Losing weight can be tough and it's a battle that a lot of people are familiar with, especially here in the UK where so many of us are overweight or obese. In fact, statistics show that over two-thirds of adults in the UK have a weight problem. It's not just about eating less and exercising more; the reasons for being overweight are complicated and can be a combination of factors from financial problems to lack of education to emotional issues. While we all know the basic formula for weight loss, the truth is that it's not that simple, eight management is a complicated issue and it's important to take a comprehensive approach to really achieve long-term success.
Losing weight can be a real struggle, but thankfully, there's a new solution in town. Weight loss medications have come a long way from the sketchy, potentially dangerous diet pills of the past. Today's weight loss medications are safe, thoroughly tested, and fully legal. And the best part? They actually work! These medications offer a valuable tool in the fight against excess weight, helping people who have tried and failed with other methods finally see the results they're looking for. While there will always need to be effort and persistence involved, these tools are helping so many get their weight under control.
Saxenda
Saxenda is a prescription weight loss medication containing the active ingredient liraglutide, it works by decreasing your appetite and increasing feelings of fullness. It's a type of GLP-1 receptor agonist, which means it works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone in the body that regulates appetite and metabolism. One of the potential downsides of Saxenda is that it is administered as a subcutaneous injection, which means that people have to inject themselves at home. While the injections are relatively easy to do, not everyone is comfortable with self-injection, and this may be a barrier for some people. Saxenda has been shown to be effective in helping people lose weight, with some studies reporting weight loss of up to 5% of total body weight in just 16 weeks.
Phentermine
Phentermine is a prescription weight loss medication that works by suppressing your appetite. It's a stimulant that works by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which helps to reduce hunger and cravings. Phentermine has been used for weight loss for many years, and has been shown to be effective in helping people lose weight. However, like all medications, it can cause side effects, including increased heart rate, agitation, and insomnia. It can be prescribed and purchased from private weight loss clinics in the UK, always make sure the company you're using is registered and legitimate.
Orlistat
Orlistat is a weight loss medication that works by blocking the absorption of dietary fats. It is taken orally, usually three times a day with meals that contain fat. The undigested fat is eliminated from the body through bowel movements, leading to reduced calorie intake and weight loss. Orlistat is considered a safe and effective weight loss treatment when used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise. It is available by prescription or in a lower strength over-the-counter alternative under the brand name Alli. Unlike other weight loss drugs that suppress appetite or alter metabolism, Orlistat works by blocking the absorption of dietary fats.
Wegovy (coming to the UK this year)
Wegovy is a new weight loss medication that is not yet available in the UK but will be coming to the UK this year. As with Saxenda, it's an injectable medication but has the active ingredient semaglutide which has longer lasting effects. This means it only needs to be administered once a week rather than once a day. Wegovy has been shown to be effective in helping people lose weight, with some studies reporting weight loss of up to 10% of total body weight in just 52 weeks. However, as with any new medication, it's important to wait for more research and information to become available before making a decision.
Where to Buy
Aside from phentermine which can be prescribed by weight loss clinics, the other medications are available to buy from high street online doctors, such as Asda, Boots, Superdrug, and Lloyds. Online pharmacies such as Simple Online Pharmacy can also prescribe and sell these, always make sure you're buying from a legitimate source. It's important to note that they're only available to those who meet certain criteria with their health and BMI. They're not usually available on prescription, so if you're interested in trying one of these medications, you'll need to purchase it privately.
