Weight Loss Medications

Weight Loss Medication
Obesity is complex, and there are a number of physiological factors that contribute to weight gain. The oversimplified idea of ​​“eat less, move more” simply doesn’t work for everyone. Diet and exercise alone aren’t always the answer, and appropriate weight loss medications are needed.

What causes obesity?
Weight gain occurs when you regularly eat more calories than you use through normal body functions and physical activity. But the lifestyle habits that are causing your weight gain aren’t always obvious. Psychological factors can contribute to weight gain, as can certain medications, such as steroids and insulin, and medical conditions such as hypothyroidism. There’s also evidence that some people are genetically more susceptible to obesity.

Losing weight means eating fewer calories and burning more energy through physical activity. Sounds simple. But more than 60% of adults in England are overweight or obese. Our lifestyles mean that many of us eat more calories than we need and don’t do enough physical activity.

What is BMI?
Body mass index (BMI) is essentially a measure of body size. It’s a calculation based on your height and weight that is used to determine whether your weight is healthy. Your BMI is calculated as a number that represents the ratio of your height to your weight, i.e. 27kg/m2.

The following table shows the BMI range categories for adults that relate to weight status:

BMI Weight Status
Below 18.5 you are in the underweight range
18.5 – 24.9 you are in the healthy range
25.0 – 29.9 you are in the overweight range
30.0 and above you are in the obese range

Why are you struggling to lose weight?
Everyone is different and responds differently to what they eat and how effective exercise is. Losing weight is difficult and can take time. Diet and exercise alone may or may not produce clinically significant weight loss, or you may not be able to maintain it, and this is where medication can help you lose weight.

Our weight loss experts are here to advise you and prescribe the most appropriate treatment option and help you lose weight.

Should I continue to diet and exercise while taking medication?
Absolutely. The weight loss medication that your endocrinologist prescribes should be taken in conjunction with a sensible diet and exercise, and that’s when you’ll see the most effective weight loss.