Medical weight loss: What is it – and does it work?

As obesity has become a growing health challenge, new solutions have also emerged. One of the most talked about is medical weight loss – but what does it actually cover, and does it work?

At Valida Health, we offer medical weight loss treatment as part of a comprehensive and safe approach to lasting weight loss. Here you will get an overview of how the treatment works and who it may be relevant for.

What is medical weight loss?

Medical weight loss is a form of treatment where, under medical supervision, you receive help with weight loss via approved medications. The treatment affects appetite regulation, satiety and metabolism, making it easier to eat less and lose weight.

It is important to emphasize that medication is not a quick fix in itself – but a tool that is used in conjunction with lifestyle changes and healthcare follow-up.

The difference between medical and traditional weight loss

Many people try diet plans, exercise, and willpower – often with fluctuating results. For people who struggle with excess weight despite repeated attempts, medical weight loss may be what gives them the support they need to get started.

Where traditional weight loss is based solely on one's own efforts, medical treatment offers a structured process with professional guidance and medication that affects the body's biology.

What medications are typically used?

At Valida Health, we only use documented and approved preparations that have been thoroughly evaluated by health authorities. These medicines:

• Increases the feeling of satiety

• Decreases appetite

• Regulates blood sugar and insulin

• May help reduce body weight over time
  

Treatment is always tailored to the individual and requires a medical assessment, including blood tests and ongoing follow-up.

Who can receive medical weight loss treatment?

Medical weight loss is primarily aimed at people with:

• An elevated BMI (typically over 30, or over 27 with comorbidities)

• Repeated unsuccessful attempts at weight loss

• Need for a clinical and structured approach

• Motivation to participate in a long-term treatment course
  

At Valida Health, all patients are assessed individually before any course of treatment is initiated. We ensure that the treatment is medically sound and relevant.

What do research and experience say?

Several large studies have shown that medical weight loss treatment can lead to significant weight loss, especially when combined with lifestyle changes. Many patients experience:

• Better control over hunger

• Increased motivation

• Measurable weight loss

• Improved metabolic health
  

At the same time, both research and clinical experience emphasize that the long-term effect depends on support, follow-up and lasting changes in diet and lifestyle.

Here are four scientific sources on medical weight loss relevant to Valida Health's method. All show positive results and support the holistic approach:

1. Semaglutide (Wegovy) – STEP 5: 2-year clinical study

• Reference & findings: In the STEP 5 study, published in Nature Medicine, adults with overweight or obesity achieved -15.2% average weight loss over 104 weeks, compared to placebo.

• Brief description: Treatment with semaglutide 2.4 mg once weekly resulted in significant and sustained weight loss (<-15% after 2 years) without significant weight regain. Participants also experienced improvements in blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol.

• Relevance: Supports Valida Health's combined strategy of medication and follow-up for long-term results.

• Source

2. Semaglutide – systematic review & meta-analysis

• Reference & findings: A meta-analysis showed an average weight loss of ‐11.85% in people without diabetes with semaglutide treatment, compared to placebo.

• Short description: Based on four RCT studies with a total of 3,613 people, the analysis showed that semaglutide is both safe and effective as a weight loss treatment - with expected, mild side effects.

• Relevance: Strengthens the documentation for the treatment and shows efficacy without serious side effects – ideal for your patient information.

• Source

3. Tirzepatide (Zepbound/Mounjaro) vs Semaglutide – NEJM head-to-head study

• Reference & findings: In a 72-week randomized study, tirzepatide showed a weight reduction of approximately 20%, compared to 14% with semaglutide.

• Short description: In the study, 32% of those treated with tirzepatide achieved ≥25% weight loss – significantly better than with semaglutide (~16%).

• Relevance: Highlights Valida Health's access to the latest, most effective medicines and documents your ability to deliver top-tier treatment.

• Source

4. Retatrutide – new 3‑hormone receptor‑agonist

• Reference & findings: Retatrutide, presented in NEJM, resulted in “substantial reductions in body weight” over a 48-week study among adults with obesity.

• Brief description: This new class of treatment combines three hormone receptor agonists and has shown promising effects on weight loss in obese participants.

• Relevance: Emphasizes Valida Health's position as a clinic that actively follows and offers treatment with the most advanced medical options.

• Source

Confirmation of Valida Health's method

These studies all show that GLP-1-based drugs – and newer combination therapies – can:

1. Create significant and sustained weight loss (up to 15–20% over 1–2 years)

2. Supported by low and manageable side effects

3. Combine with lifestyle intervention for safe and long-lasting results

Ready for the next step?

If you are considering medical weight loss and want to know more about how it works at Valida Health, you are always welcome to contact us.

Read more about our treatment process here