Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can become more challenging at different stages of life, particularly during perimenopause and menopause. Changes in hormones, metabolism, appetite, sleep, activity levels and body composition can all influence weight and make traditional approaches to weight loss more difficult.
Prescription medications have completely changed the approach to weight loss.
At Femplus’s Dublin clinic, we offer a medically supported approach to weight management which includes prescription weight loss medication such as GLP-1 medicines.
Our approach is personalised to you. Before any treatment is recommended, we will assess your individual circumstances, medical history and health goals to determine whether medical weight management is appropriate and which options may be suitable for you.
The aim is not simply to achieve short-term weight loss, but to support sustainable improvements in your health and wellbeing through appropriate medical care and ongoing support.
Consultation & Review Fees
First consultation: €200
First consultation for current Menopause Clinic patients: €150
Review appointment: €100
Why Can Weight Become Harder to Manage During Perimenopause and Menopause?
Weight changes are common during perimenopause and menopause, but they are not simply the result of getting older or a lack of willpower. Changes in hormones, muscle mass, metabolism, sleep, appetite and where the body stores fat can all contribute to changes in weight and body composition.
Some women may notice that weight becomes easier to gain, particularly around the abdomen, while previous approaches to losing weight may no longer produce the same results.
These changes can be frustrating, particularly when you are already experiencing other symptoms of menopause. Understanding what may be contributing to changes in your weight is an important first step towards finding an approach that works for you.
Medical Weight Management
For some people, lifestyle changes alone may not lead to the weight loss they are hoping to achieve. Medical weight management can provide additional support for people who may benefit from prescription treatment alongside healthy lifestyle changes.
Following a medical assessment, we can discuss whether prescription weight loss medication may be appropriate for you. This may include medicines known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which can help regulate appetite and food intake and support weight loss when used as part of a comprehensive weight-management programme.
Medication is not suitable for everyone, and treatment should always be based on your individual health, medical history and circumstances. Our approach is to assess your needs carefully and discuss the potential benefits, risks and expectations before treatment is started.
Where medication is prescribed, ongoing monitoring and follow-up are an important part of the process. This allows your progress to be reviewed, any concerns or side effects to be discussed, and your treatment to be managed appropriately.
How Do GLP-1 Weight Loss Medicines Work?
GLP-1 medicines are a type of prescription medication that can support weight loss by helping to regulate appetite and how much you eat.
GLP-1 is a hormone that is naturally produced in the body. It plays an important role in regulating appetite, food intake and blood sugar levels. GLP-1 medicines work by mimicking some of the effects of this naturally occurring hormone.
They can help you feel fuller for longer, reduce hunger and make it easier to manage food intake. Some GLP-1 medicines also slow the movement of food through the stomach, which can contribute to a greater feeling of fullness after eating.
When prescribed appropriately, these medicines are used alongside healthy eating and physical activity as part of a wider weight-management programme. They are not intended to replace healthy lifestyle habits.
Your suitability for treatment will be assessed by a medical professional, taking into account your health, medical history, current medications and individual circumstances.
Who May Be Suitable for Treatment?
Prescription weight loss medication is not suitable for everyone. Whether medical weight management is appropriate will depend on your individual health, medical history, current medications and weight-management goals.
During your assessment, we will consider your overall health and discuss any factors that may affect your suitability for treatment. This may include your weight and body mass index (BMI), existing health conditions, previous approaches to weight management and any medicines you are currently taking.
We will also discuss your expectations and what you hope to achieve from treatment. If medication is considered appropriate, you will be given information about the available options, how they work, potential benefits and possible side effects.
If prescription medication is not appropriate for you, we can discuss other approaches to supporting your weight and overall health.
Medical assessment is an important first step
What Happens at Your Consultation?
Your first appointment is an opportunity to discuss your weight-management goals and understand whether medical weight management is appropriate for you.
We will take the time to understand your individual circumstances and review the factors that may be affecting your weight. This includes discussing your medical history, current health, medications and previous approaches to weight management.
Your consultation may include:
1. Discussing your goals
We will talk about what you would like to achieve and any concerns or difficulties you have experienced with managing your weight.
2. Reviewing your health
Your medical history, current medications, existing health conditions and other relevant health factors will be considered as part of your assessment.
3. Discussing your options
We will explain the treatment options available, including prescription medication where appropriate.
4. Agreeing your treatment plan
If appropriate, we will agree a personalised treatment plan and answer any questions you may have.
Ongoing Support
Weight management is an ongoing process, and regular follow-up can help you stay on track and make sure your treatment continues to be appropriate for you.
If you are prescribed medication, we will monitor your progress and discuss how you are responding to treatment. We can also review any side effects or concerns and make adjustments where appropriate.
We will support you with practical advice around healthy eating, physical activity and other lifestyle factors that can help you achieve and maintain your weight management goals.
Your treatment will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains appropriate for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are GLP-1 weight loss medicines?
Are GLP-1 medicines suitable for everyone?
Do I need a medical assessment before starting treatment?
How much weight can I expect to lose?
How long will I need to take weight loss medication?
Do weight loss medicines have side effects?
Do I need to change my diet and exercise habits?
Can I take weight loss medication during menopause?
Some women may be suitable for medical weight-management treatment during perimenopause or menopause. Your suitability will depend on your individual health and medical circumstances. If you are also experiencing menopause symptoms, our Menopause Clinic can provide further assessment and support.
Can I take weight loss medication alongside other medicines?
What happens if I stop taking weight loss medication?
Where is the Femplus Weight Management Service based?
The Femplus Weight Management Service is provided from our clinic in Dublin 15. If you would like to find out more about the service or arrange a consultation, please contact the Femplus team.
How much does the Femplus Weight Management Service cost?
The first consultation is €200. For current Femplus Menopause Clinic patients, the first consultation is €150. Follow-up review appointments are €100.