Managing weight loss in a healthy way typically involves decreasing caloric intake from fats and sugars and increasing the amount of whole grains, fruits, veggies, legumes, and nuts consumed. In addition, it is generally recommended that adults should aim for about 150 minutes of physical activity each week. For some individuals, especially those with a body mass index (BMI) over 30 who may be at risk for serious conditions, like heart disease, healthcare providers may also recommend prescription weight loss medications to further increase the health benefits associated with losing a small amount of weight.
Manual offers a comprehensive weight loss program that includes customised one-on-one coaching that focuses on nutrition, sleep hygiene, and stress reduction, as well as prescription GLP-1 medications, such as Saxenda (liraglutide). According to research combining GLP-1 medications, health coaching, and lifestyle changes tends to be more effective in treating obesity (BMI over 30) when compared to just making lifestyle changes.
In this Manual weight loss review, we discuss the pros and cons of the program, its benefits, and the potential side effects associated with GLP-1 drugs. In addition, we compare Manual to other companies that offer weight loss programs, including Second Nature, Numan, and Weight Watchers.
Manual Weight Loss
Pros + Cons
Pros
-Takes a comprehensive approach to weight loss support, incorporating prescription GLP-1 injections and individual, ongoing health coaching
-1:1 health coaching offers personalised guidance and support tailored to individual needs and health goals
-Provides personalised dosing and treatment plans, ensuring the program is tailored to each person’s specific requirements
Cons
-Will require a significant time commitment and adherence to lifestyle changes
-The effectiveness of the program can vary among individuals and may be impacted by genetics, underlying health conditions, and other factors
What Is the Manual Weight Loss Program?
The Manual weight loss program combines prescription, injectable GLP-1 weight loss medications with one-on-one coaching to holistically support individuals throughout the weight loss process.
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Manual GLP-1 Weight Loss Injections (Saxenda and Ozempic)
Manual offers non-habit forming GLP-1 injections, including Saxenda (liraglutide) and Ozempic(semaglutide). These drugs help to reduce appetite so individuals ultimately consume fewer calories.
Saxenda has been approved by the FDA and the European Medicines Union for weight loss treatment in individuals who have a BMI over 30, or who have a BMI over 25, with at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure. Ozempic, an approved type 2 diabetes medication, has not been approved as a weight loss treatment, but is sometimes prescribed off-label to treat obesity in certain individuals.
Manual Online Weight Loss Coaching
Manual offers personalised, one-on-one health coaching from individuals who are certified by the Strategic Centre for Obesity Professional Education (SCOPE). Coaches focus on nutrition, stress management, physical activity, and sleep hygiene to support overall health and wellness.
Benefits of the Manual Weight Loss Program
Both GLP-1 injections and receiving support from a health coach are associated with increased weight loss results in certain individuals.
Benefits of Prescription GLP-1 Injections
Research that examined daily liraglutide injections versus a placebo, or sham, treatment suggested that individuals who received daily injections experienced an increased tendency to lose more weight when paired with lifestyle changes. Specifically, 27% of individuals who did not receive injections lost at least 5% of their body weight, compared to 63% of individuals who did receive injections.
In addition, GLP-1 medications are:
- Associated with reducing feelings of hunger, making a decreased caloric plan easier to manage
- Considered non-addictive, meaning they do not lead to a physical dependence on the drug
- Associated with improvements in glycemic control in individuals who are considered overweight or obese, who are also living with type 2 diabetes
Benefits of Health Coaching
Health coaching has been shown to significantly improve weight loss outcomes, with research noting that individuals tended to lose more weight with this type of support when meetings were set up twice a week either in-person or via telehealth services. However, more research is still needed to further understand how health coaching can be standardised and optimised for weight loss support.
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Why We Recommend Manual's Online Weight Loss Program
Aside from the benefits associated with health coaching and GLP-1 medications, Manual’s weight loss program may be useful for additional reasons.
Holistic Treatment Approach
Both the health coaching and GLP-1 medication can be tailored to each individual’s needs, offering a personalised weight loss program. This ensures the medication and health coaching align with your weight loss goals and requirements. For example, while Manual mainly prescribes Saxenda, if you have type-2 diabetes, you can consult with their medical advisors to get prescribed a different medication, like Ozempic.
SCOPE Certified Health Coaches
Manual coaches are experienced health professionals who are certified by SCOPE. Not only are they specialists in weight management, but they are also trained in weight loss medications, allowing them to offer holistic health coaching.
Ongoing Support
Manual’s health coaches provide ongoing support with regular check-ins as often as needed. During check-ins, health coaches may provide support and advice regarding nutrition, physical activity, sleep hygiene, and stress reduction.
