Weight loss program Singapore

Ozempic is a prescription medication (semaglutide) initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes, but it has gained fame as an effective weight loss aid as well. It’s a GLP-1 agonist, so it helps weight loss by curbing your appetite and making you feel full sooner and longer after meals. Essentially, Ozempic causes you to eat less without the torture of constant hunger. In people with obesity (even those without diabetes), this leads to significant weight reduction over time. For patients with type 2 diabetes, Ozempic offers a double benefit: it improves blood sugar control and reduces weight. It does so by increasing insulin production and decreasing the liver’s sugar output, on top of slowing digestion. Many patients with obesity and diabetes struggle because high blood sugar and excess weight feed into each other; Ozempic helps break this cycle by tackling both issues. In clinical trials, adults on Ozempic lost substantially more weight than those on placebo – one study showed an average of about 5–6% of body weight lost over a year (versus ~1–2% with placebo) in people with diabetesofnoah.sg. Higher-dose semaglutide (Wegovy) in non-diabetic obese individuals yielded even greater losses (see Wegovy below). In short, Ozempic “tricks” your body into feeling full and satisfied with less foodofnoah.sg, which is immensely helpful for both obesity and diabetes management. It’s typically administered as a once-weekly injection. Patients are closely monitored by a doctor during treatment to ensure safe dosage escalation and to manage any side effects (like nausea). Ozempic has been a game-changer for many – it’s one of the reasons GLP-1 medications are now recognized as a powerful tool for obesity alongside their diabetic benefits.

Wegovy is a high-dose semaglutide injection (2.4 mg weekly) specifically approved and marketed for weight loss. In essence, it’s the same active ingredient as Ozempic, but at a higher dose and dedicated to chronic weight management. Wegovy has been approved by Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) as of 2023 for adults with obesity, or overweight individuals with weight-related health conditionshsa.gov.sghsa.gov.sg. It is indeed available in Singapore via doctor’s prescription as a weight loss injection. Patients administer Wegovy once a week using a pre-filled pen. In terms of results, Wegovy has shown some of the most impressive outcomes ever seen with a weight loss medication: clinical trials found that adults on Wegovy lost around 15% of their body weight on average over 68 weekswegovy.com. About a third of patients lost 20% or more of their weight in that timeframewegovy.com – truly life-changing results for many. (By comparison, most older-generation weight loss drugs lead to ~5–10% loss.) These outcomes make Wegovy a breakthrough for obesity treatment. In Singapore, the medication isn’t cheap – it costs roughly S$350–$500 for a month’s supply (4 weekly injections) – but many find it worth the investment in their health. Wegovy should always be used under medical supervision, and it’s meant to be combined with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise. In summary: Yes, Wegovy is available in Singapore and has become a very sought-after option for patients struggling with weight, given its effectiveness. If you meet the medical criteria for it, our clinic can prescribe Wegovy and guide you through the treatment safely.

Rybelsus is another form of semaglutide, but the key difference is how you take it: Rybelsus comes as an oral tablet, whereas Ozempic and Wegovy are injections. All three are GLP-1 agonists (semaglutide) and work similarly in the body – helping control appetite, slow gastric emptying, and improve insulin sensitivity. However, Rybelsus is currently approved in Singapore for treating diabetes (to improve blood sugar control), and any weight loss from it is considered a secondary benefit. In practice, doctors do sometimes use Rybelsus “off-label” for weight management in patients who prefer a pill, but it’s not officially a weight-loss drug. In terms of effectiveness, Rybelsus tends to be a bit less potent for weight loss compared to the injectable semaglutide options. The weight loss potential with Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) is on the order of ~5–8% of body weight, according to studiesadvantagemedical.sg. With Ozempic (the lower-dose weekly injection) patients might lose around 10–15%, and with Wegovy (the higher-dose injection) about 15–20% or moreadvantagemedical.sg. The reason for this difference isn’t fully that the medicine is oral vs injectable, but more about the dosage – Wegovy delivers a higher exposure of the drug. That said, Rybelsus can be very useful for those who cannot tolerate injections. One must take Rybelsus pills daily (on an empty stomach with water, and wait 30 minutes before eating) and adhere to specific instructions for it to absorb properly. Cost-wise, Rybelsus in Singapore ranges from about S$180 to $400 per month depending on the dose, which is somewhat cheaper per month than Wegovy. In summary, Rybelsus is an oral semaglutide primarily for diabetes management, with moderate weight loss effects, whereas Ozempic/Wegovy are injectable semaglutide options explicitly or more powerfully geared for weight loss. Your doctor might recommend Rybelsus if you have milder weight issues or strong needle aversion, but for larger weight loss goals, an injection might be preferred.

