NUTRITION ENDOCRINOLOGY C ARDIOVASCUL AR

Weight loss: the options and

the evidence
The benefits of intentional weight loss in people who are overweight are undeniable. However, the vast number
of diets, products and lifestyles marketed to consumers presents a challenge for health professionals wanting to
recommend healthy, evidence-based and sustainable interventions.

KEY PR AC TICE POINTS:

The overriding principle of weight loss is that energy intake need to rapidly lose weight (e.g. prior to surgery). The
needs to be less than energy expenditure; there is no diet must be nutritionally complete and followed for a
consistent evidence that any one calorie-restricted diet is maximum of 12 weeks (continuously or intermittently),
better than another at achieving weight loss and patients should receive ongoing clinical support.
The two most important factors when considering the Patients should then switch to a maintenance weight loss
benefit of a dietary regimen are: programme.
1. Is the diet healthy, i.e. balanced, nutritious and energy Pharmacological interventions may be considered only after
appropriate? dietary, exercise and behavioural approaches have been
2. Can the diet be maintained long-term? initiated and evaluated for people who are obese or as an
adjunct to diet and lifestyle interventions, after the potential
At least 2.5 hours of moderate intensity physical activity per harms and benefits of treatment have been reviewed
week should be included in all weight loss interventions Bariatric surgery is an effective weight loss intervention
Contrary to popular belief, rapid weight loss is not that is publicly funded for eligible people according to a
associated with an increased risk of weight regain national scoring system. It should be considered for people
compared to gradual weight loss who have not achieved or maintained adequate weight
Very low-calorie diets (< 800 kcal/d) should only be loss, despite engaging with all appropriate non-surgical
considered for people who are obese and have a clinical interventions.

www.bpac.org.nz April 2022  1

   For further information on the effect of weight loss on the
This is a revision of a previously published article.
management and remission of type 2 diabetes, see: bpac.org.
What’s new for this update:
nz/2021/diabetes-weight.aspx
Evidence supporting lifestyle interventions as
an effective strategy for the management and
  Information to support patients who are initiating a weight
remission of type 2 diabetes is now available
loss plan is available from: www.health.govt.nz/your-health/
in a separate article, see: bpac.org.nz/2021/
healthy-living/food-activity-and-sleep/healthy-weight/
diabetes-weight.aspx
help-managing-your-weight/getting-started-your-weight-
A section added on the use of a whole food
loss-plan
plant-based diets to support long-term weight
management The principles of weight management
Two new pharmacological interventions Obesity is a chronic disease that results from complex
approved in New Zealand (but not funded) for interactions between genetic, metabolic, hormonal,
weight management: behavioural and environmental factors. 6 Key lifestyle
– Liraglutide (a GLP 1 receptor agonist) interventions to promote weight loss include behaviour
– Naltrexone + bupropion change strategies, reducing calorie intake, improving
the nutritional value of the diet and increasing energy
expenditure.6 The clinical benefits of weight loss begin once
Obesity in New Zealand an overweight person loses as little as 5% of their body weight
The proportion of the New Zealand population who are and benefits increase as the ideal weight range is approached.
obese is growing. In 2020/21, over one-third of New Zealand If lifestyle interventions alone are unsuccessful, treatment
adults (1.42 million) had a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2.1 There are, however, can be stepped up to include pharmacological or surgical
marked differences in the rates of obesity for some groups; treatment.
Pacific peoples (63%) and Māori (48%) are more likely to be
obese than European/Others (29%) and Asians (16%).1 People Key aspects of weight loss management include:
living in the most deprived communities are 1.8 times as likely Optimising the management of co-morbidities and
to be obese than those living in the least deprived.1 Ongoing considering other potential causes of weight gain, e.g.
inequity in the social determinants of health is resulting in an adverse medicine effects, undiagnosed conditions or
increasing burden of obesity and obesity-related disease (e.g. psychosocial issues
type 2 diabetes) on Māori and Pacific peoples.2 Developing an individualised plan with SMARTER* goals
Studies have shown that Asian populations are at higher (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound,
risk for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and lipid levels Enjoyable and evaluate, Record and reward) and a plan
at lower BMI thresholds than other ethnic groups;3 for a fixed for review and monitoring. Lifestyle changes should
BMI, New Zealand Chinese have a higher percentage body fat be sustainable so that reductions in body weight
compared to New Zealand Europeans and Asian Indians.4 The can be maintained. Individualising management
World Health Organization proposed a lower BMI cut-off for based on cultural factors is also important to support
Asians where a BMI of 23 kg/m2 is considered overweight.3 New weight loss; for example, a review of studies relating
Zealand guidelines recommend considering a lower treatment to obesity management in New Zealand primary care
threshold for Asian patients with central/abdominal obesity.5 demonstrated that including whānau and values such
Achieving a healthy weight underpins the prevention as manaakitanga (enhancing the integrity of the person),
and management of numerous long-term health conditions.6 pātaka mātauranga (sharing knowledge that leads to
However, halting the obesity epidemic requires societal understanding and responsibility) and whanaungatanga
change. While primary health care professionals are not able (support or connectedness) aided the success of
to address all of the health determinants relating to obesity, interventions.7
on an individual level they can encourage patients to have Recommending dietary interventions that are affordable
healthy lifestyles that prevent excessive weight gain, and offer and recognise the cultural and social significance of food,
interventions and support to people who would benefit from e.g. manaakitanga in Māori culture centres on generous
a reduction in body weight. Beginning a weight loss journey hospitality often involving food, and this concept is
can be daunting; identifying and addressing any psychological shared by many other Pacific and Asian cultures
barriers to weight loss and assessing readiness to change will
Recommending behavioural interventions as appropriate,
help ensure that the lifestyle, pharmacological or surgical
e.g. encouraging regular meals and meal planning,
treatments are effective.

