A guide to medicated weight loss

What is medicated weight loss?

The phrase ‘medicated weight loss’ usually refers to two different types of treatments. These are weight loss pills and weekly weight loss injections. Medicated weight loss is now an option for people who meet certain criteria, and may be suggested as an alternative option to weight loss (bariatric) surgery.

One type of medication often used in weight loss pills and injections is called semaglutide . Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These medications have various effects in the body and may support weight loss.

Some weight loss medications include orlistat and setmelanotide. These work in a different way but may also help you to lose weight.

How does medicated weight loss work?

Semaglutide, which is used in the weight loss injection Wegovy, affects a part of your brain linked to appetite and fullness. This means you’ll feel less like eating. You’ll also become full more quickly. So, you end up eating less, which reduces your calorie intake, and therefore promotes weight loss.

Orlistat, another weight loss medication, reduces the amount of fat you absorb from your food, which can also help you to lose weight.

Who can have weight loss medication?

Currently there are quite strict criteria for who can use medicated weight loss treatments. For example, with Wegovy, you would usually need to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. You might also be prescribed Wegovy if you have a BMI between 27 and 30, but you must also have an additional weight-related health issue, such as type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol.

A doctor will also need to check your medical history. This is to make sure you don’t have any health issues that would make you unsuitable for medicated weight loss. These could include stomach issues, kidney disease, or heart failure .

What are the benefits of medicated weight loss?

Current evidence shows that combining weight loss medications with lifestyle changes is a more effective way to lose weight than just making lifestyle changes on their own. In one study, most participants taking semaglutide lost 5 to 10 per cent of their body weight.

Some weight loss medications can also lower your blood sugar and cholesterol levels. This can reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

What are the side effects of medicated weight loss?

Most side-effects are mild and usually go away once you’ve been taking the medication for a little while. They can include things such as:

• feeling or being sick
• constipation
• diarrhoea
• stomach-ache
• headache
• tiredness

Some of these minor side effects may be prevented. You can reduce your risk of experiencing these side effects by:

• reducing your portion sizes
• eating mindfully and stopping when full
• avoiding high fat or spicy foods
• reducing alcohol intake
• drinking plenty of fluids

Occasionally, more serious side-effects can occur, so report any new symptoms to a doctor straight away. One rare, but potentially serious risk to be aware of is acute pancreatitis. Symptoms of this condition include:

• severe stomach pain which may extend to your back
• feeling or being sick
• a high fever

Another rare side-effect with semaglutide is called Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischaemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION). This can cause a sudden reduction in vision, usually affecting just one eye.

If you notice a change in your eyesight, such as sudden blindness during treatment with semaglutide, you should urgently attend eye casualty (if available in your area) or A&E.

Are lifestyle changes important with medicated weight loss?

Lifestyle changes are the key to success when using weight loss medications. This is true both during and after treatment. Studies looking at how well weight loss medication works combined the drugs with other changes. These included healthy eating, portion control, and plenty of regular exercise. It’s this combination that gets the best weight loss results.

Will I gain weight after stopping weight loss medication?

Once you stop taking weight loss medication, weight gain is very likely. Studies have shown most people regained the weight they lost within a year of stopping injections. So, you’ll need to follow a reduced calorie intake and active lifestyle going forwards.

Weight loss medication isn’t for everyone. But, if you fit the criteria, evidence suggests you have a higher chance of losing weight than through lifestyle changes alone. Speak to a medical professional if you would like to find out more.