Panbesy (phentermine) and Ozempic (semaglutide) are very different in terms of how long they’re intended to be used. Panbesy, as an appetite suppressant stimulant, is not meant for long-term use – it’s usually prescribed for a few weeks to a few months at mostfitday.com. This is because over time your body can become accustomed to phentermine’s effects (reducing its benefit), and prolonged use raises the risk of side effects (like high blood pressure, heart palpitations, or insomnia)fitday.com. Essentially, Panbesy is a short-term kick-start to help lose an initial amount of weight, after which it’s typically tapered off.

Ozempic/Wegovy, on the other hand, are designed for long-term, chronic weight management – obesity is viewed as a chronic condition, and these GLP-1 medications can be used for months to years under medical supervisionhsa.gov.sg. Studies have followed patients on semaglutide for 2+ years, showing sustained weight loss benefits and manageable safety profiles. In fact, to maintain the weight loss, patients generally need to continue the medication (much like how one would treat blood pressure or diabetes long-term). Regarding safety, the common side effects (like nausea or diarrhea) tend to be mild and occur early (see FAQ on side effects). There are some rare risks with long-term GLP-1 use, such as pancreatitis or gallbladder issues, and a theoretical risk of thyroid C-cell tumors (found in rodent studies)advantagemedical.sg. However, in human use so far, we haven’t seen significant thyroid problems – it’s mostly a precaution. Overall, the consensus in the medical community is that GLP-1 agonists (like Ozempic/Wegovy) can be used safely long-term for those who need them, with ongoing monitoring. Doctors will typically schedule regular check-ins to ensure things like your blood sugar, pancreas, and gallbladder remain healthy while on these meds. In summary: Panbesy = short-term only, Ozempic/Wegovy = suitable for long-term use as needed. Any long-term treatment should be doctor-guided, with periodic evaluations to ensure continued safety and effectiveness.

Weight loss medications can yield varying degrees of results, depending on the type of medication and the individual. The newer class of GLP-1 agonists (such as semaglutide in Wegovy) have demonstrated the most significant outcomes. In clinical trials, patients on Wegovy lost about 15% of their body weight on average over ~16 monthswegovy.com. To put that in perspective, an 100 kg person might lose ~15 kg. Moreover, a large portion of patients achieved even greater losses – about 48% of adults lost at least 15% of their weight, and roughly 1 in 3 adults lost 20% or more of their weight with Wegovywegovy.comwegovy.com. These are life-changing numbers that were previously attainable only with surgery. By contrast, the older medications or other therapies tend to produce more modest weight reduction. For example, the appetite suppressant Panbesy might help you lose on the order of 5–10% of your initial weight in the first few months of usesienahealth.com. So a 100 kg person might lose 5–10 kg with Panbesy after 2–3 months, especially if combined with diet changes. Some individuals do exceed this (Panbesy’s effect can sometimes reach ~15% loss with diligent diet and exercise over 6 months), but many will plateau at around 5-10% before the drug is discontinued.

