Can medication help if losing weight on your own does not work?
Yes, medication can help if losing weight on your own does not work, but it is not a replacement for a healthy lifestyle. GLP-1 medication can contribute to weight loss in people with overweight or obesity, provided a doctor deems this medically responsible. The questions below provide answers on how this works, what you can expect, and who it is suitable for.
When is medication a serious option for weight loss?
Weight loss medication is a serious option when someone has long-term difficulty losing weight despite adjustments to diet and exercise, and when the excess weight poses a risk to their health. A doctor assesses on an individual basis whether pharmacological support is medically justified and appropriate.
Not everyone who is overweight automatically qualifies. In medical practice, factors such as the degree of overweight, the presence of health problems related to weight, and previously attempted methods are generally considered. People who consistently diet and exercise without results may benefit from a medical assessment to determine whether additional support is useful.
It is important to understand that weight loss with medication always forms part of a broader pathway. Medication supports the process, but behavioural change remains an indispensable part of a lasting result.
How does GLP-1 medication work for weight loss?
GLP-1 medication works by mimicking a hormone that occurs naturally in the body and plays a role in the regulation of appetite and blood sugar. The drug slows down gastric emptying, gives a longer feeling of fullness and reduces appetite, causing people to consume fewer calories.
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone that is released after eating. In people who are overweight, this system sometimes responds less effectively. GLP-1 medication artificially enhances this signal, causing the brain to register a feeling of fullness sooner.
The medication is usually administered weekly via a subcutaneous injection. In most treatment courses, the dosage is built up gradually to minimise the risk of side effects. A doctor draws up the treatment plan and supervises the process.
What are the expected results of weight loss with medication?
Results of weight loss with medication vary per person and depend on factors such as starting weight, lifestyle, dosage and how long the programme is maintained. No guarantees can be given about the exact weight loss someone can expect.
Clinical trials into GLP-1 medication show that a proportion of users achieve meaningful weight loss, but this is always accompanied by adjustments in eating and exercise behaviour. People who use medication without paying attention to lifestyle generally achieve less result than those who combine both.
It is also realistic to know that weight returns in many cases after stopping medication if the lifestyle has not been changed structurally. Medication is an aid, not a permanent solution in itself.
What are the risks and side effects of weight-loss medication?
The most common side effects of GLP-1 medication are gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhoea, constipation and bloating. These symptoms mainly occur in the initial stages of the treatment and subside for many people as the body gets used to the medication.
Less common side effects may include:
- Fatigue or dizziness
- Reduced appetite leading to inadequate food intake
- Slight increase in heart rate
- Injection site reactions
There are also situations in which GLP-1 medication is not suitable, such as with certain thyroid disorders, a history of pancreatitis or specific other medical conditions. This is precisely why a medical assessment by a doctor is mandatory before treatment starts. Self-medication with these types of remedies is medically irresponsible.
How does an online medical assessment for weight loss medication work?
An online medical assessment for weight-loss medication begins with a comprehensive medical questionnaire. Based on the answers, a GMC-registered doctor assesses whether a treatment is medically sound and appropriate for that specific person. This is not an automated process, but an independent medical assessment.
The process generally runs as follows:
- The person fills in a Medical intake in with questions about health, medication use and weight history.
- A doctor assesses the answers and determines which treatment might be suitable.
- Upon approval, the doctor issues a prescription that is forwarded to a partner pharmacy.
- The pharmacy assesses and processes the delivery independently.
- Medication is dispatched discreetly to the specified address.
The doctor will be in touch within 24 hours on working days after completion of the intake. Not everyone who completes an intake is eligible. The doctor decides independently and autonomously whether a treatment is responsible. More about how this process works is explained on the website.
Who is medication for overweight not suitable for?
Weight-loss medication is not suitable for everyone. A doctor assesses on a case-by-case basis whether treatment is appropriate. There are medical contraindications which mean that certain people are not eligible, regardless of their desire to lose weight.
Situations in which GLP-1 medication is typically not prescribed include:
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Certain thyroid conditions or a family history of specific thyroid cancers
- A history of pancreatitis
- Severe stomach or bowel disorders
- Use of certain other medicines that may cause interactions
Additionally, weight-loss medication is not a suitable option for people who are looking for a quick fix without the willingness to change their lifestyle. The chance of a sustainable result is considerably smaller when diet and exercise are left out of consideration. A doctor will take this into account in the assessment.
How Wellumo helps with medically supervised weight loss
Wellumo facilitates the requesting of GLP-1 medication via a fully digital and discreet pathway, guided by BIG-registered doctors. The platform is designed for people seeking medical support for weight loss, without the barrier of a physical consultation.
What Wellumo offers:
- An online medical questionnaire as the starting point of the care pathway
- Independent assessment by a BIG-registered doctor within 24 hours on working days
- Transparent pricing information beforehand, with no hidden costs
- Discrete shipping of medication following approval by a doctor and pharmacy
- Optional subscription for repeat deliveries
- 45-day refund policy on selected treatment programmes
- Complaints officer and affiliation with the General Healthcare Disputes Committee
Not everyone is eligible. A doctor assesses on an individual basis whether a treatment is medically sound. Would you like to know if a treatment pathway might be suitable? Then start the Medical intake at Wellumo of neem Contact us for more information.