Combining Medications with Lifestyle Changes for Optimal Weightloss Results
At Zovi Wellness, our goal is to help individuals of all lifestyles, ages, and stage learn how to achieve their health goals. And while there are a variety of medications on the market to help with weight loss and management, the best way to shed unwanted weight and keep it off for longer is a combination of treatment and lifestyle choices.
However, for many, knowing which lifestyle choices can have the biggest impact on weight reduction is tough. For some, a simple dietary change may be all it takes to reset the body’s system and feel better. For others, regular daily exercise can be just as effective.
But for most, it takes a combination of factors as well as an understanding of how your unique body functions to reach your optimal weight. And once you know how your body best responds to particular lifestyle changes and medication, you can make a holistic plan for long-term results.
Building The Foundation: Healthy Habits for Weightloss
While medications can provide a helpful and effective boost to your weight loss efforts, the foundation of any successful weight management plan remains rooted in healthy lifestyle habits.
Should you want or need to stop weight loss medication, these habits will keep you on the right track:
It Starts With Balanced Nutrition
Long-term lifestyle changes start with choosing the right fuel for your body. Emphasize whole foods, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Some medications, such as GLP-1 agonists, can help you reduce your appetite and keep you in line with calorie-restricted choices.
Keep Your Body Moving
The better your fuel, the more energy you’ll have! Aim to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week. As you lose weight with the medication, you may find exercise easier and more enjoyable – creating a healthy lifestyle loop!
Getting Sleep Is Exercise
We often think of sleep as a nice addition to life, but we need to reconsider how we approach our shut-eye.
Poor sleep can disrupt hormones that regulate hunger and metabolism. Just like you would with a diet or exercise, get strategic about getting your 7-9 hours of sleep so that your body can rest, repair, and rejuvenate.
Keep The Stress Down
Chronic stress upsets all sorts of internal workings of our bodies – making it hard to lose or keep weight off even whith other lifestyle changes in place. Find ways to incorporate mindfulness practices or relaxation techniques into your daily routine to help keep stress levels in check!
How Can Medications Help Promote Lifestyle Changes?
Medication-assisted weight loss methods, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists or SGLT2 inhibitors, can help you in your healthy journey – and the benefits of combinging them in a balanced way can be surprisingly effective!
- Enhanced Appetite Control: Medications like semaglutide help you feel full faster and longer. You can enhance the impact by choosing nutrient-dense, high-fiber foods that naturally promote satiety.
- Improved Adherence: Success with initial weight loss from medication can help motivate you to stick to healthy lifestyle habits over the long run.
- Hormonal Balance: Medications can work, together with lifestyle changes, to regulate hormones influencing appetite and metabolic rate, hence making the internal environment ideal for weight loss.
Always remember that while weight loss medications can help with weight loss and management, they may not be suitable for everyone. You’ll want to consult with your primary healthcare professional and a trained specialist before combining any new medication with a new health routine.
Making It Work for You
Working with Health Professionals
Like any life change, you don’t have to walk the path alone. Your health is important – and working alongside a team of professionals (such as doctors, nutritionists, and health coaches) can help you create a plan and boost your chances of success.
Set Realistic Goals
While medications can help speed up weight loss, it's important to set realistic, sustainable goals. Aim for steady progress rather than rapid, unsustainable losses that could cause you to swing between highs and lows.
Focus on Non-Scale Victories
Focus less on the number on the scale. Note any improvements in energy, mood, sleep quality, and overall health, and reflect on why they may be occurring – and what you can do to help balance them out. You’ll start to see small, consistent wins that will keep you moving toward your goals!
Lifestyle Plan
Remember that weight control is a lifetime effort and only a small part of a much larger health journey.
A more holistic lifestyle plan that combines weight management with mental health and physical well-being is key to achieving long-term success. Stay consistent with your medication and lifestyle changes, and trust the process!
Zovi Wellness Is Here To Help
Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to weight loss. The key is finding the right balance of strategies that work for you under healthcare professionals' guidance.
At Zovi Wellness, we are committed to seeing you through this process, providing whatever resources and support might be needed for you to achieve what you want in health and wellness.
Whether your leaning is towards medication, changes in lifestyle, or a combination of the two, we've got you covered through it all. Ready to see how Zovi can support your weight loss journey? Contact us for a consultation today and take the first step toward living a healthier, happier you.