Understanding Weight Loss – Causes, Myths, and How We Can Help

Understanding Weight Loss: Causes, Myths, and How We Can Help

Losing weight is one of the most common health goals people set for themselves, yet it remains one of the hardest to achieve and sustain. Between conflicting advice online, fad diets that promise quick fixes, and the emotional weight that often comes with body image, it is no wonder so many people feel stuck. At Hubert Figg Pharmacy, we believe weight loss should be approached with the same care, evidence, and support as any other area of health, which is why we offer a dedicated Weight Loss Clinic to help you on your journey.

Why Is Weight Loss So Difficult?

Weight regulation in the human body is far more complex than the simple idea of calories in versus calories out. Genetics play a significant role in how your body stores fat, how quickly your metabolism works, and even how hungry you feel throughout the day. Hormones such as insulin, leptin, and ghrelin constantly send signals to your brain about hunger and fullness, and these signals can become disrupted over time, particularly after periods of dieting or weight cycling. Sleep quality, stress levels, certain medical conditions, and some medicines can all influence weight as well, which is why two people following what looks like the same routine can see very different results. Understanding this complexity matters because it removes some of the unhelpful blame that so many people place on themselves when weight loss feels like a constant uphill battle.

Common Myths About Weight Loss

There is no shortage of weight loss advice, but not all of it is accurate. One persistent myth is that any weight gained must simply reflect a lack of willpower, when in reality biological, environmental, and psychological factors all play a part. Another common misconception is that very restrictive diets are the most effective way to lose weight quickly; while extreme calorie restriction can produce rapid short-term results, it is difficult to sustain and often leads to regaining the weight once normal eating resumes. Skipping meals is sometimes seen as helpful, but it can lead to overeating later in the day and does not necessarily support long-term progress. Similarly, the idea that all weight loss supplements are safe and effective is not supported by good evidence, and many products on the market are poorly regulated. Recognising these myths is an important first step towards a more sustainable, evidence-based approach.

Why Weight Matters for Your Health

Carrying excess weight, particularly around the abdomen, is associated with an increased risk of a number of health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, certain cancers, and joint problems such as osteoarthritis. It can also contribute to sleep apnoea, reduced mobility, and a lower overall quality of life. Importantly, even a modest reduction in weight, often in the region of 5 to 10 percent of starting body weight, can meaningfully improve blood pressure, blood sugar control, and cholesterol levels for many people. This is one of the reasons healthcare professionals tend to focus less on reaching an ideal number on the scales and more on gradual, sustainable progress that improves overall health markers.

Evidence-Based Approaches to Weight Loss

Sustainable weight loss generally combines several elements working together rather than relying on a single solution. A balanced approach to eating that includes a variety of food groups, without labelling foods as strictly forbidden, tends to be easier to maintain than highly restrictive diets. Regular physical activity supports weight management and brings additional benefits for heart health, mood, and long-term wellbeing, even when the number on the scales moves slowly. Behavioural strategies, such as keeping a food and activity diary, planning meals in advance, and identifying triggers for emotional eating, can help build habits that last. For some people, particularly those with a higher body mass index or weight-related health conditions, medical treatments such as prescription weight loss medications may also be appropriate alongside lifestyle changes, and this is something we can discuss with you directly during a consultation.

How Our Weight Loss Clinic Can Help

Our Weight Loss Clinic offers a confidential, judgement-free space to talk through your goals and explore what support might work best for you. During your initial consultation, our pharmacist will discuss your health history, your previous experiences with weight loss, and any relevant medical conditions or medicines you currently take. Where appropriate, this may include a discussion of prescription weight loss treatments, which work by supporting appetite regulation alongside the lifestyle changes you make. Throughout your journey with us, you will have ongoing support and check-ins, so you are never navigating this alone, and adjustments can be made if something is not working for you.

What to Expect at Your Consultation

Your first appointment is about understanding you as an individual, not fitting you into a one-size-fits-all plan. Our pharmacist will ask about your current eating patterns, activity levels, sleep, and any stressors that might be affecting your weight, alongside a review of your medical history and current medicines. We will calculate relevant measurements such as your body mass index and discuss what a realistic and healthy pace of weight loss looks like for you specifically. If a prescription treatment is discussed, we will explain clearly how it works, what to expect, and any precautions or side effects, so you can make an informed decision about what feels right for you.

Who Is Eligible?

Weight management support at our pharmacy is generally suitable for adults looking for structured, professional guidance around weight loss. Prescription weight loss treatments are typically only appropriate for adults with a body mass index above a certain threshold, or a lower threshold alongside a weight-related health condition, and are not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for people with certain medical conditions. Our pharmacist will assess your individual circumstances during your consultation to determine what is safe and appropriate for you.

