our Non-Surgical Weight Management Program
Exploring Non-Surgical Weight Loss - Saxenda, Contrave & our Non-Surgical Weight Management Program
Weight loss medications such as Saxenda and Ozempic have rapidly risen in popularity lately. Whilst Ozempic is not yet available in New Zealand, we have been using Saxenda and Contrave in our clinic as a part of our Non-Surgical / Medical Weight Loss Program with some incredible results.
Read on to find out how these medications work, whether they could be suitable for you, and some important factors to consider alongside.
Saxenda: A GLP-1 Agonist for Blood Sugar Regulation & Weight Management
Saxenda (liraglutide) is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. Originally developed for managing type 2 diabetes, Saxenda has now also been approved for weight management. Saxenda works by mimicking the action of GLP-1, a naturally occurring hormone that is released in the gut in response to food intake. GLP-1 plays a key role in regulating appetite and blood sugar levels. By slowing the emptying of the stomach, Saxenda helps you feel fuller for longer, which can lead to reduced overall food intake and gradual weight loss.
Contrave: A Unique Approach to Appetite and Craving Control
Contrave is another prescription medication used to support weight loss. It combines two active ingredients: naltrexone and bupropion, which are designed to work in combination on the hunger and reward centers of the brain. Whilst Saxenda works more on the physical / gut hormone aspects of appetite, Contrave is designed to support the more psychological aspects of eating (for example “head hunger”).
How to know which option is right for you?
There are many factors which may impact the decision of which medication is right for you, including medical history, current health circumstances, your unique food challenges and more. Our Specialist Nurse Practitioner will help guide you on which medication is best suited to you.
Will I lose weight with the medication alone?
Whilst these medications are designed to significantly reduce appetite and “food noise” - and many of our patients report they are very effective in doing so - they are designed to be used in conjunction with nutrition and lifestyle changes. Just as bariatric surgery is a tool, so are these medications - designed to support you in making the nutrition and lifestyle changes that not only support you in the short term, but help to sustain your results long term.
To help you with doing exactly that, whilst also staying true to our Tailor Clinics philosophy of taking a holistic and comprehensive approach to weight management - we are proud to offer a Non-Surgical / Medical Weight Loss Program which pioneers the combination of medical, nutritional, psychological and exercise support in a comprehensive 12-week program.
Here’s how our multidisciplinary team will support you:
● Nurse Practitioner - to help manage potential risks or side effects, monitor blood results, ensure safety and be there to guide you with the medical side of things
● Nutritionist - to help support you with dietary changes for both the weight loss and maintenance phases
● Psychologist - to help support you with habit change, reframing beliefs and managing hunger and cravings from a psychological perspective
● Exercise specialist - to guide you in developing an exercise routine that works for you
Who’s this program designed to help?
We’ve designed this program with two groups of people in mind:
Those who have gone through bariatric surgery and experienced some recurrent weight gain
Those who are not suitable for bariatric surgery or would prefer a non-surgical approach
Want to learn more?
Reach out to our team via phone (07 859 0185) or email (reception@tailorclinics.co.nz) and we are more than happy to answer any questions and/or get you booked in.
Disclaimer: this blog post is intended for educational purposes only and does not replace individual medical advice. For more support please always seek the guidance of your relevant health practitioners.