GLP-1 medications have boomed in popularity in recent years, becoming a beacon for people who want to lose weight safely and sustainably. Originally designed to stabilize blood sugars and metabolic response in those with type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 medications have taken off as an effective weight loss method. They’ve become a game-changer for those struggling with losing weight through diet and exercise alone.
Keep reading to learn about GLP-1 medications and how Sota Wellness can help you navigate weight loss solutions.
The Science Behind GLP-1
GLP-1 is a gut-produced hormone known as glucagon-like peptide-1, which is crucial in controlling appetite, stabilizing blood sugars, and reducing insulin sensitivities. Mimicking the action of the natural component in the human body, GLP-1 medications interact with brain receptors to limit the production of ghrelin (the hunger hormone), teaching people how to differentiate between genuine and false hunger.
What Does Sustainable Mean in Terms of Weight Loss?
For weight loss to be sustainable, it needs to be long-lasting. Most people have to work to maintain their desired weight, but the right combination of GLP-1 medications, diet, and exercise makes it easier to achieve and maintain a happy weight. The secret to sustainable weight loss? Gradual, consistent results, slow and steady progress, and lifestyle changes that stick.
The Benefits of GLP-1 Medications for Sustainable Weight Loss
Significant weight loss has been documented with GLP-1 medications, and some people have lost 50 pounds or more over six months. However, weight loss isn’t linear, and weight loss for one person doesn’t mean the next person will experience the same results. It varies depending on factors such as metabolic response, thyroid function, how well your body reacts to the medication and lifestyle changes.
The benefits of GLP-1 medications include:
- Weight loss that is consistent and sustainable.
- Controlled appetite and a feeling of fullness for longer after meals.
- Improved sensitivity to insulin and reduced inflammation for overall metabolic health.
- Stabilization to prevent the drastic highs and lows of blood sugar.
- Curbed cravings, helping to maintain a caloric deficit.
When you overeat, your body becomes used to a caloric surplus, producing more ghrelin (the hunger hormone) to keep you returning for more snacks and meals. Most people reach for convenience foods, like chips or snacks, so nutrition takes a backburner. With GLP-1 medications, appetite is reduced, lowering the production of ghrelin. It reduces overeating, allowing you to recognize signs of true hunger instead of reaching for junk every time a craving hits.
GLP-1 medications give you regulation and control. You can learn new habits, reset your way of eating, and change how you think about food. These medications improve your quality of life, motivating you to continue with consistent results. However, remember your results, so don’t compare your success to someone else’s. Focus on your journey.
Making GLP-1 Medications More Effective with Lifestyle Changes
While GLP-1 medications are helpful in jumpstarting weight loss through controlled appetite and metabolic reset, you can achieve better, more effective results with lifestyle changes in tandem. Combining a nutritious diet with exercise will enhance the effects of GLP-1 medications, making it easier to stay on track with your weight loss goals.
Here are some tips to help you make lifestyle changes:
- Integrate whole foods into your diet. Healthy fats, like nuts and avocado, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, like chicken breast and ground turkey, and whole grains, should make up the bulk of your meal plans.
- Be mindful about what you eat. Practice portion control to avoid overfilling your plate and adding too many calories.
- Do a combination of cardio and strength training for a stronger, healthier heart and body.
- Build muscle mass to increase your metabolism. An increased metabolic response turns your body into a fat-burning machine.
- Add stress management to your everyday routine. Unwind with meditation or other techniques, like a steamy shower, relaxing bath, or soothing bedtime routine.
- Strive to sleep for at least 7 hours nightly.
Kicking Bad Habits: How Toxic Behavior Affects Weight Loss
Toxic behavior hinders your weight loss and overall health goals. Smoking, excessive drinking, emotional eating, and poor sleep habits are all considered toxic behaviors that can sabotage your wellness journey. Recognizing and identifying these habits are the first steps toward fixing the issues.
Sedentary habits, like sitting down all day and not getting enough exercise, are also considered toxic behaviors. They make you susceptible to hormonal imbalances that can cause weight gain. When you don’t move, you reduce caloric expenditure, causing your body to store excess calories as fat.
Here are some strategies for change to complement GLP-1 medications:
- Use every opportunity to move. Take the stairs instead of an elevator. Go for daily walks. Strive for 10,000 steps daily. Movement is good for you, even without a weight loss journey.
- Find hobbies that don’t revolve around eating, like reading or exploring your hometown.
- When spending time with loved ones, avoid situations where you may overeat. Replace going to restaurants with more physically active activities. Do you love to cook? Learn how to make wholesome, more nutritious meals and host dinner parties that revolve around healthier foods.
- Develop a self-care routine that promotes serotonin and other feel-good hormones.
Sota Wellness: Your Partner in Weight Loss
Weight loss varies, regardless of method and technique. What works for one person may be more challenging for the next, so we at Sota Wellness encourage you to focus on yourself throughout your weight loss journey. When you combine lifestyle changes with GLP-1 medications and support from Sota Wellness, you have a recipe for success!
Ready to Transform? Call Sota Wellness Today!
GLP-1 medications can be transformative, giving you hope for a brighter future with less weighing on your mind and body. At Sota Wellness, we support you with assessments, evaluations, and routine checkups, ensuring your medications work well. As you go, we adjust dosages to find the perfect balance, customizing your routine to empower you throughout your journey.
Sources:
Client website.
