Introduction
For many people, losing weight is not always as straightforward as eating less and exercising more. Even with consistent effort, progress can feel slow or difficult due to factors like food cravings, appetite, metabolism, daily habits, or existing health conditions.
In some cases, weight loss medication approved by health authorities like the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) may be considered as part of a medically guided weight management plan. A doctor will first assess your body composition, health history, lifestyle, and goals before recommending whether this is suitable for you.
Below, we will explore how medication can fit into a broader weight management strategy, and what to expect at different phases of the journey.
Key takeaways
- Weight management can be challenging even with diet and exercise alone, and progress varies from person to person.
- Weight loss medication approved by health authorities is a viable option, but it must be prescribed under the care of a doctor who will conduct a face-to-face consultation to assess your profile, medical history, lifestyle, and goals.
- Medication is not a standalone solution, but it can motivate patients to kick-start lifestyle changes, such as nutrition planning and exercise, to sustain weight loss.
- For a more manageable and achievable weight loss journey, break it into two phases: an active weight loss phase with the help of medication and a maintenance phase.
- Long-term success focuses on building sustainable habits to support maintenance after the initial active weight loss phase.
What is weight loss medication?
Doctors prescribe weight loss medication to support weight management as part of a structured weight management plan. Unlike over-the-counter slimming supplements that do not require a prescription, weight loss medications are regulated medications that can only be dispensed by a doctor after a face-to-face consultation.
During consultation, the doctor will assess your suitability by taking body measurements and checking your health profile, medical history, and goals before prescribing an appropriate weight loss medication for you.
It is also important to note that weight loss medication is not a quick fix. It is part of a long-term weight management strategy by first helping people achieve the difficult task of weight loss. Achieving weight loss can motivate individuals to adopt and sustain the lifestyle and behavioural changes needed for long-term maintenance. This includes adopting healthy eating and lifestyle habits that help you balance the calories you consume with the energy you use to support your weight maintenance goals over time.
This strategy helps make weight loss achievable and sustainable in the long term, even after gradually reducing or stopping medication.
How does weight loss medication work?
1. Appetite regulation
Weight loss medications work by acting on appetite signals in the body to reduce persistent hunger and food cravings. Instead of feeling the need to snack frequently or eat larger portions, you will find it easier to avoid habits like snacking, binge eating, or eating outside regular meal times, and to manage portion sizes more comfortably.
2. Feel full sooner and for longer
Weight loss medications help your body signal fullness earlier during a meal and maintain that feeling for a longer period after eating. As a result, you will naturally eat smaller portions without feeling deprived, which can help you maintain a calorie deficit more comfortably.
3. Slower gastric emptying
Weight loss medications slow the rate at which food leaves the stomach. This allows food to remain in the stomach for a longer time, which prolongs the feeling of fullness after meals. With this effect, you will feel less inclined to eat again shortly after finishing a meal, helping you manage your overall intake.
4. Supporting adherence to a structured plan
Weight loss occurs when you maintain a consistent calorie deficit. By increasing satiety, reducing hunger pangs, and decreasing food cravings, weight-loss medications make it easier for you to manage your food intake and stay consistent with your diet and activity levels.
Rather than relying solely on willpower to eat less, these medications can help you feel more in control of your eating habits and appetite. This can be especially helpful in the early stages of weight management, where building consistency is often one of the biggest challenges.
Understanding the two phases of weight loss
We typically approach weight loss in two key phases, each with a different focus and set of challenges.
Phase 1: Active weight loss
This is often the most demanding stage, “where one has to eat far less than one needs or exercise far more than one is used to,” says Dr Terence Tan. During this stage, weight loss occurs when calorie intake is consistently lower than the amount of energy the body expends, creating a calorie deficit. Short-term weight loss medication can help reduce hunger and make it easier to eat smaller portions than you are used to. As you begin to see progress, early results can motivate you to exercise and stay consistent.
Phase 2: Weight maintenance
Once you reach your target weight, the focus shifts to maintaining your results. “This is the phase where most people are uncomfortable with,” says Dr Terence Tan. You can gradually increase your calorie intake to match your energy needs, rather than continuing a strict deficit. It is common to feel uneasy or even guilty about eating more, as it may seem like you are undoing your progress. In reality, this adjustment is necessary to maintain your weight.
