Weight Loss Products

Clearly the best way to lose weight is to follow a healthy diet and exercise programme as outlined on our obesity advice page. Where an effort in this direction has failed, we are prepared to prescribe medications based on individual personal circumstances. There are a number of prescription weight loss pills available in the UK and we provide a brief summary of each below. We have included links to other parts of this website where more substantial information is available on each weight loss pill available to prescribe.

The Online Clinic is prepared to prescribe weight loss pills as part of an overall weight loss plan. Rapid weight loss is not recommended but these products can double the weight loss from diet alone.

Reductil

Reductil was marketed as Meridia in the United States but it has been withdrawn in the US as well as the UK. Reductil had a good rate of success but it was not appropriate for some people because of the potential side effects, which can be quite serious. Notable side effects associated with Reductil were high blood pressure and palpitations. Not everyone got these side effects, in fact, few people did but it was important that a patient's blood pressure was monitored every two weeks for the first three months of use and then monthly thereafter. Unfortunately we can no longer prescribe Reductil because of the licence suspension.

Please follow this link for further information on Reductil

Xenical

Xenical is a drug known as a lipase inhibitor and it works in a localised area of the gastrointestinal system to limit the absorption of dietary fat. As our bodies require fat to function properly, you should then metabolise fat stored around your body and lose weight as a result.

It is essential that Xenical patients adopt a moderately low fat diet before they start taking Xenical. A moderately low fat diet is one where no more than 30% of calories are derived from fat. If you need specific advice on how to reduce your fat intake, please get in touch with us on consultations@theonlineclinic.co.uk

Occasionally we hear from people that they are not prepared to take Xenical because of the potential gastrointestinal side effects. Essentially, if patients stick to the mildly low fat diet then they are unlikely to get side effects which are not manageable. Weight loss can be a little slow to start with Xenical but patients normally notice some weight loss in the first few weeks of use. A weight loss of around 2 to 3 pounds per week is considered a healthy and sustainable weight loss. A rapid and fast weight loss is not a healthy and sustainable way to lose weight. The gradual weight loss promoted by Xenical is double what patients normally achieve with dieting alone and most people who use this product manage to keep the weight off when they cease the treatment.

We recommend that patients taking Xenical also take a vitamin supplement which contains A, D, E and K as these are fat soluble. The supplement should not be taken 2 hours either side of a Xenical capsule so the best time might be around bedtime.

For further information, please navigate to the Xenical information page.

Xenical is a prescription medication so we need to check your medical history before the medication can be prescribed. Please submit a free weight loss consultation to see if it is suitable for you.

Acomplia

Acomplia was the latest weight loss product to be approved for use in the UK but it has now had its license suspended. It was first licensed in the UK in June 2006 but at the end of 2008 concerns were raised over a small number of patients experiencing psychiatric symptoms possibly connected to the medication. It is now illegal to sell this medication in the U.K.

The evidence suggested that Acomplia or Rimonabant (the chemical name) was particularly effective at getting rid of the dangerous fat that can accumulate round the middle. This fat is a key contributor to cardiovascular problems and diabetes. Many patients saw their body shapes change and experienced improved fat distribution.

Please follow this link for further information about Acomplia

Phentermine and Diethylpropion

The Online Clinic does not prescribe phentermine or diethylpropion. These medications are sometimes offered via private slimming clinics under supervision. While we do not recommend either of these medications, if you are being prescribed phentermine or diethylpropion, please ensure that the clinic offering these treatments is registered and licensed by the Care Quality Commission.

Gastric Bypass or Gastric Banding Surgery

A surgical solution to obesity is rarely used and is generally only justified where the patient has a BMI of 40 or more. Both techniques involve making the stomach smaller so the physical amount of food that the patient can consume is very much restricted.

Free Weight Loss Consultation

If you think that you might benefit from a boost to your weight loss program then we may be prepared to prescribe Xenical weight loss pills, depending on your individual medical circumstances.