Medical Weight Loss: What Is the GLP-1/GIP Craze All About?
By Dr Olivia Visentin · 5 August 2026
Over the past few years, GLP-1 and GIP weight loss medications have transformed the way we think about weight loss. While many people know them as the "weight loss injections," they are actually medications designed to treat the underlying biology that contributes to obesity.
So, what exactly are GLP-1 and GIP medications, and why has everyone been talking about them?
Understanding Weight Loss
Many people believe that losing weight is simply a matter of eating less and exercising more. While a healthy lifestyle is essential, weight is also controlled by a complex network of hormones that regulate hunger, fullness, metabolism, and blood sugar.
For some people, these hormones make losing weight significantly more difficult, regardless of how much effort they put in.
This is where GLP-1 and GIP medications can help.
What Are GLP-1 and GIP?
GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) and GIP (Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide) are naturally occurring hormones released by your intestines after eating.
These hormones help your body to:
- Feel full sooner
- Stay full for longer
- Reduce appetite and food cravings
- Slow stomach emptying
- Improve blood sugar control
- Increase insulin release after meals
Some of the newer medications activate both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, which may lead to even greater weight loss in some patients.
How Do These Medications Help You Lose Weight?
GLP-1 and GIP medications don't "burn fat" directly.
Instead, they work by helping your brain and digestive system regulate hunger more effectively. Most patients notice that they:
- Feel satisfied with smaller portions
- Snack less frequently
- Experience fewer food cravings
- Feel full for much longer after meals
Because patients naturally eat fewer calories without constantly feeling hungry, sustainable weight loss becomes much more achievable.
Who Is a Candidate?
These medications are generally considered for adults who:
- Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above, or
- Have a BMI of 27 or above with weight-related medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnoea, or fatty liver disease
They are not intended as a quick fix or a cosmetic treatment for losing a few kilograms before a holiday. Instead, they are used as part of a comprehensive medical weight management programme.
Are They a Miracle Cure?
No.
Although these medications are incredibly effective, they work best when combined with healthy eating, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and long-term lifestyle changes.
Patients who develop sustainable habits while taking the medication are far more likely to maintain their weight loss in the future.
Are There Side Effects?
Like any medication, GLP-1 and GIP medications can cause side effects.
The most common include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Reduced appetite
These side effects are usually mild and improve as the body adjusts to treatment. Starting at a low dose and increasing gradually helps minimise symptoms.
Your doctor will also discuss whether these medications are appropriate for you based on your medical history.
Is Medical Supervision Important?
Absolutely.
Weight loss medications should only be prescribed after a thorough medical assessment. Your doctor will review your medical history, current medications, weight-loss goals, and any potential contraindications before recommending treatment.
Regular follow-up appointments are important to monitor progress, manage side effects, and ensure that treatment remains both safe and effective.
The Bottom Line
GLP-1 and GIP medications have changed the landscape of medical weight management. By targeting the hormones that regulate appetite and fullness, they help many people achieve meaningful, sustainable weight loss that was previously difficult to attain through lifestyle changes alone.
These medications are not a substitute for healthy living, but when used alongside a balanced diet, regular exercise, and ongoing medical support, they can be a highly effective tool in improving both weight and overall health.
If you're struggling with weight despite your best efforts, book a consultation to discuss whether medical weight loss may be the right option for you.