Medication may be reduced or stopped at this phase. You should also feel more motivated and confident, equipped with the knowledge and tools to help you keep the weight off.
Who is suitable for weight-loss medication?
Individuals with a BMI in the overweight or obese range
Weight loss medication is typically considered if you are overweight or obese. According to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommended body mass index (BMI) classifications for Asian populations:
- BMI ≥ 23: is considered overweight
- BMI ≥ 27.5: is considered obese
In Singapore, doctors may consider weight loss medications if you have:
- A BMI of 30 or higher, or
- A BMI of 27 or higher with weight-related health conditions
Individuals who have not achieved sufficient results with lifestyle changes alone
Some adults make consistent changes to their diet and activity levels but still struggle to achieve meaningful or sustained weight loss. In these situations, a doctor will assess whether weight loss medications can support their efforts by helping with appetite control, reducing cravings, and increasing satiety.
Weight loss medication is not suitable for everyone, so it is essential that a doctor assess your BMI, medical history, lifestyle, and overall health before recommending treatment. This ensures that the medication is safe and appropriate for you.
Types of weight loss medication your doctor may recommend
Injectable medications
Weight loss pens are prefilled injection pens approved by health authorities like the US FDA. The medication is administered on a daily or weekly basis through injections, and it works by regulating appetite and increasing feelings of fullness.
Oral weight loss pills
Doctors may also prescribe weight loss pills, which are taken orally. Similar to weight loss pens, these medications, approved by health authorities, help reduce cravings, increase satiety, or influence how the body absorbs and processes certain nutrients.
The type of weight loss medication your doctor prescribes will depend on a careful assessment during a face-to-face consultation. Not everyone will be suitable for medication, and your doctor will guide you on the most appropriate approach for your weight management plan.
What realistic results can you expect?
The amount of weight you lose and the rate at which you lose it with weight-loss medication vary from person to person, even when following a similar plan.
With weight loss medication, most patients can expect to lose about 3% to 12% of their starting body weight after one year, depending on the type of medication prescribed, how consistently they follow their plan, and individual response to treatment.
In the first few weeks, you may notice:
- Reduced appetite and fewer food cravings
- Better control over portion sizes
- Less frequent snacking
Visible weight changes usually follow after this initial phase. According to the Singapore Health Promotion Board, losing 10% to 15% of your current body weight over six6 months at a rate of 0.5kg to 1 kg a week is a healthy target for those with a BMI of 23 kg/m2 and above.
Your results will vary based on factors such as your starting weight, daily habits, and underlying health. A doctor will monitor your progress and adjust your plan if needed to help you achieve steady, sustainable outcomes.
How doctors guide your weight loss medication journey
Consultation and assessment
As weight loss medications are prescription medications, you will need to have a face-to-face consultation with your doctor. They will take body measurements like your height and weight, calculate your BMI, and assess your health profile, medical history, lifestyle, and weight management goals. They will also explore factors that may affect your progress, such as eating patterns or daily routines, before crafting a suitable weight loss programme.
Personalised recommendations
If medication is suitable, your doctor will recommend an approach tailored to you. This will include selecting the appropriate type of weight loss medication and combining it with practical guidance on diet and lifestyle changes to help you on your weight loss journey.
Ongoing monitoring
Your doctor will monitor your progress through regular follow-ups. These monthly sessions allow them to track how your body responds, address any concerns, and make adjustments to your medication or dosage when needed.
Making lifestyle changes
You should also make lifestyle and diet changes based on your doctor’s recommendation. Weight loss occurs when there is a caloric deficit, meaning you expend more calories than you consume. Even with weight loss medications helping you control your calorie intake, you should make lifestyle changes like exercising to help accelerate the process. Once you start seeing positive changes in your weight, you will be motivated to sustain the lifestyle changes when you taper down or stop your medication.
Conclusion
Weight loss medications approved by health authorities provide a practical starting point by helping you control appetite and stay consistent, but you can still achieve results through more natural approaches, such as structured diet counselling and guided lifestyle changes. The key is to choose a path that suits your comfort level and follow it consistently. With proper guidance from a qualified professional, you can build sustainable habits that support both weight loss and long-term maintenance.
