Medical Treatment of Obesity

Treatment Without Surgery

In the practice, we are pleased to offer suitable patients the option of medical treatment of obesity. This is useful for patients who do not meet the criteria for bariatric surgery, but still wish to lose weight or patients who do not wish to have a surgical procedure. It can also be beneficial for patients who need to lose weight prior to a bariatric procedure but are struggling to do so by diet alone and finally we have used it on a number of patients who’ve had a previous bariatric procedures and have had some weight regain and are struggling to get back on track.

Treatment Details

This treatment utilises a class of drugs called GLP-1 analogues. This can possibly be a daily injectable medicine that comes in a pre-filled syringe. It produces suppression of appetite and hence aids weight loss. It is usually started at a low dose and gradually increased over a period of weeks to the maximum dose, and not all patients require the maximum dose. The injection is combined with dietician and psychology support to maximise weight loss. It is a requirement that treatment is discontinued after 12 weeks on the highest dose if the patient has not lost at least 5% of their initial body weight.

Results and Risks

Studies have produced weight loss of between 6% - 8% of body weight in patients taking some GLP-1s and have demonstrated good long-term safety profile. These drugs have been used in studies with diabetic and non-diabetic obese patients and patients with obstructive sleep apnoea.

Find Out More

You can start this process with our free consultation with Shirley Lockie, SCOPE certified PNSA. If you are interested in discussing weight loss options including GLP-1s please click here for further details.