Why Is Weight Loss Such a Big Health Issue?

According to the NHS, obesity is one of the biggest health challenges facing the UK today. In the UK, an estimated 7% to 8% of adults are currently living with diagnosed diabetes, with Type 2 diabetes accounting for about 90% of all cases. Living with excess weight increases the risk of several long-term conditions, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and some cancers.

What Are Weight-Loss Injections?

Weight-loss injections are prescription medicines designed to help people manage obesity and weight-related health conditions. The most commonly prescribed options in the UK include:

Mounjaro® (Tirzepatide)

Tirzepatide works by copying hormones involved in appetite regulation and blood sugar control. It is administered once per week and has been recommended by NICE for certain adults living with obesity and weight-related health conditions.

Wegovy® (Semaglutide)

Semaglutide mimics a naturally occurring hormone called GLP-1, helping people feel fuller for longer and reducing hunger. It is also taken as a weekly injection

Saxenda® (Liraglutide)

Liraglutide works in a similar way to semaglutide but requires daily injections rather than weekly administration.

Are There Weight-Loss Pills Too?

While injections receive most of the media attention, there are tablet-based options available.

Orlistat

Orlistat has been used for many years and works differently from the newer medications. Rather than affecting appetite, it reduces the amount of dietary fat absorbed by the body.

Rybelsus®

Rybelsus is an oral form of semaglutide currently licensed in the UK for managing type 2 diabetes rather than weight loss.

It’s important to remember that all prescription weight-loss medications should be taken under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.

How Do These Medications Work?

The newer medications work by affecting hormones involved in appetite and digestion.

They can:

• Help people feel fuller after eating.
• Reduce hunger.
• Slow down stomach emptying.
• Reduce food cravings.
• Lower the amount of constant thoughts about eating.

For lots of people, these medications can finally make healthy eating feel possible, helping you cut calories without battling hunger every day.

Do They Actually Work?

Evidence shows that these treatments can support meaningful weight loss when used alongside lifestyle changes.

NHS Inform states that people taking these medications as prescribed typically lose between 5% and 20% of their starting body weight on average, although individual results vary significantly.

However, the NHS is clear that these medications should not be viewed as standalone solutions. NICE and NHSEngland guidance states they should be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

The Benefits

For people living with obesity, even modest weight loss can improve overall health. Losing 5-10% of body weight can make a drastic difference to their lives. Not only will it have a positive impact in combating health-related conditions associated with obesity, but it will also improve confidence and make movement easier. This can increase participation in activities such as swimming, gym sessions, fitness classes and recreational sport.

How the medicines help:

• Help lower high blood pressure
• Improve confidence
• Help manage type 2 diabetes
• Increase activity levels
• Manage cholesterol levels
• Improve sleep apnoea
• Help manage cardiovascular disease

The Negatives and Side Effects

Like any medicine, there are positives and negatives.

Common Side Effects

Reported side effects can include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Bloating
• Stomach discomfort
• Heartburn

For most people, these symptoms improve as the body adapts to the treatment.

They’re Not Suitable for Everyone

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) advises that these treatments are prescription-only medicines and should only be used with consultation with your doctor. They are not intended for cosmetic weight loss.

During pregnancy, breastfeeding or for people with certain medical conditions, it is advised to check, as some treatments may not be recommended.

Weight Can Return

One of the biggest challenges is maintaining weight loss after stopping treatment. Without sustainable nutrition and activity habits, some people experience weight regain. It is recommended to change eating habits and participate in exercise.

Is Exercise More Important Than Ever?

One issue raised was that some people were using the medicine as a replacement for exercise. The reality is the opposite. The NHS is recommending that treatments should be used alongside physical exercise and changes in eating habits.

Benefits:

Preserve Muscle Mass

Maintaining muscle is essential for strength, mobility and long-term metabolic health. Holding muscle will not only make exercise easier but will also improve confidence.

Improve Heart Health

Exercise improves cardiovascular fitness, making day-to-day life easier.

Support Mental Wellbeing

Physical activity can reduce stress, improve mood and boost confidence.

Reduce Weight Regain Risk

People who develop active habits are often giving themselves the building blocks to maintain weight loss in the long term.

Need help getting started? Speak to a member of our fitness team or personal trainers who can build plans to help on your active journey and eating habits. Additionally, you can join one of our supportive group fitness classes, which are built for all levels.