Understanding Weight Loss Medication: Is It Right for You?
Weight loss can be quite an uphill battle, especially if diet and exercise alone do not seem to yield the desired results. For some people in the UK, weight loss medication can be an effective part of a weight loss programme, including lifestyle changes, but it’s not suitable for everyone.
Medication might be an option if you have a high BMI or obesity-related health problems, but only in conjunction with a lifestyle change, according to the NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). In this blog, we answer your questions about when weight loss medication is an option, how it works, whether you need it, side effects, and issues you should be aware of.
When is Weight Loss Medication Recommended?
Weight loss medication is not the first line of treatment; it’s usually recommended if other methods have not worked and when there’s a significant health risk. The two main criteria are:
- BMI ≥ 30 (Obesity): If you have a BMI higher than 30, you are a candidate for weight loss medication.
- BMI ≥ 27 with obesity-related illnesses: If your BMI is 27 or higher and you have a condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea, medications may be used to decrease health risks.
These recommendations help ensure that medication is used where it’s most necessary, not as an easy out for people who are a little bit overweight.
What Your Healthcare Provider Considers Before Prescribing
The following criteria will be measured by your doctor before prescribing weight loss medication:
- Medical History:
- Did you use other forms of weight loss with no results?
- Do you have any pre-existing conditions (such as heart disease or thyroid problems) that may impact treatment?
- Risk vs. Benefit Assessment:
- Safety: Certain drugs may not be safe if you have certain health conditions.
- Side Effects & Interactions That Your Doctor Will Check For: Whether you are allergic or have other medications you are taking that may conflict.
With this thoughtfulness, we are careful to guarantee that any suggested treatment is safe enough, as well as effective enough, for you to have.
Common Prescription Weight Loss Medications
These powerful stimulants are designed to control the body’s appetite and therefore support weight loss.
It has several drugs licensed in the UK for weight loss:
- Orlistat (Alli, Xenical)
- What it is: Blocks fat absorption in the intestines.
- Best for: Anyone who has a hard time with high-fat meals.
- Side effects: Oily stools may leave oil stains on underwear.
- Liraglutide (Saxenda)
- How it works: It acts like a hormone that controls appetite and blood sugar.
- Best for those with type 2 diabetes or extreme difficulty with appetite control.
- Side effects: Nausea, headache.
- Phentermine-Topiramate (Qsymia) There was a combination!
- How it works: Suppresses appetite and burns body fat.
- Best for: Short-term use with stringent medical oversight.
- Side effects: Dry mouth, racing heart.
These are not long-term solutions; they work best when combined with diet, exercise, and behavioural changes. Your healthcare provider will track your progress and make any necessary changes to your treatment.
Limitations and Side Effects
Medication for weight loss is not a “magic bullet”, and lifestyle modifications are still necessary. Some limitations include:
- Upset stomach, irritability, or a racing heart.
- Ongoing Monitoring: You’ll need to see your doctor and have follow-up exams to monitor its benefits and any side effects.
- If side effects are intolerable, your treatment may require modification.
Is Weight Loss Medication Right for You?
Whether to prescribe weight loss medication depends on several considerations:
- Professional Verdict: It’s only a doctor who can say whether it’s right for you.
- Not for Everyone: Better for pregnant, mentally ill patients, or those who receive conflicting medications.
At Chase Lodge Hospital, our consultants offer personalised assessments with available advice to help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
Weight loss drugs can be a helpful tool, but you need to use them in the right way under the guidance of a doctor. If you are having trouble with weight loss and meet the guidelines, the next step might be a consultation with a specialist.
For more information on obesity treatment, please see the NHS obesity treatment guide.
Want to investigate your options? Schedule a consultation with Chase Lodge Hospital now and begin your journey to a healthier you.
