W AESTHETICS
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DON'T WAIT TO LOSE WEIGHT
BY DR SALLY ANN DOLAN
Obesity is a growing problem in the UK. A quarter of UK
adults are obese, and this proportion could rise further with
our increasingly sedentary lifestyles paired with greater
accessibility of unbalanced ready meals and fast food compared
with fresh produce.
With many of us moving less due to sitting at desks at work,
getting around by car and spending more time on the sofa instead
of up and about, we burn fewer calories. Most of us know that
on a basic level, the key to losing weight is simply eating less and
moving more, so that on a daily basis, calories taken in amount to
less than calories burnt.
But in reality, many factors can stand in the way of this change
in lifestyle, including time constraints and lack of motivation. In
addition, several medical conditions as well as certain medications,
can make weight loss harder to achieve.
We all know how difficult it is to lose weight, and that is why many
people attend group sessions such as Slimming World or Weight
Watchers to motivate them and this can be extremely successful
in many cases. Other people however prefer a more individual
approach and it is for these individuals a weight management
programme in a clinical setting is the answer.
Common treatments for obesity include healthy eating,
increased physical activity, behaviour changes but if appropriate,
prescription weight loss medications can be added. If medical
intervention is considered appropriate, Dr Sally recommends the
use of Saxenda. This a prescription only drug, which necessitates a
consultation with Dr Sally in one of her clinics before you can use
this medication.
Saxenda contains Glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1), which is a
naturally occurring hormone released in the gut after eating.
Receptors in the brain are activated when GLP-1 is released,
letting us know when we are “full”. Saxenda contains a synthetic
copy of GLP-1, which gives us the sensation of being full, even
when you have not eaten.
80 wirrallife.com
To assess whether it is appropriate for you to take this drug, a
medical history and examination will be undertaken by Dr Sally to
ensure you have no contraindications to this treatment. Should the
drug be deemed appropriate she will then explain how the drug
works, how to administer the drug and will explain any potential
side effects you may experience. The main recognised side effect
of Saxenda is nausea but this can be overcome by using the drug
in the evening and this in approximately 80-90% of our patients
resolves the problem. It is also an interesting fact that as the dosage
is increased the symptoms of nausea reduce.
You will be supplied with all the necessary equipment at the
consultation and a series of appointments will be made so we can
monitor your journey and progress. You will also be advised on the
protocol of dosage (you will increase the dose weekly for a period
of 4 weeks before you reach your maximum and maintenance
dose). You will be regularly monitored during the first 16 weeks
of treatment.
Only this week we had 3 patients for their scheduled review and
in just 2 weeks they have respectively lost 8lbs, 10lbs and 1 stone!
Using Saxenda sounds an easy solution . However, it is imperative
that dietary advice is followed and one increases their physical
activity on a regular basis. It is for this reason that Dr Sally has
teamed up with Charlotte Forde, (a personal trainer) who also
writes regularly for Wirral Life and Paula Mohin (a nutritionist).
Charlotte and Paula share the concerns regarding the growing
level of obesity that is becoming increasingly obvious within the
population. Paula is available to offer expert dietary advice which
will ensure you will be eating adequate but nutritional foods
during your journey to lose weight.
Dr Sally quotes: “One must take into consideration this is a
prescription only drug which is prescribed for people who have a
BMI of 30 or above (obese) or 27-30 with comorbidities (suffering
with conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, hypertension,
dyslipidaemia, type 2 diabetes). This is not for someone trying to
become a size 6 or 8 to fit into their little black dress for Christmas.”