Complex Severe Obesity
Specialist Assessment & Treatment

Complex Severe Obesity
Specialist Assessment & Treatment

If you are living with severe obesity and have multiple medical conditions, previous unsuccessful weight loss attempts, concerns about weight loss medications, you are not achieving the results you expected from GLP-1 treatments…specialist assessment may help.

At The London Obesity Clinic, our consultant endocrinologist provides expert assessment and management of complex obesity. We help patients who require more than standard weight loss advice, including those with diabetes, thyroid disorders, hormonal conditions, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnoea, mobility limitations, and medication-related challenges.

If you are living with severe obesity and have multiple medical conditions, previous unsuccessful weight loss attempts, concerns about weight loss medications, you are not achieving the results you expected from GLP-1 treatments…specialist assessment may help.

At The London Obesity Clinic, our consultant endocrinologist provides expert assessment and management of complex obesity. We help patients who require more than standard weight loss advice, including those with diabetes, thyroid disorders, hormonal conditions, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnoea, mobility limitations, and medication-related challenges.

What Is Complex Severe Obesity?

Complex severe obesity refers to obesity that is complicated by one or more additional medical, hormonal, psychological, or medication-related factors.

This may include:

BMI above 35 kg/m² with multiple obesity-related complications like

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Prediabetes
  • Sleep apnoea
  • High blood pressure
  • Fatty liver disease
  • Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (previously called as PCOS)
  • Thyroid disorders
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Reduced mobility
  • Chronic pain or arthritis
  • Emotional eating behaviour
  • Weight regain after previous treatment
  • Very high BMI above 40 or 50 kg/m² and above
  • Weight regain after bariatric surgery
  • Not losing weight with Wegovy or Mounjaro
  • GLP-1 medication for people on multiple medications(To rule out drug interactions)

    For many people, obesity is a chronic medical condition requiring specialist management rather than simply dietary advice.

    In some people, Body Mass Index (BMI) may be low but they still may be suffering from complex, severe obesity and they need to seek medical help.

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Prediabetes
  • Sleep apnoea
  • High blood pressure
  • Fatty liver disease
  • Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (previously called as PCOS)
  • Thyroid disorders
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Reduced mobility
  • Chronic pain or arthritis
  • Emotional eating behaviour
  • Weight regain after previous treatment
  • Very high BMI above 40 or 50 kg/m² and above
  • Weight regain after bariatric surgery
  • Not losing weight with Wegovy or Mounjaro
  • GLP-1 medication for people on multiple medications(To rule out drug interactions)


For many people, obesity is a chronic medical condition requiring specialist management rather than
simply dietary advice.

In some people, Body Mass Index (BMI) may be low but they still may be suffering from complex, severe obesity and they need to seek medical help.

When Standard Weight Loss Treatments
Are Not Enough or Appropriate

Many patients come to us after trying multiple approaches including:

  • Commercial weight loss programmes
  • Diet and exercise plans
  • Weight loss medications
  • Bariatric surgery
  • Private online prescribing services

Despite significant effort, weight loss may be limited or difficult to maintain.

This often occurs because obesity is influenced by complex Biological, Hormonal, Metabolic,

Genetic, Psychological & Environmental factors that requires specialist evaluation.

When Standard Weight Loss Treatments
Are Not Enough or Appropriate

Many patients come to us after trying multiple approaches including:

  • Commercial weight loss programmes
  • Diet and exercise plans
  • Weight loss medications
  • Bariatric surgery
  • Private online prescribing services

Despite significant effort, weight loss may be limited or difficult to maintain.

This often occurs because obesity is influenced by complex Biological, Hormonal, Metabolic,

Genetic, Psychological & Environmental factors that requires specialist evaluation.

GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual incretin therapies have transformed obesity treatment. However, they are not suitable for everyone.

Expert Assessment Before GLP-1 Weight Loss Medication is mandatory

Many patients have concerns such as:

  • Is Mounjaro (tirzepatide) or Wegovy (semaglutide) safe for me?
  • Can I take GLP-1 medication alongside my current medications?
  • Will treatment affect my thyroid condition?
  • Can I take Mounjaro or Wegovy with Monoclonal antibodies?
  • Can I take Mounjaro or Wegovy with anti HIV medications?
  • Is it safe if I have heart disease, liver problem or kidney disease?
  • What happens if I have multiple medical conditions?
  • What are the long-term risks and benefits?

Our consultant endocrinologist and doctors provide a comprehensive medical assessment before treatment recommendations are made.

We carefully review:

  • Existing medical conditions
  • Current medications
  • Hormonal disorders
  • Previous weight loss treatments
  • Family history
  • Potential medication interactions
  • Risks and benefits of treatment

     

The goal is to ensure treatment is both safe and effective for your individual circumstances.

GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual incretin therapies have transformed obesity treatment. However, they are not suitable for everyone.

Expert Assessment Before GLP-1 Weight Loss Medication is mandatory

Many patients have concerns such as:

  • Is Mounjaro (tirzepatide) or Wegovy (semaglutide) safe for me?
  • Can I take GLP-1 medication alongside my current medications?
  • Will treatment affect my thyroid condition?
  • Can I take Mounjaro or Wegovy with Monoclonal antibodies?
  • Can I take Mounjaro or Wegovy with anti HIV medications?
  • Is it safe if I have heart disease, liver problem or kidney disease?
  • What happens if I have multiple medical conditions?
  • What are the long-term risks and benefits?

Our consultant endocrinologist and doctors provide a comprehensive medical assessment before treatment recommendations are made.

We carefully review:

Existing medical conditions

Current medications

Hormonal disorders

Previous weight loss treatments

Family history

Potential medication interactions

Risks and benefits of treatment

The goal is to ensure treatment is both safe and effective for your individual circumstances.

Already Taking GLP-1 Medication But Not Losing Weight?

Not everyone responds to GLP-1 medication in the same way.

Research shows that 10-15% of patients will not lose weight with wegovy or mounjaro.

You may benefit from specialist review if:

  • Weight loss has plateaued
  • Weight loss is slower than expected
  • Side effects are limiting treatment
  • You are unsure whether the dose is appropriate for you
  • You have stopped losing weight despite treatment
  • You are regaining weight while taking medication

    There are often identifiable reasons why progress stalls.

Not everyone responds to GLP-1 medication in the same way.

Research shows that 10-15% of patients will not lose weight with wegovy or mounjaro.

You may benefit from specialist review if:

  • Weight loss has plateaued
  • Weight loss is slower than expected
  • Side effects are limiting treatment
  • You are unsure whether the dose is appropriate for you
  • You have stopped losing weight despite treatment
  • You are regaining weight while taking medication

    There are often identifiable reasons why progress stalls.

Our Endocrinologist/Doctors can assess whether factors such as insulin resistance, medication interactions,
hormonal conditions, dietary patterns, muscle loss, sleep disorders, or other medical issues may be contributing.

Weight Regain After GLP-1 Treatment

Weight regain can occur during or after treatment with weight loss medication.

82% regained at least a quarter of the weight they had lost a year after stopping Mounjaro.

This does not mean treatment has failed or you have done something wrong

Obesity is a chronic relapsing condition, and weight regain often reflects biological
mechanisms that increase hunger and reduce energy expenditure.

Specialist assessment can help identify:

  • Why weight regain is occurring
  • Whether medication adjustments are
    required
  • Whether additional treatments should
    be considered
  • Strategies to improve long-term weight
    maintenance

Weight Regain After GLP-1 Treatment

Weight regain can occur during or after treatment with weight loss medication.

82% regained at least a quarter of the weight they had lost a year after stopping Mounjaro.

This does not mean treatment has failed or you have done something wrong

Obesity is a chronic relapsing condition, and weight regain often reflects biological
mechanisms that increase hunger and reduce energy expenditure.

Specialist assessment can help identify:

  • Why weight regain is occurring
  • Whether medication adjustments are
    required
  • Whether additional treatments should
    be considered
  • Strategies to improve long-term weight
    maintenance

Conditions Commonly Seen in Our Clinic

We frequently assess patients with:

  • Severe obesity
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Prediabetes
  • Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (previously called as PCOS)
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Infertility
  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • Sleep apnoea
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Fatty liver disease
  • Cardiovascular risk factors
  • Weight regain following bariatric surgery
  • Weight regain following GLP-1 medication
  • Monogenic obesity

Conditions Commonly Seen in Our Clinic

We frequently assess patients with:

  • Severe obesity
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Prediabetes
  • Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (previously called as PCOS)
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Infertility
  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • Sleep apnoea
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Fatty liver disease
  • Cardiovascular risk factors
  • Weight regain following bariatric surgery
  • Weight regain following GLP-1 medication
  • Monogenic obesity

Why Should you see an Endocrinologist for Obesity?

Obesity is influenced by hormones that regulate:

  • Hunger
  • Fullness
  • Insulin
  • Blood sugar
  • Energy expenditure
  • Fat storage

An endocrinologist specialises in the hormonal and metabolic systems that contribute to weight gain and
difficulty losing weight.

This specialist expertise is particularly valuable when obesity occurs alongside multiple medical conditions or
when treatment outcomes are not meeting expectations.

Why Should you see an Endocrinologist for Obesity?

Obesity is influenced by hormones that regulate:

  • Hunger
  • Fullness
  • Insulin
  • Blood sugar
  • Energy expenditure
  • Fat storage

An endocrinologist specialises in the hormonal and metabolic systems that contribute to weight gain and
difficulty losing weight.

