A medical perspective on modern treatment options for weight loss

At Coastal Cardiology, I see a wide range of people who could benefit from structured, evidence-based weight management. Many of these are individuals who are overweight or living with obesity, often alongside other cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease. Some have already experienced heart attack, stroke or heart failure — and for them, maintaining a healthy weight can make a real difference to long-term outcomes.

Why it’s harder than ever to stay healthy

Our modern environment makes healthy living challenging. Ultra-processed, calorie-dense foods are everywhere, and time pressures mean many people struggle to exercise regularly. Meanwhile, misinformation online makes it confusing to know what really works.

It’s no surprise that rates of obesity are rising globally — even among people who are motivated to make changes.

Exercise remains one of the most powerful things we can do for metabolic health, muscle strength, mental wellbeing, and disease prevention — but for weight loss alone, lifestyle measures don’t always achieve enough. Sometimes, people need extra medical support to get started.

Many find that appetite control and portion awareness are the hardest parts. For some, clinically supervised medical therapy can provide the initial momentum to make healthier choices and regain confidence — especially when combined with ongoing lifestyle support and regular follow-up.

While the results in research studies are encouraging, we must remember that no medication replaces the fundamentals of good nutrition, physical activity, and behavioural change. The most sustainable success comes from combining evidence-based medicine with genuine lifestyle transformation.

Watch my video below:

A new class of treatments, known as GLP-1–based medicines, has changed the landscape of medical weight management. They work on hormonal pathways that regulate appetite and metabolism, and have been shown in large international trials to improve both weight and cardiometabolic health.

The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) now allows their use in adults with obesity, or in those who are overweight and have related health conditions such as cardiovascular disease.

These medicines are available only on prescription and can be used safely only under medical supervision.

As with any medication, side effects can occur. Common symptoms reported in trials include mild nausea or digestive upset, which usually settle over time. Because some muscle loss can occur alongside fat loss, I encourage all patients to include strength and resistance training where possible — this applies at any age.

I believe that these treatments should act as a catalyst, not a crutch. The goal is to use any period of medically-assisted weight loss to build habits around nutrition, movement, sleep and stress management that last long after medication stops.

My team and I provide ongoing monitoring and support, helping you make sustainable changes while ensuring safety and progress.

How long might treatment last?

Treatment duration varies between individuals, but typically spans several months to a year. This allows time to identify the right dose, manage side effects, and embed new lifestyle behaviours. The emphasis is always on helping patients transition safely to long-term maintenance once they’ve achieved their goals.

Our approach

Every patient starts with a detailed consultation to review health history, cardiovascular risk, lifestyle, and treatment options. Your plan may include:

• Nutrition and exercise strategies
• Medical assessment and monitoring
• Consideration of pharmacological support if clinically indicated

All prescribing and follow-up are delivered in accordance with MHRA and GMC guidance, and are tailored to each individual’s medical needs.

What does it cost?

Please contact our office for details of consultation and follow-up fees. Prices reflect the comprehensive nature of our care, including regular reviews and direct consultant oversight.

We believe that evidence-based, doctor-led support offers far greater safety and accountability than unverified online sources.