A simple guide to the different medical weight loss treatments available, how they work, and how to choose the right option for you.
Understanding Your Treatment Options
If you’re considering medical weight loss treatment, one of the first questions is often: which option is right for me?
There isn’t a single answer that suits everyone. Different treatments work in different ways, and the right choice depends on your health, your preferences, and what you’ve tried before.
Broadly, weight loss treatments fall into two categories:
- Tablets, taken daily
- Injections, taken daily or weekly
Both approaches can be effective, but they work differently and suit different people.
Tablet vs Injection Treatments
Tablet-based treatments tend to work either by reducing appetite or by limiting how your body absorbs fat from food.
Injection treatments, on the other hand, work by regulating appetite hormones. They act on the brain and digestive system to help you feel less hungry and more satisfied after eating.
For many people, the choice comes down to:
- Preference for tablets vs injections
- How much support is needed with appetite control
- Previous experience with dieting or weight loss
Mysimba (naltrexone / bupropion)
Mysimba
Works on the brain to help control appetite and reduce cravings by combining two active ingredients that influence areas of the brain involved in hunger and reward.
Mysimba can help reduce emotional eating and the urge to snack between meals. People taking it often find that cravings are reduced, portion control feels easier, and eating habits become more structured.
Weight loss with Mysimba is usually gradual and works best when combined with changes to diet and activity levels. It may be suitable for people who feel that cravings or emotional eating are a key barrier to weight loss.
Orlistat
Orlistat
Works in the digestive system rather than the brain, reducing the amount of fat your body absorbs from food. Around one third of the fat you eat is prevented from being absorbed.
Because of how it works, Orlistat requires you to follow a lower-fat diet and can reinforce healthier eating habits. It does not directly affect appetite.
Weight loss with Orlistat is typically more modest compared to other treatments, but it can be a useful option for those who prefer a non-appetite-based treatment or who want to avoid injections.
Liraglutide (Saxenda)
Saxenda
A GLP-1 medication that mimics a natural hormone to regulate appetite, making you feel less hungry and more satisfied after eating. It also slows digestion, helping you stay full for longer.
Because it is taken daily, Saxenda allows for gradual dose adjustments and close control over how your body responds. People using it often notice reduced hunger, smaller portion sizes, and less frequent snacking.
Weight loss is typically steady over time, especially when combined with lifestyle changes.
Semaglutide (Wegovy)
Wegovy
A once-weekly GLP-1 medication that works similarly to Saxenda but is longer acting. In clinical studies, people lost an average of 13–15% of their body weight over time.
Patients often describe a strong reduction in appetite, feeling full more quickly, and less interest in food between meals.
Wegovy may suit those who prefer a weekly treatment and are looking for a more substantial level of appetite support.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)
Mounjaro
A newer once-weekly injection that targets two hormones (GLP-1 and GIP) involved in appetite and blood sugar control. In clinical studies, people lost an average of ~20% of their body weight over time.
Patients often report a significant reduction in appetite, greater control over eating, and fewer cravings.
Mounjaro may be considered for people looking for a treatment that provides a higher level of appetite regulation.
How to Choose the Right Option
Choosing the right treatment is not about selecting the “strongest” option, but about finding what works best for you. Some people prefer tablets because they are familiar and easy to take. Others prefer injections because of their effect on appetite and convenience of weekly dosing.
Factors that often influence the decision include:
- Your BMI and medical history
- How your body responds to treatment
- Whether appetite or eating habits are the main challenge
- Your preference for tablets or injections
A consultation helps bring all of this together, so you can choose an option that is both safe and suitable.
What to Do Next
If you’re ready to explore your options further, you can begin your journey with us by completing a short pre-consultation form. This allows us to understand your health, your goals, and your previous experience with weight loss.
Once reviewed, you can arrange a consultation with one of our weight loss clinicians. During your consultation, you’ll receive personalised advice and guidance to help you choose the most appropriate treatment. From there, you can move forward with a clear plan and ongoing support throughout your journey.