2  April 2022 www.bpac.org.nz

 self-monitoring, stimulus control, stress management, found that people who were advised to lose weight by a health
slowing the rate of eating, ensuring social support, professional in primary care were almost four times more
problem-solving, thought modification, relapse likely to attempt to do so than those who did not receive this
prevention and strategies to deal with weight regain.5 advice.10
If additional support is needed, referral to weight loss
support groups or counselling (depending on local Dietary approaches to weight loss
availability). Key features of calorie-restricted diets that are effective for
Recommending physical activity and exercise weight loss are summarised in Table 1. In general, the weight
interventions that are appropriate for the patient’s fitness loss efficacy of energy-matched dietary regimens with
level and encouraging an increase in intensity as their different macronutrient compositions, e.g. low carbohydrate
fitness and mobility improves (see: “Exercise should be or low-fat, is similar. However, regimens that minimise or
included in every weight loss regimen”) “forbid” the intake of particular food groups may result in
Re-framing the discussion to focus on improving the nutritional deficiencies, e.g. insufficient fibre, iron or calcium, or
management of long-term conditions, e.g. type 2 excessive intake of saturated fat. These diets are also often not
diabetes or dyslipidaemia, rather than weight loss may sustainable in the long-term or practical to manage, e.g. family
motivate patients to engage with lifestyle changes or meals may not be easy to adapt or there may be difficulties in
step treatment up to include weight loss medicines, if finding foods to match the diet when dining out or at other
indicated8 people’s homes.

* Information for patients on SMARTER goals is available here:

The two most important factors, therefore, in determining the
www.healthnavigator.org.nz/healthy-living/m/
benefit of a dietary regimen are:5,1 1
making-changes-goal-setting/
1. Is the diet healthy, i.e. balanced, nutritious and energy
appropriate?
  For further information on psychological and behavioural 2. Can the diet be maintained long-term, e.g. is it affordable,
interventions for obesity management, see: sustainable within a person’s lifestyle and with their co-
Appendix 2 in the Ministry of Health’s Clinical guidelines morbidities, and is it culturally and socially acceptable?
for weight management in New Zealand adults www.
health.govt.nz/system/files/documents/publications/ Referring to a dietitian
clinical-guidelines-for-weight-management-in-new- People with sub-optimal nutrition may benefit from a
zealand-adultsv2.pdf discussion with a dietitian. Funded consultations for people
Canadian adult obesity clinical practice guideline who are obese are generally for those with diabetes and
obesitycanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/10- uncontrolled hyperglycaemia, although referral criteria differ
Psych-Interventions-2-v3-with-links_FINAL.pdf between DHBs. Dietitians are also available privately.