Other medications fall somewhere in between. Xenical (orlistat), for instance, often results in ~5–10% weight loss over 6 months to a year. Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) might give around 5–8% loss as noted earlier. It’s important to remember these percentages are averages – individual results can vary widely. Some people respond exceptionally well and lose much more; others lose less. Your starting weight matters too (larger individuals might lose more absolute kilograms). Also, these numbers assume you are also following the recommended diet and exercise program along with taking the medication. Medications like Wegovy show their best results when combined with lifestyle changes. Finally, weight loss is usually gradual: you can expect a steady downward trend with some plateaus. For example, with Wegovy or Ozempic, many patients lose a significant amount in the first 6 months, and then more slowly thereafter. With Panbesy, a chunk of weight may come off in the initial 8–12 weeks, then maintenance becomes key. Your doctor will set a realistic goal with you – often an initial 5–10% loss is targeted, and if you achieve that, they may aim for another 5–10% depending on your health needswegovy.com. The good news is that losing even 5–10% of your weight confers big health benefits (see next FAQ on health improvements), and these medications can help you get there more effectively than lifestyle alone in many cases.

What is the cost of weight loss treatments like Ozempic (Wegovy) or Rybelsus in Singapore?
The cost can vary depending on the medication and dose, but here are some rough figures (as of current Singapore pricing). Wegovy – the once-weekly semaglutide injection for weight loss – costs about S$350 to S$500 per month for a full supply (four doses). Its sister drug Ozempic (semaglutide for diabetes, often used off-label for weight at lower doses) is in a similar price range per month, roughly S$300–$400 (since Ozempic pens are dosed differently). Rybelsus (oral semaglutide tablets) is a bit cheaper per month – approximately S$180 to S$400 per month in Singapore, depending on whether you’re on the 3 mg, 7 mg, or 14 mg dose. For other medications: Panbesy (phentermine) is relatively affordable at around S$80 for a month’s supply. Xenical (orlistat) runs about S$120 to S$160 per month for the typical dosage. These costs are usually not covered by insurance if the medication is used for weight loss (insurance coverage in Singapore for weight management is rare, unless you have a specific medical condition like morbid obesity with complications – even then, medications are often out-of-pocket).

In addition to medication costs, keep in mind the clinic fees. An initial consultation might cost something (varies by clinic), and follow-up review consultations or nutritional counseling sessions may have fees. Some clinics offer package deals or programs that bundle doctor visits and certain services. At our clinic, we are transparent about pricing – during your first visit, we can give you a clear breakdown of the expected monthly cost based on the plan (medications + any adjunct therapies like acupuncture). As a ballpark, many patients investing in a comprehensive medical weight loss program might spend on the order of a few hundred dollars per month in total. It’s certainly an investment in your health. We do our best to ensure it’s cost-effective (for example, using generic options if available, or suggesting lifestyle substitutions that save money). Always feel free to discuss cost considerations with your provider; sometimes we can adjust the approach (e.g., use a lower dose or a different medication) to fit your budget if needed, while still helping you reach your goals.

A specialized weight loss clinic will typically provide ongoing, comprehensive support throughout your journey. This is a big advantage of enrolling in a program versus trying to lose weight solo. Here’s what you can expect in terms of support: regular follow-up appointments (often monthly, or more frequently at the start) where the medical team checks your progress – weight, measurements, vital signs, and how you’re feeling. During these check-ins, the doctor can adjust your plan as needed: for example, modifying medication dosage, switching medications if you’re having side effects, or tweaking your calorie targets. They’ll also review any lab tests with you (perhaps done at baseline and at intervals to track things like blood sugar, cholesterol, etc.). This medical monitoring ensures that you lose weight safely and addresses any health issues that arise.

