About Weight LossThe Journey to Better Health

If you have tried fad diets or extreme weight-loss plans that promise quick results, you are not alone.

At Brellah, we understand that weight loss is a personal journey, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Our goal is to offer services tailored to meet your unique needs, preferences, and health goals through sustainable, lifestyle-led changes and interventions. Our holistic team of medical professionals will help define what healthy looks like for you and support you in achieving lasting results.

Below is an overview of common approaches to weight loss, highlighting their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

Diet & Exercise

The foundation of most weight loss programs starts with making healthy food choices and increasing physical activity. Improving your diet through balanced nutrition is a key step to better health, while exercise helps improve your overall fitness.

  • Sustainable: if done correctly, lifestyle changes in diet and exercise can lead to long-term weight management.
  • Health benefits: regular exercise and a healthy diet improve overall well-being, reducing risks for conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
  • Control: you control your food choices and physical activity levels.
  • Slow progress: weight loss can be gradual, which can be frustrating and de-motivating for some people.
  • Difficult to maintain: if not done correctly, e.g., fad dieting or intense exercise can be hard to stick to over time and can be unhealthy.
  • Metabolic slowdown: diets that rely on extended calorie restriction may lead to a slower metabolism, making future weight loss more challenging.
  • Emotional challenges: ‘dieting’ rather than working to improve your diet can sometimes lead to an unhealthy relationship with food.

Medications

Prescription weight loss medications can support your weight loss efforts by addressing factors that impact weight management. These treatments are typically prescribed for individuals who have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone, often serving as a second-line option when lifestyle changes alone are not enough.

  • Appetite control: medications can help reduce hunger and cravings, making it easier to stick to a calorie-controlled diet.
  • Support for weight loss: medications can lead to significant weight loss when combined with diet and exercise.
  • Weight loss can take time: individual results vary, but for some it can take up to 12 weeks before you see results.
  • Side effects: medications may cause mild discomfort, such as nausea, headaches, or digestive issues.
  • Temporary solution: medications are typically most effective when used in conjunction with long-term lifestyle changes.
  • Cost and access: medications may not be affordable for everyone, and some require ongoing prescriptions to maintain the weight loss.

Allurion Gastric Balloon

The Allurion gastric balloon is an innovative option that is non-surgical and does not require anesthesia. The balloon is swallowed in a capsule, inflated in the stomach to help reduce food intake, and removed via the body naturally passing it.

Like prescription weight loss medications, it can support your weight loss efforts by addressing factors that impact weight management. This treatment is suited for individuals who need support with losing weight and need to achieve results more quickly.

  • Fast results: unlike other interventions, you are likely to lose weight quickly during the time the balloon is inserted.
  • No surgery required: the balloon capsule is swallowed in the clinic during the consultation.
  • Well tolerated: the Allurion balloon is designed for comfort and is well-tolerated by most patients.
  • Temporary solution: the balloon is effective for weight loss during the time it is in place (about four months).
  • Requires lifestyle changes: to maintain weight loss, long-term dietary changes and exercise are necessary after the balloon is removed.
  • Potential discomfort: some people may experience temporary discomfort after placement (e.g., bloating, nausea, or abdominal discomfort).

Surgical interventions

Common weight-loss surgeries include:

  • Adjustable gastric banding. In this surgery, an inflatable band placed around the outside of the stomach divides it into two pouches. The surgeon pulls the band tight, like a belt, to create a narrow pathway between the two pouches. The band keeps the opening from getting bigger. The band often stays in place permanently.
  • Gastric bypass surgery. In gastric bypass, the surgeon creates a small pouch at the top of the stomach. The small intestine is then cut a short distance below the main stomach and connected to the new pouch. Food and liquid flow directly from the pouch into this part of the intestine, bypassing most of the stomach.
  • Gastric sleeve. In this surgery, part of the stomach is removed, creating a smaller reservoir for food.
  • Effective long-term results: significant weight loss maintained over time.
  • Invasive surgery: requires an operation and a longer recovery time.
  • Requires ongoing follow-up: adjustments to the band may be necessary over time.
  • Procedures are not reversible

Is Losing Weight Right for You?

Losing weight can be a transformative journey, but it is important to consider both the benefits and challenges along the way. While losing weight may improve health, increase energy, and boost confidence, it is also essential to understand the potential obstacles. Here are some key pros and cons of the weight loss process to help you navigate the journey more effectively.

Your Strengths Matter

Weight loss is about more than just following a set of guidelines or achieving a number on a scale. It is about identifying your personal strengths and using them to build long-lasting habits. We understand that weight loss can be challenging, and it is common for many people to have tried to lose weight multiple times before. In fact, studies show that most individuals have attempted to lose weight at least 8 times1—and those past experiences can sometimes impact your confidence.

But here is the good news: the more confident you feel in your ability to succeed (what we call self-efficacy), the more likely you are to take that first step toward your goals. One proven way to boost your confidence is by identifying your unique strengths and past achievements. Recognising how far you have come, even in small ways, can help set you on the right path to success.

  • Motivation: identifying your strengths can provide a solid foundation of motivation, making it easier to stick with your plan.
  • Customisation: acknowledging your strengths allows for a more personalised approach to weight loss, aligning with what works best for you.
  • Positive mindset: focusing on what you do well creates a mindset shift that encourages healthier choices without feeling deprived or overwhelmed.
  1. Quinn DM, Puhl RM, Reinka MA. Trying again (and again): Weight cycling and depressive symptoms in U.S. adults. PLoS One. 2020;15(9):e0239004. Published 2020 Sep 11. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0239004

Helpful tools

Download our tools to help you reflect on your readiness to commit to a weight loss program.

There is no single “right” way to lose weight, and different approaches work for different people. It is important to choose a method that fits your lifestyle, medical history, and personal preferences. At Brellah Weight Loss Clinic, we provide the support and resources to help you explore these options and achieve your health goals in a way that is safe, sustainable, and right for you.

If you have questions or want to discuss a personalised weight loss plan, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Together, we will find the path that is best suited to your needs.