals achieve and maintain a healthier weight while addressing underlying health issues. 

• Dietary Plans:
• Low-calorie diets (LCDs) involve consuming a limited number of daily calories, often under medical supervision. These diets are carefully balanced to ensure you receive essential nutrients while creating a calorie deficit for weight loss.
• Very Low-Calorie Diets (VLCDs) are even more restrictive and provide fewer calories. They are typically reserved for individuals with severe obesity and are closely monitored by healthcare professionals.
• Behavioural Therapy:
• Behavioural therapy focuses on changing eating habits, emotional eating, and improving self-control. It provides strategies to cope with stress, emotional triggers, and other factors contributing to weight gain.
• Some medical weight loss programs offer group therapy sessions, allowing participants to share experiences, provide mutual support, and learn from each other.
• Prescription Medications:
• Appetite Suppressants work on the brain to reduce appetite and promote a feeling of fullness. They are prescribed when diet and exercise alone are not effective.
• Some medications specifically target obesity-related factors like insulin resistance or fat absorption.
• Meal Replacement Programs:
• Meal replacement products like shakes and bars can be part of a weight loss plan. They provide controlled portions and balanced nutrition, making it easier to manage calorie intake.
• Physical Activity:
• A tailored exercise program is essential to medical weight loss. It includes aerobic exercises, strength training, and flexibility exercises to help burn calories and improve fitness.
• Surgical Options:
• For individuals with severe obesity and health complications, bariatric surgery may be considered. Common procedures include gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, and one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB). These surgeries restrict the amount of food the stomach can hold or change how the body absorbs nutrients.
• Nutritional Education
• Dietary Education: Medical weight loss programs often include education on proper nutrition. This helps individuals make informed food choices, promoting healthier eating habits.
• Medical Monitoring
• Regular Check-Ups: Medical weight loss programs involve frequent monitoring by healthcare professionals to track progress, adjust treatment plans, and address health concerns.
• Lifestyle Modification
• Strategies for managing stress and emotional triggers are an integral part of medical weight loss, as emotional factors often contribute to overeating.
• Addressing sleep issues and improving sleep quality can also affect weight loss success.

The medical weight loss approach choice depends on an individual's needs, medical history, and healthcare professionals' guidance. A personalised plan that combines several of these components is often the most effective way to achieve sustainable weight loss and improved overall health. 

Medications for Medical Weight Loss

Here are some medications that have been found to help with weight loss:

• Ozempic (Semaglutide)
• Saxenda (Liraglutide)
• Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)

Ozempic (Semaglutide)

Ozempic is a medication that belongs to a class called GLP-1 receptor agonists. It is primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes but has also been approved for weight management.

Ozempic works by regulating blood sugar levels, increasing feelings of fullness, and reducing appetite. This can lead to weight loss in some individuals.

Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. It's essential to use this medication as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Saxenda (Liraglutide)

Saxenda is also a GLP-1 receptor agonist, like Ozempic, but it's specifically approved for weight loss in individuals with obesity or those struggling to lose weight.

Saxenda works by reducing appetite and increasing the feeling of fullness, leading to reduced food intake and, consequently, weight loss.

Possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation. It should be part of a comprehensive weight loss program under medical supervision.

Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)

Mounjaro is a prescription injectable medication used to improve blood sugar (glucose) control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is not a substitute for diet and exercise but works alongside them to achieve better blood sugar management.

Mounjaro is the first drug in its class, a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. This means it works by activating two different receptors in the body:

• GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptor: Stimulates insulin release from the pancreas in response to food intake.
• GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor: Reduces glucagon production from the pancreas, slows stomach emptying, and increases satiety.

Mounjaro offers a more comprehensive approach to blood sugar control by activating both receptors than medications targeting only one receptor.

Like all medications, Mounjaro comes with potential risks and side effects. These may include nausea and vomiting, bowel habit changes, low blood sugar, pancreatitis or allergic reactions.

Medication Trials

New medications are being developed all the time. Sometimes, participation in a trial is an option for some people. At Hunter Weight Loss, we may be able to enrol you in a new weight management drug trial if appropriate.

Medical Weight Loss Outcomes

The outcomes from medical weight loss can vary depending on several factors, including your commitment to the program, overall health, and the specific approach taken. It is important to appreciate that many new weight management drugs are new, and longer-term data can be lacking. 

Whilst each individual will differ, the average amount of weight loss with new weight loss medications is around 10-12% of body mass. It should be acknowledged that most patients regain a significant amount of weight they lose if they subsequently come off medication.

Before deciding on medications for weight loss, you should be aware of the costs of these medications over time. Many are quite expensive and often hard to access. They are also a less permanent option than surgery for weight management.