Embracing Ozempic and Other Weight Loss Drugs: Balancing quick results with sustainable lifestyle changes
In the realm of fitness and wellness, the quest for effective weight loss solutions can lead us down some desperate paths. From rigorous exercise routines to meticulous diet plans, people often seek a fast track to weight loss because, well, losing weight is hard. That’s just the truth of it. It often takes a long time to see results and, in truth, some people struggle to see results at all no matter how hard they feel they’re working.
Recently, the quick-weight-loss spotlight has shifted towards pharmaceutical solutions like Ozempic and Semaglitude, which promise rapid results in shedding those unwelcome pounds. But while they do offer compelling benefits and powerful results, it’s crucial to approach their use with a balanced perspective that includes sustainable lifestyle changes. And that’s what I’m in the business of doing.
As a fitness coach, I recognize the allure of quick fixes, but at the end of the day will always stress the importance of a holistic approach to living a healthy lifestyle.
Often, when clients tell me that they came to me after seeing a picture of themselves that made them unhappy, I gently prompt them to ask themselves, “Is is actually the way you look that you’re unhappy with? Or are you unhappy because you know your daily behaviors are not in alignment with the healthy lifestyle you desire to lead?”
It’s a question that’s generally followed by some serious self reflection…
So what does leading that healthier lifestyle look like? Well, here are three important factors to include in your weight loss journey - weight loss meds or not.
Increased movement
We. are. not. meant. to sit. all. day. Period. Regular movement and physical activity is a cornerstone of leading a healthy life. What’s important to recognize is: if you have a job where you sit all day and a long commute to and from work where you are also sitting…..this is going to take some intentional work. Setting a timer to walk around the building every hour. 1 minute of stretching every 30 minutes. A standing desk at work. Walking for 10 minutes after every meal. It’s easy to get frustrated and say “Why me? Why do I have to do this? Why can’t I just relax after a stressful day?” It’s not about you. It’s about our society that keeps us sitting, eating and drinking mindlessly, and hardly. ever. moving.
How often do you get your heart rate up for a sustained period of time?
How often do you actually use your muscles to keep them alive & kicking?
If your answer to these questions isn’t daily or at least 3x per week, you have got to make some changes.
The quality of your life literally depends on it. Don’t wait until it’s too late and the road ahead becomes a daunting one. Do it now.
2. Better eating habits
I don’t have to tell you this. But I will.
Stop eating fast food regularly.
Stop drinking soda regularly.
Stop eating mindlessly.
Stop treating frozen meals like they’re healthy.
BUT ALSO…..
I won’t tell you to all of a sudden make beautiful homemade salads for every dang meal. I won’t tell you to have every meal planned or prepped for. I won’t tell you
But just start small. Start where you can. Where can you find the small wins?
Now, for the best part….the one that intimidates so many people but it really doesn’t have to…
3. Resistance training
One significant effect of rapid weight loss — that many people don’t seem to know about — is significant muscle loss. We require a certain amount of muscle to carry our frames throughout the day.
When we lose weight, a significant portion of that weight will be muscle unless very specific measures - like resistance training and adequate protein intake - are taken. When we lose weight rapidly, muscle loss is even more pronounced.
Remember though: partaking in resistance training does not mean you need to become a gym rat! You can workout from home and use bands or bodyweight, you can take classes, watch online videos…there are tons of options. But it’s a necessary part of weight loss if you desire to truly live a healthy life and be able to do the things you wish to do.
The role of personalized coaching
I recently visited a weight loss clinic here in Idaho called Medical Solutions Health & Wellness. We spent our time discussing how to come together to serve patients and clients that are seeking weight loss and struggling. I really liked the team there because they acknowledge that the services they offer are not a be-all-end-all solution — but that a significant change in behavior is a required component for healthy weight loss. (If you pay them a visit, let them know I sent you….)
This is why I help my clients take a step back, take their eyes off the scale, and take a look at their day to day life. I help them get real about how they feel and why. What does their day-to-day look like? What’s causing their fatigue or even their frustration? Where can changes be easily made? What will actually make them happy? (Hint: it’s usually not about a number…)
So, if you’re considering Ozempic or simiilar medications on your search for sustainable weight loss, let’s talk. By embracing comprehensive strategies that encompass movement, nutrition, and possibly even medication, you can empower yourself to not only reach your health goals, but maintain them for years to come.
