Medical Weight Loss vs. DIY Dieting: Which Is Best For You?

Cole Rudolph
Nov 17
3 min read

If you’ve ever tried to lose weight on your own, you’re not alone. Kiwis spend millions every year on gym memberships, fad diets, supplements, and other weight loss routines. Yet, for many people, these DIY approaches don’t lead to lasting results on their own.

In contrast, medical weight loss programs offer a structured, clinically supervised alternative that can deliver better, safer outcomes—especially for those struggling with long-term weight issues or obesity. So what’s the difference, and which option is right for you?

What Is DIY Weight Loss?

DIY ("do-it-yourself") weight loss typically involves creating your own plan without medical input. This might include:

Following a popular diet (e.g. keto, fasting, low-carb)
Downloading a fitness app or calorie tracker
Cutting out food groups or skipping meals
Buying over-the-counter supplements or detox teas

While some people see short-term results, many struggle to keep the weight off. Without clinical guidance, it’s easy to fall into restrictive eating patterns, nutritional deficiencies, or rebound weight gain.

What Is Medical Weight Loss?

Medical weight loss is supervised by healthcare professionals. At Pocket Lab, this includes:

A GP consultation to assess your health history
Blood tests if clinically required
Evidence-based advice on nutrition and exercise
Access to prescription medications like Wegovy or Mounjaro if appropriate

This approach treats weight as a complex medical issue—not just a willpower problem. It focuses on the biological, behavioural, and lifestyle factors that influence your weight, and offers real tools to support sustainable change.

Key Differences Between DIY and Medical Weight Loss

Aspect	DIY Dieting	Medical Weight Loss
Support	Self-guided	GP-monitored and supported
Medications	None or unregulated	Prescription GLP-1s (e.g. Wegovy)
Safety	Varies widely	Follows NZ clinical guidelines
Personalisation	Generalised plans	Tailored to your health profile
Sustainability	Often short-term	Long-term strategy with support
Cost	Often cheaper upfront	Structured, with better outcomes over time

Why Many DIY Diets Fail

Despite the best intentions, many DIY diets fall short because:

They rely on willpower alone, not biology
There is no medical screening for underlying issues (e.g. insulin resistance, thyroid problems)
Results are often based on restriction, not habit-building
They lack accountability and personalised guidance

This often leads to a cycle of yo-yo dieting—losing and regaining weight repeatedly, which can negatively impact your metabolism and motivation.

How Medical Weight Loss Leads to Better Results

Medically-supported programs address the root causes of weight gain. For example:

If your hormones are contributing to weight gain, blood testing can identify the issue
If you have obesity-related risk factors, your doctor can monitor and treat them
If medication is appropriate, GLP-1s like Wegovy can regulate appetite and insulin response

Combined with a personalised nutrition and activity plan, this approach supports safe, steady progress without extreme dieting.

Who Is Medical Weight Loss Best For?

You may benefit from a GP-supervised program if:

You’ve tried multiple diets without long-term success
You have a BMI over 30, or over 27 with other risk factors
You’re interested in using medication as part of your plan
You want long-term support, not just a temporary fix

Even if you don’t meet the criteria for medication, a virtual care plan through Pocket Lab can still offer helpful lifestyle guidance.

Is It More Expensive?

While DIY dieting can seem more affordable upfront, hidden costs can add up: ineffective supplements, wasted food, or repeat programs that don’t work.

With medical care, you’re investing in: