An Introduction to
Weight Loss Medications.

Losing weight is not always easy. While healthy eating, regular exercise, good sleep, and stress management remain the foundation of weight management, some individuals may still find it difficult to achieve or maintain their goals. 

Read more to find out what are the different type of weight loss medications that are available. 

How does Weight Loss Medication works?

Our bodies have natural signals that tell us when we’re hungry and when we’ve had enough to eat. Sometimes, these signals don’t work as smoothly as they should, making it harder to manage weight.

Weight loss medications help by working with these natural signals. They can:

Reduce feelings of hunger

Help you feel full sooner

Support better control of craving

Some medications also affect the way your body processes food, which can improve blood sugar control in addition to supporting weight management.

It’s important to remember that these medications are not magic solutions. They are tools that, when used alongside healthy habits like balanced meals, regular movement, and good sleep, can make the journey to a healthier weight more manageable.

Types of Weight Loss Medications

Feature Injectable Semaglutide Oral Semaglutide Tirzepatide
How it’s taken Small injection under the skin once a week Oral tablet taken once a day Small injection under the skin once a week
How it works Acts on hormones that regulate appetite and fullness Similar appetite regulation effects through a daily oral dose Targets more than one hormone pathway to support appetite and metabolism
Convenience Less frequent dosing, but requires comfort with injections Easy to take for those who prefer tablets, but requires daily consistency Less frequent dosing, but may require more monitoring
Who it may suit People who prefer not to take medication daily People uncomfortable with injections People who may need stronger support and are comfortable with injections
Considerations May cause digestive side effects (e.g., nausea) when starting; injection technique needed Side effects similar to injectables May have similar side effects, with added complexity of dual action

Who May Benefit from These Medications?

Weight management medications are usually considered for people who:

  • Have a BMI of 30 or above, or

  • Have a BMI of 27 or above with weight-related health conditions (such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep problems).

  • People struggling with lifestyle changes alone

Possible Side Effects & Considerations

Like all medications, weight management treatments may have side effects. These are not experienced by everyone, and many improve over time as the body adjusts. Still, it’s important to be aware and to have close follow-up with your doctor.

Common side effects (may happen with both injectable and oral options):

  1. Nausea
  2. Vomiting
  3. Diarrhoea
  4. Constipation
  5. Bloating or stomach discomfort
  6. Reduced appetite (which is part of the intended effect)

Less common but more serious side effects (require medical attention):

  1. Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
  2. Gallbladder issues (such as gallstones)
  3. Allergic reactions

Other considerations:

  1. Injections may cause mild skin reactions (redness, irritation at the site).
  2. Tablets need to be taken on an empty stomach with water, and no food or drink for at least 30 minutes afterwards, to ensure proper absorption.
  3. Dual-action injectables may have stronger effects on appetite and digestion, which can mean side effects are more noticeable at the start.
  4. Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
  5. Not suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions (your doctor will review your history).

Responses to medication can differ from person to person, regular monitoring and medical supervision are essential.

What to expect during the treatment process?

Starting prescription medication for weight management is a step that should always be guided by a qualified healthcare professional. Here’s a general overview of what the process may involve: 

1. Initial Consultation

Your journey begins with a visit to a licensed doctor. During this appointment, your doctor will:

  1. Review your medical history and current health conditions
  2. Calculate your body mass index (BMI)
  3. Understand your past weight management efforts and goals
  4. Assess whether medical treatment is appropriate, and discuss which form may be most suitable for you

2. Prescribing and Starting Treatment

If medication is recommended, your doctor will prescribe the option that fits your health profile and lifestyle. They will explain:

  1. How to use the treatment safely (injection technique if applicable, or how to take the tablet properly)
  2. How the medication is introduced gradually, starting with a lower dose and slowly increasing to a maintenance level to reduce side effects
  3. Safe handling and storage of the medication.

3. Regular Monitoring

Follow-up visits are a key part of the process. These check-ins allow your doctor to:

  1. Monitor your weight and overall health
  2. Evaluate how well the medication is working for you
  3. Identify and manage any side effects
  4. Adjust the dose if needed for safety and effectiveness

4. Ongoing Lifestyle Support

Medication is most effective when combined with healthy daily habits. Alongside treatment, your doctor may encourage:

  1. Eating a balanced diet with controlled portions
  2. Keeping active through regular physical activity
  3. Paying attention to sleep and stress management.

Some people may also benefit from structured support, such as nutritional counselling, exercise planning, or behaviour therapy to build sustainable long-term habits.

At Ikigai, we collaborate with trusted partners to offer these services, helping you build a lifestyle that supports your treatment and overall well-being.

For more information or to book an appointment, please contact us via +65 83325597