Dr. Terence Tan Explores Evolving Doctor Roles in Medical Weight Management and GLP-1 RAs at Singapore Symposium

SINGAPORE – Dr. Terence Tan, Medical Director of Halley Medical Aesthetics and Halley Body Slimming Clinic, presented his clinical insights on the integration of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs) into everyday medical practice during the symposium titled “Optimising Longevity and Weight Management with GLP-1 RAs.” This event, held on May 7, 2026, gathered around 80 general practitioners (GPs) and aesthetic doctors to discuss the evolving landscape of medical weight management in Singapore.

The Growing Role of GLP-1 Therapies in Clinical Practice

The continuing medical education (CME) session highlighted a significant shift in clinical practice, with an increasing number of patients actively seeking medical assistance for weight loss and management. Many patients arrive well-informed, often inquiring specifically about newer medications and expecting clear guidance on their suitability and potential outcomes.

GLP-1 RAs, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, are pivotal in this transformation. These medications influence appetite and satiety, thereby aiding in the reduction of overall caloric intake. Semaglutide primarily acts on GLP-1 receptors to regulate hunger, while tirzepatide targets both GLP-1 and GIP pathways, providing an additional mechanism for weight reduction and metabolic control.

As a result, consultations have become increasingly complex. Patients often come with expectations shaped by online information or anecdotal experiences, making it essential for doctors to steer discussions based on clinical suitability rather than patient demand alone. Dr. Tan emphasized the need for a more structured and informed approach, stating that doctors must actively assess patients, set realistic expectations, and ensure that treatments are part of a broader weight management strategy.

Looking Beyond BMI When Determining Treatment Suitability

Dr. Tan underscored that the effective use of GLP-1 RAs begins with meticulous patient selection. Clinical guidelines generally recommend treatment for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher, or 27 kg/m² with at least one weight-related condition such as hypertension or dyslipidaemia.

However, real-world decision-making often requires a more nuanced approach. Physicians should evaluate each patient’s broader context, including occupational factors, psychological readiness, and commitment to follow-up. Many patients in GP settings are working adults motivated to lose weight but may struggle with consistency. For this demographic, medical support can provide a more practical pathway than lifestyle changes alone.

A Structured Approach to GLP-1 Therapy in General Practice

A central theme of Dr. Tan’s presentation was that GLP-1 therapy should not be viewed as a one-off prescription but as part of a structured care process. He highlighted the importance of establishing clear goals from the outset, guiding patients toward gradual and realistic weight loss. Initial targets may involve a reduction of 1.5 to 2 kilograms per month, followed by a more sustainable pace.

Weight loss injections are introduced gradually, with physicians adjusting dosages over time while monitoring patients’ responses. During this period, patients may experience side effects such as nausea or fatigue, particularly in the early stages, which are assessed during follow-up visits. Clinics should schedule monthly reviews initially, then adjust the frequency based on patient progress.

Within the clinic, staff play an active role in supporting treatment. Beyond administrative tasks, they guide patients through injection techniques, provide counseling, and reinforce essential instructions throughout the process. Educational materials and structured programs are also shared to help patients remain consistent and engaged with their treatment.

These elements collectively form a coordinated care pathway where doctors actively guide patients through each treatment stage rather than relying solely on medication.

Reinforcing Lifestyle and Behavioural Change Alongside Treatment

While GLP-1 RAs facilitate weight loss, Dr. Tan emphasized that they do not replace the necessity for lifestyle changes. Dietary adjustments, including reduced-calorie approaches and structured eating patterns such as time-restricted eating, remain critical. Physical activity also plays a vital role in increasing energy expenditure and maintaining a caloric deficit, thereby supporting sustained weight loss over time.

He pointed out the significance of behavioral factors, noting that encouraging patient commitment and involving family or social support systems can enhance adherence and improve long-term outcomes. Effective weight management requires attention to both biological and behavioral factors.

Maintaining Long-Term Weight Loss Outcomes

Dr. Tan noted that weight management does not conclude once initial targets are met. Maintaining weight loss can be particularly challenging for patients who have experienced significant reductions. While motivation is a factor, physiological elements such as appetite regulation can complicate long-term maintenance.

Patients who adopt consistent lifestyle changes, including regular physical activity and mindful food choices, may sustain their results over time. For others, ongoing or adjusted treatment may be necessary, which can include continuing medication, reducing dosages, or using treatment intermittently based on individual needs and preferences.

Doctors should also inform patients about the possibility of a weight-loss plateau, a common and expected phase of treatment. Even during such periods, continued management can still yield meaningful health benefits.

Addressing Real-World Challenges in Clinical Implementation

Dr. Tan addressed practical challenges in adopting GLP-1 RAs, noting that cost remains a significant consideration, particularly in the absence of broader subsidies. However, as other weight-loss medications become more widely available and competition increases, GLP-1 therapies may gradually become more affordable.

Patient awareness is another critical factor. Some individuals may be unfamiliar with these treatments, while others may have concerns regarding side effects. Dr. Tan emphasized that such concerns are best addressed through doctor-led consultations, where treatment decisions are based on an individual assessment of benefits and risks.

Weight management is also influenced by underlying biological factors. Variations in appetite regulation and satiety can affect how individuals respond to food intake, which helps explain the challenges in maintaining weight loss. Some patients manage to sustain results through increased physical activity and mindful eating, while others may struggle to maintain their weight after discontinuing medication.

A Shift Towards More Comprehensive, Long-Term Weight Management

As GLP-1 therapies gain traction in Singapore, weight management is increasingly viewed as an ongoing clinical discipline rather than a short-term intervention. This shift emphasizes continuity of care, patient education, and the role of doctors in guiding treatment decisions over time.

Dr. Tan remarked that while GLP-1 therapies are transforming patient approaches to weight loss, medication alone is not the solution. It is the responsibility of healthcare providers to ensure that patients are thoroughly assessed, supported, and followed up throughout their weight management journey.

For further information on Halley Body Slimming Clinic’s approach to weight management, visit their website.

Source: www.zawya.com

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Published on 2026-05-07 10:23:00 • By the Editorial Desk