This specialist expertise is particularly valuable when obesity occurs alongside multiple medical conditions or
when treatment outcomes are not meeting expectations.

Our Approach

We provide:

Comprehensive Medical Assessment

A detailed review of your
weight history, health
conditions, medications,
and previous treatments.

Personalised Treatment
Planning

Treatment
recommendations based
on your medical profile and
goals.

Medication Review by a
doctor

Assessment of whether
GLP-1 medications or
alternative treatments are
appropriate and safe.

Long-Term Weight
Managemen

Our strategies focus on
sustainable weight loss
and weight maintenance
for the long run.

Ongoing Specialist
Support

Regular follow-up to
optimise treatment and
address challenges as they
arise.

FAQ’s

What is complex obesity?

Complex obesity refers to obesity that is affected by additional medical, hormonal,
psychological, or medication-related factors that make management more challenging.

Please see above for the list of conditions, which are classified as complex severe obesity.

Should I see a specialist before starting Mounjaro or Semaglutide or other GLP-1 medication?

Many people can safely use GLP-1 medication. However, specialist review may be beneficial if you have multiple
medical conditions, take several medications, have a history of endocrine disorders, or have concerns about safety.

Can GLP-1 medications interact with other medicines?

Potential interactions can occur because GLP-1 medications affect gastric emptying and may influence how
some medicines are absorbed. A specialist review can help determine whether any adjustments are needed.

Why am I not losing weight on Mounjaro or Wegovy?

Several factors may contribute, including dose optimisation, underlying medical conditions, insulin resistance,
sleep disorders, medication effects, dietary factors, and biological variability in treatment response.

Why am I regaining weight despite treatment?

Weight regain is common in obesity management and may occur due to biological adaptations, changes in
treatment, medication tolerance, lifestyle factors, or underlying medical issues. Some times untreated
psychological/psychiatric conditions can also contribute to weight regain.

Can an endocrinologist help if I have already tried multiple weight loss programmes?

Yes. Endocrinologists who specialise in bariatric medicine can identify hormonal, metabolic, and medical
factors that may be contributing to weight gain or treatment resistance.

Do I need a referral?

Most patients can self-refer for assessment. Please contact the clinic for current referral requirements.

Is obesity a chronic disease?

Yes. Obesity is recognised as a chronic, relapsing medical condition that often requires ongoing management
rather than short-term treatment.

Who is suitable for assessment at our Clinic?

Adults with severe obesity, obesity-related health conditions, concerns regarding weight loss medication,
difficulty losing weight despite treatment, or weight regain after previous interventions may benefit from
specialist assessment.

FAQ’s

What is complex obesity?

Complex obesity refers to obesity that is affected by additional medical, hormonal, psychological, or medication-related factors that make management more challenging.

Please see above for the list of conditions, which are classified as complex severe obesity.

Should I see a specialist before starting Mounjaro or Semaglutide or other GLP-1 medication?

Many people can safely use GLP-1 medication. However, specialist review may be beneficial if you have multiple
medical conditions, take several medications, have a history of endocrine disorders, or have concerns about safety.

Can GLP-1 medications interact with other medicines?

Potential interactions can occur because GLP-1 medications affect gastric emptying and may influence how
some medicines are absorbed. A specialist review can help determine whether any adjustments are needed.

Why am I not losing weight on Mounjaro or Wegovy?

Several factors may contribute, including dose optimisation, underlying medical conditions, insulin resistance,
sleep disorders, medication effects, dietary factors, and biological variability in treatment response.

Why am I regaining weight despite treatment?

Weight regain is common in obesity management and may occur due to biological adaptations, changes in
treatment, medication tolerance, lifestyle factors, or underlying medical issues. Some times untreated
psychological/psychiatric conditions can also contribute to weight regain.

Can an endocrinologist help if I have already tried multiple weight loss programmes?

Yes. Endocrinologists who specialise in bariatric medicine can identify hormonal, metabolic, and medical
factors that may be contributing to weight gain or treatment resistance.

Do I need a referral?

Most patients can self-refer for assessment. Please contact the clinic for current referral requirements.

Is obesity a chronic disease?

Yes. Obesity is recognised as a chronic, relapsing medical condition that often requires ongoing management
rather than short-term treatment.

Who is suitable for assessment at our Clinic?

Adults with severe obesity, obesity-related health conditions, concerns regarding weight loss medication,
difficulty losing weight despite treatment, or weight regain after previous interventions may benefit from
specialist assessment.

Book Your Specialist Obesity Assessment

If you have complex obesity, concerns regarding GLP-1 medication, or are struggling with weight loss despite treatment, arrange a consultation with our consultant endocrinologist for a comprehensive assessment and personalised treatment plan.

Request an Appointment

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