Weight loss injections have been revolutionising the UK’s approach to weight management, offering new hope for people living with obesity but struggling to make a dent in their weight with traditional methods.
However, with a variety of treatment options available now, it can be very confusing to know which weight loss injection is right for you and your needs. Additionally, many people looking into using these transformative medications will want to know they are using the most effective option available to them.
As medical understanding evolves and treatment options expand across the private sector and the NHS, it’s crucial to understand how these injections work, which might be most effective, and why supported programmes maximise the results you can gain to ensure you get the weight off and keep the weight off.
At Bodyline, we’ve been working with patients for almost two decades gaining the expertise and knowledge as to how weight loss works. The most important thing we found was that weight loss does not have a one-size-fits-all solution, so what is most effective for one person, may not be the most effective for another. That’s why working with weight health experts who take every aspect of your life into account can mean you don’t have to work it all out by yourself.
Weight loss injections: how do they work?
Weight loss injections function by mimicking hormones such as GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which naturally occur in your body. Released by the intestines after meals, these hormones signal fullness to your brain to stop you from eating more and encourage that feeling in your stomach so you know you’re done.
As per the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), they are only available by prescription to those with a BMI of over 30, officially identifying them as obese, and/or living with at least one weight-related health condition.
Sometimes, people living with obesity struggle with their weight due to physiological differences, hormonal imbalances, or issues recognising when their body is full.
Dr Morgan Toerien, one of Bodyline’s Clinical Directors explains it like this:
“GLP-1 receptor agonists work for obesity because an obese individual is either not making enough of these hormones to produce that full feeling naturally, or their body is resistant to the hormones so that they need a higher dose to get the same effect.
“If their body is not producing enough for them, using these therapies essentially introduces more into our bodies so that there’s enough of it to do the job, make us feel fuller, and reduce our calorie intake.
“This means it doesn’t matter whether you’re not making enough or whether you’re resistant to it; by adding more, it’s restoring the natural physiological process that our bodies are meant to perform.”
That’s why weight loss medications work to make a person feel fuller after less food, resulting in a caloric deficit which is vital for successful weight loss.
But that’s not all, weight loss injections also control blood sugar levels, slow down digestion, and increase satiety, creating further ideal conditions that all work alongside each other to promote sustainable weight loss!
Contact Bodyline today to find out more about our safe and effective weight loss programmes and range of treatment options.
Effective weight loss injections depend on YOU
Though weight loss injections sound like an easy fix, they are not the magic solution many people believe them to be. Success still requires the traditional efforts of improved diet, increased exercise, and sustainable lifestyle changes, otherwise weight loss injections can only be a temporary solution.
If you do not put in the work, make significant changes to your diet and activity levels, or get advice from medical professionals, the effectiveness of medical weight loss injections can only go so far.
That’s why studies have shown that once people come off weight loss injections, they can be at risk of regaining around two thirds of the weight they lost. This means the way we look at obesity treatments like injectable therapies cannot be as a short-term solution, but rather as either a long-term medication for maintaining results, or as a way to introduce positive habits and routines that will continue long after you stop taking the medications.
So, it’s important to be aware that no matter which weight loss injection you are prescribed, the effectiveness of the medication is entirely dependent on the effort you put in to make it work for you.
Weight loss injections at Bodyline
At Bodyline, three primary weight loss injections are available, each with its unique benefits and effectiveness profiles:
Saxenda (Liraglutide) has been a trusted option since 2014. Clinical trials have shown impressive results, with nearly two-thirds of participants losing at least 5% of their starting weight, and a third achieving more than 10% weight loss. Saxenda is administered daily and has proven particularly effective when combined with a comprehensive weight management program.
WeGovy (Semaglutide) represents the next generation of weight loss injections. Also known as Ozempic (though this is the same medication targeted at type-2 diabetes), this once-weekly injection has demonstrated remarkable results in clinical trials, with participants losing an average of 14.9% of their starting weight over a 68-week period. Since its UK approval in September 2023, WeGovy has gained recognition for its significant impact on weight management.
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) is the latest addition to Bodyline’s arsenal and has been dubbed the “King Kong” of weight loss injections. It works through a unique dual-action mechanism, with both GLP-1 and GIP hormones included in the injection, which has led to extraordinary results in clinical trials, far surpassing those seen for semaglutide. Participants were recorded losing up to 21% of their starting weight over 72 weeks!
While the statistics suggest Mounjaro as the most effective option, it’s essential to understand that the “best” injection varies from person to person. Success depends on individual factors, and what works exceptionally well for one person may not be as effective for another.
That’s why at Bodyline we provide wrap around support and a variety of patient pathways available to those who perhaps experience difficult side effects or have contraindicated medical history.
Effectiveness of weight loss injections coupled with support
The effectiveness of any weight loss injection is significantly enhanced when combined with comprehensive support and lifestyle modifications. That’s why Bodyline offers personalised guidance through both video and in-clinic consultations. This support system is crucial for maximising results and maintaining long-term success.
Remember that weight loss injections should never be viewed as a standalone solution. They work best as part of a broader weight management strategy that includes proper diet, regular physical activity, and lifestyle modifications. If you’re not eligible for injections, Bodyline also offers alternative medical weight loss treatments to help you achieve your goals.
The journey to sustainable weight loss is unique to each individual, and professional guidance can make a significant difference in achieving long-term success. With the right support and treatment plan, you can work towards your weight loss goals effectively and safely.
Call us on 0800 995 6036 or request a call back to find out which approach to weight loss could be most effective for you.
