If you’ve been struggling to lose weight, there are now a number of prescription weight loss medications that could help you on your way.
Non-surgical choices are generally less invasive and cheaper too, so it can be a good place to start.
Medication can also have a role to play in the case of severe obesity, as we may recommend a course of appetite suppressants or other medication to help you prepare your body for surgery.
Prescription weight loss medications are typically recommended for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or those with a BMI of 27 or higher with obesity-related medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or sleep apnoea.
Weight loss medications can work in a number of different ways and sometimes more than one way at once:
- Reducing your appetite
- Increasing feelings of fullness
- Interfering with the absorption of fat in your body
Weight loss medications aren’t magic pills. You will still need to think about what you are eating and aim to pursue a healthy and active lifestyle.
Where Professor Marcus Reddy prescribes medication, it is to be used in conjunction with a comprehensive weight management plan, including a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
Weight loss medication options
We commonly prescribe the following:
Before considering any prescription medication, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional who will evaluate your medical history, conduct a thorough examination, and assess whether these medications are a suitable option for you. They will consider factors such as potential side effects, interactions with other medications, and your overall health.
It’s also important to note that diet and exercise remain the cornerstone of any effective weight loss strategy. Prescription weight loss medications should be seen as helpful tools that can complement your efforts, but they don’t replace healthy lifestyle choices. They’re best used as a short term solution and should never be taken on an ongoing basis.
Remember that weight loss medications are not suitable for everyone, as individual factors may impact their efficacy and safety. Additionally, they should never be perceived as a long-term solution, as sustainable weight loss requires consistent effort and healthy habits.
Professor Marcus Reddy is one of the UK’s leading experts on weight loss. We can arrange a consultation either face to face or via video.