Rapid weight loss is not associated with an increased risk   Contact details for local dietitians are available from:
of weight regain dietitians.org.nz
Rapid weight loss, e.g. a 10% reduction in body weight over
five weeks, is associated with the same risk of weight regain Dietary supplements: no evidence of effectiveness and
after nine months, compared to a 10% reduction in body may cause adverse effects
weight over three months.9 Therefore, even though diets that Advise people against using dietary supplements, e.g.
begin with significant calorie restriction and rapid weight loss amarasate, garcinia and other botanicals, for weight loss
may not be sustainable long-term, there is no evidence they as there is no evidence of benefit, often the safety has not
are any less successful than those involving more gradual been established and they may interact with medicines.
changes, and no more likely to cause a relapse into unhealthy Supplements may be unaffordable for many patients and can
behaviours. be associated with adverse effects such as liver failure, colitis
and gastrointestinal irritation.23 Some supplements contain
Simply advising people to lose weight makes them more caffeine or capsaicinoids that may increase energy expenditure
likely to try to promote weight loss, but can result in tachycardia or
Although it can be a confronting topic, health professionals arrhythmias, which is problematic in people with pre-existing
(including doctors, dietitians, nurses and pharmacists) should cardiac conditions.23
raise the issue of weight loss if a person is likely to benefit Similarly, there is no conclusive evidence that herbal
from a reduction in body weight. A meta-analysis of 12 studies preparations, slimming teas or high fibre tablets as appetite

www.bpac.org.nz April 2022  3

Table 1: Dietary regimens with evidence of effectiveness for weight loss or reduced cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.5

Name Description Positives Negatives

Mediterranean Three strategies: A substantial amount of supporting Serving sizes are not specified and
1. Increased consumption of short and long-term evidence, it can be difficult to estimate calorie
www.mayoclinic.org/
omega-3 fats from fish and plant including a lower risk of CVD events, intake.
healthy-lifestyle/
sources reduced triglycerides, a reduced Iron intake may be insufficient, and
nutrition-and-healthy- risk of diabetes, lower HbA1c and
eating/in-depth/ 2. Substitution of saturated and supplementation may be required.
reduced circulation of inflammatory
mediterranean-diet/ trans fats for non-hydrogenated markers12,13
art-20047801 unsaturated fats
(Recommended by the 3. Consumption of a diet high in
Ministry of Health) fruit, vegetables and whole
grains to increase fibre and
antioxidant intakes and
consumption of very few
products made from refined
grains
Vegetables and fruit are central,
monounsaturated fats are
prominent, sourced mainly from
olive oil. Includes cereals, nuts and
legumes, a moderate amount of
poultry, fish and dairy products and
little to no red meat.
Modified macronutrient

Low fat, e.g. Dietary Includes vegetables, fruits, fish, nuts Associated with lower blood Serving sizes are not specified and
approach to stop and low-fat dairy products that are pressure and a reduced risk of CVD it can be difficult to estimate calorie
naturally low in sodium. Red meat and type 2 diabetes, and improved intake
hypertension (DASH)
may be eaten in moderation. glycaemic control and blood lipid
www.mayoclinic.org/ profile.12
healthy-lifestyle/nutrition- Although not intended as a weight
and-healthy-eating/ loss programme, weight loss may
in-depth/dash-diet/ result as the diet facilitates healthier
art-20048456 meal and snack choices.
www.diabetes.co.uk/diet/
dash-diet.html
(Recommended by the
Ministry of Health)

Low (and very low) Low carbohydrate diets Associated with reductions in blood Fibre and micronutrient consumption
carbohydrate*, e.g. contain ≤ 40% of total energy pressure, triglyceride levels, HbA1c, may be inadequate, consumption of
from carbohydrates. Very low and insulin resistance.14, 15 saturated fat may be excessive.
Atkins, ketogenic†
carbohydrate diets contain < 20% Ketogenesis may cause a reduction High LDL-C as a result of ketogenic
www.mayoclinic.org/ (20 – 60 g/day).5 in appetite.13 diets may compromise artery function
healthy-lifestyle/ Red meat, poultry, fish, shellfish and worsen heart disease.16
weight-loss/in-depth/ and eggs are the primary source of
low-carb-diet/ Initial adverse effects include low
nutrition. energy levels, “brain fog”, increased
art-20045831
The saturated fat content may hunger, sleep problems, nausea,
(Very low carbohydrate be particularly high in versions digestive discomfort, bad breath and
[ketogenic] diets are not marketed as ketogenic. poor exercise performance.
recommended by the Hard to sustain in the long term and
Ministry of Health) most of the initial weight loss seen is
often associated with fluid losses.16

