4 Sustainable Lifestyle Tips When Taking Weight Loss Drugs for Obesity

Weight loss drugs have been taking the weight loss world by storm, leveling the playing field for those living with obesity and revolutionizing treatment options. 

Weight loss medications like glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) agonists, including Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzeptaide), were initially developed for type 2 diabetes treatment to manage blood sugar levels but have also been approved for obesity treatment due to effective weight loss results since they curb the appetite and keep patients full for longer.

However, these medications aren’t a silver bullet for obesity; a healthy lifestyle is still essential for weight loss while taking the drugs. A study published in PubMed Central reveals that a healthy lifestyle is beneficial in the era of new medications to treat obesity. Managing diet and exercise boosts health and weight loss endeavors and is crucial for preventing weight gain even when you’re no longer taking the drug. 

Here are some sustainable lifestyle tips when taking weight loss drugs for obesity:

Diet wisely

Adjusting your diet is a must when taking weight loss drugs, especially since they reduce your appetite. You’ll find yourself eating less, so prioritizing nutritious food can help you stay healthy and lose weight efficiently. A general diet consisting of a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains like brown rice and quinoa, and lean protein sources like chicken breast and eggs can provide crucial nutrition, prevent or reduce adverse side effects, and facilitate sustainable weight loss. However, be careful when dieting, as obsessing over calories and the food you eat can lead to unhealthy dieting behaviors. Our “Unpacking The Problem With Toxic Diet Culture” post emphasizes that you shouldn’t label anything as “clean” or “bad” or deprive yourself of food as this can withhold crucial nutrients that you need to stay healthy and take the enjoyment out of eating. Find support from experienced professionals to find a suitable diet while using weight loss drugs and steer clear of any social media fads.

Get moving

Exercise is still crucial while taking weight loss drugs and is especially important for managing physical changes to your body as a result of rapid weight loss. Sagging skin is a common side effect of losing body fat in various parts of your body, leading to issues like Ozempic butt that causes the area to be less firm. Working out can help you maintain muscle mass, skin firmness, and healthy weight loss while taking weight loss drugs. Exercises like aerobic activity and strength training can help boost skin elasticity. Building muscle also helps fill in the space left behind by fat loss. Moderate-intensity aerobic activities for 150 minutes a week and two days of strength training exercises are often recommended for weight loss, but you can adjust them based on your needs, lifestyle, and recommendations from a professional. Find activities you love to do, like dancing, rollerskating, or even brisk walking. This can help you stick to your workouts and lose weight sustainably.

Manage stress

Stress is an often overlooked aspect of weight, but it can sabotage your weight loss goals if you’re not watching your levels. Chronic stress can constantly trigger the hormone cortisol, which spikes hunger and leads to cravings for sugary and fatty foods. These issues are counterproductive to weight loss drugs, which suppress appetite and reduce cravings. Managing stress can help lower stress and cortisol levels, making weight loss on medications more effective. Meditation and breathing exercises can help ground yourself and keep calm, focusing on your body rather than your worries. Enjoy a hobby that occupies the mind, such as painting, reading, and crafts. Exercise is also a great stress buster, and you can amplify its impact with workouts like yoga, which can help you relax.

Find support

While losing weight and taking medications to help is a personal journey, support from others in your life can make the endeavor more bearable. Social support is vital for accountability, motivation, and belonging, allowing you to feel less isolated when losing weight. A study published in BMC Nutrition highlights how support from those in a similar situation, family and friends, and an interdisciplinary team of health experts enhance the weight loss experience. Seeking help from others living with obesity and taking weight loss drugs can create shared experiences, relatability, and the chance to offer each other advice. Family and friends can encourage you during the weight loss journey. They can offer to join you in making lifestyle changes, help you reach goals, and motivate you when you’re struggling. Support from an interdisciplinary team is essential for providing tailored weight loss guidance to boost weight loss outcomes while on the medication.