Beyond the medical adjustments, a good clinic will offer behavioral and emotional support. Weight loss isn’t just physical – it’s mental too. Our clinic’s team, for instance, provides encouragement and accountability. We often ask patients to keep food logs or use apps, and we review these together to celebrate successes and identify areas to improve. We give practical advice on meal planning, dining out, and overcoming common hurdles (like cravings or social eating events). Some clinics have dietitians, nutritionists, or health coaches on staff who might conduct sessions with you. Others might offer support groups or educational workshops. While our program is medically supervised by a doctor, we also integrate coaching – e.g., tips to handle stress eating, how to increase activity if you have a busy schedule, etc. Accountability is a big part of support: knowing you have a check-in coming often motivates patients to stay on track, and if you slipped up, we help you get back up without judgment. Additionally, we provide access for questions between appointments. Patients can usually phone or message the clinic if they’re unsure about something (for example, “Is this side effect normal?” or “I’m traveling – how do I manage my diet?”). Having that lifeline is reassuring. In summary, a weight loss clinic walks alongside you on the journey – adjusting the roadmap, cheering you on, and troubleshooting difficulties. This kind of wraparound support greatly increases the likelihood of achieving your weight loss goals and maintaining them, as compared to going it alone. Our clinic prides itself on being a partner in our patients’ success: when you join our program, you’re never alone in facing the challenges of weight loss.

Can people who are not obese but just want to lose a few kilograms use these treatments?
In general, prescription weight loss treatments are intended for individuals who are overweight or obese, not for those who are only mildly above their ideal weightsienahealth.com. If you only have a few kilograms to lose (say, for aesthetic or fitness reasons) and you’re otherwise in the healthy weight range, doctors will usually not prescribe potent weight loss medications. These drugs come with costs and potential side effects that aren’t justified if the health benefit is minimal. In Singapore, as in most places, the ethical and medical guidelines suggest reserving medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Panbesy for patients who meet the BMI criteria (or have clear medical needs for them). In fact, as noted above, all medical weight loss treatments are for people who are overweight or obese, per definitionsienahealth.com. So if someone is, say, BMI 22 and just wants to get leaner for personal reasons, the answer is: focus on diet and exercise rather than medications.

That said, there are some case-by-case nuances. If an individual is not obese but is at the high end of the “overweight” category, or has a strong family history of diabetes and is gaining weight, a doctor might consider a pharmacological aid early, to prevent further weight gain. Also, some people have weight distributed in a way that isn’t reflected by BMI (e.g., normal BMI but high body fat and metabolic issues – sometimes called “TOFI: thin outside, fat inside”). In such cases, a physician might use judgement. But for the most part, if you “just want to lose a few kilos,” the recommended approach is good old-fashioned lifestyle modification – perhaps with guidance from a nutritionist or personal trainer. Acupuncture or other light-touch interventions could be considered as well for someone who is already near a healthy weight and just wants a boost in cutting a small amount of fat. Keep in mind also that some medications like orlistat (Xenical) are sometimes used in people who aren’t severely overweight but want a little help – orlistat is available over-the-counter in some countries (at a lower dose as Alli) for adults with BMI ≥25. So, there is a precedent for using certain milder aids in people who are just moderately overweight. But for fitness-conscious individuals who maybe want to go from, say, 25% body fat to 20%, prescriptions like semaglutide or phentermine are generally not the route to go unless a doctor identifies a medical necessity. The best course is to consult a healthcare professional about your weight concerns – they can help rule out any underlying issues that might be affecting your weight (like hormonal imbalances) and then guide you on effective non-pharmacological strategies. In summary, if you’re not medically overweight, you likely won’t be prescribed aggressive weight loss drugs. Instead, you’d be guided toward nutrition, exercise, and possibly behavioral strategies to safely trim those last few kilograms.

The most common side effects of GLP-1 agonist medications (such as Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus) are gastrointestinal issues. Many patients experience some nausea when they first start the medicationofnoah.sg. This can range from mild queasiness to, in some cases, vomiting (though severe vomiting is less common). Along with nausea, diarrhea is a frequently reported side effect; conversely some people get constipation instead – essentially, any change in GI motility can occur as your body adjustsofnoah.sg. You might also feel bloating or slight indigestion. Typically, these symptoms are worst in the beginning or right after a dose increase, and they tend to improve over time (as your body adapts, the nausea and bowel changes usually ease up)ofnoah.sg. Eating smaller, lighter meals and avoiding very fatty foods at the start can help minimize nausea. Other common side effects include loss of appetite (by design, you eat less, which is part of how it works) and sometimes a bit of fatigue or headache in the initial weeks.

