Weight Management
The body mass index (BMI) is a simple and the most commonly used index used to classify overweight and obesity. It is defined as a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of his height in meters (kg/m2).
You can calculate your BMI manually using the formula: Weight (kg) / [Height (m)]2
E.g. If you are 1.70m and 65kg, your BMI would be
65 / 1.70 / 1.70 = 22.5
Obesity & BMI
In Singapore, the BMI cutoff figures were revised in 2005, after studies have shown that Singaporeans (Asians) have a higher proportion of body fat and increased risk for cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus as compared with general BMI recommendations in other countries.
Obesity is a significant contributor to many chronic diseases, including hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
While lifestyle modification in terms of diet changes and increased exercise are the mainstay of treatment, they are usually insufficient in achieving the target body weight.
At White Aesthetics, we offer adjuncts such as Semaglutide (Rybelsus and Ozempic) and Phentermine (Duromine and Panbesy) in assisting weight loss.
Rybelsus aids in weight loss by reducing appetite and prolonging the feeling of satiety (being full) by delaying stomach emptying.
Semaglutide stimulates natural insulin secretion, aids in lowering blood sugar levels and is protective against Diabetes. It slows stomach emptying which causes a more gradual absorption of glucose into the bloodstream.
Rybelsus is oral semaglutide and is available in 3mg and 7mg.
Ozempic is injectable semaglutide. It is administered weekly starting at a dose of 0.25mg/week, titrating upwards to achieve optimal effect.
What is Semaglutide, and how does it work?
Semaglutide is twice as effective as Liraglutide (Saxenda/Victoza) which is also available in Singapore.
Semaglutide is available in a weekly subcutaneous injection form (Ozempic), as well as in daily tablet form (Rybelsus).
Semaglutide is used in the treatment of Diabetes. It is also used to treat obesity due to its demonstrated effectiveness in weight loss.
Semaglutide is a Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonist (GLP1-RA).
Rybelsus is an oral medication (pill) that should be taken daily with a small glass of water 30 minutes before any food. It does not need to be refrigerated but should be stored in a cool dry place.
Ozempic should be injected subcutaneously once a week into any fatty area, including the lower abdomen, thigh or underarm. We can assist with administering these injections for you until you are confident of doing them on your own at home. Ozempic must be kept refrigerated.
Both forms have similar side effects that include nausea, vomiting, constipation and/or diarrhoea. These generally decrease over time. Inform your doctor if the side effects become severe and bothersome.
What is the difference between Rybelsus and Ozempic?
How much does Rybelsus and Ozempic cost?
As GLP-1s are a newer class of medication, they are more expensive compared to other diabetic and weight loss medications.
Rybelsus starts from $216.00 (GST included) per box of 30 tablets for 3mg
Ozempic starts from $432.00 (GST included) per pen (Average use of 2 months)
How do I get Rybelsus and Ozempic in Singapore?
Semaglutide (Rybelsus/Ozempic) requires a prescription and is not available for purchase over the counter. If you are interested in this treatment, do make an appointment with us for a consultation to see if it is appropriate for you.
Phentermine is an appetite suppressant. It reduces hunger cravings and helps with weight loss by reducing daily calorie intake.
Phentermine (Duromine/Panbesy)
Duromine has a quicker onset of action and a stronger appetite-suppressant effect, but patients may experience more pronounced side effects. Panbesy has a slower onset of action and gentler appetite-suppressant effect, but is generally better tolerated by patients in terms of side effects. Both have a 24 hour duration of action.
Duromine starts from $54.00 (GST included) per month
Panbesy starts from $32.40 (GST included) per month
What is Phentermine, and how does it work?
What is the difference between Duromine and Panbesy?
Both Duromine and Panbesy are oral tablets to be taken first thing in the morning with a small glass of water 1 hour before any food. It does not need to be refridgerated but should be stored in a cool dry place.
Avoid taking it late in the evening as it may cause insomnia (difficulty sleeping at night). Do not exceed the recommended dose to increase the effect as it may cause other side effects.
Phentermine should be used with caution in those with mild to moderate hypertension (high blood pressure).
Phentermine should not be used if you are intending to become pregnant, during pregnancy or breastfeeding – inform your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while on phentermine.
How much does Duromine and Panbesy cost?
Phentermine (Duromine and Panbesy) requires a prescription and is not available for purchase over the counter. If you are interested in this treatment, do make an appointment with us for a consultation to see if it is appropriate for you.
How do I get Duromine or Panbesy in Singapore?
Duromine and Panbesy have similar side effects that include:
nausea, vomiting, constipation and/or diarrhoea
restlessness, tremor, insomnia or headache
palpitations or increased blood pressure
dry mouth
These generally decrease over time. Inform your doctor if the side effects above become severe and bothersome.
