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Dr. Terence Tan, Medical Director of Halley Body Slimming Clinic, Shares Insights on the Evolving Role of Doctors in Medical Weight Management and GLP-1 RAs at Symposium
The Growing Role of GLP-1 Therapies in Clinical Practice
This continuing medical education (CME) session addressed a clear shift in clinical practice, where more patients are actively seeking medical support for weight loss and management. They are increasingly arriving informed, often asking specifically about newer medications and expecting clear guidance on suitability and outcomes.
GLP-1 RAs, including semaglutide and tirzepatide, have contributed to this change. These medications work by influencing appetite and satiety, helping to reduce overall caloric intake. Semaglutide acts on GLP-1 receptors to regulate hunger, while tirzepatide targets both GLP-1 and GIP pathways, offering an additional mechanism that supports weight reduction and metabolic control.
As a result, consultations are becoming more complex. Patients may have expectations shaped by online information or anecdotal experiences, making it important for doctors to guide discussions based on clinical suitability rather than demand alone.
“This shift calls for a more structured and informed approach,” said Dr. Tan. “Doctors must take a more active role in assessing patients, setting expectations, and ensuring that treatment is used appropriately as part of a broader weight management strategy.”
Looking Beyond BMI When Determining Treatment Suitability
Dr. Tan emphasised that successful use of GLP-1 RAs begins with careful patient selection. Clinical guidelines typically 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, beyond these criteria, real-world decision-making often requires a more nuanced approach. Doctors should work to assess each patient’s broader context, including their occupation, psychological readiness, and ability to commit to follow-up. For example, many patients in GP settings are working adults who are motivated to lose weight but may struggle with consistency. For this group, medical support can offer a more practical pathway than lifestyle changes or advice.
A Structured Approach to GLP-1 Therapy in General Practice
A key theme of Dr. Tan’s presentation was that GLP-1 therapy should not be treated as a one-off prescription, but as part of a structured care process. He outlined the importance of setting clear goals from the outset, guiding patients towards gradual and realistic weight loss. Early targets may involve a reduction of 1.5 to 2 kilograms per month, followed by a slower and more sustainable pace.
Weight loss injections are introduced gradually, with doctors adjusting the dose 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 reviewed during follow-up visits. Clinics should also schedule monthly reviews at the start, before spacing them out based on progress.
Within the clinic, staff play an active role in supporting treatment. Beyond administrative duties, they guide patients through injection techniques, provide counselling, and reinforce key instructions throughout the process. They should also share educational materials and structured programmes to help patients stay more consistent and engaged with treatment.
Together, these elements form a coordinated care pathway in which doctors actively guide patients through each stage of treatment rather than relying solely on medication.
Reinforcing Lifestyle and Behavioural Change Alongside Treatment
While GLP-1 RAs support weight loss, Dr. Tan emphasised that they do not replace lifestyle change. Dietary adjustments, including reduced-calorie approaches and structured eating patterns such as time-restricted eating, remain important. Physical activity also plays a key role, increasing energy expenditure and maintaining a caloric deficit, thereby supporting sustained weight loss over time.
He also highlighted the importance of behavioural factors. Encouraging patient commitment and involving family or social support systems can strengthen adherence and improve long-term outcomes. Weight management, he noted, requires attention to both biological and behavioural factors.
Maintaining Long-Term Weight Loss Outcomes
Weight management does not end once initial targets are achieved. Dr. Tan noted that maintaining weight loss can be challenging, particularly for patients who have experienced significant reductions. While motivation plays a role, physiological factors such as appetite regulation can make long-term maintenance difficult.
Patients who adopt consistent lifestyle changes, including regular physical activity and more mindful food choices, may sustain their results over time. For others, ongoing or adjusted treatment may be considered. Options can include continuing medication, reducing the dosage, or using treatment periodically, depending on individual needs and preferences.
At the same time, doctors should inform their patients about the possibility of a weight-loss plateau, a common and expected phase of treatment. Even in such cases, continued management may still provide meaningful health benefits.
Addressing Real-World Challenges in Clinical Implementation
Dr. Tan also addressed practical challenges in adopting GLP-1 RAs. Cost remains a key consideration, particularly in the absence of broader subsidies. However, as other types of weight-loss medication become more widely available and competition grows, GLP-1 therapies may gradually become more affordable.
Patient awareness is another factor. Some individuals may not be familiar with these treatments, while others may have concerns about side effects. Dr. Tan emphasised that these concerns are best addressed through doctor-led consultations, where treatment decisions are guided by an individual assessment of benefits and risks.
Weight management is also influenced by underlying biological factors. Differences in appetite regulation and satiety can affect how individuals respond to food intake, which partly explains why maintaining weight loss can be challenging. According to Dr. Tan, some patients are able to sustain results through increased physical activity and more mindful eating, while others may find it difficult to maintain their weight after stopping medication.
A Shift Towards More Comprehensive, Long-Term Weight Management
As GLP-1 therapies become more widely used in Singapore, weight management is increasingly being approached as an ongoing clinical discipline rather than a short-term intervention. This shift places greater emphasis on continuity of care, patient education, and the doctors’ role in guiding treatment decisions over time.
