When weight loss medications are used
Weight loss medications may be used when patients need short-term weight loss and lifestyle efforts on their own have not been enough to achieve their weight loss goals.
Medications are considered for patients who:
- Have a BMI of 27 or above and have at least one of the chronic diseases, like (pre)diabetes, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnoea or BMI of 30 and above.
- Need assistance to reduce hunger or emotional food addiction.
- Need extra support after bariatric surgery to achieve your final weight loss goal and prevent weight regain.
How weight loss medications work
Weight loss prescription medications work in different ways.
Some may help you feel less hungry, reduce your appetite, and keep you fuller for a longer period of time. Others may make it harder for your body to absorb fat from the foods you eat.
New weight loss injections work by slowing down the emptying of your stomach and making you feel fuller for longer.
There are a few weight loss medications approved in Australia. According to strict TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) laws, it is illegal for us doctors to list the names of the medications on our websites. Therefore, it is very important to make an appointment at our weight loss clinic and be assessed by our bariatric physician Dr Daiva to discuss all benefits and possible side effects of these weight loss medications before you start taking them. There are contraindications for every medication.
A few studies and real-life experience have shown that people who just buy medications over the internet or from online weight loss clinics do not have sustained benefits from these medications.
Regular monitoring and regular follow ups by the specialist are crucial for long term weight loss success.
Yes, you can. Most of our patients who come to see us have tried strict diets and vigorous exercise programs in the past without effective results.
As an additional tool to fight the extra kilograms, our weight loss specialists assess patients and advise them about weight loss medications. There are a few weight loss medications approved in Australia. There are weight loss tablets as well as weight loss injections prescribed by the doctor.
Weight loss tablets work as stimulants and appetite suppressants, affecting the appetite controlling area in our brain and making people feel less hungry. Weight loss injections work by slowing down the emptying of person’s stomach and making that person feel fuller for longer.
According to research studies, on average people lose about 5% to 10 % of their body weight on weight loss medications, which is usually about 5-15 kg. Results might vary from person to person, depending on their starting weight and the level of response to the medication.
Weight loss surgery is the most effective treatment method for obesity currently. It is expected that patients will lose about 30-50% of their excess weight in the first 6 months and about 60-70% twelve months after surgery. Usually, people lose about 20-30 kg in the first 4 months after sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass surgeries.
Our approach to prescribing weight loss medications
- A considered approach. Dr Daiva may consider a weight loss medication for you if you haven’t been able to lose weight through diet and exercise on its own, your BMI is greater than 27 or above and you have serious medical problems, related to obesity, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or your BMI is greater than 30.
- Compliments diet and exercise. Prescription weight loss medications are prescribed in addition to, but not instead of diet and exercise regimes.
- Detailed explanation. Before selecting a medication for you, Dr Daiva will discuss your medical, weight loss history, health challenges and will talk about the pros and cons of all prescription weight loss medications.
- Right for you. It is important to know that weight loss medications are not for everyone. It should not be used if you are trying to get pregnant or are breastfeeding, taking particular medications or have a family history of certain medical conditions.
- Ultimately lifestyle is key. Weight loss medications are not an easy solution to weight loss, but they may help you make the necessary lifestyle changes to lose weight and improve your health.
