In March 2023, the World Obesity Federation released their projections for the weight health of the world’s population. Their current estimates see more than half of the world’s population, that is over 4 billion people, will be obese by 2035 if the world continues the same trends.
The problems in the UK are particularly concerning, as almost three quarters of adults aged 45-74 are overweight and obese, causing numerous knock-on effects to the economy, health services, and general country-wide public health. In fact, the epidemic of obesity currently costs the NHS £6.5 billion every year, due to the weight health problems it causes such as diabetes, cardiovascular events, and high blood pressure.
However, despite public health announcements, educational schemes, and drives to push healthier lifestyles, many people who are obese struggle to lose weight with just diet and exercise alone. Various factors such as genetics, metabolism, and hormone levels can prevent sustainable lifestyle changes from taking hold and leading to impactful weight loss.
This is what is causing one of the biggest dilemmas in the world: how can we treat obesity if diet and exercise alone doesn’t appear to be working as well as it should?
As the prevalence of obesity continues to rise, the need for effective weight management solutions becomes increasingly urgent. If traditional methods such as diet and exercise, while important, are not sufficient for individuals struggling with severe obesity, prescription weight loss medications could offer an additional tool to help individuals achieve meaningful weight loss.
Prescription Weight Loss Medications: A History
For decades, the medical community has explored various medications to aid in weight loss. These medications have evolved over time as researchers gained a better understanding of the complex mechanisms behind obesity.
At Bodyline Clinic, we have been in the obesity treatment space for over 17 years, prescribing medications to clients who have tried everything to lose weight and didn’t see the results they needed. As new treatments evolved, our offering increased, and so did our expertise and clientele.
One of our most popular prescription weight loss medications is Phentermine, an oral pink pill which has shown incredible results for our clients and in scientific trials. Working to suppress appetite and therefore reduce calorie intake, on average, people lose between 5-10% of their starting weight when using the medication on a short-term basis.
When this prescription weight loss treatment is paired with our fully supported and personalised weight loss plan, we see our clients lose up to a stone each month they’re on it. Thanks to the habits built with help from our specialist weight loss nurses, the weight loss can be sustained, and their lifestyle will be completely altered as healthy changes remain.
Over the past 17 years, we have also been offering a similar oral treatment Diethylpropion (sometimes known as DP) which produces brilliant results for our clients, as well as Saxenda, one of the first weight loss injections approved for the treatment of obesity.
Saxenda includes the active ingredient liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist working to suppress appetite, curb snacking, and help users stick to a calorie deficit more sustainably.
That’s why we are proud to be at the fore of all the latest medications for obesity treatment, with access to secure UK laboratories and safe supply chains to ensure our clients are confident in our services.
Prescription Weight Loss Injections: GLP-1s
GLP-1s, or glucagon-like peptide-1, represent a new class of prescription weight loss medications that have shown incredibly promising results in clinical trials. GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone in the body that plays a crucial role in regulating appetite, glucose metabolism, and energy balance.
By mimicking the effects of GLP-1, GLP-1s injections help individuals achieve weight loss by addressing multiple aspects of the weight management process.
They help suppress the appetite, making it easier to follow a reduced-calorie diet. This can result in decreased food intake and a calorie deficit, which is essential for weight loss. Stimulating GLP-1s also regulates blood sugar levels and promote insulin secretion, helping to control cravings for sugary and high-calorie foods, and they slow down the emptying of the stomach, leading to increased feelings of fullness and satiety. Finally, GLP-1s increase metabolism, leading to higher energy expenditure, even at rest. This combination of effects helps individuals achieve weight loss by creating a favourable environment for calorie reduction and increased energy expenditure.
Several GLP-1s medications have been approved for weight loss treatment in the UK.
These include:
Liraglutide (Saxenda): Liraglutide is a prescription injectable medication that has been approved for obesity treatment and weight management in individuals with obesity (or overweight who have at least one weight-related health condition). It is self-administered once daily and has been shown to produce an average of between 5-10% loss from starting weight.
Semaglutide (Wegovy): Similarly, semaglutide is a prescription injectable medication that is most well known in the medical weight loss industry. It has been approved in the UK for chronic weight management in individuals with obesity or overweight who have at least one weight-related health condition. It is self-administered once weekly and has been described as “game-changing” for obesity management, with over half of participants in a clinical trial seeing a loss of 15% of their weight after 68 weeks.
Latest dual hormone GLP1 and GIP combined weight loss injections include:
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro): Tirzepatide is a brand new GLP-1 and GIP injectable medication that has just been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for the treatment of obesity. This groundbreaking new medication has been dubbed the “King Kong” of weight loss treatments as its results have surpassed the other GLP-1 therapies available: trials have seen a weight loss of more than 20% in participants, as well as more than 80% of those taking part seeing a loss of at least 5%!
Dr Morgan Toerien, our weight health and wellness practitioner, explained why GLP-1 and GIP work together to produce even better results than previously seen.
“GLP-1s (glucagon-like-peptide 1) and the GIPs (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) are both substances that are naturally found in the body. Their purpose is to regulate appetite and signal to our brains the feeling of being full. When people are struggling with maintaining their weight, one of two things is often happening. Either they’re not making enough of these hormones, or their body is resistant to them. That means they might need a higher number of the hormones to get the same effect because what their body is producing is not enough.”
Could GLP1 or GLP-1/GIP Injections Begin an Obesity Treatment Revolution?
GLP-1/ GLP-1 GIP injections have the potential to revolutionize obesity treatment, as not only can it produce incredible weight loss results, but when used within fully supported weight loss programmes like those offered at Bodyline, they can help with habit building and produce better lifestyle choices that can be sustained in the long term.
Here at Bodyline, we believe that this medical approach to weight loss and obesity treatment could revolutionise public health as well as attitudes to obesity in general. By reframing obesity away from “bad lifestyle choices”, and towards it being a problem that can be out of our control, this disease could be treated the same way other health problems are – by prescribing medications to ensure the body functions better and reduces associated health risks.
Contact Bodyline today to find out more about our safe and effective weight loss programmes and range of treatment options.
Bodyline Clinic Weight Management Experts
Bodyline Clinic is at the forefront of weight management and offers comprehensive, medically supervised weight loss programmes that can include oral medications or weight loss injections. Our team of experienced weight health clinicians understand the unique challenges individuals face when it comes to weight loss. We take a personalised approach, assessing everyone’s specific needs and goals to develop a tailored treatment plan. With our expertise and guidance, individuals can safely and effectively incorporate GLP-1 / GLP-1 GIP injections into their weight loss journey.
Our healthcare professionals at Bodyline Clinic not only prescribe GLP-1 / GLP-1 GIP injections but also provide ongoing support and monitoring throughout the weight loss process. We understand that sustainable weight loss involves more than just medication. Our programmes incorporate dietary guidance, behaviour modification, and lifestyle changes to help individuals achieve long-term success.
Prescription weight loss injections, particularly GLP-1 / GLP-1 GIP, represent a new era in weight management. These medications offer a multifaceted approach to weight loss by addressing appetite, blood sugar levels, stomach emptying, and metabolism. However, it is crucial to seek treatment from reputable providers to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Bodyline Clinic is committed to providing high-quality, medically supervised weight loss programs that incorporate GLP-1 / GLP-1 GIP injections. Our team of weight management experts is dedicated to helping individuals achieve their weight loss goals in a safe and sustainable manner. With our comprehensive approach, we empower individuals to embark on a transformative weight loss journey that improves their overall health and well-being.
To find out more about the latest weight loss injections contact Bodyline via our contact form and request a call back or call give us a call on 0800 995 6036.
