Weight Loss Medication in Singapore: How Sire and Dame are Shaping a New Conversation with Dr Bosty Chan

The talk around weight loss in Singapore is changing rapidly with the rise of medications like Wegovy. People in Singapore are no longer completely relying on extreme diets or fitness routines that are hard to keep up. Instead, they’re trying weight management programmes that are supervised by licensed doctors, such as Sire Singapore and Dame Singapore, which are led by Dr Bosty Chan, who is at the forefront of this amazing new chapter.

As the platforms mentioned above focus on men’s and women’s health, respectively, they’ve seen a sudden rise in weight loss-related enquiries right after the arrival of Wegovy and other prescription treatments in Singapore.

Why Wegovy Is a Game-Changer in Singapore’s Weight Loss Market

“For more than two years, people have been asking for this,” says Dr Chan. “Wegovy has been trending on social media and the news, but Singapore didn’t have access until now.”

Following official availability announcements, Sire and Dame saw a sudden rise in consultations via their telemedicine platforms. Both through their 24/7 WhatsApp hotline and video consultations. Singaporeans are increasingly looking for safe and medically supervised weight loss options.

But are these medications suitable for everyone? Not exactly.

Who Qualifies for Weight Loss Medications?

You can express your interest, but whether you qualify depends on several factors like BMI, health history, and current medical conditions. Dr Chan emphasises that all prescriptions follow strict MOH guidelines. Every patient consultation begins with digital ID verification that is followed by a mandatory video consultation.

“Seeing a patient, even virtually, allows doctors to assess physical presentation and start building trust. That relationship is critical,” explains Dr Chan.

If the doctor isn’t fully confident about diagnosing a patient via video, they are invited to an in-person clinic visit. “It’s about safety first. We have a hybrid model, where we combine telemedicine with physical clinics as a fallback.”

Follow-Up Care: Not Just a One-Time Transaction

Dr Chan adds, “We follow up every other day (EOD) at the start, first via telemedicine, then physical check-in, then back to telemedicine. It’s structured, and it depends on each person’s progress.”

This follow-up care and monitoring reflects a broader philosophy behind it. Weight loss isn’t a one-pill solution; it’s a journey that requires professional medical support, education, and realistic expectations.

From TikTok Hype to Serious Medical Talk

So how do doctors feel about these weight loss medications becoming viral on TikTok?

“At first, we were taken aback,” Dr Chan said. “People would message us saying, ‘I saw it on TikTok; how much is it? ’ It felt transactional.”

But over time, the trend proved to have a good impact.

“Now, more people are open to discussing their weight,” he adds. “It’s normalised in conversation. Patients are more aware, more curious, and surprisingly well-informed. That’s a good starting point for any treatment.”

A Shift in the Doctor–Patient Dynamic

Social media has changed the way patients approach healthcare. In the past, doctor visits were one-sided, but now it has changed a lot.

“Patients are coming in with questions, some informed, some not, but it makes the consultation more dynamic. It becomes a conversation. And when they ask questions, it really sticks.” Dr Chan said.

However, he states that misinformation can lead to people having unrealistic expectations. “We get people expecting to lose 20 kg in three months because they saw someone else do it online. That’s where we step in to reframe the goals and help them focus on health, not just aesthetics.”

Addressing the Stigma Around Weight Loss Medication

Despite the progress, stigma still surrounds taking weight loss medication.

“There’s this outdated belief that using medication for weight is a shortcut or a cheat,” says Dr Chan. “But no one says that about taking medication for high blood pressure or diabetes.”

And often, obesity is the root cause of those conditions. As a general practitioner, Dr Chan often sees patients with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, all linked to being obese.

“Before, it was hard to start that conversation,” he explains. “There’s shame, judgement, or people just don’t want to hear it. But now, because weight loss medication is being talked about more openly, it’s easier to bring it up in a constructive, supportive way.”

Is Obesity a Problem in Singapore?

By global standards, Singapore’s obesity rate isn’t much of a problem still, averaging 10–15%. But it’s still a growing threat in Singapore

Studies, including the local HELIOS study, show that certain ethnic groups are more likely to develop obesity-related conditions like diabetes.

“With increased food accessibility, higher disposable income, and modern sedentary lifestyles, we’re definitely at risk,” says Dr Chan.

A Shift in Priorities: Health as an Investment

Many people in Singapore now see weight management as a form of preventive healthcare, even comparing it to traditional insurance.

“One of my clients said, ‘Instead of paying monthly for insurance for something that may or may not happen 30 years from now, I’d rather put that into my health today.’ Whether it’s gym memberships, healthy eating, or medication, it’s all part of a larger investment in longevity.”

Final Thoughts from Dr Bosty Chan

“Every moment you speak with a patient is an opportunity,” Dr Chan concludes. “Telemedicine makes that opportunity even more accessible. Our goal at Sire and Dame isn’t just to provide medication; it’s to provide education, support, and safety.”

Take Charge of Your Health Today

If you’re looking to take medical weight loss treatment in Singapore, start with a trusted telemedicine provider like Sire Singapore (for men) or Dame Singapore (for women). Dr Bosty Chan and his team offer:

• Personalised eligibility assessments
• Ongoing medical support
• Hybrid care (online + in-clinic)
• MOH-compliant processes

Start your consultation today with Sire or Dame.

Because real change begins with real support.

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