Weight loss with medication

Defining obesity as a disease helps make it clear that it affects multiple body systems and can lead to serious medical consequences. People living with obesity have a higher risk of several related conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnoea, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), osteoarthritis, hormonal imbalances, reduced fertility, and certain cancers. Obesity can also affect mental wellbeing and quality of life.

The development of new medical treatments has made it possible to support weight loss in a more structured and effective way than before.

What is meant by medical weight loss?

Medical weight loss means losing weight with support from healthcare services, following an assessment by a doctor and based on clear medical criteria. This is different from making changes on your own or using over-the-counter products, which often lack strong scientific evidence or have limited effect.

For many people, especially those living with obesity or who find it hard to maintain weight loss over time, professional support and long-term follow-up can be crucial for achieving sustainable results.

Medical treatment may be a relevant option when structured lifestyle changes have not had enough effect, or when obesity together with other health risks means there is a greater need for more comprehensive and closely monitored care. A doctor always decides whether medical treatment is appropriate, based on individual needs, medical indications, and an overall assessment of health.

What medical treatments are available for weight loss?

Today, there are several medical treatments approved for weight loss in people with obesity or overweight with weight-related complications. For best results, medication should be combined with a reduced-energy diet and regular physical activity. These steps are important both to optimise the effect of the medication and to reduce the risk of side effects.

Different medicines work in different ways. Orlistat reduces the absorption of dietary fat by around 30%. Naltrexone/bupropion affects hunger, cravings, and fullness through signals in the brain.

Modern treatments are mainly based on GLP-1 medications, which mimic the effects of a natural gut hormone in the body. These medicines work through several mechanisms at the same time, including reduced appetite, better blood sugar regulation, increased feelings of fullness, effects on the reward system, and slower stomach emptying. Together, this makes it easier to reduce energy intake without feeling hungrier.

Studies show that treatment with semaglutide can lead to an average weight loss of around 15% of starting weight after 68 weeks. Higher doses of tirzepatide have shown weight loss of around 20% after 72 weeks in studies.

How does weight loss medication work?

Medical treatment for weight loss works by influencing key biological systems that control hunger, fullness, and reward. For many people, this means reduced appetite, feeling full sooner, and a lower natural intake of calories. This can make it easier to eat less and change how much is eaten across the day.

Medication is not a shortcut. For effective weight loss and better health, it should be combined with changes to diet and physical activity.

It is not about “trying harder”, but about calming biological signals that otherwise make weight loss very difficult. From Yazen’s perspective, this is central. Obesity is not about lack of willpower, but a complex condition where biology plays a major role.

Who can be prescribed medication for obesity?

Medical weight loss treatment may be suitable for people living with obesity, or for those who are overweight alongside weight-related health conditions. The initial assessment usually starts with BMI (Body Mass Index), which relates weight to height. Medication may be considered at a BMI of 30 or above, or from a BMI of 27 when weight-related health conditions are present.

Not everyone is suitable for medication. Certain medical conditions, ongoing treatments, or individual risk factors may mean other approaches are more appropriate. This is why an individual medical assessment and regular follow-up are always required when using weight loss medication.

After starting treatment, it is important to follow recommendations around diet, physical activity, and lifestyle, as these have a big impact on both treatment effect and long-term health.

At Yazen, this happens through a structured, person-centred approach. Each person is assessed individually by a doctor and supported by our care team.

Medication is not the whole solution – why a holistic approach matters

Medication can be a powerful support, but it does not replace the need to change habits or build new ways of eating. Successful weight loss often requires both medical treatment and support to create sustainable routines and structure around food.

Research shows that long-term results are strongly linked to combining medication with nutritional support, behaviour change, and regular follow-up. Even small lifestyle changes can have a positive effect on health, even if large weight loss is not achieved.

Yazen’s treatment model is built on collaboration between doctors and lifestyle coaching, with a focus on long-term health rather than quick results. It can take years for the body to adjust to a lower weight, which makes ongoing support important. Psychological support can also help identify situations that trigger unhelpful eating behaviours and support lasting change.

Psychological support for weight loss

Psychological support can be an important part of successful weight loss. There are many forms of support that can help people understand and change thoughts and behaviours linked to eating habits and motivation for physical activity.

A psychologist can help with managing stress, emotions, and other challenges that can make weight loss harder. Combining psychological support with changes to eating habits and increased physical activity improves the chances of achieving more sustainable, healthy weight loss.

Getting support from a psychologist can be a valuable way to find new strategies and extra encouragement. At Yazen, psychologists are available within our care team when needed.

Safety, side effects, and long-term results

Like all medical treatments, weight loss medication can cause side effects. The most common are stomach and gut-related symptoms, especially at the start of treatment or when adjusting the dose. Correct dosing, follow-up, and medical assessment are essential for safety.

To find the right treatment or support, it is important that people are guided by healthcare professionals and use tools that help identify what suits them best. Self-medicating carries risks and should always be avoided.

Studies show that weight often increases again after treatment is stopped, highlighting the importance of long-term support. Long-term success usually requires more than medication alone, including regular follow-up, lifestyle changes, and expert guidance.

Eating habits and weight loss

Eating habits play a key role in weight loss and in maintaining a healthy weight over time. Weight loss requires a calorie deficit, meaning energy intake is lower than energy use. Medication can support this by increasing fullness and reducing hunger.

When eating less, it is important that food is nutrient-dense to meet the body’s needs for vitamins, minerals, and protein. A varied, balanced diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, and lean protein is a good way to reduce calories while staying full. It is also important to limit sugar, saturated fat, and salt.

Eating regularly and not skipping meals can help keep blood sugar stable and reduce the risk of overeating later in the day.

Feeling full is an important factor in weight loss. Choosing foods that keep you satisfied can reduce hunger and make it easier to stick to healthier eating. Foods rich in fibre, protein, and healthy fats, such as vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, pulses, chicken, and fish, help you feel full for longer.

For extra support, it can be helpful to work with a dietitian or other health professional who can give personalised advice and help find eating habits that suit the individual. With the right support and knowledge, sustainable changes become easier.

Physical activity and weight loss

Regular physical activity is a key part of weight loss treatment. It strengthens the effect of medication, improves metabolism and wellbeing, and reduces the risk of side effects and related conditions.

Recommended types of activity include:

• Everyday movement: taking the stairs, walking, or cycling
• Cardio activity: brisk walking, swimming, or cycling
• Strength training: 2 to 3 times a week to preserve muscle mass and support metabolism

Activity should be adapted to the individual’s abilities, health, and goals. Building movement into daily life is an important part of the weight loss journey.

Summary

Medical treatment can be an effective tool for weight loss, but it is never a standalone solution. Obesity requires the same long-term, serious medical approach as other chronic conditions, with personalised care and regular follow-up.

There are several types of medication available today for treating obesity. Newer treatments are mainly based on GLP-1 medications, which affect appetite and fullness signals and can help reduce energy intake.

Yazen works to make medical weight loss safe, evidence-based, and sustainable, with long-term health as the priority.

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