It’s worth noting that these medications are generally well-tolerated once you get past the adjustment phase, but they do have a few rare but serious side effects to be aware of. One is the risk of pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas. It’s uncommon, but if you have severe persistent stomach pain while on a GLP-1, you’d need to see a doctor promptly. Another potential issue is gallstones/gallbladder problems, which can occur with any rapid weight loss and have been observed in some patients on semaglutide as welladvantagemedical.sg. There is also a theoretical risk for thyroid C-cell tumors (including a type of thyroid cancer) – this was seen in rodent studies of GLP-1 drugs, but not observed in humans; as a precaution, people with a personal or family history of a specific thyroid cancer (MEDullary thyroid carcinoma) or MEN2 syndrome are advised not to use these drugsadvantagemedical.sg. In terms of day-to-day side effects, besides GI issues, a minority of patients report things like dizziness, burping, or injection-site reactions (for the shots). Most patients, however, tolerate GLP-1 medications quite well. The dose-escalation schedule (starting low and increasing gradually) is designed to minimize side effects. In our clinic, we monitor patients closely – if side effects like nausea are significant, we can pause at a dose or prescribe remedies (like anti-nausea medicine or simple tips like ginger tea) to help. The good news is that for many, the side effects are mild and transient. It’s a trade-off for the benefits of appetite control and weight loss. When starting a GLP-1, your doctor will brief you on what to expect and how to manage it. And if someone truly cannot tolerate the medication, we’d explore alternative treatments. But overall, aside from tummy troubles in the beginning, Ozempic and Wegovy are considered safe and the side effects manageable for most peopleofnoah.sg – especially under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

How do I get started with a medical weight loss program in Singapore?
Getting started is straightforward: the first step is to schedule a consultation with a doctor or clinic that specializes in weight management. In Singapore, you typically do not need a referral to see a weight loss doctor – you can contact the clinic directly to book an appointment. During the initial consultation, the doctor will evaluate your health and weight status to see if you’re a suitable candidate for medical treatmentsienahealth.com. This evaluation may include taking your medical history (discussing any conditions like diabetes, etc.), current medications, and doing some basic health checks (measuring weight, BMI, blood pressure, maybe blood tests for glucose/cholesterol). Be prepared to talk about your past weight loss attempts and your goals. Based on this assessment, the doctor will outline a recommended program for you. If you meet the criteria for weight loss medication, the doctor might suggest options like Ozempic/Wegovy, or others, and explain how they work and the costs involved. They’ll also describe the necessary lifestyle changes and any other components (for example, some clinics, like ours, incorporate dietary counseling, exercise guidance, and even acupuncture as part of the program).

Once you agree on a plan, you’ll typically undergo any necessary baseline tests (for instance, a blood test or ECG if needed) and then start the treatment under supervision. The clinic will give you instructions for any medications (how to inject Wegovy, when to take pills like Rybelsus or Panbesy, etc.) and set up a schedule for follow-ups. Starting a program often feels exciting and a bit daunting, but your clinic will guide you step by step. For example, at our clinic, after the first consult, we provide written instructions and a starter kit for the first week, and we make sure you know how to contact us if you have questions once you go home. To initiate this process, simply reach out to a reputable weight loss clinic in Singapore – you can call the clinic’s appointment line or sometimes book online or via WhatsApp (many clinics are tech-friendly). When you contact us, we’ll typically ask a few preliminary questions and then set you up with an appointment with our doctor. From that point on, we’ll partner with you throughout your weight loss journey. Remember, the key is taking that first step of seeking professional help. It can be as easy as saying, “I’m interested in a weight management program” when you call – our staff will know how to get you started on the path to a healthier weight!sienahealth.com