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Supported Weight Management Service
Commencing September 2024
Are you tired of trying to lose weight? Have you tried every diet going without long term success? Have you heard worrying reports in the press and social media regarding weight loss treatments? Are you looking for a safer way to lose weight but nervous about the downsides of 'going it alone'? Then our Private GP weight loss service in Eastbourne might just be what you are looking for.
Our Service
The weight loss service we provide you at SDHC is different to most other weight loss services as we offer a face-to-face clinic, specifically designed to support you safely through your weight loss journey, including weight loss treatments (where appropriate) designed to help you control food cravings, delay stomach emptying, and keep you feeling fuller, for longer.
Unlike online weight loss services, our service is delivered by qualified GPs and nurses, who will ensure that your weight loss journey is safe and supported.
If you are interested in our supported weight management service, please complete our questionnaire. Once submitted, one of our clinicians will review your responses and get back to you.
Our service approach
Most weight loss services are delivered via an online consultation rather than as a face-to-face consultation. However, for some users, this can lead to weight loss treatments being inappropriately prescribed and unsafely used. The treatments are powerful medications that have side-effects and complications. Used incorrectly they could be dangerous and we at SDHC believe that they should be used under medical supervision.
We want to provide a cost-efficient service that ensures that you are as safe as you can possibly be the whole way through your weight loss journey.
We will teach you how to self-administer the weight loss treatments to ensure that you are competent and confident in doing this safely.
Our Clinicians
Our Medical Director Dr Miriam Malak is an expert in lifestyle medicine. Miriam has undertaken specialist training with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine and is fully accredited by the National Medical Weight Loss Programme. Miriam is supported by registered nurses who have been specially trained in weight loss.
Can anyone have weight loss treatments?
No, not everyone. It is essential that before starting any treatment, you undergo a full assessment by Dr Malak to consider and discuss:
- your current health issues and other treatments
- your medical history
- your BMI
- the likely benefits of weight loss for you
- the treatments possible side effects
This assessment is necessary to rule out current or past conditions, such as medullary thyroid cancer, a history of gallbladder disease or pancreatitis, as taking weight loss treatments could put you at risk of serious complications.
What if I am not medically eligible for weight loss treatments?
We know that you might be disappointed not to have weight loss treatments such as Mounjaro or Wegovy prescribed, but we want to ensure that you stay safe and healthy. Dr Malak is a specialist in weight loss – with or without treatments. She will work with you to start your weight loss journey and support you along the way with lifestyle guidance.
What happens when I commence the weight loss service?
| Stages | What happens |
|---|---|
| Pre-Service Questionnaire |
Prior to coming to the weight loss clinic, we will ask you to complete a Pre-Appointment Questionnaire. This is to allow us to:
|
| Screening Call | The clinician will call you to review the information on your questionnaire and determine your eligibility for weight loss medication. If you are not eligible for weight loss medication |
|
Day 1 – Face to Face |
At this appointment, Dr Malak will conduct a thorough assessment, including discussion of your medical history, your lifestyle, and weight loss goals. Dr Malak will also:
At this appointment you will be provided with the medication and shown how to use this safely. |
|
Initial Reviews - 7 and 14 |
You will receive a telephone consultation with a clinician, to discuss any side effects, issues or concerns that you might be experiencing. |
|
Week 4 – Face to Face |
At your review appointment during week 4, you will be reassessed at our clinic to determine your weight loss to measure your weight loss initially be seen by the nurse who will weigh you and undertake other body measurements. You will then see Dr Malak or another GP, who will review your progress, adjust your lifestyle advice if necessary and prescribe a new dosage of treatments. |
| Further Reviews | These will continue every 4 weeks to optimise your weight loss and where necessary review the dose of your weight loss injection. |
Do I have to tell my GP that I am taking weight loss treatments?
Absolutely! You must tell your GP for your own safety and wellbeing. We cannot agree to provide weight loss treatments without doing this.
Do the weight loss treatments cause any side effects?
Like most other drugs, weight loss treatments do have some side effects. The most common side effects of Mounjaro or Wegovy include:
- Nausea
- Diahorrea
- Vomiting
- Constipation / bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Headaches
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Dizziness
These side effects usually occur at the beginning of taking the medication and subside over time; that is why regular check ins with our clinicians is so important, to keep you safe and well.
How do I obtain my weight loss treatments?
If following assessment, the clinician decides that you are eligible for weight loss medication, then they will provide you with a prescription for this.
Research findings on the use of weight loss treatments
Studies have shown that patients who were treated with tirzapetide (Mounjaro) had a significant weight loss over time compared to patients who took a placebo.
‘In the study SURMOUNT-1, 2,539 obese or overweight adults with at least one weight-related complication (that was not diabetes) were given either weekly 5mg, 10mg or 15 mg tirzepatide, or a placebo over a 72-week period. The average percentage change in weight over the trial period was -16.0% for the 5mg dose, -21.4% for the 10mg dose, -22.5% for the 15mg dose and -2.4% for the placebo. In addition, 89.4% (5 mg), 96.2% (10 mg) and 96.3% (15 mg) of patients taking tirzepatide lost at least 5% of their body weight compared to 27.9% of those taking the placebo.’
More information can be found on the UK GOV website here.
Is there a long-term commitment to this service?
There is no obligation for you to keep using this service. However, it is important that the medication is not seen as a short-term solution. This can be discussed at your appointment. As with any medication, we would recommend speaking to the clinician prior to stopping, so that they can guide you through the process of reducing the medication safely.