AESTHETICS
W L
WEIGHT LOSS -
WITHOUT THE MUD, SWEAT AND TEARS
By Dr Sally Ann Dolan of SDS Rejuvenate
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 being furloughed, or working from
home and spending more time indoors, 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.
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson wrote recently in The Sunday Times
that he is planning to put the nation on a diet, as he draws up a new obesity
strategy to try to limit the impact of a potential second wave of Covid-19.
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.
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.
You will also be given the chance to book a course of 3d-Lipo Body
Contouring, which includes Fat Freezing, Cavitation and Radio Frequency
Skin Tightening. This will be offered at a reduced rate once you start your
treatment.
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”.
SDS Rejuvenate MediSpa clinics are registered with the Care Quality
Commission so you can be assured of the highest standards of care.
Please contact the clinic on 0151 625 8080 for further information and
to book your doctor consultation.
wirrallife.com 71