In the UK, as in many parts of the world, maintaining a healthy weight can be challenging. For some, lifestyle changes alone may not be enough to achieve their weight loss goals. If you’re considering weight loss treatments, it’s important to understand your options and what to expect in 2024.
Understanding Weight Loss Treatments
Weight loss treatments encompass a range of approaches designed to support individuals in their weight loss journeys. These treatments can vary from dietary changes and exercise programs to medications and surgical interventions.
The appropriate treatment depends on various factors, including your individual needs, health status, and weight loss goals. It’s important to consult with your GP or a healthcare professional before embarking on any weight loss treatment journey. They will be able to assess your individual needs and advise on the most suitable options.
Types of Weight Loss Treatments Available in the UK
1. Lifestyle Interventions
- Dietary Changes: Adopting a balanced, calorie-controlled diet is crucial for weight loss. Consider consulting a registered dietitian to develop a personalised meal plan.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity helps burn calories and improve overall health. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
- Behavioural Therapy: This approach focuses on identifying and modifying unhealthy eating habits and behaviours.
2. Weight Loss Medications
Several medications in the form of weight loss injections or drugs are available in the UK to support weight loss. Weight loss medications can be an effective tool to support weight management.
These medications achieve weight loss through various mechanisms, including:
- Appetite suppression: Certain medications curb hunger cues, leading to reduced food intake.
- Decreased fat absorption: Some medications inhibit the intestinal absorption of dietary fat.
- Enhanced metabolic rate: A selected few medications may increase the body’s basal metabolic rate, promoting calorie expenditure.
Clinical trials have demonstrated that prescription weight loss medications can achieve a modest yet statistically significant weight reduction, typically ranging from 5-20% of body weight. However, interindividual variability exists, and the specific medication prescribed will influence the degree of weight loss achieved.
In the UK, several medications are licensed by the MHRA for chronic weight management in patients meeting specific criteria. These medications are prescribed by a healthcare professional and used alongside lifestyle changes, including dietary modifications and regular physical activity, to promote weight loss and improve health outcomes.
Here are the main licensed weight loss medications in the UK:
| Medication | Type | Active Ingredient | Dosing schedule: | Effect on Body |
| Mysimba | Tablet | naltrexone and bupropion | Twice daily | Reduces Appetite |
| Orlistat | Tablet | Orlistat | 3 times daily, with each meal | Prevents fat absorption |
| Xenical | Tablet | Orlistat | 3 times daily, with each meal | Prevents fat absorption |
| Alli | Tablet | Orlistat | 3 times daily, with each meal | Prevents fat absorption |
| Saxenda | Injection | Liraglutide | Daily | Reduces Appetite |
| Wegovy | Injection | Semaglutide | Weekly | Reduces Appetite |
| Mounjaro | Injection | Tirzepatide | Weekly | Reduces Appetite |
This table above provides an overview (with no specific order) of weight loss medications licensed in the UK that were discussed above. It’s important to remember that this information is for educational purposes only and should not be a substitute for professional medical advice.
Research suggests that weight loss medications offer a potential benefit beyond weight loss/ management, with evidence indicating they may also help lower the risk of heart attack.
To delve deeper into this topic, check out our informative blog post: “Comparing Weight Loss Injections and Weight Loss Tablets.”
3. Surgical Interventions
Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is an option for individuals with a BMI of 40 or higher or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health problems. These procedures work by restricting food intake or altering the digestive process.
- Gastric Band: A band is placed around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch that limits food intake.
- Gastric Bypass: A small pouch is created from the stomach and connected directly to the small intestine, bypassing a portion of the digestive system.
- Sleeve Gastrectomy: A large portion of the stomach is removed, leaving a banana-shaped sleeve.
Choosing the Right Weight Loss Treatment
Selecting the appropriate weight loss treatment is a personal decision that should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider. They will assess your individual circumstances and guide you towards the most suitable option.
Considerations When Choosing a Treatment
- Your BMI and Health Status: Your body mass index (BMI) and any underlying health conditions will influence the recommended treatment options.
- Your Weight Loss Goals: Discuss your desired weight loss and timeframe with your healthcare provider.
- Potential Risks and Side Effects: Understand the potential risks and side effects associated with each treatment.
- Lifestyle Changes: Be prepared to make sustainable lifestyle changes to support your weight loss journey.
The Importance of a Holistic Approach
Remember, successful weight loss often involves a combination of approaches. A holistic approach that incorporates dietary changes, exercise, behavioural therapy, and, if appropriate, medication or surgery can offer the best chance of achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
Conclusion
In 2024, a range of weight loss treatments are available in the UK to support individuals in their weight loss journeys. Understanding your options and working closely with your healthcare provider can help you make informed decisions and achieve your weight loss goals safely and effectively. Remember, weight loss is a journey, not a destination, and a holistic approach is key to long-term success.
Reference
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- Lose weight (2024) nhs.uk. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/lose-weight/
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- Singh, G., Krauthamer, M. and Bjalme-Evans, M. (2022) “Wegovy (semaglutide): A new weight loss drug for chronic weight management,” Journal of investigative medicine: the official publication of the American Federation for Clinical Research, 70(1), pp. 5–13. doi: 10.1136/jim-2021-001952.
