Weight-loss management

Creatinine is a waste product generated by normal muscle metabolism and removed by the kidneys. Blood creatinine is used to help assess kidney filtration and calculate eGFR.

Urea is a waste product formed when the body breaks down protein and is removed mainly by the kidneys. Levels can be influenced by kidney function, hydration and protein intake.

eGFR estimates how effectively the kidneys are filtering blood, usually using creatinine together with age and sex. A persistently reduced eGFR can indicate impaired kidney function and may need further assessment.

Sodium is a major electrolyte involved in fluid balance, blood pressure, nerve signalling and muscle function. Abnormal levels can occur with dehydration, kidney problems, hormonal disorders and some medicines.

ALT is an enzyme found mainly in the liver. Raised levels can occur when liver cells are irritated or damaged, so ALT is commonly used as part of a liver-function assessment.

Albumin is a protein made by the liver that helps keep fluid within the bloodstream and transports hormones, vitamins and medicines. Abnormal levels can be associated with liver disease, kidney disease, inflammation or poor nutritional status.

ALP is an enzyme found particularly in the liver and bones. Abnormal levels can be associated with liver or bile-duct problems, altered bone activity and several other conditions.

AST is an enzyme found in the liver, heart and skeletal muscle. It can rise with liver injury or muscle damage and is usually interpreted with other liver and muscle markers.

GGT is an enzyme found mainly in the liver and bile ducts. It can increase with liver or biliary problems and may also be affected by alcohol and some medicines.

Globulins are a group of blood proteins involved in immune function and transport. Abnormal levels can be seen with inflammation, infection, immune disorders and some liver or kidney conditions.

Bilirubin is produced when red blood cells are broken down and is processed by the liver. Raised bilirubin can occur with liver or bile-duct problems or increased red-cell breakdown.

Total protein measures the combined amount of albumin and globulin in the blood. It provides an overview of major circulating proteins and can support assessment of liver, kidney, nutritional and immune health.

Total cholesterol measures the overall amount of cholesterol carried in the blood. It is interpreted alongside HDL, LDL, triglycerides and other risk factors rather than on its own.

HDL is often called “good” cholesterol because it helps transport cholesterol away from tissues and back to the liver. Higher HDL levels are generally associated with lower cardiovascular risk, although the whole lipid profile matters.

LDL carries cholesterol to tissues and can contribute to plaque build-up in arteries when levels are high. It is a key marker used when assessing cardiovascular risk.

Triglycerides are fats carried in the blood and used for energy. High levels can be associated with increased cardiovascular and metabolic risk and may be influenced by diet, alcohol, weight and diabetes.

HDL percentage shows how much of the total cholesterol is carried in HDL particles. A higher proportion is generally considered more favourable when assessing cardiovascular risk.

HbA1c reflects average blood-glucose exposure over approximately the previous two to three months. It is widely used to diagnose type 2 diabetes and monitor longer-term glucose control.

Amylase is a digestive enzyme produced mainly by the pancreas and salivary glands. Blood levels can rise with pancreatic inflammation and are interpreted alongside symptoms and other pancreatic markers.

Lipase is a digestive enzyme produced mainly by the pancreas. It is commonly measured when assessing possible pancreatic inflammation because levels may rise during pancreatitis.