Weight Loss and Treatment Options
At M&D Green we understand that weight loss is a highly personal and unique journey. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can be challenging, but with the right support, guidance, and treatment options, it is possible to reach your goals and improve your overall health and well-being. Our pharmacists can provide an eligibility screen, discuss medication options and give you the support to achieve your target weight. We offer in person consultations for this service.
Our Weight Loss Approach
We recognise that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to weight loss. That's why we focus on personalised plans that take into account your lifestyle, medical history, and preferences. Our goal is not just to help you lose weight, but to help you develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime.
Prescription Weight Loss Medications
For individuals who qualify, prescription medications may be an option to support your weight loss journey. These medications, when used in combination with diet and exercise, can help you achieve and maintain your weight loss goals more effectively.
Weight loss Injections
- Mounjaro - Tirzepatide
- Wegovy - Semaglutide
- Saxenda – Liraglutide
Mounjaro
We are committed to providing the latest, evidence-based solutions to support your weight loss journey. One of the most innovative treatments now available is Mounjaro, containing Tirzepatide, a breakthrough medication that has shown impressive results in helping individuals achieve sustainable weight loss.
Mounjaro is a GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist, meaning it works by stimulating two key hormones involved in appetite regulation, insulin production, and glucose control. Originally developed for managing type 2 diabetes, Mounjaro has been found to be highly effective in promoting weight loss and improving overall metabolic health.
Wegovy (Semaglutide)
Wegovy is a once-weekly injection that has shown remarkable results in clinical trials, helping individuals lose significant amounts of weight. It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist and works by reducing appetite, increasing feelings of fullness, and slowing stomach emptying, which can lead to a reduction in calorie intake.
Saxenda (Liraglutide)
Liraglutide is another GLP-1 agonist, administered as a daily injection. It has been proven to help people reduce food intake by promoting a sense of satiety, making it easier to adhere to a calorie-controlled diet.
Weight loss injections are typically recommended for individuals who have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone and may be prescribed if you have a BMI of 30 or higher (or 27 if you have weight-related health conditions).
Side Effects and Safety
Like all medications, Mounjaro may cause side effects. The most common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Decreased appetite
These side effects are typically mild and subside as your body adjusts to the medication. Serious side effects are rare but may include pancreatitis or kidney problems, so it’s important to follow up with your healthcare provider regularly.
Benefits of Weight loss
1. Improved Cardiovascular Health
- Reduced Risk of Heart Disease: Excess weight, especially around the abdomen, can increase your risk of heart disease by raising blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar. Losing weight helps to lower these risk factors, promoting a healthier heart.
- Better Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: Losing even a modest amount of weight can help to lower your blood pressure and reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol, while boosting “good” HDL cholesterol.
2. Lower Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
- Improved Blood Sugar Control: Excess weight can make it more difficult for your body to use insulin effectively, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. By losing weight, you can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels, often decreasing or even eliminating the need for medication in some individuals.
3. Joint Pain Relief
- Reduced Pressure on Joints: Carrying excess weight puts added stress on your joints, especially the knees, hips, and lower back. Losing weight helps reduce this pressure, which can alleviate joint pain and improve mobility, particularly for those suffering from osteoarthritis.
4. Better Sleep Quality
- Reduced Sleep Apnoea Symptoms: Excess weight, particularly in the upper body, can contribute to sleep apnoea, a condition where breathing is briefly interrupted during sleep. Weight loss can reduce or even eliminate sleep apnoea symptoms, leading to better quality, more restful sleep.
5. Enhanced Mental Health and Mood
- Reduced Risk of Depression and Anxiety: Losing weight can help improve your mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Physical activity, which is often part of a weight loss journey, releases endorphins that boost your mood and reduce stress.
- Increased Confidence and Self-Esteem: Achieving a healthier weight often leads to greater self-confidence and a positive body image, helping you feel better about yourself.
6. Improved Respiratory Function
- Easier Breathing: Excess weight can strain the respiratory system, making breathing more difficult. Losing weight can help improve lung function, reduce shortness of breath, and promote better overall respiratory health.
7. Reduced Risk of Certain Cancers
- Decreased Cancer Risk: Obesity is linked to a higher risk of several types of cancer, including breast, colon, and liver cancer. By losing weight, you may lower your risk of developing these and other obesity-related cancers.
8. Better Digestion and Gut Health
- Improved Digestive Function: Weight loss can help reduce symptoms of indigestion, acid reflux, and other gastrointestinal issues. It can also improve gut health by reducing inflammation and promoting a balanced gut microbiome.
9. Increased Energy Levels
- Boosted Energy and Vitality: Carrying less weight means your body has to work less hard, leading to increased energy levels and overall vitality. You'll likely feel more energetic throughout the day, which can help you stay active, productive, and engaged in daily activities.
10. Longer Life Expectancy
- Improved Longevity: Maintaining a healthy weight has been associated with a longer life expectancy. By reducing your risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, you may increase your chances of living a longer, healthier life.
11. Better Immune System Function
- Stronger Immunity: A healthy weight can improve immune function, making your body more efficient at fighting off infections and illnesses. Obesity has been shown to impair immune response, making weight loss an important factor in supporting overall health.
12. Improved Mobility and Flexibility
- Easier Movement: Losing weight can lead to improved flexibility, better balance, and greater mobility, making it easier to engage in physical activities and perform daily tasks. This can enhance your quality of life and keep you more active.
Start your journey today by booking in to our pharmacist-led Weight Loss Clinic.