The injected medication is approved for weight management as an adjunct to diet and exercise. It belongs to a group of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 receptor agonist), also known as incretin mimetics. This medication is very similar to a GLP-1, a hormone that occurs naturally in the body which is released in response to food intake and acts as a physiological regulator of appetite and digestion.

GLP-1 that is produced by our body is rapidly broken down, resulting in a short half life of less than 2 minutes. The injected medication mimics GLP-1, but is much longer lasting, with a half life of about 13 hours when injected. Because of its long half life, it can act on the GLP-1 receptor for longer, exerting its physiological effects.

GLP-1 receptors can be found in several organs, including the brain, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, heart, vasculature and kidneys. The injected medication works by binding to the receptors in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus in the brain, where it stimulates satiety and inhibits hunger neurons. Because of this, you eat less, leading to weight loss.

To find out more details of this injected medication, please consult with our doctors during your first consultation.

If you are obese, or overweight with weight-related medical problems (such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes), this medication can help with weight loss, and keeping the weight off. This medication is meant to be used alongside diet control and exercise.

This is an injectable medicine usually given once per day. It is injected under the skin at any time of the day (usually in the morning), with or without a meal. There are a variety of places you can inject, but most commonly, it is injected into the skin around the abdomen. It comes in a prefilled injection pen with disposable needles. The doctor will teach you exactly how to inject this medication, and to use a different spot to inject each time.

If you are currently on insulin for treatment of Diabetes, this medication may not be suitable for you. The safety of this medication has not been studied when taken with other prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal weight-loss product. It is not known if this medication can be used safely in people who have had pancreatitis.

This medication is not recommended for use in children. The safety of this medication has not been evaluated in the specific treatment of Type 2 Diabetes (even though another medication known as Victoza has the same active ingredient).

The most common side effect of this medication is gastrointestinal and can include nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting, abdominal pain and flatulence. Some patients may get headaches, low blood sugar, dizziness, fatigue or changes in taste as well. It is generally well tolerated and doctors will gradually increase the dose over a few weeks to minimize risk of side effects.

Besides injected medication, there is also an option for oral medication.

However, Diet control and exercise are the mainstays of treatment for weight loss, with medication meant to be used as an adjunct to both.

The main drawback of the injection treatment is that you need to inject the medication under the skin daily/regularly during the treatment period, while other weight loss medications are typically in the form of oral tablets. In terms of the pros, the injection treatment can be a more effective tool in weight management as compared to oral medications. In addition, the injection treatment comes with fewer side effects compared to oral medication.

During the initial consultation, our doctors will conduct a medical check to determine if you are suitable for this Weight Management Programme and discuss treatment options that are suitable for you.

If you are interested to find out more about the MHC Weight Management Programme, book an appointment today.