Are weight loss treatments good for you?

There is a lot of information and misinformation about weight loss - everybody seems to have an opinion on it. If you’re undecided about whether or not you should be shedding the pounds by investing in weight loss injections, such as Wegovy or Mounjaro, then read on. In this blog, we'll delve into the many advantages of achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, drawing insights from published clinical trials and medical literature. You’ll be surprised by how varied the benefits are!

Embarking on a weight loss journey isn't just about shedding pounds; it's a transformative experience that ripples across various aspects of your life. Beyond the aesthetic changes, weight loss gives a wealth of health benefits, enhances mental well-being, and even impacts your finances. But what are these revolutionary medications, which have been hailed as “game-changing” by scientists? How do they work? And are they good for you?

How do weight loss treatments work?

Revolutionary medications such as Wegovy, Mounjaro and Saxenda, belong to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. This is because they mimic the action of glucagon-like peptide-1, a natural hormone in the body which manages hunger. Their primary mechanism revolves around suppressing hunger and promoting a sense of fullness, leading to reduced food intake.

At CheqUp, we summarise this as “Feel full. Eat less. Lose weight”

As part of their action, GLP-1 medications, such as Wegovy, slow down the emptying of the stomach, helping individuals to feel satisfied for longer, and they act on the brain to dampen cravings and the desire to eat, creating a dual effect that helps weight loss.

When taken properly, drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, can have a very wide range of health benefits - reduced blood sugar levels, improved cholesterol, better heart health, lower risk of some cancers, and an improvement in overall emotional well-being. Don’t just take our word for it - there are numerous clinical studies which have proven these conclusions scientifically.

Take with full support

All the evidence from the clinical trials shows that weight loss is most effective when people are properly supported by a group of trained professionals. That’s why we offer a full team of clinicians (doctors, dietitians, physical activity advisors, psychological support, nurses etc) and the right medication to give you the most effective weight loss plan possible.

1. Health Benefits:

a. Reduced Risk of Cancer: Numerous studies have established a clear link between obesity and an increased risk of certain cancers. Weight loss has been shown to mitigate this risk, particularly for breast, colon, ovarian, and prostate cancers. The American Cancer Society emphasises the importance of weight management in cancer prevention.

b. Hypertension (aka “high blood pressure”) management: Clinical trials, such as the landmark PREMIER trial, highlight the positive impact of weight loss on hypertension. Shedding excess weight can lead to improved blood pressure control, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

c. Improved cholesterol profiles: The Look AHEAD trial demonstrated that weight loss interventions contribute to favourable changes in lipid, or cholesterol. profiles, including reductions in LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. These improvements are crucial in reducing cardiovascular risk.

d. Type 2 diabetes prevention:

The SUSTAIN, PIONEER and LEAD trials as well as the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) and other studies show the role of weight loss in preventing and managing Type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle modifications, including weight loss, significantly reduce the incidence of diabetes in high-risk individuals.

e. Cardiometabolic risk reduction: Addressing obesity is crucial in averting major adverse cardiometabolic events (MACE). The cardiovascular benefits of weight loss were underscored in the recent SELECT trial, where semaglutide demonstrated a 20% relative reduction in MACE in non-diabetic individuals with overweight or obesity and pre-existing cardiovascular disease.

2. Psychological Benefits:

a. Enhanced mood and well-being: Beyond the physical realm, weight loss contributes to improved mental health. The release of endorphins during physical activity, coupled with positive body image changes, fosters a sense of accomplishment and heightened mood.

b. Reduced Anxiety and Depression: Clinical evidence, such as the SMILES trial, supports the idea that dietary improvements and weight loss play a role in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. The gut-brain connection is increasingly recognized as a key player in mental well-being.

3. Financial Benefits:

a. Cost Savings on Food: While the cost of weight management medications is a consideration, many individuals find that, over time, they spend significantly less on food. Adopting a healthier lifestyle often involves conscious choices that prioritise nutrient-dense, cost-effective options.

After all, consuming hundreds of calories less per day could save hundreds of pounds per year.

4. Savings for the NHS:

a. Reduced burden on healthcare systems: Early intervention in obesity can alleviate the burden on the NHS of the cost of treating people living with obesity. A study published in PLOS Medicine highlighted the potential cost savings associated with preventing and treating obesity-related diseases, emphasising the importance of proactive health management.

b. Lower healthcare costs: Obesity is intricately linked to various chronic conditions, and tackling it at the root can lead to substantial cost savings by preventing or mitigating the need for extensive medical interventions.