Weight Loss Isn’t Just About Dieting – Here’s What Really Works

Written by Rahul PuriSuperintendent Pharmacist, MPharm, PgDip, PgCert IP

Medically reviewed 7 October 2026

image by Freepik

Weight management involves more than following a short-term diet. A useful plan considers eating patterns, activity, health, medicines, practical circumstances and the support you can sustain. Difficulty losing weight does not automatically mean you need an injection.

Look at the barriers before choosing the solution

Ask what makes your current plan difficult. Is it hunger, shift work, food availability, pain, low mood, a health condition or advice that does not fit daily life? A specific difficulty gives a clinician or dietitian something useful to address.

A restrictive plan that is hard to maintain should not be treated as proof of personal failure. Describe what you have tried and what happened, including any history of disordered eating.

Build a practical review

Record a typical day of eating, activity and the issues you want help with. Bring your medicines list and relevant health history. The aim is to understand your situation, not to score how closely you followed a generic menu.

Where can treatment fit?

NHS guidance on weight management describes behavioural support, medicines and surgery as different options for different circumstances. A prescription decision requires assessment. Medication does not remove the need to discuss nutrition, side effects and a longer-term plan.

If you already receive treatment, follow your own instructions. Do not compensate for a missed dose or alter your schedule based on general online advice. Ask your prescriber when something is unclear.

What should progress include?

Use the goals agreed with your healthcare professional. Discuss whether the plan is manageable, whether you can eat adequately, how you feel and what support is missing. Persistent or severe symptoms need advice rather than pressure to push through.

Ask Rahul

Rahul Puri | Pharmacist

Weight management and practical ongoing support

What should I do when another diet has not worked for me?

Bring the details of what made it difficult. That is more useful than starting another rigid plan or assuming you need a particular medicine. The next step should address your health and the barriers you are actually facing.

Read about Puri’s weight-management assessment to understand the process.