Losing weight sometimes sounds easier than it is. Eat less, move more and have enough discipline. But for many people it is more complicated. Hunger, hormones, metabolism and lifestyle all play a role in regulating our weight. Medication such as Wegovy, Saxenda and Mounjaro can offer support for certain people. But how exactly does medical weight loss work? And why is good guidance so important?
Losing weight is not always a matter of willpower
Anyone who has ever tried to lose weight for good knows that it can be a challenge. Perhaps you manage to lose a few kilos, but they come back over time. Or you notice that you make little progress despite changes in diet and exercise.
Our body weight is influenced by various processes. Hormones involved in hunger and satiety, genetic predisposition, sleep, stress and the way our body uses energy all play a role.
That is why lasting weight loss sometimes requires more than lifestyle advice alone.
With medical weight loss, we look at the bigger picture: your health, your habits, your personal goals and the possible role of medication.
How does weight-loss medication work?
Wegovy, Saxenda and Mounjaro are medicines that affect hormone signals involved in regulating appetite and satiety.
They can help you feel less hungry, feel full sooner and thereby reduce food intake.
Although these medicines are often mentioned in the same breath, they differ in active substance and effect.
Wegovy (semaglutide)
Wegovy works via the GLP-1 receptor. This hormone system plays a role in satiety and appetite, among other things. The medicine is administered once a week by injection.
Saxenda (liraglutide)
Saxenda also works via the GLP-1 receptor, but is injected daily. It helps regulate appetite and can thus support weight loss.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
Mounjaro works via two hormone systems: GLP-1 and GIP. These are involved in regulating appetite and blood sugar, among other things. Mounjaro is administered once a week.
Which medication may be suitable depends on your medical situation, treatment indication and personal circumstances. A doctor always assesses this beforehand.
Who is medical weight loss suitable for?
During a free, no-obligation consultation we look together at whether this method is suitable for you. Among other things, we look at your BMI, health, medical history and any contraindications. We discuss your expectations and what you can expect from the treatment.
The power of personal guidance
At Leading Aesthetics | Lidy Knigge we believe that good guidance is at least as important as the treatment itself.
That is why Jolanda plays an important role in our medical weight-loss programme.
Jolanda has been a familiar face at the clinic for more than thirteen years. Alongside her work as the first point of contact, she guides clients as a medical weight-loss coach.
As Jolanda so aptly puts it:
“For me, good care starts with truly seeing and hearing someone. Behind the wish to lose weight there is often a personal and sometimes vulnerable story.”
That idea is an important starting point in our guidance.
Jolanda takes the time to really listen. She guides clients through the changes that come with the weight-loss programme. With attention to nutrition, lifestyle, daily habits and the challenges that may arise along the way.
The medical assessment, prescribing medication and monitoring medical safety remain the responsibility of the treating doctor.
What happens when you stop taking weight-loss medication?
This may well be one of the most important questions.
Weight-loss medication can help you lose weight, but after stopping, feelings of hunger can return and weight can increase again. This is because the biological processes that contribute to weight gain do not simply disappear.
That is exactly why we pay attention to the period after losing weight.
How do you make sure you get enough nutrients? How do you maintain muscle mass while losing weight? Which habits help you maintain your weight as well as possible?
A healthy lifestyle remains the foundation. Think of a balanced diet, enough protein, regular exercise, strength training and a good sleep rhythm.
Sometimes long-term treatment is needed. Whether and when medication can be tapered off or stopped is assessed together with the treating doctor.
Working together towards a healthier future
At Leading Aesthetics | Lidy Knigge we are happy to guide you in exploring the options, with attention to your health and what is achievable in the long term.
Curious whether medical weight loss suits you? Contact our clinic for more information about the programme and the medical assessment.
Jolanda Aret
View profile