“GLP-1 therapies are changing how patients approach weight loss, but medication alone is not the solution,” said Dr. Tan. “As doctors, it is our responsibility to ensure that patients are properly assessed, supported, and followed up throughout their weight management journey.”
To learn more about Halley Body Slimming Clinic’s approach to weight management, visit their website.
Hashtag: #HalleyBodySlimmingClinic #GLP1RA #Glucagon-LikePeptide-1ReceptorAgonists #weightlossmanagement
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About Halley Body Slimming Clinic
Halley Body Slimming Clinic is a Singapore-based clinic offering doctor-led treatments focused on weight loss, 
body contouring, skin firming, and more. The clinic takes a consultative approach, where each patient undergoes a clinical assessment before receiving a personalised treatment plan tailored to their goals and needs. Services include prescription weight-loss medications, along with non-invasive fat-reduction and body-contouring treatments using CoolSculpting Elite and Vanquish to address specific areas. By combining medical interventions with regular follow-up and patient education, the clinic supports individuals through different phases of their weight management journey.
CUHK’s Academic Excellence and Global Research Impact
CUHK’s academic rigour is further recognised in the 2026–27 Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report, where it ranks 28th globally and 5th in Asia, remaining Hong Kong’s top university for the fourth consecutive year. The University features 15 subjects in the global top 50, including five in the top 10, such as Education and Educational Research (#1), Gastroenterology and Hepatology (#2), Computer Science (#7), and Arts and Humanities and Artificial Intelligence (both ranked #9).
CUHK: Where Bold Ideas Become Impactful Research
CUHK provides an exceptional environment for impactful research, supported by approximately 300 research institutes and centres, alongside four state key laboratories approved by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China. Reflecting on the academic environment, Zhamilya Zhirenova, a PhD student in Biomedical Science from Kazakhstan, has deepened her expertise through her involvement with the Centre for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine (CNRM), an InnoHK research centre CUHK established with Sweden’s Karolinska Institutet.
Unlike traditional research pathways, where students are often confined to a single university laboratory, Zhamilya gained extensive experience at Hong Kong Science Park, a dynamic setting that closely resembles industry. “It feels more like an industrial company,” she reflected, “and that experience has been invaluable.” For researchers with ambitions beyond academia, such early exposure to the pace and expectations of the biotech industry provides a distinct advantage.
Nurturing the Next Generation of Scientific Innovators
Many of CUHK’s scholars are globally renowned experts who have made significant breakthroughs in their respective fields. These experts provide valuable mentorship, cultivating an intellectually stimulating environment for innovative research.
At the Centre for Novostics, an InnoHK research centre dedicated to advancing molecular diagnostics, Yasine Malki, a Chemical Pathology PhD student from Hong Kong, highlighted mentorship as a defining aspect of his experience at CUHK. Benefiting from the mentorship of Professor Dennis Lo, CUHK’s Vice-Chancellor and President, and a pioneer in molecular diagnostics, Yasine collaborates with specialists in molecular technologies, bioinformatics, and clinician-scientists, exemplifying CUHK’s dynamic, multidisciplinary approach to medical science.
Through the latest global rankings, CUHK continues to demonstrate the impact of its research and scholarship. The University offers robust financial support to attract top-tier global talent, such as the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) for the 2027–28 intake, which provides over HK$1.81 million (approximately US$232,420) in funding. Applications open on 1 September 2026.
Hashtag: #CUHK
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About CUHK
Founded in 1963, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is a leading comprehensive research university with a global reputation and world-leading rankings. Located in the heart of Asia, CUHK has a vision and a mission to combine tradition with modernity, and to bring together China and the West. The University has eight faculties: Arts, Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Science, and Social Science. Together with the Graduate School, the University offers over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. All faculties are actively engaged in research in a wide range of disciplines, with an array of research institutes and research centres specialising in interdisciplinary research of the highest quality.
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HKDL’s Immersive Interactive Experiences Win Guests’ Hearts Lucky Nugget Spin at Grizzly Gulch Surpasses 30,000 Participations
Immersive experiences fuel collectible merchandise craze and extend magical memories
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 July 2026 – In tune with the growing popularity of experiential travel and guests’ desire for participation and immersive experiences throughout their journeys, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) has been integrating retail with storytelling at the park through an endless flow of innovative interactive experiences and distinctive merchandise offerings. Emotional connections with guests are strengthened as merchandise is transformed into meaningful souvenirs interwoven with their Disney memories.
Launched in April this year at Grizzly Gulch, the Chip ‘n’ Dale Lucky Nugget Spin has recorded more than 30,000 participations as of the end of June, becoming one of the park’s most popular activities. Combining storytelling, live interactions, and surprises, the experience has been warmly received by guests and has further enhanced the atmosphere throughout the land.
David Koo, director of merchandise at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, shared: ‘Today’s guests are looking for more than products; they want keepsakes that capture the stories and memories of their visit. Through interactive experiences, we hope to make merchandise a natural extension of the Disney park journey. Whether it is a plush toy, a pin or an accessory, the true value lies not only in the item itself, but in the magical moments and personal memories it represents.’