Building Habits That Last

Long-term success tends to come from small, consistent changes rather than dramatic overhauls that are hard to maintain. Focusing on how you feel, your energy levels, and improvements in movement or sleep can be just as motivating as the number on the scales, and often more sustainable. Building a support network, whether that is through our clinic, friends, family, or community groups, can make a real difference during periods when motivation naturally dips. Progress is rarely a straight line, and setbacks are a normal part of the process rather than a sign of failure. You can find further general guidance on healthy weight management from the NHS Better Health weight loss guidance and the NHS obesity information page.

Why Choose Hubert Figg Pharmacy?

Weight loss is deeply personal, and it deserves a service that treats it that way. Our pharmacists take the time to understand your individual circumstances, offer honest and evidence-based guidance, and provide ongoing support rather than a single one-off consultation. Whether you are just starting to think about your weight or have tried multiple approaches before, we are here to help you find a way forward that works for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much weight can I expect to lose?
This varies significantly from person to person depending on your starting point, any treatments used, and how consistently lifestyle changes are maintained. Rather than focusing on a specific target, our pharmacist will help you set realistic, health-focused goals during your consultation.

2. Do I need to change my diet completely to see results?
No. Sustainable weight loss is generally built on gradual, manageable changes rather than a complete overhaul, and our pharmacist can help you identify small adjustments that fit around your existing lifestyle.

3. Are prescription weight loss treatments safe?
When prescribed appropriately following a full clinical assessment, these treatments can be a safe and effective part of a weight management plan for suitable individuals. Our pharmacist will discuss the benefits, risks, and suitability with you directly.

4. Will I need ongoing appointments?
Yes, ongoing support is a key part of our service, allowing us to monitor your progress, make adjustments where needed, and help you stay on track over time.

5. What if I have tried and failed to lose weight before?
You are not alone, and previous experiences do not determine future success. Our pharmacist will work with you to understand what has and has not worked in the past, so we can build an approach that is more likely to succeed this time.

Book Your Consultation

If you are ready to take the next step towards a healthier weight, book a confidential consultation with our pharmacist today, or visit our Weight Loss Clinic service page for more information.

Ear Wax Build-Up: Causes, Symptoms, and Safe Removal

Ear wax is a normal, healthy part of how your ears protect themselves, but when it builds up too much, it can cause a surprising amount of discomfort and disruption to everyday life. From muffled hearing to a constant feeling of fullness in the ear, blocked ears are one of the most common reasons people come to see us. At Hubert Figg Pharmacy, our Ear Wax Removal service offers a safe, professional solution when home remedies are not enough.

What Is Ear Wax and Why Do We Have It?

Ear wax, medically known as cerumen, is produced naturally by glands in the ear canal and plays an important protective role. It traps dust, debris, and microorganisms before they can reach the eardrum, and it also helps keep the delicate skin of the ear canal moisturised and free from irritation. In most people, ear wax naturally moves towards the opening of the ear over time, carrying trapped debris with it, and is removed harmlessly during everyday activities such as washing. Problems only tend to arise when wax builds up faster than it can clear, or when it becomes compacted and unable to move outward on its own.

What Causes Ear Wax Build-Up?

A number of factors can contribute to excessive ear wax build-up. Some people naturally produce more wax than others, and this can run in families. The shape and narrowness of your ear canal can also make it more difficult for wax to clear naturally. Using cotton buds or other objects to clean inside the ear is one of the most common causes of build-up, since this often pushes wax further into the canal rather than removing it. Hearing aids, earplugs, and earphones can also interfere with the ear’s natural self-cleaning process, as can excess hair in the ear canal, which is more common with age.

Signs and Symptoms to Look Out For

Ear wax build-up can cause a range of symptoms, and recognising them early can help you seek the right treatment sooner.

Why You Should Avoid Cotton Buds

It is a common habit, but using cotton buds to clean your ears is one of the leading causes of the very problem people are trying to prevent. Rather than removing wax, cotton buds typically push it further down the ear canal, compacting it against the eardrum and making a blockage worse. This can also increase the risk of small cuts or irritation to the delicate skin lining the ear canal, and in rare cases can cause damage to the eardrum itself if inserted too far. The ear canal is generally self-cleaning, and the safest approach is to simply clean the outer ear with a cloth during washing, leaving the canal itself alone unless a professional removal is needed.

Safe Self-Care Before Seeking Treatment

For mild build-up, over-the-counter ear drops containing ingredients such as olive oil or sodium bicarbonate can help soften wax and encourage it to clear naturally over a period of days. These should be used as directed on the packaging, and you should stop and seek advice if you experience increased pain, irritation, or discharge. Ear drops are not suitable if you have a perforated eardrum, a current ear infection, or grommets fitted, so it is worth checking with a pharmacist first if you are unsure. If symptoms do not improve after using drops for a week or so, or if the blockage is significant, professional removal is usually the next step.

How Our Ear Wax Removal Service Works

Our Ear Wax Removal service uses microsuction, a modern and widely recommended method that uses gentle suction to remove wax under direct visualisation, without the need to insert water or instruments deep into the ear canal. Before treatment, our pharmacist will examine your ear using an otoscope or video otoscope to assess the extent of the blockage and confirm that removal is appropriate and safe. In many cases, softening drops are recommended for a few days beforehand to make the wax easier to remove, though this is not always necessary depending on the type and amount of wax present.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Your appointment starts with a discussion of your symptoms and a visual examination of your ear canal and eardrum. If microsuction is appropriate, our pharmacist will use a small, gentle suction device to carefully remove the wax while monitoring the ear canal throughout the process. Most people find the procedure quick, comfortable, and free of the mess sometimes associated with older methods such as ear syringing. Once complete, you should notice an improvement in your hearing and any associated symptoms straight away, and our pharmacist will check the ear canal again to confirm it is clear.

Who Can Use This Service

Microsuction is suitable for most people experiencing symptomatic ear wax build-up. However, it may not be appropriate for everyone, so our pharmacist will always assess your individual circumstances first.

When to Seek Further Medical Advice

While ear wax build-up is usually harmless, certain symptoms warrant further assessment. You should seek medical advice if you experience sudden hearing loss, severe ear pain, bleeding or discharge from the ear, or dizziness that does not settle, as these can be signs of a different underlying problem rather than simple wax build-up. Further general guidance on ear wax build-up is available from the NHS.

Why Choose Hubert Figg Pharmacy?

Blocked ears can affect your hearing, balance, and general comfort far more than people expect, and there is no need to put up with it or resort to risky home methods. Our pharmacists are trained in safe, modern ear wax removal techniques, offering a quick and comfortable solution without the wait for a GP or audiology referral.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does ear wax removal hurt?
Microsuction is generally well tolerated and most people find it comfortable. You may feel some vibration or a slightly unusual sensation, but it should not be painful.

2. How long does the procedure take?
Most appointments take around 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how much wax is present and how straightforward it is to remove.

3. Will I need softening drops beforehand?
This depends on the type and hardness of the wax present. Our pharmacist will advise you during your consultation whether softening drops in the days before your appointment would help.

4. Is microsuction safer than ear syringing?
Microsuction allows the ear canal to be viewed clearly throughout the procedure and does not involve water being introduced into the ear, which many people and professionals consider a safer, more controlled approach.

5. How often will I need this done?
This varies from person to person, as some people naturally produce more ear wax than others. Our pharmacist can advise you on what to expect based on your individual circumstances.

Book Your Appointment

If blocked ears are affecting your hearing or comfort, book an appointment with our pharmacist today, or visit our Ear Wax Removal service page for more information.

Travelling Abroad? Here’s How to Prepare Your Health Before You Go

Planning a trip abroad is exciting, but it is easy to let travel health preparation slip to the bottom of the to-do list until the last minute. Vaccinations, medication supplies, and general health precautions can make a real difference to how safe and enjoyable your trip turns out to be, and some protections need time to take effect before you fly. At Hubert Figg Pharmacy, our Travel Clinic is here to help you prepare properly, well ahead of your departure date.

Why Travel Health Preparation Matters

Many of the diseases that travel vaccines protect against are rare or absent in the UK, which means our immune systems and routine vaccination schedule have not necessarily prepared us for the health risks present in other parts of the world. Depending on where you are travelling, you may be exposed to diseases spread through contaminated food and water, insect bites, or close contact with others, some of which can be serious or even life-threatening. Beyond vaccinations, factors such as altitude, climate, local healthcare access, and the length and nature of your trip can all affect the health precautions that are appropriate for you. Preparing in advance gives your body time to build immunity where needed and gives you time to plan for other practical considerations, such as medication supplies and travel insurance.

How Far in Advance Should You Plan?

Ideally, travel health preparation should begin at least four to six weeks before departure, since many vaccines take time to become fully effective and some require more than one dose spaced several weeks apart. That said, it is never too late to seek advice, even if you are travelling sooner, as some protection is often better than none, and there may still be useful precautions or last-minute vaccines available. If your trip includes multiple countries or a complex itinerary, allowing extra time is particularly helpful, as your pharmacist may need to consider several different sets of recommendations depending on your route.

