This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Ibrahim, Medical Associate at Envigore
What is Type 2 Diabetes, and why does weight matter?
Type 2 diabetes is a condition that floats around in the background, without you actually feeling anything (for the most part). The issue here is how we utilise Insulin. Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body has learned how to deal with insulin. In turn the way the body utilises sugar is disrupted. This results in a constantly elevated blood sugar. Over time, this is detrimental to almost all the systems in the body, and it takes years.
Here is where weight comes in: Approximately 90% of adults with type 2 diabetes are either overweight or obese (PubMed.com). So being overweight comes hand in hand with increasing your chances to develop diabetes. It is well established that losing weight will help put diabetes in remission. And prevent any progression from pre-diabetes to diabetes.
So what is “medical weight loss” then, and how is it different from just dieting?
But here is the good news: medical weight loss, including modern treatments like GLP-1 medications, is providing great support with great results. Why are we talking about medical weight loss? We know that there are other methods out there. Such as traditional dieting and bariatric surgery to name a few. However the new breakthrough medications , also known as GLP1. Have proven to be a pioneer in how we look and manage obesity all together.
Whilst diet and exercise are still essential (sorry, no escaping those veggies, calorie counting or intermittent fasting), medical weight loss means you are getting help from healthcare professionals using science-backed tools i.e prescribed medication.It is different from surgical options like gastric bands or bypasses, which involve procedures, whereas non-surgical routes (like medication) offer support without the need for an operation/surgical intervention.
It is important to remember that you should aim for a balanced diet. This should include a variety of food to ensure food nutritional intake. It is also imperative not to be under-eating.
And one of the biggest tools making headlines? GLP-1 medications.
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1. These are medications that were originally developed to help people manage diabetes, but researchers noticed something interesting — people taking them were also losing quite a bit of weight.
For more information learn more on our blog: Unlocking Weight Loss Success with GLP-1 Pens
Wait, so what do GLP-1 medications actually do?
Without getting too deep into physiology, GLP-1 medications mimic a hormone that your body naturally makes after you eat. This hormone tells your brain you are full (which means you are less likely to raid the biscuit tin an hour later), and it also slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach, making you feel satisfied for longer.
They also help your body release insulin in a more controlled way, which is why they were first approved for managing Type 2 diabetes in the UK (NICE, 2023).
Now they are being used to help people lose weight, especially when other methods have not worked or when there is a medical reason to lose weight: like high blood sugar, pre-diabetes, or an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. We do need to remember that these medications are controlled. They are prescribed by a health professional. They also carry their own risks. As such each individual will have to determine whether or not they are willing to take this medication , after careful consideration of all the potential risks and benefits.
What does this have to do with pre-diabetes?
Pre-diabetes translates to a condition just before Diabetes. As such you are at risk of progressing into Diabetes. Your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not quite high enough to be called diabetes, yet. Think of it as a crossroads: keep going in one direction and you might progress into Type 2 diabetes, but turn around and make some changes (like losing weight) and you can often avoid it entirely.
Research shows that losing just 5% to 10% of your body weight can significantly improve blood sugar levels and even return them to normal in people with pre-diabetes (Diabetes UK, 2022).
So yes! Your efforts do matter. Even small changes can make a big difference.
But is it safe?
Yes, for the majority, when used under medical supervision. GLP-1 medications, like semaglutide (brand name Wegovy® in the UK) or tirzepatide (brand name Mounjaro®), are approved by the NHS for certain patients who meet specific criteria. There are risks involved, as with any prescribed medication. Your doctor or prescriber will always check whether it’s right for you based on your health history, current weight, and risk factors (NICE Guidelines, 2023).
Outside of the NHS, private clinics (like Envigore) also offer GLP-1 medications for people who meet eligibility requirements — usually a BMI over 30, or over 27 if there are weight-related health concerns. Even in private settings, strict medical guidelines still apply, and they are not suitable for everyone (especially those with certain underlying conditions).
If you are curious, you can take our short consultation here to see if GLP-1 medication might be a good fit for you. Or feel free to contact us by phone (01313 223 750) between 9-5 Monday to Friday or email (enquiries@envigore.com). We are always happy to talk it through with you, no pressure.
And remember, these medications are part of a bigger plan. They are most effective when combined with healthy eating, movement, and (maybe most importantly) a bit of patience.
So, what is the takeaway?
If you are struggling with weight and worried about your blood sugar, you are not alone! Medical weight loss, especially treatments like GLP-1s, offers a new, proven way forward. This may be suitable for you!
References
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). (2023). Semaglutide for managing overweight and obesity.
- Diabetes UK. (2022). Preventing Type 2 diabetes.
- British Heart Foundation. (2021). What is visceral fat and why is it dangerous?
- NHS. (2023). Obesity and overweight – Treatments – Conditions
- PubMed. (2017). Treatment of Obesity in Patients With Diabetes