Every January, many of us take a moment to pause after the Christmas rush and reflect on our health. The longer evenings, the fresh start of a new year, and a collective desire to feel better in ourselves make January a natural time to think about wellbeing. For some, that may mean walking more, improving sleep, or addressing long‑standing health concerns. For others, it brings up questions about weight, metabolism, and how these affect overall health.
As a local doctor working in private practice, I see first‑hand how complex and personal weight management can be. Despite popular belief, weight is not simply a matter of willpower. It is influenced by genetics, hormones, life stage, stress, sleep, medications, and our environment. Understanding this complexity is an important first step toward a healthier and more compassionate approach to weight loss.
We often focus on weight in isolation, but medically it is only one piece of the puzzle. Excess weight can increase the risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, joint problems, and fatty liver disease. At the same time, repeated cycles of dieting and weight regain can take a toll both physically and mentally.
A medical approach to weight management looks beyond the scales. It considers blood sugar control, cholesterol, blood pressure, mobility, energy levels, sleep quality, and mental wellbeing. The goal is not rapid or extreme weight loss, but sustainable improvement in health.
One of the most important developments in recent years has been a better understanding of appetite regulation. Our sense of hunger and fullness is controlled by a complex system of hormones produced in the gut and brain. These hormones influence how hungry we feel, how quickly we feel full, and even how our body stores energy.
When someone has struggled with weight for many years, this system may be dysregulated. This helps explain why ‘eat less and move more’ advice often fails in the longterm, and why people can feel intense hunger even when eating what appears to be a reasonable diet.
What Are GLP‑1 Medications? You may have heard about GLP‑1 medications like Ozempic or Mounjaro in the news or on social media. GLP‑1 stands for glucagon‑like peptide‑1, a hormone that is naturally produced in the gut. It plays a role in regulating appetite, slowing stomach emptying, and improving blood sugar control.
Medications based on GLP‑1 have been used for many years in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. More recently, they have also been approved for use in obesity management in certain patients. By enhancing the body’s natural signals of fullness, these medications can help reduce appetite and support gradual, sustained weight loss.
It is important to note that GLP‑1 medications are not a quick fix or a cosmetic solution. They are prescription medications that require medical assessment, ongoing monitoring, and lifestyle support. They are not suitable for everyone and, like all medications, can have side effects. A careful discussion of benefits, risks, and alternatives is essential.
Even with advances in medical treatment, lifestyle remains central to good health. Nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress management all play crucial roles. In fact, medications such as GLP‑1s tend to work best when combined with realistic dietary changes, regular physical activity, and behavioural support.
In West Cork, we are fortunate to have access to fresh local produce, beautiful walking routes, and a strong sense of community. These are powerful assets when it comes to supporting healthier habits. Small, consistent changes – such as increasing protein intake, improving meal timing, or finding enjoyable ways to move – can make a meaningful difference over time.
As we move into a new year, the conversation around weight and health is evolving. There is growing recognition that evidence‑based, medically supervised approaches can offer safe and effective options for people who have struggled for years.
If there is one message to take into January, it is this: health is not about perfection, and weight is not a moral issue. Whether your goal is more energy, better mobility, improved blood results, or simply feeling more comfortable in your body, support is available.
Taking the first step often begins with an informed conversation – one that is grounded in science, guided by medical expertise, and rooted in kindness toward ourselves.
