Weight management: How to achieve sustainable weight loss

Weight management is a comprehensive approach to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight that goes beyond diet and exercise alone.

This article addresses key questions about weight management, discussing medical treatments, weight loss injections like Mounjaro®, and other considerations such as bariatric surgery.

What is weight management?

Weight management refers to the strategies and practices aimed at helping you reach and maintain a healthy weight. It takes a holistic approach to management, combining lifestyle adjustments such as dietary changes, increased physical activity, behavioural therapy, and medical treatments when necessary.

Effective weight management not only helps you achieve your weight goals but also reduces your risk of obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and sleep apnoea. However, it’s important to understand that weight management isn’t a one-size-fits all solution. Your GP will tailor recommendations based on your individual needs, health condition, and personal goals.

What is Mounjaro®, and how does it help with weight loss?

Mounjaro®, known generically as tirzepatide, is a medication that was initially developed to manage type 2 diabetes. Within weight management, it has since gained recognition for its dual action of regulating blood sugar levels and suppressing appetite. Mounjaro® is an injectable medication, usually administered once a week.

The active component in Mounjaro® works by mimicking the action of two natural gut hormones, known as incretins, which regulate insulin levels and increase feelings of satiety after meals. By boosting these hormonal responses, Mounjaro® aids in reducing hunger, controlling cravings, and supporting gradual, long-term weight loss.

How much weight can I lose with injections like Mounjaro®?

Clinical trials have shown that you can lose up to 15-20% of their body weight over a year, with consistent use of Mounjaro® and adherence to other weight management strategies. For instance, if you weigh 100 kg, you can expect to lose approximately 15-20 kg over the course of your treatment with Mounjaro®.

Nonetheless, these results are an average; some patients may experience greater or less weight loss. Additionally, while injections like Mounjaro® can be a powerful tool for initiating weight loss, they aren’t always a permanent solution. Long-term success will require a commitment to lifestyle changes, alongside ongoing medical management.

Is bariatric surgery ever considered?

Bariatric surgery is typically recommended for patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or for patients with a BMI of 35–39.9 who have significant obesity-related health conditions. Bariatric surgery can lead to significant weight loss and improved quality of life, but it’s a decision that should be made after careful consideration and consultation with your GP.

In the months leading up to surgery, you will typically meet with your GP every few weeks to ensure you are both physically and mentally prepared. Following surgery, check-ups will be scheduled at least every three months during the first year to monitor your progress and recovery. Long-term follow-up, involving annual check-ups, will support sustained weight loss and overall health.