Safety and Side Effects of Manual Weight Loss Medications
Healthcare providers may prescribe a lower dose of GLP-1 drugs and gradually increase the dose to allow the body to adjust to the medication and reduce the risk of side effects.
However, some people may still experience side effects, including:
- Upset stomach
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Headaches
- Feeling dizzy
When to Seek Emergency Medical Care
For many individuals, side effects may be short-lived. However, if symptoms persist, or if you experience shortness of breath, swelling, difficulty swallowing, depressive symptoms, or suicidal thoughts, seek urgent medical care.
Compare the Best Online Weight Loss Programs: Manual vs. Second Nature vs. Numan vs. WeightWatchers
We’ve compared Manual to three other brands, including Second Nature, Numan, and WeightWatchers to help you better understand which program may work best for your needs.
Best Online Weight Loss Program UK | Manual | Second Nature | Numan | WeightWatchers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £229 per month | £229 per month | £295 per month | £18.95 per month, plus the cost of medication and workshops |
| Type of GLP-1 prescribed | Saxenda and Ozempic | Ozempic | Saxenda | Wegovy and Saxenda |
| Recommended use of meds | 1 injection daily | 1 injection weekly | 1 injection weekly | 1 injection weekly (Wegovy) or 1 injection daily (Saxenda) |
| Medication administration method | Injection | Injection | Injection | Injection |
| Personalised treatment? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Eligibility | Available to those with a BMI over 30 Or, to those with a BMI over 27 with certain health conditions, like diabetes or high blood pressure | Available to those with a BMI over 30, no previous diagnosis or family history of thyroid cancer or pancreatic cancer, and no current diagnosis of an eating disorder | Available to those who are 18 or older with a BMI that is 30 or above Or, to those who are at least 18 with a BMI that is 27 or above, with a weight-related condition, such as high cholesterol | Available to individuals with a BMI over 30 Or, to those with a BMI over 27, who have a qualifying health condition, such as type 2 diabetes |
| Health coaching available? | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Health coaching frequency | Unlimited | Any time, 5 days per week | Unlimited | N/A |
| SCOPE certified health coaches? | Yes | No | No | N/A |
| Ongoing support? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Money-back guarantee? | Yes | No | No | No |
| Availability | UK | US and UK | UK | US and UK |
| Website |
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Manual Weight Loss Reviews From Their Customer
In general, individuals seem pleased with the program, especially noting how helpful the coaches are in supporting the weight loss process.
The Verdict: Is Manual.co Legit for Online Weight Loss?
The Manual weight loss program is ideal for individuals who want a customised, holistic weigth loss program that is science-backed. | |
The Manual weight loss program may work well for those who have a BMI over 30 or for those who have a BMI over 25, who are also experiencing a weight-related complication, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
Manual offers a science-backed, holistic weight loss program that incorporates GLP-1 injectable treatments and personalised coaching, which focuses on nutrition, sleep hygiene, stress management, and more. Overall, the program may work best for individuals who would like support throughout the weight loss process and who meet the requirements for GLP-1 medications.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does the Manual weight loss program cost?
Manual costs £229 per month.
Who is eligible for the Manual weight loss program?
Manual is available for individuals who have a BMI of 30 or greater or a BMI over 25, with certain complications, such as high blood pressure.
How do I use Manual weight loss injections?
Inject it once daily under the skin in your stomach, upper leg, or upper arm. You will be given more specific instructions once you join the Manual weight loss program.
Can weight loss be delayed?
Yes, weight loss can be delayed due to various factors, including metabolic adaptation. This describes a survival mechanism that slows down metabolism when caloric intake is decreased.
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Methodology
We conducted extensive research to evaluate the effectiveness, availability, and overall benefits of the Manual weight loss program. This process included examining medication types and coaching options. To determine overall value, we also looked at cost, locations served, user support, coach qualifications, and coaching frequency.
Other factors we investigated before choosing the best program included the availability of personalised treatment and whether or not the provider offered a money-back guarantee. The Manual weight loss program stood out for its fair pricing, access to certified health coaches, and money-back guarantee for those who don’t lose 10% of their weight in the first six months.
| Review Process | Key Metrics | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Sign up online | – ease to complete intake form – affordability – upfront commitment or subscription required? – money back guarantee or refund policy? | 0.5 |
| Vitual consult with provider / determine eligibility | – ease to get appointment to determine eligibility – need to leave house for labs or other in-person care? | 1 |
| Shipping + unboxing | – shipping cost – time from order to treatment delivery – discreet packaging to maintain privacy | 0.5 |
| Test + journal for 1-3 months | – ease of application – transition into habitual use – taste / smell / feel / pain | 1.5 |
| Results after 3 months of use | – efficacy / results – lack of side effects – ease of refill / reordering – quality of ongoing clinical support – responsive customer support – willingness to recommend to a friend | 1.5 |
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