David Koo, director of merchandise at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, is pictured in the center
This story- and interaction-driven strategy has been incorporated into various guest experiences across the resort. For example, in an engaging experience at the Popcorn Pop-Up Shop on Main Street, U.S.A., guests can reach into a giant popcorn bucket-themed installation to catch a “popcorn” and reveal the hidden Pixar pals plushie together with Disney cast members on the spot. Meanwhile, the Snow White Grotto, located beside the Castle of Magical Dreams, has introduced a new “Lock of Dreams” experience, offering guests a sense of ceremony and a souvenir to cherish.
Disney’s Classic Pin Trading Tradition Extends the Magic Beyond the Visit
Disney’s iconic Pin Trading tradition has long been an important part of how guests explore the park and connect with others. Reopened in June, Main Street Collectibles now features dedicated pin display areas designed to celebrate and elevate this beloved tradition. Guests can discover unexpected treasures while searching for favorite designs as they trade pins with Disney cast members and fellow collectors. More than just an addition to a collection, each pin carries unique memories and extends the guest journey.
More Than 3.5 Million 20th Anniversary Merchandise Items Snapped up
New Pixar and Marvel Experiences on the Way
Merchandise sales grew continuously during Hong Kong Disneyland’s 20th anniversary celebrations, which attracted a large number of local, mainland, and international visitors and concluded with fanfare in June. Since late June last year, the resort has sold more than 3.5 million 20th Anniversary-themed merchandise. Among them, about 600,000 units of the SouvenEARS collection have been snapped up. Meanwhile, the blind-box series inspired by attractions and themed lands achieved sales of more than 500,000 units during fiscal year 2025, demonstrating the continued popularity of merchandise with strong storytelling elements and collectible appeal.
Looking ahead, HKDL will continue to enrich the guest experience across the resort. New Pixar-themed and Marvel-themed experiences will be introduced, further expanding both entertainment and retail offerings. Through ongoing innovation, HKDL remains committed to meeting guests’ demand for more immersive experiences, enhancing its appeal to local, mainland, and international visitors, and strengthening its position as a leading travel destination in the region.
Hashtag: #HongKongDisneylandResort
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The HR Asia Awards are among Asia’s most prestigious annual human resources awards, recognizing organizations that demonstrate excellence in workplace culture and sustainable people development. Winners are evaluated using the TEAM (Total Engagement Assessment Model), which measures employee engagement, organizational trust, and workplace experience, drawing on benchmarking data from more than 2.5 million employees across 20,000 organizations throughout the region.
According to the independent assessment conducted for the HR Asia Awards 2026, Green SM significantly outperformed market benchmarks in the “Best Companies to Work for in Asia” category, achieving outstanding scores across several key dimensions, including technology enablement in the workplace (4.8/5), workplace sustainability (4.71/5), and diversity, equity, and inclusion (4.72/5).
A defining element of Green SM’s workplace culture is its unwavering commitment to the principle that “Every Voice Counts.” This commitment is embedded through comprehensive employee engagement initiatives, including regular internal surveys, 360-degree performance evaluations, and multiple feedback channels that transform employee insights into tangible improvements in policies, workplace practices, and operational excellence.
At Green SM, talent development is viewed not merely as an HR function but as a strategic driver of service excellence. The Company continues to invest comprehensively in recruitment, professional training, operational standardization, workplace culture, and structured career development pathways for its Green Drivers. In parallel, Green SM delivers continuous capability-building programs for managers and employees, combining practical learning with digital learning platforms to strengthen leadership and management capabilities and organizational agility in an evolving business environment.
Alongside its investment in people, Green SM has been progressively building a unified organizational culture across its international markets. Rooted in values established in Vietnam while embracing the diversity of local cultures and communities, the Company fosters an environment that encourages collaboration, continuous learning, and empowerment. This enables teams across different countries to uphold consistent service standards while remaining responsive to the unique needs of local customers and communities.
Green SM also received the Technology Empowerment Awards in recognition of its continued digital transformation in human resource management. Through the digitalization of HR processes, the development of competency frameworks, the expansion of digital learning ecosystems, and the integration of data-driven people management, the Company has streamlined repetitive administrative tasks, enhanced decision-making efficiency, and enabled employees to devote greater focus to innovation, customer experience, and superior service delivery.
Mr. Nguyen Quoc Tuan, Global Chief Executive Officer of Green SM, said: “Our people have always been the cornerstone of Green SM’s sustainable growth. We believe that when individuals are empowered by technology and united by shared values, our teams across every market can deliver exceptional experiences for our customers. These two awards affirm the direction we have taken and further strengthen our commitment to building a truly multinational organization with its roots in Vietnam.”
In 2026, Green SM aims to expand its global workforce and partner network to approximately 400,000 people worldwide. As the Company continues to accelerate its international expansion, it will further invest in talent development and technology-driven people management to build a highly capable global workforce, maintain consistent service excellence across markets, and advance its vision of becoming the world’s leading green mobility platform.
Hashtag: #GreenSM
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