Beyondbmi’s GLP-1 Medical Weight Loss Programme

Estimated reading time: about 4 minutes

A new kind of conversation about weight and health

For far too long, public conversations about weight and health have been dominated by stigma and misunderstanding. The old narrative, focused on willpower and a narrow idea of what “healthy” looks like, has not matched the reality of people’s lives. In Ireland, where nearly 60% of adults are now living with overweight or obesity, there is a clear need for a more nuanced, compassionate approach.

On Thursday, 4 December 2025, IMAGE magazine published an article by Edaein OConnell, titled “How this Irish programme is changing the way we talk about weight and health,” highlighting Beyondbmi as an Irish medical weight management service putting science and empathy at the centre of care. This is the space where a modern GLP-1 weight loss approach and a structured weight loss programme can make a real difference.

This new conversation, reflected in the Beyondbmi weight loss programme, centres on choice, compassion and evidence. Below are five of the most impactful truths emerging from this more modern, medically informed approach.

Moving beyond shame to science

One of the most important changes is reframing obesity from a personal failure to what Beyondbmi and leading clinicians describe as a chronic, complex medical condition. Weight is influenced by biology, hormones, medications, environment and behaviour, not just “trying harder”.

At Beyondbmi, this philosophy is built into a medically led Programme, where care plans are tailored to the individual rather than a one-size-fits-all target. Members work with doctors, dietitians and health coaches to focus on metabolic health, quality of life and sustainable habits, not just the number on the scale.

This mirrors the IMAGE article’s central message: the goal is a more humane, realistic conversation about health that moves from judgement to support.

What is GLP-1 weight loss, and where does it fit?

GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar. GLP-1 medications (such as semaglutide) are designed to mimic this hormone, helping people feel fuller for longer and making it easier to reduce intake and improve metabolic health.

Beyondbmi prescribes GLP-1 medications as part of a medically supported GLP-1 weight loss approach (when clinically indicated), combining:

  • Nutrition support and behaviour change coaching

  • Ongoing medical monitoring and safety checks

As their educational content explains, GLP-1 medications are just one tool within a broader clinical toolkit that can also include non-GLP-1 medications and other Treatment Options.

A medically led weight loss program, not a quick fix

What sets Beyondbmi apart, captured both in the IMAGE feature and on our Beyondbmi site, is the focus on long-term, doctor-led care, rather than short-term fixes.

Through Our Programme page, we describe a structured weight loss programme that includes:

  • Prescription for GLP-1 medication with clinical guidance

  • Monthly 1:1 personalised support from doctors, dietitians and health coaches

  • Unlimited Support from our nursing team

  • A private community and learning courses

  • Dedicated customer support team

The emphasis is on building sustainable habits, protecting long-term health and addressing the biology of weight, rather than relying on willpower alone.

Real-world impact: how GLP-1 treatment works in practice

At Beyondbmi, our members’ stories highlight how a medically supervised, multidisciplinary approach can lead to meaningful improvements in health. Many people who are prescribed GLP-1 medication alongside nutritional, psychological, and behavioural support achieve weight-loss outcomes that align with their personal health goals.

For example, consider Ana:

Ana, a 43-year-old balancing a demanding career and family life, had tried numerous diets over the years, often experiencing short-term results followed by regain. After joining Beyondbmi, she underwent a full medical assessment and began GLP-1 treatment as part of a structured clinical plan. Over eight months, she went from 108 kg to 90 kg, an 18 kg reduction, and reported better energy, improved sleep, and a healthier relationship with food, all supported through ongoing medical monitoring and guidance from her care team.

Individual results will, of course, vary, and GLP-1 medication is not appropriate for everyone. This is why at Beyondbmi we prioritise personalised assessments, blood tests, and continuous medical oversight before and throughout treatment.

iPad on a desk showing the Beyondbmi online community feed beside a laptop, camera and coffee cup

Community, choice and the stories we tell about health

Both the IMAGE feature and Beyondbmi’s educational articles highlight the importance of expert-guided community and personal choice.

Instead of unregulated online advice or informal “GLP-1 coaching”, Beyondbmi offers a medically supervised environment where members can ask questions, learn from clinicians and connect with others in a private setting. This ensures that the support people receive is both compassionate and evidence-based.

Crucially, not everyone will choose the same path, and that is the point. For some, the right route is body acceptance and focusing on mental health, mobility or energy. For others, it’s a doctor-led weight loss programme that may include GLP-1 weight loss medication, nutrition therapy and psychological support. Both choices are valid and deserve respect.

Thinking about a GLP-1 weight loss programme with Beyondbmi?

If this more nuanced, science-based way of talking about weight resonates with you, you can:

  • Learn how the Beyondbmi Programme works end-to-end.

  • Explore the different Treatment Options, including GLP-1 and non-GLP-1 medications.

  • Visit the FAQ page for detailed answers on eligibility, safety, side-effects and what to expect.

When you feel ready, we invite you to complete the short online survey or get in touch via the Get Started button on beyondbmi.ie. This allows the clinical team to review your medical history, understand your goals and advise whether a GLP-1 weight loss approach, or another evidence-based option, is appropriate and safe for you.

Beyondbmi offers a private, medically supervised weight management programme for those ready to invest in their own health. Developed by Professors in Obesity, dietitians, psychologists and health coaches, every consultation is tailored to you with continuous clinical support anytime you need it so you’re never alone on your journey. - The Beyondbmi Team

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WHO GLP-1 Guideline in Treating Obesity

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Dr Joe O’Brien: One Year at Beyondbmi and Behind The Scenes of our Digital Programmes