Weight Loss FAQs

1. Why is losing weight important?
2. How do I know if I am obese or just overweight?
3. What is my body mass index (BMI)?
4. Is obesity hereditary?
5. What other factors contribute to the development of obesity?
6. Will my health be put at risk if I don’t lose weight?
7. I’m overweight but no yet obese, what should I do?
8. What methods of treatment are available?
9. Is surgery a worthwhile risk?
10. Can I buy prescription weight loss treatment online?

1. Why is losing weight important?

Being overweight or obese can lead to serious health complications such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Adults and children who are seriously overweight can develop obesity if they are carrying too much body fat for their body height and gender. You can calculate whether you are suffering from obesity by entering your weight and height into a body mass index (BMI) chart.

2. How do I know if I am obese or just overweight?

The World Health Organisation states that to have a healthy weight for your body size, your BMI should fall between 18.5 and 24.9 on the BMI scale. If your BMI is between 25 and 29.9 you are recognised by the WHO as being overweight. You are seriously overweight if you are over 27. A BMI between 30 and 34.9 classifies you as obese, which also qualifies you for obesity treatment. People who have a BMI of 35 fall into the 'severely obese' weight bracket and should strongly consider treatment.

3. What is my body mass index (BMI)?

BMI is a way medical professionals check if you are at a healthy weight for your height. You can calculate your BMI online during an online consultation, or arrange an appointment with your GP to be measured accurately. The chart uses an algorithm to compare your weight in relation to your height, to determine whether they are within a healthy ratio.

4. Is obesity hereditary?

Obesity often runs in families, which suggests there is a genetic link. Parents also pass on common dietary habits to their children and may share a similar attitude towards physical exercise and lifestyle habits. However, there is no certainty that these factors must result in obesity; they may contribute, but do not make obesity a certainty.

5. What other factors contribute to the development of obesity?

A main cause of obesity is a poor diet coupled with a lack of exercise. As most of us do not have physical occupations, it becomes harder to get enough exercise during our daily routine. Consuming large portions of fatty foods, sweet foods and sugary drinks (high in calories and low in nutrients) consumed on a frequent basis leads rapid weight gain. Other possible causes can be due to stress or insomnia; the use of antidepressants; muscle loss through ageing; and hormone problems, such as an underactive thyroid and polycystic ovarian syndrome.

6. Will my health be put at risk if I don’t lose weight?

Serious health complications can arise if obesity is left untreated. Short-term problems such as breathlessness, difficulty sleeping and aches and pains are most noticeable with intense weight gain. Further long-term problems may include type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and coronary heart disease. Women who are obese are more likely to have problems during and after pregnancy.

7. I’m overweight but not yet obese, what should I do?

Arrange an appointment with your doctor as he or she can suggest an appropriate health plan to stick to. This plan may involve following a healthy eating plan, decreasing the size of your meals, more regular exercise, regular monitoring of your weight, and potentially the use of a medical treatment to help you lose weight. If you prefer not to visit your own doctor, you can contact our doctor online, or you can take an online consultation.

8. What methods of weight loss treatment are available?

Some people find the support of friends, family and self-help groups work best for them, as practical, straightforward advice can be shared freely. Over the counter medicines and herbal pills can be used by adults to help them lose weight. Several types of surgery can be performed to treat obesity, and prescription medication can be prescribed if approved during an online consultation.

9. Is surgery a worthwhile risk?

Weight loss surgery is carried out to restrict the amount of food a person can eat. Common methods include gastric band surgery, gastric bypass, bilopancreatic diversion and sleeve gastrectomy. Procedures can take from 30 minutes to several hours to successfully complete. A private operation performed by a professional surgeon can cost as much as £20,000. Swelling, bruising and scarring are common side effects of the procedure.

10. Can I buy prescription weight loss treatment online?

Xenical is often prescribed as an effective obesity treatment in patients who have a BMI of 27 or above. This oral medication works in the digestive system to block the absorption of fats in the body. A course of Xenical tablets can be ordered and purchased online from HealthExpress after a consultation has been completed.