Keeping Weight Off After Semaglutide
How Does Semaglutide Work?
Semaglutide is part of a group of medications known as GLP-1 agonists. This medication activates glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors, increases insulin secretion and decreases glucagon secretion from the liver. The effects of this medication result in the following:
❖ Decreased appetite
❖ Longer duration of feeling full after mealtimes
❖ Early satiety
❖ Maintenance of caloric deficit
❖ Acts chemically within the brain to decrease cravings
How Quickly Should I Notice Results?
You will likely start to notice results of GLP-1 injections within the first week. It may take a couple of weeks to settle into your body to see an actual decrease in the number on the scale, but this is very individualized person to person.
How Long Will It Take Me to Get to My Weight Loss Goal?
This is very dependent on how much weight you have to lose and how the medication reacts with your body specifically. As with any other weight loss program, those who have more to lose will lose more rapidly in the beginning. As people get closer to their weight loss goals, the loss per week will get smaller. It is very difficult to estimate length of time to approach goal weight loss, but GLP-1 agonists in combination with a healthy high-protein diet and exercise will certainly stimulate weight loss on a grander scale.
Weight Loss Maintenance
As with any weight loss program, if you come off of Semaglutide and resume the lifestyle that caused increased weight gain in the first place, you will certainly gain weight back. If you practice healthy lifestyle modifications while on the weight loss program and carry this through when you come off, you will be able to maintain your weight loss. Some examples of healthy lifestyle modifications include:
❖ High protein diet
❖ Low processed carbohydrates (bread, pasta, crackers, etc.)
❖ Healthy carbohydrates in moderation (brown rice, sweet potatoes, legumes, quinoa, etc.)
❖ Regular exercise including weight lifting and light cardio
❖ Healthy sleep habits (7-8 hours of sleep per night)
❖ Sugar intake only in moderation (limit sugary beverages, dessert, candy, etc.)
❖ Long-term maintenance of healthy lifestyle modifications
Long Term Benefits
The end effect of weight loss is well-documented and touted for it’s long term benefits. Semaglutide is a means to assist you to getting to your weight loss goals. Long term benefits of weight loss include the following:
❖ Decreased cardiovascular risk factors (normalization of blood pressure, improvement in cholesterol panels, increased ability to participate in routine exercise, etc.)
❖ Improved ability to recognize appropriate portions of food and focus on healthy eating/lifestyle modifications.
❖ Decreased stress on joints resulting in decreased joint pain/discomfort and increased activity tolerance.
❖ Improved confidence and feeling of overall well-being.
