Losing weight and tackling chronic obesity has never been more accessible than today, thanks to the incredible medical advancements of recent years. As the world was introduced to medications like Mounjaro and WeGovy, combatting the obesity epidemic is finally in reach.
However, it is vital that the medications are used properly, as prescribed, and not as a temporary sticking plaster over the problem. That’s where support comes in.
Medicated weight loss treatments are not the magic silver bullet they seem to be. That’s because an enormous amount of work needs to be done, both physical and mental, if the medications are expected to make the sustainable difference that they are capable of.
Support ensures that we can utilise these tools as a holistic aid to completely transform our relationships with food, exercise, and our bodies – and not rely on them as a crutch for quick, fast results.
Here at Bodyline, we’ve been providing fully supported medical weight loss programmes for almost two decades, utilising established medical weight loss aids to kick start our patient’s journey to transforming their mind, body, and health. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive argument for the importance of support when using medical weight loss treatments like GLP-1 injections or oral tablets.
Medical Weight Loss – Not a magic solution
While medical weight loss treatments have revolutionized the approach to managing obesity, it’s crucial to understand that they are not magical solutions that work in isolation. This is particularly the case when there are no underlying medical problems causing a patient’s obesity or weight related health problems.
Weight loss medications, whether GLP-1 receptor agonists or appetite suppressants, are tools that work best when combined with comprehensive lifestyle changes and proper support systems.
This makes more sense as we look at the physiological reasons why the medications work. GLP-1 (WeGovy) and GLP-1/GIP (Mounjaro) injections, for instance, work partly by mimicking a hormone released in the gut following mealtimes to make us feel that full, satiated feeling telling our brains “That’s enough food”. If a patient has learnt to ignore that feeling, it will be quite a shock to the system to start feeling it again and will take effort to ensure that the feeling doesn’t go ignored again.
The injections are incredible; they work on the pancreas, the brain, and the stomach, producing a reaction in our bodies that levels out blood sugar levels, reduces food intake, and slows digestion, making the user feel fuller for longer.
However, the effectiveness of the weight loss medication relies heavily on a person’s commitment to making sustainable changes in their diet and exercise habits. Without this foundation, the benefits of medication may be temporary or limited in scope.
The same goes for oral medications like Phentermine or Diethylpropion, tablets that work as appetite suppressants to reduce your hunger, making it easier to stick to a lower-calorie diet. Though they aid weight loss by decreasing hunger levels and controlling common cravings for unhealthy foods, the effects only work as long as the user listens to their body and makes those healthy choices.
“At Bodyline, we always emphasise a holistic approach to weight loss,” says Sally-Ann Turner, Founder and MD. “We believe in empowering our patients with the knowledge and support they need to make long-term, healthy changes. Weight loss pills can be a part of that weight health journey for some, but it’s crucial to understand the risks and benefits involved, and to use them under the guidance of a regulated healthcare professional.”
Habit building for sustained success
The true value of medicated weight loss lies in its ability to create a window of opportunity for developing healthy habits. When appetite is better controlled and cravings are reduced, patients find it easier to establish new routines around eating and physical activity.
However, building these habits requires guidance and structure. It’s about learning to make mindful food choices, understanding portion control, and developing a sustainable exercise routine that fits into your lifestyle. These changes don’t happen automatically just because you’re taking medication.
A vital part of the fully supported medical treatment programmes that Bodyline offers, is that each patient receives an individualised support that takes their needs into account. That means their jobs, their daily activity level, their child-caring responsibilities, their physical capabilities. It’s not about jumping from one extreme to another, it’s about making small changes every day, showing that slowly over time – from one appointment to the next – that the small, manageable differences are coming together to change lives.
For instance, one 2015 study found that drinking just 500ml of water before meals, that’s one small bottle, for eight weeks, led to participants consuming less calories and therefore losing weight. Drinking water before meals is not taxing, yet that one habit done consistently for 8 weeks led to a positive outcome.
Contact Bodyline today to find out more about our safe and effective weight loss programmes and range of treatment options.
Avoiding weight regain when coming off medication
One of the biggest challenges in weight management is maintaining weight loss after discontinuing medication. This transition period is critical, and success depends largely on how well patients have established healthy habits during their treatment.
Some patients do better with a maintenance dose, remaining on a low dose of their weight loss injection or medication for long term results. These patients may struggle with other weight related health problems that need to be kept in check and monitored. However, many patients struggle to maintain their weight loss results once coming off the medication, as their weight loss strategies relied too heavily on the medication’s effects.
Research shows that patients who receive ongoing support and guidance during this phase are more likely to maintain their weight loss. This includes having strategies in place for managing hunger signals, dealing with emotional eating, and maintaining physical activity levels without the assistance of medication.
Bodyline’s supported programme provides our patients with what they need, habit building guidance and healthy changes needed to maintain a wellness-oriented lifestyle, and if they are eligible, a maintenance dose that ensures their hard work doesn’t slip away.
Why support is important to keep up momentum
Weight loss journeys often involve ups and downs, plateaus, and challenges that can test even the most determined individuals. Regular support provides accountability, motivation, and professional guidance when obstacles arise.
Professional support helps patients stay on track by:
- Monitoring progress and adjusting treatment plans as needed
- Providing expert individualised advice on nutrition and exercise
- Offering strategies for overcoming challenges and setbacks
- Celebrating successes and maintaining motivation
- Ensuring safe and effective use of medication
The Bodyline Difference
At Bodyline Clinic, we understand that successful weight loss requires more than just prescribing medication.
We provide structured support through:
- Regular check-ins with our clinical team
- Personalised advice on diet and exercise
- Behavioural support to address emotional eating patterns
- Long-term strategies for weight maintenance
- A supportive community of individuals on similar journeys
Our success rates demonstrate that patients who engage fully with our support services achieve better outcomes and maintain their results longer than those who rely on medication alone. This holistic approach to weight management ensures that our patients not only achieve their weight loss goals but also develop the skills and habits necessary for long-term success.To find out more about how Bodyline can support you to lose and maintain a healthier weight contact our specialist weight health team on 0800 995 6036 or fill in a contact form for a call back.
