Overweight treatment
What is overweight?
Overweight and obesity are common health concerns in the UK and are associated with an increased risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers and joint problems. For many adults, gradual and sustainable weight loss can be achieved through lifestyle changes, including nutrition, physical activity, sleep and behavioural support.
In some cases, medical treatment may be considered as part of a structured, clinician-led approach, particularly when excess weight is affecting health or increasing future health risks.
Important information: DoktorABC UK is a digital health platform that connects patients with independent, UK-registered healthcare professionals. DoktorABC UK does not itself provide medical care, issue prescriptions or dispense medicines. All clinical decisions are made by the UK-registered prescriber following an individual medical assessment.
Available treatment approaches
- GLP-1 injectable therapy
- Fat-blocker tablet therapy
- Foundations of weight management
How the assessment process works
- Complete a short, secure medical questionnaire.
- Select a treatment category for assessment.
- An independent UK-registered prescriber reviews your information and determines whether medical treatment may be appropriate.
- Next steps are arranged following clinical approval.
Understanding excess weight and treatment options
Overweight refers to body weight that exceeds what is generally considered healthy for a person's height. Excess weight is associated with an increased risk of several long-term health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, certain cancers and joint problems.
Overweight can be influenced by multiple factors, including dietary habits, physical inactivity, genetics, sleep patterns, stress, certain medicines and underlying medical conditions
How overweight is defined
A commonly used measure is the body mass index (BMI), which relates body weight to height.
| BMI category |
BMI value |
| Overweight |
BMI ≥ 25 |
| Obesity |
BMI ≥ 30 |
Note:
BMI is a screening tool and does not distinguish between fat mass and muscle mass. A healthcare professional can help interpret BMI results in the context of overall health.
BMI is calculated as body weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared.
Example: A person who weighs 60 kg and is 1.70 m tall has a BMI of 20.8, which falls within the generally accepted healthy range of 18.5 - 24.9.
Good to know. BMI does not distinguish between fat mass and muscle mass. People with higher muscle mass may have a higher BMI without excess body fat.
When should being overweight be addressed?
Weight management is often recommended when excess weight is affecting health or increasing the risk of future complications, such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.
Support may also be appropriate when excess weight affects mobility, mental wellbeing or quality of life. Any decision about treatment should take individual factors into account, including age, overall health and lifestyle, and should always be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.
Important. Some medicines, including certain corticosteroids and antidepressants, can contribute to weight gain. Any concerns about medication should be discussed with a UK-registered prescriber rather than stopping treatment independently.
Which healthcare professionals can support weight management?
Depending on individual needs, different healthcare professionals may be involved:
General practitioner (GP) or primary care clinician
Often the first point of contact for assessment, referral,and ongoing support.
Registered dietitian
Provides structured dietary guidance and a personalised nutrition plans.
Endocrinologist or metabolic specialist
May be involved when hormonal or metabolic conditions contribute to weight gain.
Specialist obesity or bariatric service
May be considered for severe obesity or when surgical options are being explored.
Psychologist or psychiatrist
Can support people where emotional, behavioural or psychological factors influence eating patterns or weight.
How are excess weight and obesity managed?
Management usually involves a combination of approaches, tailored to the individual:
- Lifestyle-based interventions. Dietary changes, physical activity, improved sleep and structured lifestyle changes form the foundation of weight management
- Medical treatment. For some adults, prescription medicines may be considered by a clinician as part of a structured treatment plan. These are only prescribed following a medical assessment and are intended to support lifestyle changes, not replace them.
- Surgical interventions. For severe obesity, surgical options may be considered after a comprehensive assessment.
Medicines that may be considered in weight management
Where clinically appropriate, prescribers may consider medicines that act on appetite regulation or nutrient absorption.Suitability depends on individual health profile, existing conditions and current prescribing guidance.
Fat-blocker medicines
Medicines containing orlistat work by reducing the absorption of dietary fat in the digestive system. Clinical studies show modest average weight loss when combined with a reduced-fat, calorie-controlled diet.
GLP-1 receptor agonists
These medicines mimic a naturally occurring gut hormone that helps regulate appetite. They may support weight loss by slowing digestion and reducing hunger signals in the brain. Examples include medicines containing semaglutide, liraglutide or tirzepatide.
In large clinical studies, adults with overweight or obesity who took semaglutide alongside lifestyle changes lost an average of approximately 15% over 68 weeks, compared to those who received a placebo. Individual outcomes vary and cannot be guaranteed.
Important. All medicines can cause side effects and should only be used under medical supervision. They work best alongside changes to diet and lifestyle. Research into long-term side effects of these medicines, including what happens to an individual when they are stopped is still ongoing.
How DoktorABC UK supports access to care
DoktorABC UK is a digital health platform that connects patients with independent, UK-registered healthcare professionals. Patients can access a clinical assessment through a secure online process.
A UK-registered prescriber reviews the information that you provide and determines whether treatment may be appropriate for you. If treatment is considered suitable, a prescription is issued by the UK-registered prescriber in accordance with UK regulations.
DoktorABC UK does not itself provide medical care, issue prescriptions or dispense medicines. All clinical decisions are made by the independent prescribing healthcare professional following an individual assessment.
Summary
Excess weight and obesity have complex causes and often require a structured, long-term approach. While lifestyle changes remain central to weight management, some people may benefit from additional support under clinical supervision. A healthcare professional can identify the most appropriate options based on individual circumstances
