Medical weight management focuses on safe, sustainable approaches to improving metabolic health and supporting long-term weight management. Management may include lifestyle strategies, medication where clinically appropriate, and ongoing clinical review.

Care is tailored to individual health circumstances and focuses on realistic, achievable outcomes.

Medication options

Modern medications can support weight management by acting on the hormonal pathways that regulate appetite and satiety. When used alongside lifestyle and behavioural strategies, they can help reduce hunger, improve control over eating, and support meaningful weight loss.

Two of the most commonly used medications in New Zealand are Wegovy and Mounjaro.

Wegovy (semaglutide) works by mimicking a natural hormone called GLP-1. This hormone slows stomach emptying, increases feelings of fullness, and reduces hunger signals in the brain. It is given as a once-weekly injection with gradual dose escalation.

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) acts on two hormonal pathways, GLP-1 and GIP. This dual mechanism can enhance appetite suppression and metabolic regulation. It is also administered as a once-weekly injection with gradual dose titration.

The most appropriate medication depends on a person’s medical history, metabolic health, treatment goals, and practical considerations such as cost and medication tolerance. Treatment decisions are made together during consultation as part of a comprehensive weight management plan.

 

Weight management medications work best when used as part of a comprehensive programme that includes nutrition, activity, and behavioural support. During your initial consultation, I review your medical history, weight history, and metabolic health to determine whether medication is appropriate.

If medication is recommended, treatment usually begins at a low dose and is gradually increased over several months. This slow titration helps the body adjust and reduces the likelihood of side effects. Most people notice changes in appetite and fullness within the first few weeks.

Common side effects can include nausea, reflux, constipation, or reduced appetite. These effects are usually mild and improve as the body adjusts to treatment. Ongoing clinical follow-up helps ensure that treatment remains safe, effective, and aligned with your goals.

Weight loss varies between individuals, but many patients experience meaningful improvements in weight, metabolic health, and appetite control when medication is combined with lifestyle strategies.

Regular follow-up appointments allow me to review progress, adjust treatment if needed, and provide ongoing support with nutrition, physical activity, and behavioural strategies.

Many patients ask specifically about medications such as Wegovy or Mounjaro. These options can be discussed during consultation to determine which treatment is most appropriate for your individual circumstances.

If you are interested in exploring medical weight management, a consultation allows us to discuss your options and develop a personalised treatment plan that supports sustainable, long-term health.

Through clinical practice, I recognised that hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can significantly influence weight and metabolic health, but are not always addressed within weight management care.

Supporting women through this transition has become an important part of my practice, helping individuals understand how hormonal changes influence treatment response and long-term health outcomes. 

Care includes assessment of hormonal factors, discussion of treatment options including menopause hormone therapy where appropriate, and integration of menopause management into overall metabolic care.