It’s never been easier to lose weight. There are more gyms than ever before, a wider range of food products than ever before, and the wealth of information available at our fingertips on the internet is unparalleled.
So why do so many people still struggle with dieting, and what can be done to help everyone be healthy and happy?
There are many reasons. Some people simply find it harder to lose weight than others. Some can’t afford the gym or healthier foods, and some are unable to lose weight unassisted due to a medical condition. This is where medicated weight loss comes in because you can lose weight with the “skinny jab”.
What is Medicated Weight Loss?
Put simply, it is a controlled and carefully tailored plan set out by a doctor, nutritionist or specialist like SlimCare Medical, that includes medication as well as eating plans and exercise regimes.
The medication involved is usually an appetite suppressant, which will aid the participant in reducing their appetite, therefore reducing their intake of food and calories. This, coupled with the bespoke plan for diet and exercise, hastens the weight loss process in a safe and calculated manner.
The treatment is usually only available to people who have tried and been unsuccessful at losing weight with traditional methods of healthy eating and regular exercise. However, even if you fit this criteria, your doctor may still refuse to prescribe weight loss medication to you unless your BMI is over 30, or over 27 but you have a medical condition made worse by obesity i.e. high blood pressure or diabetes.
It’s worth noting that weight loss drugs aren’t suitable for everyone, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women. If your doctor finds anything in your medical history that would prevent you from safely taking the medication, you won’t be eligible for treatment.
Does it Work?
Yes! It’s proven that medicated weight loss drugs combined with lifestyle changes produce significant results compared to lifestyle changes alone.
Over a year of treatment, a weight loss of 3% – 7% of total body weight above that achieved without medication. It may not seem like much, but a sustained loss of 5% to 10% of body weight can have incredible health benefits such as lower blood pressure, lower blood sugar, and lower triglyceride levels.
Some people report regaining some weight when they stop taking the medication, but this is common, and can be controlled with the upkeep of a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Is it Safe?
When taken correctly, as per your doctor’s instructions, yes. There are some mild side effects such as nausea, diarrhoea, and constipation are fairly common, but generally disappear over time. Other more serious side effects are rare, but if you do experience any while taking weight loss medication, talk to your doctor immediately about changing or stopping your programme.
How long does the treatment last?
As long as you need it to, generally. If you’re losing weight at a steady and healthy rate and aren’t experiencing any harmful side-effects, your doctor may recommend you to stay on the medication indefinitely, until you no longer need to lose weight.
If you don’t lose 5% of your bodyweight after three to six months on a medicated weight loss programme, your doctor may recommend either changing your prescription, or ceasing the treatment.
There you have it, a basic overview of medicated weight loss! While it may sound appealing to many of you out there, you have to remember that you may not be eligible, and even if you are, the medication is not a replacement for healthy eating and regular exercise. The side effects are minimal, and the rewards seem to outweigh the risks for many, especially those already suffering from obesity, diabetes or high blood pressure, but speak to your doctor first!
