It’s important to remember that weight management medications aren’t a substitute for healthy eating and exercise. In fact, they are designed to be used in combination with a healthy diet and exercise. Research shows that people who take medication—primarily GLP-1 receptor agonists— as part of a lifestyle programme can lose up to an additional 15% of their starting weight compared to those who only rely on lifestyle changes. Other research also shows that losing 10% or more weight can have significant benefits for their overall health, including lowering blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
In general, most weight loss happens in the first six months of starting the medication. But if you find you have not lost at least 5% of your starting weight after 12 weeks, your Numan clinician may recommend stopping the medication and exploring other options. As with all medication, there are some common side effects associated with taking weight loss medication. Whilst the most common side effects experienced by patients tend to be mild and improve over time, it’s essential to keep an eye on how your body reacts and talk to your doctor if anything feels off.
If the medication works well for you and you’re seeing positive changes in your health, you may be advised to stay on it long term. However, if it’s not making a big difference or you’re experiencing unpleasant side effects, your Numan clinician might suggest adjusting your treatment plan, trying a different medication, or even considering weight loss surgery.
It’s also important to think of weight loss as a long-term journey. Even with the help of medication, maintaining a healthy weight will likely require ongoing changes to your eating habits, physical activity, and overall lifestyle. Weight management medications can offer support along the way, but they work best when combined with a commitment to long-term healthy changes.