Paleo Focuses on foods theoretically Includes some patterns of Only a few small studies of short
eaten during early human evolution, behaviour known to be beneficial, duration have been conducted with
www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-
e.g. lean meat, fish, vegetables, e.g. drinking water, limiting refined mixed effects on weight, HbA1c and
lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-
eggs, nuts and berries, and avoids sugar. lipids.15
eating/in-depth/paleo-diet/ grains, dairy, salt, refined fats,
art-20111182 Requires the elimination of two whole
sugars and processed foods. food groups (dairy and grains). There
(Paleo diets are not recommended Often lower in carbohydrate, higher is a risk of nutrient inadequacy (e.g.
by the Ministry of Health) in protein and moderate to high fibre, calcium, iron and vitamin D) and
in fat; however, the macronutrient it may be difficult to follow. Ensuring
profile can differ substantially adequate calcium is of particular
depending on the palaeolithic concern, particularly for those at risk of
culture/region inspiring the specific osteoporosis.17
paleo diet.

* It is thought that these patterns of eating shift the body away from glucose as a source of energy and towards fatty acids and fatty-acid derived ketones,
at the same time fat storage is reduced 22
† Ketogenic diets are very low in carbohydrate and high in fat

4  April 2022 www.bpac.org.nz

 Whole food plant- Focuses on consuming foods in Long-term sustainable method of May provide insufficient daily
based diets their most natural form, e.g. grains, significant body weight reductions quantities of vitamins B12 and D, and
legumes, vegetables, fruit and nuts. despite no caloric or portion size calcium; encourage a wide variety
www.healthline.com/ Excludes heavily processed and restrictions.18 of plant-derived foods to ensure
nutrition/plant-based- refined foods and avoids or limits the diet is balanced and sustainable.
Associated with a slight raise in
diet-guide#foods-to-eat meat, eggs and dairy. Supplements may be necessary.
resting metabolic rate, reduced
www.bda.uk.com/ risk of type 2 diabetes, CVD and Vegans need to ensure a reliable source
resource/vegetarian- hypertension.18 of vitamin B12.
vegan-plant-based-diet. May be protective against insulin If excluding dairy, vegan sources
html resistance.18 of calcium or supplementation is
necessary.
Plant-based

Vegetarian or vegan Those who follow plant-based diets Vegetarian diets, including vegan Requires calorie restriction to be
are categorised as: diets, are associated with improved effective for weight loss.
www.mayoclinic.org/
Lacto-ovo vegetarian: eat dairy cardiometabolic risk factors, and a May include high amounts of saturated
healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-
foods and eggs but not meat, reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and fats, e.g. coconut oil, and processed
and-healthy-eating/ CVD.12
poultry or seafood foods high in calories, sugar and
in-depth/vegetarian-diet/
Ovo-vegetarian: include eggs sodium.
art-20046446
but avoid all other animal foods,
Vegan regimens may be low in iron,
www.bda.uk.com/ including dairy
vitamin B12, calcium and iodine and
resource/vegan-diet- Lacto-vegetarian: eat dairy foods supplementation may be required.
healthier-way.html but exclude eggs, meat, poultry
and seafood
Vegan: exclude all animal
products including dairy, eggs,
and sometimes honey

Very low energy* Typically used for rapid weight loss Reductions in BMI, blood pressure Hard to sustain and should generally
over 8 to 12 weeks prior to a weight and triglycerides can lead to long- only be used for short periods (<
www.nhs.uk/live-well/
loss maintenance programme or if term weight management, reduced 12 weeks), ideally under medical
healthy-weight/
there is clinical need to lose weight CVD risk and obesity related supervision, before switching to a
very-low-calorie-diets/ rapidly (e.g. prior to surgery).19 co-morbidities (e.g. diabetes).5 maintenance diet. No guidance on
Energy intake is usually < 3350 kJ/ May cause a reduction in appetite.20 food selection is provided; education
day (< 800 kcal/d).19 may be required to ensure healthy
Food usually replaced with a options are chosen during the weight
nutritionally balanced product (e.g. maintenance phase.
shake, soup, bar) with high protein Not appropriate for many people, e.g.
content to minimise the loss of children, pregnant women, people
lean tissue, supplemented with aged over 65 years, those with eGFR
vitamins, minerals, electrolytes and < 30 mL/min/1.73m2 or recent acute
fatty acids. coronary syndrome..5
The reduced energy intake may cause
transient adverse effects including
alopecia, tiredness, dizziness and cold
intolerance.
Regular follow ups are required which
may not be achievable for some
people or able to be offered by some
clinics; follow-up by phone may be an
appropriate solution in some cases.

