I’m a dietitian, and lately, I’ve seen a lot of interest in pharmacological approaches to weight loss from my patient population. Most patients fall into one of two categories — patients interested in offsetting weight gain they may have encountered after discontinuing one of these medications and patients who want these drugs’ benefits but can’t take them due to side effects or cost.
How GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy work to boost weight loss
The latest drugs consumers use to lose weight are called GLP-1 agonists. These medications, like Saxenda, Trulicity and Ozempic, were developed for individuals with diabetes but are now being utilized, many off-label, for their impact on weight loss. Right now, the only GLP-1 agonist approved for weight loss is Wegovy, the sister drug of Ozempic. These drugs act to suppress appetite, slow the rate at which the stomach empties and control blood sugar. Common side effects of the medication can include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation. When you get off the drug, the fullness you felt that kept you from eating subsides. You start feeling those usual hunger pangs again, and consequently, you may start eating more to satisfy that hunger. An increase in your consumption can lead to the regaining of weight that was lost. A 2022 study found that most individuals gain weight back a year after stopping the medication.
5 ways to maintain weight after Ozempic or Wegovy
The question I am receiving from my patients is this — how do I keep the weight off and avoid putting it back on? The answer involves a proper transition from pharmacological intervention to lifestyle changes. Here’s what I advise my patients to do for a better chance at keeping weight off.
1. Moderate your carbohydrates.
The benefits seen in some of the new drugs related to weight loss include a reduction of appetite and better blood sugar control. Both may occur when modifying carbohydrates to 130g or less per day (considered a moderate…
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