Weight Concerns

• Injectables
• Conditions
• Weight Concerns

Medically Reviewed 24th September 2025, by Mr. Bryan Mayou (GMC: 1414396) - founder of the Cadogan Clinic and one of the world's leading plastic surgeons

What are Weight Concerns?

Weight Concerns such as being Overweight or Obese are a group of medical conditions characterised by having an excessive amount of body fat. NHS data shows that in the UK, around 64% of adults are Overweight or Obese.

As well as impacting overall health, many patients find that weight gain is a cause of self-consciousness and may impact their confidence. They find that it affects the clothes they wear and the activities they feel comfortable participating in. In some cases, this may include being able to take part in physical activities, which could help them to lose weight.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is the most commonly used method to assess whether an individual’s weight is considered healthy. BMI compares your weight to your height, giving a score which fits into one of five categories:

• Under 18.5 – Underweight
• 18.5 – 24.9 – Healthy weight range
• 25 – 29.9 – Overweight
• 30 – 39.9 – Obese
• 40 and over – Severely obese

If you are from an Asian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean family background, the Body Mass Index for Obesity is adjusted slightly:

• 23 – 27.4 – Overweight
• 27.5 or above – Obese

This is to account for the increased health risks of being overweight or obese that are associated with specific ethnic backgrounds.

The NHS provides an online BMI calculator, which takes all of these factors into account.

It is important to acknowledge that BMI does have some limitations as it measures overall weight, rather than body fat. Therefore, very muscular individuals or those whose height is affected by a health condition may find that their BMI is not accurate. However, for the majority of the population, BMI is a useful way to understand whether they are at a healthy weight.

If you aren’t certain whether your Body Mass Index is a realistic reflection of your weight and health, it is advisable to speak with a doctor who can offer alternative ways of assessing your weight.

Why are Weight Concerns a Problem?

Being Overweight or Obese can be a serious health concern which impacts overall health by increasing the risk of several other health conditions:

Weight concerns are considered a significant public health concern in the UK, placing pressure on healthcare services.

What Causes Obesity and Weight Gain?

Obesity and Weight Concerns are complex health issues, and the cause may not always be obvious. If you are concerned that your weight is increasing dramatically, when your lifestyle and diet have not changed otherwise, speak to a medical professional who will be able to investigate further.

The causes of weight gain include:

• Calorie intake – Your body needs calories for energy; however, regularly consuming more calories than your body can use, especially from foods that are high in fat and sugar, results in an increase in body fat.
• Genetics – Genetics can affect how your body uses energy and stores fat. For some people, this may play a role in Obesity.
• Underlying health conditions – Health conditions such as Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland) can cause weight gain or Obesity. These conditions typically do not affect weight when they are being managed effectively with medical supervision and medication.
• Medications – Certain medications, including steroids, and medications to manage high blood pressure, diabetes and mental health conditions, can cause weight gain. Your doctor will discuss these side effects with you when prescribing any medication.

Cadogan Clinic’s dedicated doctors will discuss the potential causes of your weight concerns with you during a one-to-one consultation at our award-winning clinic, based in Chelsea, London.

How to Treat Weight Concerns?

Weight Concerns are becoming an increasingly common problem, in part because the environment we live in makes it more challenging to eat healthily and exercise regularly.

Our specialist doctors take a non-judgmental approach to Weight Gain and Obesity treatment, understanding that for many patients, it is a sensitive issue, and often a cause for embarrassment.

Weight Loss Medication

Weight Loss Medication has become an increasingly popular option for treating and managing weight gain and Obesity concerns, which have been resistant to other weight loss solutions and are connected to other health conditions.

There are a variety of prescription Weight Loss medications available, which, generally speaking, are suitable for patients who fulfil certain criteria:

• A BMI of 30 or over
• Affected by or are at higher risk of Type II Diabetes, Hypertension, Cardiovascular Disease or Sleep Apnoea
• Have found that other weight loss methods haven’t been effective or sustainable
• Have a family background which increases your risk of being impacted by weight-related health conditions

Your doctor will discuss these criteria with you during your consultation to ensure anti-obesity medication is an appropriate option for you, and will also place you on a supervision plan while you are taking the medication to monitor your health and results. As well as regular follow-up appointments, this may include a referral to a dietician to optimise your diet and nutrition.

Prescription Weight Loss Medication at Cadogan Clinic includes:

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Dual GIP/GLP-1 Agonists

GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Agonists are injectable medications that mimic certain digestive hormones, resulting in a feeling of fullness for longer and a suppressed appetite.

These weight loss medications are especially beneficial to patients who are also affected by or at a high risk of Type II Diabetes, as they also control blood sugar levels.

Medication names include Wegovy, Mounjaro, Ozempic, Rybelsus and Saxenda. The exact medication your doctor will recommend for you will depend on your personal circumstances and the availability of the medication.

Orlistat

Orlistat is taken as a tablet and is an alternative to weight loss injections. It works as a lipase inhibitor, which prevents around a third of the fat from the food consumed from being absorbed into the body. It must be combined with a controlled diet and can help prevent further weight gain and may also aid some patients in losing weight.

Medication names include Xenical and Alli, which are differentiated by the strength of the active ingredient. Your doctor will speak to you about the best option during your consultation.

Prescription weight loss treatment should be managed individually for each patient, taking into account their unique personal concerns. Cadogan Clinic’s expert doctors create a bespoke Weight Loss Medication plan for every patient and supervise them closely throughout their treatment.

Words From Our Founder

Frequently Asked Questions

How To Find Us

The Cadogan Clinic is based at 120 Sloane Street in Chelsea, just off Sloane Square and the Kings Road.

We are accessible by all major bus routes that pass through Sloane Square and Sloane Street, as well as Sloane Square tube station.

We are just a 5 minute walk northwards up Sloane Street once you have arrived at Sloane Square.

Local pay parking is available just around the corner from the Clinic on Cadogan Gate, Cadogan Square and Cadogan Gardens. Our local residential parking zone is the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea.

Address: 120 Sloane Street, Chelsea, London, SW1X 9BW