Intermittent fasting* A pattern of eating that cycles Intermittent fasting is as effective Little is known about the long-term
between energy restriction and as a continuous energy restricted risks and benefits.
www.hsph.harvard.edu/
non-fasting. The most common is dietary regimen in terms of weight It is not known what the optimal
nutritionsource/healthy-weight/
the 5:2 dietary regimen where a loss.5 However, some people may timing of fasting or level of calorie
diet-reviews/intermittent-fasting/ normal calorie intake of healthy find intermittent fasting easier to restriction is to achieve maximal weight
sciencebasedmedicine.org/ food is maintained for five days per adhere to rather than reducing the loss.
intermittent-fasting/ week and substantially less eaten amount of food they eat every day.
on two days, e.g. 2100 – 2500 kJ/ Furthermore, with time restricted Some concerns that people may
day (500 – 600 kcal).5 eating, the focus is on when to eat, consume excess calories on the
not on what to eat. non-fasting days, however, studies
Time-restricted eating is another to date have not found this to be the
type of intermittent fasting that case compared to other weight loss
involves fasting for at least 12 hours methods.
every 24 hours, e.g. by abstaining
from food from 7 pm – 7 am. People with diabetes who take insulin
or sulfonylureas are at increased risk
There is no compelling evidence to of hypoglycaemia on fasting days.21
support other types of short-term Requires planning and frequent
“fasts”, e.g. the cabbage soup diet, monitoring to ensure appropriate
for long-term weight loss; many of dose adjustment on fasting days to
these diets involve extremely low reduce this risk.21 Not recommended
caloric intake, and people often for people with type 1 diabetes. Also
regain weight once a normal diet is not suitable for adolescents or during
resumed. pregnancy or breastfeeding.

www.bpac.org.nz April 2022  5

suppressants, are effective for inducing long-term weight loss,   Further information about types of physical activities
and excessive use may cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal suitable for different age groups is available from: www.health.
pain and diarrhoea.24 govt.nz/your-health/healthy-living/food-activity-and-sleep/
physical-activity
  Patient information on weight loss supplements is
available from: ods.od.nih.gov/pdf/factsheets/WeightLoss-   Diabetes New Zealand provides exercise suggestions
Consumer.pdf#search=%22chitosan%22 including activities appropriate for those with an injury or
disability, available from: www.diabetes.org.nz/type-2-
diabetes-physical-activities
Exercise should be included in every weight
loss regimen
Maintaining positive change
Exercise alone is less effective than a calorie-restricted diet
for achieving weight loss.25 However, some form of physical Following a reduction in body weight, changes in appetite-
activity should be included in every weight loss intervention regulating hormones make maintenance of weight loss
as it augments weight reduction, helps maintain weight difficult.25 The hormone ghrelin that causes hunger may remain
loss and confers additional benefits, e.g. increased muscle increased for several years and leptin, which decreases hunger,
mass and fitness, decreased central adiposity, and improved is suppressed.28 Furthermore, a person’s resting metabolic rate
cardiovascular and mental health.25, 26 slows following weight loss which also makes weight regain
Recommend that people start with exercises they enjoy, more likely.25
are familiar with and are appropriate for their age and To counteract these physiological and metabolic changes
capabilities. In general, weight bearing exercises are more people need long-term monitoring and support in primary
effective at reducing BMI than non-weight bearing exercise. care; accountability may be a motivating factor for some
For example, walking or jogging uses approximately 30% more people to maintain weight loss. A recent randomised controlled
energy over the same time period than swimming or cycling.27 trial showed that telephone follow-up after a lifestyle weight
The amount and type of exercise should be extended as loss intervention was more effective at reducing weight
fitness improves. regain than education alone. 29 While the cost and time
involved in individual telephone sessions is a major barrier to
How much physical activity is recommended? implementing this in primary care, people can be encouraged
Discussions with patients about physical activity can be guided to instigate a ‘buddy’ system or join a group to maintain (or
by the following points:11, 26 continue) their weight loss.
1. Sit less and move more, e.g. after sitting for 30 minutes,
get up from your seat and walk around Other services and groups which can help with ongoing
2. Do at least 2.5 hours of moderate activity per week*, e.g. support include:
brisk walking, swimming, playing social games/sports, Green Prescription
gardening, vacuuming, mowing the lawn. This can be Whānau Ora providers
reduced by half if it is vigorous activity*, e.g. running,
Weight loss groups: www.meetup.com/topics/
hill walking, fast cycling, aerobic dancing, competitive
weightloss/nz/
sports, carrying heavy loads, shovelling/digging.
Walking groups, e.g. Walking New Zealand: www.
3. For additional benefits increase the duration of
walkingnewzealand.co.nz/walking-groups or Parkrun
moderate to vigorous activity; all adults should be
(participants can walk, jog or run): www.parkrun.co.nz
encouraged to do more physical activity than is
recommended to balance the effects of high levels of Community fitness classes, e.g. Zumba
sedentary behaviour
Little is known about the benefits of smart phone apps
4. Perform muscle strengthening activities two days of
Smart phone apps and activity tracking devices may be useful
each week
for some people to monitor dietary intake or record (and
5. Some level of physical activity is better than none;
potentially share) the duration and intensity of exercise. In
reducing sedentary time and increasing physical activity
general, mobile health technology is associated with positive
of any intensity is beneficial
behaviour change, e.g. increased consumption of vegetables
* Moderate activity noticeably increases heart rate; vigorous activity causes and fruits and more physical activity, however, little data are
rapid breathing and a substantial increase in heart rate. Exercise intensity available on long-term effectiveness.30
is dependent on fitness level and mobility.

