When it comes to managing obesity, weight loss surgery is more commonly being considered as a last-resort option for individuals who have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. While weight loss surgery can be effective for some, it is a procedure that should not be taken lightly; it can be life-threatening when not done through certified and regulated avenues.
Here at Bodyline, we want to help those struggling with their weight explore the other options available to them before looking to weight loss surgery. Our medical weight loss programmes offer alternative approaches to help individuals successfully achieve their weight loss goals without undergoing surgery.
What is Weight Loss Surgery?
Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is a surgical procedure that aims to help individuals lose weight by restricting the size of their stomach and therefore the amount of food they can consume. There are different types of weight loss surgery, including gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, and gastric banding. These procedures are typically recommended for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health problems.
- Gastric Bypass: Gastric bypass surgery involves creating a small pouch at the top of the stomach and bypassing a portion of the small intestine. This procedure restricts the amount of food you can eat and reduces the absorption of nutrients.
- Gastric Sleeve: Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, involves removing a large portion of the stomach, leaving behind a smaller, tube-shaped stomach. This procedure restricts the amount of food you can eat but it is irreversible.
- Gastric Band: Gastric band surgery, also called adjustable gastric banding, involves placing a band around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch. The band is adjustable and can be tightened or loosened to control the amount of food that can pass through.
Turkey has become a popular destination for medical tourism, including weight loss surgeries, however there can be limited legal recourse and patient protection in place for those who experience complications from the surgery while abroad. It is essential to consider the potential problems in seeking treatment back in the UK.
What are the Benefits and Risks of Weight Loss Surgery?
Weight loss surgery can have significant benefits for individuals struggling with obesity. It can lead to substantial weight loss, improve or resolve obesity-related health conditions, and enhance overall quality of life.
However, like any major surgical procedure, weight loss surgery carries certain risks and potential complications. These can include infection, bleeding, blood clots, and complications related to the anaesthesia used.
Following weight loss surgery, people must make significant lifestyle changes and adhere to a strict post-surgery diet and exercise regimen otherwise they can feel significant pain and discomfort in the stomach.
Weight loss surgery should never be the first port of call, especially since there are many non-invasive approaches to weight loss that are much easier without as many risks.
Medical Weight Loss Programmes: An Alternative to Surgery
Medical weight loss programmes, like those offered here at Bodyline, provide safe, affordable, and tailored evidence-based weight loss plans to women and men throughout the UK. While weight loss surgery can work for those living with morbid obesity, it should be the very last resort due to the cost and health risks it poses.
A less invasive, more accessible, and generally safer option is Bodyline.
Bernie Murphy, our Head of Clinical Services says,
“At Bodyline, we prescribe a combination of effective weight loss medications, injections, vitamins, and herbal weight loss supplements as part of our holistic wellness programmes. If you are struggling to lose weight and have tried diets and other weight loss options, our safe and personal approach to helping women and men achieve their weight loss goals really works.
“Our programmes are designed and supervised by healthcare professionals, including doctors, dieticians, and nurses, who specialise in weight management and are guaranteed to help our clients lose weight.”
GLP-1 Injections: A Promising Solution to Treat Obesity
One such medical intervention used in our medical weight loss programmes is a new obesity treatment in the form of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) injections. GLP-1 is a hormone produced naturally in our guts. It is released by the intestines in response to food intake, particularly carbohydrates. It plays a crucial role in regulating appetite, blood sugar levels, and fat metabolism.
Injections with GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic the effect of the hormone in order to help suppress appetite, control blood sugar levels, and as a result promote weight loss. By reducing the amount users can eat, they are able to remain in a calorie deficit much easier.
These injections are administered under the guidance of healthcare professionals, only available with a prescription, and are typically used in combination with a comprehensive weight management plan.
There are a variety of weight loss injectable therapies available to be prescribed in the UK for the treatment of obesity. These include:
- Tirzepatide (injectable pens branded as Mounjaro)
- Semaglutide (injectable pens branded as WeGovy or Ozempic, and an oral pill branded as Rybelsus)
- Liraglutide (injectable pens branded as Saxenda)
Each GLP-1 injections are proven to induce incredible weight loss, with clinical trials showing “game-changing” results. For instance, Saxenda has been prescribed at Bodyline as part of our programmes for many years and is proven to result in an average reduction of 5-10% of users’ starting weight.
WeGovy is newly available through Bodyline and is very popular with the rich and famous as a way to lose weight quickly and sustainably. Clinical trials have shown an average 15% body weight reduction over a 68-week period when used alongside diet and exercise.
Mounjaro is the newest GLP-1 injection to be approved in the UK and is being hailed as a ‘king kong’ of weight loss treatments. Its dual acting mechanisms have seen over 85% of users within clinical trials lose 5-20% of their starting weight.\
At Bodyline, we can assess your medical history, lifestyle, and weight loss goals and prescribe a medication that can work for you to promote successful weight loss.
Oral Medication for Weight Loss: What are the Options?
If you are not eligible to be prescribed GLP-1 injections, oral medications are also available as part of our medical weight loss programmes. These medications work by suppressing appetite, reducing calorie absorption, or increasing metabolism.
Like GLP-1 injections, oral medications are prescribed and monitored by healthcare professionals to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Here at Bodyline we have been offering Phentermine and Diethylpropion for over 17 years, and have helped thousands of people lose up to a stone in their first month thanks to our fully supported medical weight loss programmes.
Successful Weight Loss with Bodyline
At Bodyline Clinic, we specialise in providing medically supervised weight loss programmes that offer a safe and effective alternative to weight loss surgery.
Our experienced healthcare professionals understand the challenges individuals face when it comes to weight loss and tailor treatment plans to meet individual needs and goals.
If you use Bodyline to help with your weight loss journey, your personalised programme could include a prescription for GLP-1 or combined GLP-1 GIP injections or oral medications, combined with dietary guidance, habit forming strategies, and ongoing support.
Our programmes are designed to be sustainable, focusing on long-term lifestyle changes rather than quick fixes. We provide comprehensive support and guidance throughout the weight loss journey, ensuring that individuals have the tools and knowledge to maintain their weight loss results.
Weight loss surgery is not the only option for individuals struggling with obesity. Medical weight loss programmes offer effective alternatives that can help individuals achieve their weight loss goals without risking surgery.
With the use of weight loss injections or oral medications alongside personalised support, individuals can embark on a successful weight loss journey with Bodyline Clinic.
To learn more about our medical weight loss programmes and how they can be the alternative to weight loss surgery for you, contact Bodyline Clinic today at 0800 995 6036 or fill out our online contact form. Our experienced healthcare professionals are ready to guide you on your weight loss journey and help you achieve lasting results.
Contact Bodyline today to find out more about our safe and effective weight loss programmes and range of treatment options.
