Is Weight Loss Medication Right for You? Exploring Options with Diet, Medication, and Surgery

Weight loss is a personal journey, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. For some people, making changes to their eating habits and activity levels is enough. For others, weight loss medications or bariatric surgery may be more suitable. Below, we’ll look at who might benefit from weight loss medications like Wegovy (semaglutide), compare different approaches to weight loss, and highlight how working with a dietitian can support long-term success.

Personal Reasons Someone Might Consider Weight Loss Medications

  • Constant food thoughts ("food noise"): Medications can reduce the constant mental focus on food, helping you feel more in control and less preoccupied with food.

  • Not feeling full after eating: Some people never feel satisfied with meals - these medications may help you feel satisfied with smaller amounts of food.

  • Strong cravings or emotional eating: GLP-1 medications may help reduce cravings, making it easier to manage emotional or binge eating.

  • Tried everything but still not losing weight: If you’ve made lifestyle changes but weight loss is still a struggle, medication can offer added support.

  • Medical conditions like PCOS or insulin resistance: These can make weight loss harder. Medications can help support your efforts.

  • Wanting to reduce health risks: Weight loss can help improve or prevent conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.

  • Feeling frustrated or burnt out from dieting: Medications can give you a fresh start and help build momentum when paired with the right support.

Can Anyone Use Weight Loss Medications?

Weight loss medications are not suitable for everyone. People who may not benefit include:

  • Those with certain medical conditions (e.g., severe gastrointestinal issues, Type 1 diabetes, or a history of pancreatitis)

  • Individuals who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant

  • People looking for a “quick fix” without making lifestyle changes

  • Those with a history of eating disorders, where appetite changes may worsen symptoms

How to Support Medication with Eating Habits

1. Focus on Balanced Meals
Aim to include a variety of foods at each meal, such as lean proteins, wholegrains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. This helps you stay full, maintain energy, and get important nutrients.

2. Listen to Your Hunger and Fullness Cues
Weight loss medications can affect your appetite, so it's helpful to eat slowly and stop when you feel satisfied, not overly full. Pay attention to your body’s signals rather than external cues like portion sizes or mealtimes.

3. Choose High-Protein Foods
Protein helps with satiety and supports muscle mass, especially during weight loss. Include protein-rich foods like eggs, tofu, chicken, fish, legumes, and Greek yogurt throughout the day.

4. Limit Processed and High-Sugar Foods
Try to reduce foods high in added sugars, saturated fats, and refined carbohydrates. These foods can slow your progress and may increase hunger later on.

5. Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough fluids is important for digestion, energy, and appetite control. Aim for regular water intake throughout the day, especially if you’re experiencing side effects like nausea.

6. Avoid Skipping Meals
Even if your appetite is lower while taking medication, it’s still important to eat regular meals (aim for a minimum of three main meals per day). Skipping meals can lead to low energy and overeating later in the day.

7. Manage Portion Sizes
Smaller portion sizes may feel more comfortable, especially if the medication affects how full you feel. Choose smaller plates, eat mindfully, and check in with how your body is feeling.

8. Plan Ahead
Having a variety of food options available can help you make better choices, especially when you’re busy or on the go. Meal planning or prepping can reduce stress and support consistency.

9. Limit Alcohol
Alcohol can interfere with weight loss and may worsen the side effects of weight loss medications. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation.

10. Be Flexible and Kind to Yourself
No eating pattern is perfect. What matters most is consistency over time, not perfection. Focus on progress, not restriction.

How a Dietitian Can Support Your Weight Loss Journey

Individuals using weight loss medications tend to achieve greater weight loss when they also receive nutrition and behavioural support. Working with a dietitian can help manage common side effects, such as nausea or constipation, through personalised dietary strategies. This support can improve medication adherence and reduce drop-out rates. Since weight regain is common after stopping medication, especially without lasting behaviour changes, dietitians play a key role in helping individuals build sustainable habits. Many people using these medications also live with conditions like diabetes, PCOS, or hypertension, and a dietitian can tailor nutrition advice to support both weight loss and overall health.

Putting It All Together

Weight loss can be challenging, and the right approach will depend on your individual needs, health status, and goals. Whether you are considering diet and exercise alone, weight loss medications, or surgery, working with a dietitian can improve your results and help you stay on track long-term.

If you're thinking about starting weight loss medication or are already on it, working with a dietitian can help you get the most out of your journey. To book an appointment, visit the link below or call us on 07 4566 0765.

Leah Stjernqvist