Support with weight loss through medication and lifestyle changes

When might you need to seek help to lose weight?

Many people try to lose weight on their own by making lifestyle changes. For some, this works well. For others, the results don’t last, or don’t come at all. That’s because the body has biological mechanisms that can work against weight loss. Hunger signals may become stronger, feelings of fullness weaker, and energy use lower. This happens because obesity is a chronic disease. It’s not about laziness, lack of effort, or poor “discipline”, even though that’s a very common myth.

Living with overweight or obesity increases the risk of several health conditions, including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and heart and circulatory disease. The risk of some cancers is also higher. That’s why it’s important to remember that severe overweight and obesity aren’t just about appearance, but about reducing the risk of serious illness and improving quality of life.

If you’ve tried to lose weight on your own several times without getting results that feel sustainable, or if your weight is affecting your health or everyday life in a negative way, it may be time to ask for support. Help is available. Treatment for obesity isn’t a failure, it’s just as reasonable as treating high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.

What support is available through healthcare?

Within UK healthcare, support with weight loss may be available through your GP surgery, an NHS dietitian, or a specialist weight management service. Access to dietitians and specialist obesity care varies depending on where you live, and limited resources in primary care can sometimes make ongoing follow-up and lifestyle support hard to access.

In recent years, more private providers have also started offering weight management services, including clinics focused on medical treatment for weight loss. Yazen is one example of a digital healthcare provider with specialist expertise in obesity care. Treatment combines medication, structured lifestyle support, and ongoing follow-up from a multidisciplinary specialist team, with a focus on changes that can be maintained long term.

Getting help with weight loss through medication

Medical treatment for obesity may be considered for people with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30, or a BMI over 27 alongside related conditions or other risk factors, such as high blood pressure or raised blood fats. Medication shouldn’t be seen as a quick fix. It’s a tool that can support lifestyle changes and make them easier to stick to. The best results are usually seen when medication is combined with changes in everyday habits, such as healthier eating and regular physical activity.

Weight loss medication is mainly intended for adults, but in some cases treatment may also be considered for people under 18. Treatment should always start with a medical assessment, where a doctor looks at your health, needs, and circumstances, with the aim of supporting a healthier weight that feels sustainable over time.

Who can get medical treatment for weight loss?

BMI, or Body Mass Index, is often used to assess overweight and obesity. You can work out your BMI by taking your weight in kilograms and dividing it by your height in metres squared. A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered within the healthy range. A BMI between 25 and 29.9 is classed as overweight. A BMI of 30 or above is classed as obesity.

Use Yazen’s BMI calculator to see whether you may be eligible for medical weight loss support through Yazen.

It’s worth remembering that BMI doesn’t always tell the full story, as it doesn’t take body composition into account, meaning how much of your weight is muscle versus fat. To get a broader picture of health, other measures such as waist measurement or body fat percentage can also be useful.

Follow-up and support – a key part of weight treatment

One of the biggest differences between losing weight on your own and getting professional support is access to ongoing follow-up. Regular contact with qualified healthcare professionals makes it possible to track progress over time, adjust treatment when needed, and get support with things like side effects, weight plateaus, or limited effect. Follow-up can also help you understand how treatment and lifestyle changes affect your health, and gives you space to ask questions about your care.

At Yazen, follow-up happens continuously through a team of doctors, dietitians, and other experts. Support is adapted to your needs, with the aim of helping you create changes that fit into your life and feel manageable long term.

Why choose Yazen for weight loss support?

The Yazen model is a medical treatment programme for people living with overweight or obesity. Treatment is based on individual needs and includes guidance and support for new everyday habits, such as eating and physical activity, all delivered in a fully digital format.

For many people, Yazen can feel like a more accessible and specialist option than traditional services, with continuity and longer-term support for weight treatment.

Summary

Overweight and obesity are complex conditions where biology, lifestyle, and stress all play a role. For some people, changes in diet and activity are enough. For others, results don’t come despite repeated efforts. Obesity is a chronic disease, not a sign of weak willpower. Support is available through healthcare, with treatment that’s tailored to you and can make long-term change feel more achievable. With the right support, you can access medical assessment, follow-up, and ongoing help towards better health.

‍