Weight Loss
Medical weight loss is a doctor-led programme that combines an assessment of your health, practical changes to eating, activity and sleep and, where it is suitable, a prescription-only GLP-1 medication. At our Al Qusais, Dubai clinic, it is run by our physician, Dr. Keerthana Gopal, who decides with you whether medication is appropriate. It is not a quick fix, and it is not right for everyone.
What is GLP-1 medication?
GLP-1 is a hormone the gut releases after eating. It helps you feel full sooner, slows how quickly the stomach empties, and helps regulate blood sugar.
GLP-1 medications act in a similar way. They are given as an injection, usually once a week, and are prescription-only: a doctor prescribes them after a medical assessment, and you need regular follow-up while you take them.
Who may it suit?
Doctors usually consider GLP-1 medication for adults whose weight is affecting their health, for example:
- a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above, or
- a BMI of 27 or above together with a weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, raised cholesterol or sleep apnoea,
- when changes to diet and activity on their own have not been enough.
It is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if you are planning a pregnancy. It is not used with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2, or a history of pancreatitis, and some other conditions and medicines, including some diabetes medicines, need extra care.
How does the programme work?
- Assessment. The doctor goes through your medical history, current medicines, weight and goals, and may ask for blood tests before deciding whether medication is appropriate.
- A plan for you. If medication is suitable, it is started at a low dose and increased step by step, which helps the body adjust. You also get practical guidance on eating, activity and sleep, because the medication is meant to be used alongside them, not instead of them.
- Regular reviews. Follow-up visits check your progress, side effects and dose. Treatment can be adjusted or stopped at any review.
Between reviews, tell the doctor straight away about severe or persistent stomach pain, repeated vomiting, or any other symptom that worries you.
What results can you expect?
How much weight a person loses varies widely, and no particular result can be promised. Weight usually comes off gradually over months rather than weeks.
Many people regain weight after stopping the medication, so the plan also covers what happens afterwards and the habits that help keep weight off.
How much does medical weight loss cost in Dubai?
The cost depends on your assessment and treatment plan, and the doctor gives it to you at your consultation.
Risks and what to expect
What to expect
Medical weight loss starts with a doctor's assessment. Where suitable, the doctor may prescribe a GLP-1 medication, which is prescription-only and used together with changes to diet and activity, with regular follow-up. How much weight a person loses varies widely, and weight can return when treatment stops.
Possible side effects and risks
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation, most often when starting or increasing the dose
- Reduced appetite, tiredness or dizziness
- Less often: gallbladder problems or inflammation of the pancreas
- Not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with certain medical histories; the doctor checks this before prescribing
Results vary from person to person and are not guaranteed. At your consultation your clinician will explain the risks that apply to you, and the alternatives, before you decide.
Weight Loss — Frequently Asked Questions
It starts with a doctor's assessment of your health, history and current medicines. If suitable, the doctor may prescribe a GLP-1 medication, given as a weekly injection, alongside advice on eating, activity and sleep, with regular reviews of progress and side effects.
They are prescription-only medicines with known side effects, mostly nausea and other stomach upsets, so they must be prescribed and monitored by a doctor. Your suitability, dose and side effects are checked before you start and at every review.
Usually adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with a weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. It is not used in pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with certain medical histories.
Gradually, over months rather than weeks. The dose is raised slowly to limit side effects, and how much weight each person loses varies widely, so no particular result can be promised.
Many people regain some weight after stopping. That is why the programme also works on eating, activity and sleep habits, and the doctor plans with you how and when to come off the medication.
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Interested in Weight Loss?
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