Medical Weight Loss Programme

Medical Weight Loss Programme

Dr Martyn King | Cosmedic Skin Clinic | Staffordshire

Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can be challenging, particularly when lifestyle changes alone have not delivered the desired results. At Cosmedic Skin Clinic, we offer medically supervised weight management programmes designed to support safe, sustainable weight loss and long-term health improvement.

Our doctor-led approach combines medical assessment, lifestyle guidance, nutritional advice, behavioural support, and, where clinically appropriate, prescription weight management treatments.

Every treatment plan is tailored to the individual, recognising that successful weight management requires a personalised and evidence-based approach.

Summary

• Procedure time: Initial consultation 30 minutes, follow up appointments 15 minutes
• Downtime: None
• Discomfort: Minimal (if injectable treatment is prescribed)
• Anaesthetic: Not required
• Onset of results: Varies between individuals
• Peak/final results: Gradual and sustainable weight reduction
• Duration: Ongoing programme tailored to individual goals
• Maintenance: Usually monthly during active treatment

Pricing

Typical Programme Costs

·        Initial medical consultation: From £175

·        Follow-up review appointments: From £175

·        Weight management programmes: Tailored according to individual requirements

💡 Prescription medication costs, where appropriate, are discussed during consultation and are dependent upon the treatment selected and individual clinical needs.

How it works

The programme begins with a comprehensive medical assessment, including medical history review, current medications, weight history, lifestyle assessment, nutritional habits, existing health conditions and weight loss goals. Following assessment, an individualised treatment plan may include nutritional guidance, lifestyle modification support, physical activity recommendations, behavioural strategies, ongoing medical monitoring (biometric measurement) and prescription treatments where clinically appropriate.

Regular reviews allow progress to be monitored and treatment plans adjusted as necessary.

Some medically supervised weight loss programmes may involve medicines from a class known as GLP-1 receptor agonists or GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists, where clinically appropriate.

These medicines work by mimicking naturally occurring hormones involved in appetite regulation and metabolism. They help support weight loss through several mechanisms:

• Reducing appetite and hunger signals
• Increasing feelings of fullness after eating
• Slowing the rate at which food leaves the stomach
• Helping reduce food cravings and snacking behaviour
• Supporting better control of calorie intake

By helping patients feel satisfied with smaller portions and reducing the urge to overeat, these treatments can make it easier to maintain the dietary changes required for successful weight loss.

These medications are not a substitute for healthy eating and regular physical activity. The most successful outcomes occur when medication is combined with lifestyle changes, nutritional support, and ongoing medical supervision.

Not all patients are suitable candidates for GLP-1-based treatments, and a full medical assessment is required before any prescription medication can be considered.

What areas can be treated

Medical weight management may be appropriate for individuals who:

• Are overweight or obese
• Have weight-related health concerns
• Have struggled to lose weight through conventional methods alone
• Wish to improve long-term health outcomes
• Require additional medical support during weight loss

Potential benefits may include improvements in:

• Body weight
• Waist circumference
• Cardiovascular risk factors
• Blood pressure
• Mobility
• Confidence and wellbeing

Am I suitable?

You may be suitable if you:

• Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) within a clinically appropriate treatment range
• Have struggled with weight management despite lifestyle changes
• Are committed to long-term lifestyle improvement
• Are seeking professional medical support

You may not be suitable if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have certain medical conditions that require specialist management
• Have contraindications to available treatments
• Have unrealistic expectations regarding outcomes

A full consultation is required to determine suitability.

Pre-treatment advice

Before your consultation:

• Bring details of any medications you are taking
• Be prepared to discuss your medical history
• Consider your weight loss goals and motivations
• Bring recent health information if available
• Honest discussion about lifestyle, diet, and previous weight loss attempts helps us create the most effective treatment plan.

Post-treatment advice

Successful weight management requires long-term commitment.

Patients are encouraged to:

• Follow nutritional recommendations
• Remain physically active
• Attend scheduled reviews
• Monitor progress regularly
• Maintain realistic expectations
• Focus on sustainable lifestyle changes

Side-effects & complications

Potential side effects depend upon the treatment programme recommended.

During consultation, all benefits, risks, alternatives, and expected outcomes will be discussed fully before any treatment is prescribed.

Ongoing monitoring helps ensure treatment remains safe and appropriate.

If GLP1/GIP medication is prescribed, they can have the following side-effects:

Common (temporary):

These effects are usually mild and improve as the body adjusts to treatment:

• Nausea (most common, especially in early stages)
• Reduced appetite
• Feeling full more quickly than usual
• Mild constipation or changes in bowel habits
• Mild diarrhoea
• Indigestion or reflux
• Bloating or abdominal discomfort
• Fatigue or low energy during dose escalation
• Headache

Less common:

These side effects may occur in a smaller number of patients and may require dose adjustment or medical review:

• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Moderate gastrointestinal discomfort
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Injection-site reactions (redness, itching, or swelling if injectable treatment is used)
• Dehydration (usually secondary to reduced intake or gastrointestinal side effects)
• Changes in taste or food tolerance
• Increased sensitivity to certain foods

Rare:

Serious side effects are uncommon but can occur and require urgent medical attention if suspected:

• Severe or persistent vomiting leading to dehydration
• Acute pancreatitis (severe abdominal pain radiating to the back, often with nausea/vomiting)
• Gallbladder-related complications (such as gallstones or inflammation)
• Severe allergic reaction (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty)
• Significant gastrointestinal obstruction or severe constipation
• Worsening of pre-existing gastrointestinal disease in susceptible individuals

Benefits

• Doctor-led assessment and support
• Personalised treatment plans
• Evidence-based weight management strategies
• Ongoing medical supervision
• Sustainable long-term approach
• Focus on overall health improvement
• Regular progress monitoring
• Treatment tailored to individual goals

Advice from Dr Martyn King

Dr Martyn King, Cosmedic Skin Clinic, Staffordshire

"Successful weight management is about far more than simply reducing numbers on a scale. The most effective programmes focus on long-term lifestyle changes, improved health, and sustainable habits. My role is to help patients understand the options available and develop a realistic, medically appropriate plan that supports both weight loss and overall wellbeing."