6  April 2022 www.bpac.org.nz

   New Zealand based nutrition/healthy eating and exercise who are at high risk of type 2 diabetes, i.e. HbA1c 41 – 49 mmol/
app reviews used are available from: www.healthnavigator. mol.40 Metformin is occasionally used to assist with weight
org.nz/apps/n/nutrition-apps/ and www.healthnavigator. loss in people with a HbA1c ≤ 40 mmol/mol (unapproved
org.nz/apps/e/exercise-apps/ indication). A recent retrospective cohort study found that
the average weight loss at six and 12 months for patients
  Nutrition Apps reviewed by a Registered Dietitian can be
with type 2 diabetes/pre-diabetes was approximately 6.5 kg
found here: dietitians.org.nz/public-info
and 7.3 kg, respectively.41 A meta-analysis demonstrated that
people who were overweight or obese without diabetes lost
Pharmacological interventions for weight 2.3 kg following the use of metformin for three to four months,
management compared to people treated with a placebo.42
There are four medicines approved for weight loss in New
Zealand (none funded; Table 2): liraglutide, phentermine,   For information on metformin dosing, adverse effects and
orlistat and naltrexone + bupropion. These medicines are interactions with other medicines, refer to the New Zealand
associated with modest weight loss which must be balanced Formulary: www.nzf.org.nz/nzf_3715
against the risk of adverse effects. Weight loss medicines can
augment the extent of weight loss beyond which dietary Surgical interventions for weight loss
and lifestyle interventions can achieve alone, and some Bariatric surgery is a major and generally irreversible
can also help to prevent weight regain.5 Current Ministry of weight loss procedure, superior to non-surgical weight loss
Health advice is that medicines for weight loss should only be interventions. Surgery is effective for motivated patients who
considered when:5 are able to maintain lifelong altered eating habits and lifestyle
Lifestyle changes have not produced clinically significant change.5 One year after bariatric surgery, weight loss can be 40
benefits after six months; and – 50 kg with significant improvements in blood pressure, lipid
The person has a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 * levels and HbA1c (including remission of diabetes), obstructive
sleep apnoea, gastro-oesophageal reflux and venous
Patients who are taking medicines for weight loss should be
circulation.5, 43 Unlike dietary or pharmacological approaches,
monitored monthly for the first three months.5 Treatment
some types of bariatric surgery may change the body fat ‘set
beyond three months should not be considered unless the
point’* such that it is permanently set at a lower level. People
patient is tolerating the medicine, a clinically significant benefit
undergoing bariatric surgery have been found to maintain their
has occurred, e.g. ≥ 5% reduction in body weight, and there are
new, lower body weight for 20 years or more and to live longer
no concerns about ongoing treatment.5
on average than individuals not receiving surgery, presumably
* Liraglutide, naltrexone + bupropion and phentermine are also indicated due to reduced health risks.43, 44 The Swedish Obese Subjects
for use in people with a BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2 if they have at least one weight
study (N = 2,010) found that compared with matched controls,
related co-morbidity, e.g. impaired glucose tolerance, hypertension,
dyslipidaemia or obstructive sleep apnoea32 those who underwent bariatric surgery had:44
A > 3-fold increase in diabetes remission rate at 10 years
Laxatives should not be used for weight loss. There is no post-surgery
evidence to support the use of over the counter or prescription
A risk reduction in overall mortality of 30% at 16 years
laxatives for weight loss.5 In general, most laxatives act on the
post-surgery
large intestine, while the majority of food processing and
ensuing calorie intake occurs in the small intestine.31 Any short- A mean reduction in body weight of 18% at 20 years
term weight reduction after taking laxatives is not sustainable post-surgery
as it is mostly due to temporary fluid loss; overuse can lead to
dehydration and electrolyte disturbances, and in some cases Certain inclusion criteria must be met before a patient is
dependence.31 considered for publicly funded bariatric surgery. Bariatric
surgery can also be accessed privately; acceptance criteria is
Metformin may be considered for people at high risk likely to vary between clinics.
of type 2 diabetes
* For further information on bariatric surgery and body
Metformin is the first-line medicine for most people with type weight set point, see: www.obesityaction.org/resources/
2 diabetes. The main actions of metformin are to decrease body-weight-set-point-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-know/
gluconeogenesis and increase peripheral utilisation of
glucose.32   For information on the referral process for bariatric surgery,
The use of metformin may contribute to weight loss and see: www.health.govt.nz/publication/clinical-guidelines-
the prevention of diabetes (unapproved indication) in people weight-management-new-zealand-adults

