Regardless of commitment to losing weight, for many people a combination of genetic and epigenetic factors (the environmental aspects that influence the way an individual’s genes work) means it’s still a struggle to reach and/or maintain key goals.

 

To remedy this, we use a medical injectable, an analogue of Glucagon-like Peptide 1 (GLP–1): one of the most powerful satiety hormones used to control weight – this works by creating a feeling of satisfaction in the brain from considerably smaller portions of food.

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More importantly, this type of therapy also reduces visceral fat – that which surrounds the organs and can be detrimental to the metabolic system in the long-term. It can also often increase when surface (subcutaneous) fat is lost, as the body automatically seeks to rebalance itself.

 

Saxenda®

 

I can support people to reduce weight through a medicine called Saxenda®. For further details click here. If you are keen to reduce your weight and want an alternative to bariatric weight reduction surgery, you could consider Saxenda® as an option with excellent results shown through clinical studies, In a critical review of the evidence by the Obesity Science and Practice journal, Liraglutide (Saxenda pen) users consistently lost between 4-6kg. As with most medications and treatments, there is always the chance you will experience side effects or risks. Although not everyone will suffer from them, the most common are: Constipation, Diarrhoea, Nausea and Vomiting. These are considered very minor and tend to settle gradually during the first few days or weeks of using the medication.

 

One of the many benefits of this is that it is self-injectable so does not require as many visits to a clinic.

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Wegovy®

 

Another medication used for weight loss is Semaglutide, it works in very similar ways to GLP-1 which is naturally formed by the body. We offer a medication known as Wegovy TM, the most effective weight loss jab available in the UK currently. Click here for further information.

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The injection is administered once a week to help regulate a patient’s blood sugar levels and reduce the rate at which food leaves the stomach. As a result of this, the patient will have increased feelings of fullness and a reduced appetite. It’s most effective when combined with exercise and better eating habits. It is also not recommended for everyone; it should only be used by adults who have a BMI of 27 or higher as is Saxenda. In a randomised clinical trial, the total body weight loss percentages achieved were 5.9% at 3 months and 10.9% at 6 months. You can achieve up to 15% body weight reduction with 1 year use of Wegovy TM.

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Like any medication, Semaglutide does have side effects. The most common side effects include nausea, heartburn, and diarrhoea. However, these usually go away within the first few days or weeks.

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Xenical®

 

Xenical is the branded prescription version of Orlistat. It is designed to help people who are overweight, or obese, to lose weight.

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It is available for those with a BMI of 30 or over (clinically obese). Those with a BMI of 28 or over and an additional weight condition, i.e., type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

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It reduces weight by preventing around a third of the fat contained in the food you eat from being absorbed by your body. It does not burn fat, and people on Xenical need to follow a low-fat diet, as well as exercising regularly. With this it is possible to lose an average of 10% of your body weight after one year.

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Side effects of Xenical include flatulence with an oily discharge, oily rectal discharge, fatty or oily faeces, greater frequency of bowel movements, requiring an urgent bowel movement and possible inability to control bowel movements.