- Semaglutide is a drug that can help people lose weight when other strategies fail.
- Obese doctors are advised to start with or combine lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.
- Other factors of weight, such as other health conditions and medications, should also be assessed first.
Studies show that the weight-loss drug semaglutide is called a “game changer” for significant and sustainable weight loss when more traditional lifestyle changes fail to produce lasting changes. increase.
Designed to treat diabetes, the drug was approved for the treatment of obesity in June 2021 and sold out quickly.
According to Dr. Rami Bailony, a specialist in obesity medicine and co-founder of the obesity management platform Enara Health, it usually works by mitigating hormonal and metabolic changes that make long-term weight loss difficult.
“It’s not a shortcut, it’s about getting your biology to reward you rather than trying to fight you,” Bailony told Insider.
Most patients considering semaglutide have repeatedly tried to lose weight by other means, which can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, or failure, endocrinologists and obesity medicine specialists. The house, Dr. Scott Isaacs, told the insider.
“If someone really works hard to lose weight and go nowhere, that’s when you want to meet an expert,” he said.
According to Bailony and Isaacs, the best weight loss by working with a qualified obesity doctor to assess all potential treatment options, including lifestyle changes and other medications and conditions, before trying semaglutide. You can get the result.
A sustainable diet is often the first step towards healthy weight loss
The majority of patients requesting semaglutide or other weight-loss medications have repeatedly tried different weight-loss diets without success, doctors said.
While many restrictive weight loss diets are effective for weeks or months, studies suggest that people rarely (and sometimes even more) stick to them and regain weight over time.
“No matter what you do temporarily, you will get temporary results,” Isaacs said.
Isaacs recommends a low-calorie Mediterranean diet for health benefits such as lowering the risk of illness. It’s flexible, enjoyable, and rich in nutritious greens, whole grains, and healthy fats.
However, it can be difficult to lose weight and lose weight, no matter how healthy your diet is, because the body often regulates hormones and metabolism to stabilize and stabilize weight.
“We often think of weight loss as an equation, but weight loss is like tug of war. You’re pulling, and eventually your weight setting is noticed and you start pulling back,” Bailony said. ..
Exercise helps maintain weight
Exercise is generally recommended for weight loss, but studies have shown that exercise is less effective for significant long-term weight loss, as the body can adapt by burning fewer calories over time. There is none.
However, exercise is great for your overall health, and you can also build and maintain muscle mass to keep your metabolism strong, especially if you’re doing strength training.
“Exercise doesn’t help much with the initial weight loss, but it’s very important to prevent it,” Isaacs said.
Check your medicine — some can cause weight gain
Studies suggest that 20% of Americans may be taking medications related to obesity.
The most common ones are:
By prioritizing sleep, you can reduce your appetite and calories.
According to Isaacs, getting at least 7-9 hours of sleep per night is an underrated way to help you manage your weight.
According to one study, a good night’s sleep can significantly reduce calorie intake.
Take a test for underlying conditions that may prevent weight loss
Other medical problems, such as Cushing’s syndrome, hypothyroidism, and metabolic disorders, can contribute to or exacerbate obesity.
Treating the underlying condition may not completely resolve weight gain, but it is important for overall health and well-being, Isaacs said.