www.bpac.org.nz April 2022  7

Table 2: Medicines approved (but not funded) for weight loss in New Zealand.32 For information on dosing, monitoring, adverse
effects and interactions, refer to the New Zealand Formulary: www.nzf.org.nz

Mechanism of
Medicine Class Evidence Notes
action

Liraglutide Glucagon-like Reduces appetite Liraglutide, 3 mg Administered as a once daily subcutaneous injection,
(injectable) peptide 1 (GLP-1) and increases satiety daily, for 56 weeks starting at a dose of 600 micrograms, daily, and
receptor agonist* alongside healthy titrating upwards to a maintenance dose of 3 mg,
diet and physical daily.
activity achieved an Generally well-tolerated; common adverse effects
8% weight reduction include gastrointestinal disturbance, e.g. nausea,
and improvements constipation or diarrhoea.
in systolic blood Patients often regain weight over time, it is therefore
pressure, lipid recommended to continue taking this medicine for
profiles, HbA1c and at least 12 months and to continue with lifestyle
fasting glucose changes to maintain weight loss in people who
levels33 respond.34
Does not increase the incidence of CVD in people
with obesity and type 2 diabetes; provides renal
protection in people with type 2 diabetes.33
Cost of treatment may be prohibitive for many people.

Naltrexone Opioid receptor Reduces appetite Mean weight loss Generally well-tolerated, but contraindicated in
+ bupropion antagonist and increases in participants some patient groups, e.g. those with current seizure
(oral) (naltrexone) energy expenditure; who responded disorder or a history of seizures, bipolar, opiate
Selective controls food to treatment† of dependence or withdrawal. Increased risk of serotonin
noradrenaline cravings and approximately 12% syndrome when bupropion is taken with other
and dopamine modifies eating at week 56; 85% of serotonergic medicines, e.g. a SSRI.
re-uptake inhibitor behaviours these participants Nausea is a common adverse effect; it is usually
(bupropion) achieved weight transient and slow dose titration may help to manage
loss of at least 5% at this. Patients can develop elevated heart rate or blood
week 5635 pressure and these should be monitored at baseline
and then at regular intervals.36
If weight loss of at least 5% of initial body weight has
not been achieved after 16 weeks, treatment should
be discontinued.