Common Travel Vaccines and What They Protect Against

The vaccines recommended for your trip depend heavily on your destination, the length of your stay, your planned activities, and your personal medical history. Vaccines commonly considered for travel include protection against diseases such as hepatitis A, typhoid, and yellow fever, which are more prevalent in certain regions and can be spread through contaminated food or water. Depending on your destination and how you plan to spend your time there, such as rural travel, animal contact, or extended stays, other vaccines like rabies or Japanese encephalitis may also be discussed. Because recommendations vary so much by destination and can change over time, it is important to get advice specific to your trip rather than relying on general assumptions or advice given for a previous journey to a different country.

Malaria Prevention

Malaria is a serious, potentially life-threatening disease spread by mosquito bites, and it remains a risk in many popular travel destinations, particularly across parts of Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. Unlike many other travel-related illnesses, there is no vaccine against malaria, so prevention relies on a combination of avoiding mosquito bites and, where appropriate, taking antimalarial medication. Bite avoidance measures include using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and trousers in the evening, and sleeping under a mosquito net or in air-conditioned accommodation where possible. Whether antimalarial medication is needed, and which type is most suitable, depends on your specific destination and travel plans, so this is something we can discuss with you individually during your consultation.

How Our Travel Clinic Works

Our Travel Clinic consultation starts with a detailed discussion of your trip, including your destination or destinations, how long you will be away, the time of year you are travelling, your planned activities, and your accommodation type, as all of these factors influence the advice and vaccines that are appropriate for you. We will also review your medical history, current medicines, and vaccination record, since some vaccines are not suitable for everyone and previous immunisations may still be providing protection. Based on this assessment, we will explain which vaccines and precautions are recommended for your specific trip, and where appropriate, administer vaccines or provide a prescription for antimalarial medication during your visit.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

To make your consultation as thorough and efficient as possible, it helps to bring details of your full itinerary, including all countries and regions you plan to visit, along with any previous vaccination records you have available. Let us know about any existing medical conditions, allergies, and current medicines, as well as whether you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any immune system concerns, since these can all affect which vaccines and medications are suitable. If you have had any reactions to vaccines in the past, it is helpful to mention this too, so we can take extra care in planning your protection this time.

Beyond Vaccines: Other Travel Health Considerations

Travel health is about more than just vaccines. Adequate travel insurance that covers medical treatment abroad is essential, particularly for destinations without reciprocal healthcare agreements with the UK. If you take regular medication, it is worth planning ahead to ensure you have enough for your trip, along with a copy of your prescription in case you need to explain your medicines at customs or seek replacements abroad. A basic travel health kit, including items such as plasters, rehydration sachets, and any regular medicines you take, can also be invaluable, particularly in more remote destinations. It is also worth checking whether your destination has specific food and water safety precautions, as traveller’s diarrhoea remains one of the most common travel-related health issues worldwide.

Who Can Use This Service

Our Travel Clinic is suitable for most travellers, though certain circumstances need extra consideration. Pregnant or breastfeeding travellers, those with weakened immune systems, and people with certain chronic health conditions may need a more tailored approach, and some destinations or vaccines may not be suitable in these circumstances. Our pharmacist will discuss your individual situation with you and, where necessary, refer you to a specialist travel medicine service for more complex cases.

Why Choose Hubert Figg Pharmacy?

Preparing for travel health should not add stress to your trip planning. Our pharmacists stay up to date with current travel health guidance and destination-specific risks, offering a convenient, one-stop appointment where you can get tailored advice, vaccines, and antimalarial medication all in one visit. You can find further general travel health guidance on the NHS travel health page and the NHS travel vaccinations page.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How early should I book my travel health appointment?
Ideally four to six weeks before you travel, though it is worth booking as soon as you know your destination, since some vaccines require more than one dose over several weeks.

2. Are travel vaccines available on the NHS?
Some travel vaccines are available free on the NHS, while others are only available privately, depending on the vaccine and your destination. We will explain the options and any costs during your consultation.

3. Do I need malaria tablets for every destination?
No, this depends entirely on your specific destination, the regions you will visit, and the time of year, as malaria risk varies considerably around the world. We will assess this individually for your trip.

4. What if I am travelling to multiple countries?
Let us know your full itinerary, as recommendations can differ between countries, and we will build a plan that covers your entire trip.

5. Can children use the Travel Clinic?
Yes, we can advise on travel health for children, though certain vaccines and medications have specific age restrictions, which our pharmacist will take into account during your consultation.

Book Your Appointment

Don’t leave your travel health preparation until the last minute. Book an appointment with our pharmacist today, or visit our Travel Clinic service page for more information.