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You may have noticed a surge in discussions about weight loss among celebrities and wondered why. Surely striving to be slim isn't worth pursuing fad diets or extreme measures? Well, that's not quite true, as being overweight has real health consequences and can lead to a shorter life expectancy. Effective weight management solutions are now widely accessible in the UK, but are they suitable for you, and how do you access them? If you’re considering weight loss support, focus on options that are safe, clinically appropriate, and properly supervised.
Public Health England recognises that 2 out of 3 adults in the UK are obese. Obesity increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
We see many women who are worried about the risks of breast cancer and hormone replacement therapy (HRT), but being obese doubles the risk of breast cancer, as shown by this chart. Weight is a much higher risk factor than HRT.
In fact, having a BMI over 25, which is considered above ‘normal weight’, increases the risk for 13 types of cancer.
BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It is based on weight measured against height. While it's not perfect—it was invented in the 1830s to compare populations, not individuals—it remains a simple measure for obesity and disease for most adult patients and has been incorporated into everyday healthcare.
To see if you are overweight or obese, use this calculator.
If you are obese (BMI over 30), it's important to consider weight loss strategies to reduce your risk of disease.
If your BMI is 27 or higher, you might still be at increased risk if you have certain genetic factors, belong to a specific ethnicity, have high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, or other weight-related issues such as joint damage.
Private GP Services Is Now Offering Supported Weight Loss Programmes at All Clinics – Learn More
Obesity is a complex condition affected by diet, exercise ability, and genetics. Professional guidance can help address these aspects by providing personalised strategies that promote a feeling of fullness and balanced nutrition.
Embarking on a weight loss journey can come with its own set of challenges. Rapid weight loss may aggravate existing conditions such as gallstones. Adequate hydration and nutritional support are crucial to avoid issues like kidney stones.
If you are planning to become pregnant, it's important to discuss any weight loss plans with a healthcare professional, as certain methods may not be suitable during this time.
Individuals with specific health conditions, such as type 1diabetes, should seek tailored advice to ensure their weight loss strategy is safe and effective.
The duration of a weight loss programme can vary depending on individual goals and health needs. A structured programme may last several months to a couple of years, allowing for gradual, sustainable weight loss and habit formation.
Most patients achieve their weight loss goals within the duration of the programme. Studies show that weight loss is significantly more successful when patients receive support in changing their diet and lifestyle patterns for good.
Yes—if you haven't made lasting changes to your eating habits and lifestyle, weight can return after the programme ends. We advise patients to take advantage of the dietary support we offer to help maintain weight loss long-term.
We recommend attending a clinic for a face-to-face consultation. We conduct assessments to ensure there are no underlying risk factors that need addressing first and to determine the most appropriate weight loss strategy for you.
Q. How much does it cost?
A. Our appointment costs are listed here. Baseline assessments, including any necessary tests, start at around £140. Follow-up appointments range from £70-£90.
Q. Who at the service can help me?
A. Not all doctors specialise in weight management. If you note your interest when booking, we can direct you to our experienced clinicians who focus on weight loss support.
Q. Can I have adverse reactions to the programme?
A. It's rare, but some individuals may experience discomfort, especially if dietary recommendations are not followed. Consuming fatty or sugary foods may exacerbate this.
Q. I cannot afford private care. Will the NHS offer this?
A. Here is the NICE guidance on obesity. Speak to your NHS GP about a referral to weight loss services locally. We cannot refer you to NHS weight loss services.
Need Support on Your Weight Loss Journey? Book Your Appointment Now
