Overview of weight loss medicines and practical advice for patients

The use of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and dual GLP-1/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonists for weight loss has increased rapidly. These medicines reduce body weight through appetite suppression and metabolic effects. In patients with obesity, they are indicated for weight management as an adjunct to diet and physical activity. Access to weight loss medicines through the NHS is restricted to higher-risk patients, so a large proportion of people who take them receive treatment privately, which is likely to aggravate existing health inequalities with regards to obesity. This article outlines the mechanisms of action of weight loss medicines and the risks they entail, including poor-quality dietary intake, muscle loss and weight regain after the cessation of treatment. To enhance patient outcomes in the long term, nurses have a crucial role in supporting adequate micronutrient and protein intake, physical activity and behaviour change.