Dear Jenn,
I’m a middle-aged woman. Since I was 12 years-old, I’ve been on many weight loss diets. But I can’t keep it off. I always gain back the weight. Many of my family members are overweight. Perhaps we are the example of the “fat gene family.” I’ve been considering bariatric surgery however, you recently wrote about “Wegovy”, a medication for “Quick Weight Loss.” Can you explain how it works? I’m at my wits end!
Sincerely,Wegovy inquirer
Dear Wegovy Inquirer,
Many people experience a cycle of losing weight on a diet – gaining it back- trying again on a diet- gaining it back, over and over again. These results suggest the inability to maintain and stabilize the weight loss. This must be frustrating, self-defeating and hopeless but… Hang on!!
Medications
There are many medications available to help lose weight. Some medications are used for certain medical conditions but help with weight loss as an additional effect. “Metformin” is one. It is prescribed for Type II Diabetes, but often results in weight loss. Weight loss medications work either by reducing appetite, boosting metabolism and /or balancing hormones- all leading to weight loss.
For more information regarding weight loss medications see my Jewish Link online column “Weight Loss Warrior.”
Yes, I did mention Wegovy for “Quick Weight Loss.” It is one of two similar medications that are FDA approved for weight loss: Wegovy and Liraglutide (Saxenda)… and these do work! These weight loss medications work by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that targets areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake. Dosage is individually assessed and guided by a physician working together with a dietician. These medications can also help control blood sugar.
Considerations
There can always be side effects with any medication whether oral, injectable and /or topical. This also includes weight loss medications. It is good to be fully informed and aware of medication side effects. It is important that any doctor prescribing weight loss medication be aware of your medical history and medications taken.
Weight Loss Truths
If you consume fewer calories than you expend, weight will be lost. The goal is to burn fat as an energy source when reducing caloric intake. One positive outcome of exercise is that it enhances the effects of dieting by helping burn calories more efficiently.
Keep in mind, no matter what weight loss diet you choose; whether it is Weight Watchers where you count food points or a diet where you consume prepared food, it does not matter. It all comes down to reducing caloric intake.
Weight Loss Formula
Reduce Caloric Intake + Increase physical activity = Weight Loss
Maintenance
It is important to understand that any weight loss medication or procedure such as bariatric surgery are only tools to help weight loss and not cures for weight loss. “Wegovy Inquirer,“ the reason you gain weight back after losing weight on any diet is because of behavior. After you achieved weight loss, you went back to old eating habits. Old eating habits caused your weight problem to begin with. In order to have true success you need to understand that change is necessary for weight maintenance and stability. Diets are for life, and not just for achievement of desired weight loss. Many of my clients tell me they starved on previous weight loss diets, did lose weight, but could not live on the diets and gained all their weight back. If your diet cannot be sustained and you are always hungry, then you are not on a healthy diet plan. Yes, there needs to be control over appetite for weight loss and maintenance but not starvation.
Conclusion
At Nutrition Transformations we can transform you from overweight, unfit and unhealthy to desired body weight, fit and healthy. Our organization can offer medically supervised weight loss medications along with diet counseling and education. We jump start the weight loss process while addressing eating patterns, habits and emotional eating destructive behaviors. We can help you with menu planning, food selections and adjusting recipes to be healthier-our program is lifelong!
If you want to lose weight you have to be an Active Participant. You need to look at yourself and acknowledge that you have to change behaviors. When you do this, you will finally be successful.
Yours in good health,
Jennifer Chapler MS RD CDN
718-644-1387
