Weight Loss

Understanding Weight Loss Treatments

Losing weight is a journey that requires a holistic approach. It involves creating a balance between the calories you consume through food and the calories you burn through physical activity. A healthy diet and regular exercise are crucial, but sometimes, they might not be enough. For those times, medical treatments can provide an essential boost.

Our portfolio includes five clinically proven weight loss treatments: Wegovy, Mysimba, Saxenda, Orlistat, and Alli. Each of these treatments is designed to support your weight loss journey in unique ways, working alongside your diet and exercise regimen to help you achieve your health goals.

Wegovy

Wegovy is a revolutionary weight loss injection developed by Novo Nordisk. It offers a clinically proven approach to managing obesity and is administered once a week. Wegovy works by regulating appetite and metabolism, providing a targeted solution for sustainable weight loss.

Mysimba

Mysimba is a clinically proven weight loss aid designed to help you achieve a healthy weight. Unique for its dual active ingredients, naltrexone and bupropion, Mysimba is especially effective when complemented by a low-calorie diet and consistent physical exercise. The exact mechanism behind Mysimba's effectiveness is not yet fully understood, but it is believed to affect parts of the brain responsible for controlling food intake, energy balance, and the pleasure associated with eating.

Saxenda

Saxenda (liraglutide) is an injectable prescription medicine that can help some adults with excess weight or obesity who also have weight-related medical problems or are obese. It is not a front-line therapy but is typically used when diet and exercise alone have not been sufficient. Saxenda works by mimicking a hormone that targets areas of the brain to regulate appetite and food intake.

Orlistat

Orlistat is a medication that's used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet to assist with weight loss. It works by blocking some of the fat you eat from being absorbed by your body. Instead, this fat is eliminated from the body in your stool. It's designed for adults who are overweight and should be used in combination with a doctor-approved exercise, behaviour change, and reduced-calorie diet program.

Alli (60mg)

Alli is a lower-dose, over-the-counter version of Orlistat. With a 60mg dosage, it can be a good choice for adults who are overweight and are committed to maintaining a low-fat, reduced-calorie diet. Alli works similarly to Orlistat, helping to prevent the absorption of fat in your diet and allowing it to pass through your body undigested.

Each of these treatments can be a helpful in your weight loss journey. They work best when used in combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Before starting any weight loss medication, it's important to discuss your health history and goals with a healthcare professional to determine which treatment is right for you.

Weight Loss Injections

Weight loss injections, often known as 'skinny jabs' or 'weight loss pens,' are medications that help to control your appetite, thereby assisting with weight loss efforts. These treatments are not a 'quick fix' but rather an aid to complement a healthy diet and regular exercise.

How Do Weight Loss Injections Work?

Most weight loss injections like Saxenda work by mimicking the effects of a hormone in your body called GLP-1. This hormone helps to curb your appetite and reduce feelings of hunger.

Administration of Weight Loss Injections

The administration involves a pen-like device that allows you to inject the medication under your skin. They're usually self-administered once daily, independent of meals.

Effectiveness of Weight Loss Injections

Clinical trials have shown that, when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, weight loss injections can be effective. The degree of weight loss can vary and depends on several factors.

Weight loss injections are prescribed medication and must be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Always consult with our healthcare professional before beginning any new weight loss regimen.

BMI Guidelines for Weight Loss Medication Use

• Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
• Normal weight: BMI 18.5 to 24.9
• Overweight: BMI 25 to 29.9
• Obesity (Class I): BMI 30 to 34.9
• Obesity (Class II): BMI 35 to 39.9
• Severe Obector.com/weight-loss/7-day-diet-plan-for-weight-losssity (Class III): BMI 40 or higher

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a tool that can indicate whether you're a healthy weight for your height. It doesn't directly measure body fat and may not provide a full picture of your health.

For instance, muscle is denser than fat, so an extremely muscular person might have a higher BMI, even though they're not overweight. Similarly, older people and others who have lost muscle might have a lower BMI, even if they have excess body fat.

Additionally, where you carry your fat matters, belly fat, for example, is more dangerous than fat around your hips and thighs. Therefore, while BMI is a useful starting point, it shouldn't be the only measurement you consider when assessing your health.

Weight loss treatments are typically prescribed for individuals who are either overweight (with a BMI of 28 or more) and have additional health risk factors or obese (with a BMI of 30 or more). For further information, you can refer to the NHS guidelines on Obesity Treatment.

Consult with our online healthcare professional to understand your BMI and its implications on your health and to determine the best course of action for weight management. Remember, every individual is unique, and a healthy, sustainable weight loss plan should be tailored to your personal needs and circumstances.

Your Weight Loss Partner

We're more than just an online pharmacy – we're a partner committed to supporting you on your weight loss journey. Our team is here to answer your questions, provide you with high-quality treatments, and help you make the best decisions for your health. Because at the end of the day, weight loss is about more than just numbers on a scale – it's about empowering you to live your healthiest, happiest life.

Our treatments are available to all UK residents aged 18 and above. If you're ready to take the next step in your weight loss journey, we're here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our treatments and how we can support your weight loss goals.

Safety Information

Before taking any weight loss medication, it's crucial to understand the possible side effects and interactions. Some of these medications may interact with other treatments or have specific dietary requirements. Always read the patient information leaflet provided with the medication or consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or questions.

Please remember all medication should be taken as directed by your healthcare provider. Misuse or overdose can lead to unwanted side effects and can be dangerous. Your health and safety are our top priority.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Weight Loss Treatments

Authored & Reviewed By

Mohamed Imran Lakhi

MPharm - Lead Pharmacist

This content has been written and checked for quality and accuracy by Imran Lakhi is the superintendent pharmacist and founder at Prescription Doctor. He has been at the core of our team.

Published on: 18/01/2017 Reviewed on: 13/10/2023