Phentermine Dopaminergic Appetite Limited trials Indicated for short-term use only, i.e. < 3 months.
(oral) agonist suppressant assessing Contraindications include cardiac abnormalities and
phentermine as hypertension.32
a monotherapy; May have addictive potential (as it is a
15 – 40 mg induced sympathomimetic); be alert for signs of dependence.
weight loss of 3.6 –
4.5 kg at six months
without increasing
CVD or death37

Orlistat (oral) Selective pancreatic Reduces fat Modest weight loss Low-fat diet required to avoid excessive fatty or oily
lipase inhibitor digestion and (2 – 3% of total body stools.
absorption, which is weight after one Adverse effects can be significant, e.g. faecal urgency,
excreted in the stool year)33, 37 flatulence, cramps, bloating and impaired absorption
of fat-soluble vitamins. These symptoms may indicate
that the patient is eating too much fat, which may
motivate them to reduce their intake.32
Slowly titrating the dose or adding psyllium fibre to the
diet may reduce gastrointestinal adverse effects.38

* Dulaglutide, which is also a GLP-1 receptor agonist, promotes greater reductions in HbA1c than liraglutide, however, the extent of weight loss and
cardiovascular protection are similar.39 Patients may prefer to take dulaglutide because of its once weekly injectable dosing regimen, rather than the
daily dosing and titration required with liraglutide treatment. People with type 2 diabetes may be eligible for funded dulaglutide treatment and some
people who do not have diabetes may benefit from off label and unfunded use of dulaglutide for weight loss. Further information on dulaglutide is
available from: bpac.org.nz/2021/diabetes.aspx
† Defined as ≥ 5% weight loss at week 16 of treatment34

8  April 2022 www.bpac.org.nz

Supporting patients who have undergone bariatric
surgery
Patient resources:
The goal during the first one to eight weeks following bariatric
surgery is to maintain hydration and to ensure protein and Websites:
nutrient intake is sufficient to allow healing and prevent muscle The Heart Foundation has a selection of
loss while the patient returns to solid food.45 Dietitians have an approximately 400 healthy recipes available
important role in the multidisciplinary team, both before and from: www.heartfoundation.org.nz/wellbeing/
after bariatric surgery, and will help to guide this process.45 healthy-recipes
The long-term use of mineral and multivitamin A list of fibre-rich foods is available from:
supplements is recommended including iron, folic acid, nutritionfoundation.org.nz/nutrition-facts/
thiamine and vitamin B12.45 Request a full blood count and nutrients/carbohydrates/fibre
analysis of iron, vitamin B12, serum calcium, magnesium, The healthy heart visual food guide indicates the
phosphate and albumin every six months for the first two relative quantities of food groups that should be
years and then annually.45 Patients should be monitored for eaten. Versions in Te Reo Māori and several Pacific
signs of protein deficiency which can occur in the first months Island and Asian languages are available from:
after the procedure, e.g alopecia, poor wound healing, muscle www.healthnavigator.org.nz/healthy-living/h/
weakness.45 healthy-heart-visual-food-guide/
Alcohol should be avoided, or consumed in moderation,
as its metabolism may be impaired following bariatric surgery. Handouts:
Pregnancy is not recommended for at least two years.5, 45 Handouts for patients including healthy eating,
activity advice and serving size guides are available
The bottom line: weight loss requires a from: www.healthed.govt.nz/resource/healthy-
life-long commitment eating-active-living and www.nutritionandactivity.
Weight loss is a journey rather than a destination, both for govt.nz/nutrition
patients and the health professionals assisting them. The
long-term lifestyle changes needed to achieve sustainable Apps:
weight loss require continual commitment, motivation and The “My Diabetes Journey” app contains helpful
perseverance from the person themselves and ongoing resources from the Diabetes New Zealand “Take
support from family, friends and health professionals. The role Control Toolkit”, including recipes, nutritional
of the primary care team is to encourage people to maintain information and advice: www.diabetes.org.nz/
positive change and to offer additional advice as people age my-diabetes-journey-app
and their health or circumstances change. FoodSwitch can scan the barcodes of packaged
foods. It provides nutritional information about
foods and can suggest similar foods that are
Acknowledgement: Thank you to Miriam Mullard, Dietetic healthier: www.foodswitch.co.nz/content/
Manager, MacMurray Gastroenterology Centre, Auckland for about-foodswitch
expert review of this article. Easy Diet Diary NZ can count calories, track diet and
South Link Article supported by the South Link exercise and scan barcodes. This app is most useful
Education Trust
Education Trust for people wanting to monitor energy intake on a
regular basis: www.healthnavigator.org.nz/apps/e/
N.B. Expert reviewers do not write the articles and are not responsible for
easy-diet-diary-nz/
the final content. bpacnz retains editorial oversight of all content.

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January 2019. doi:10.1016/j.joim.2019.01.009 www.bpac.org.nz/2022/weight-loss.aspx

10  April 2022 www.bpac.org.nz