You’ve Made the Decision to Try Semaglutide for Weight Loss – Now Let’s Make Sure You Keep It Off!
Congratulations on taking steps to improve your health and wellbeing through weight loss with semaglutide!
From us here at Ethos Spa, we know it can feel daunting to embark on a weight loss journey, but we’re here to support and guide you every step of the way.
That’s why today we’re diving into the topic of keeping weight off after semaglutide treatment.
We’ll walk you through how semaglutide contributes to weight loss in the first place, what to expect when you discontinue the medication, science-backed strategies to maintain your results, and our personal guidance tailored to your unique needs and goals.
How Semaglutide Helps You Lose Weight
Semaglutide, sold under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, has become a popular prescription medication used for weight management.
As an injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist, semaglutide activates receptors in your brain that boost feelings of fullness. This results in reduced food intake and appetite suppression. Semaglutide also delays gastric emptying, meaning food stays in your stomach longer, contributing to satiety.
Through these combined mechanisms, most patients experience significant weight loss while taking semaglutide.
Clinical studies found average reductions of 15% or more compared to placebo over 68 weeks of treatment. For someone starting at 200 pounds, that could equal shedding up to 30 pounds!
Can I Regain Weight After Stopping Semaglutide?
This leads us to the pressing question – will I gain the weight back once I’m off semaglutide?
The straightforward answer is yes, some rebound is very likely. But the amount and rate of weight regain differs drastically between individuals.
For instance, our patients who make sustainable lifestyle changes like implementing healthy eating patterns, increasing physical activity, and practicing mindful behaviors are often able to keep off the majority of lost weight.
On the other hand, going back to old dietary habits, sedentary routines, and mindless eating triggers faster regain. The medication’s effects on appetite and satiety also wear off over weeks to months, depending on the person. This can drive increased food intake and weight rebound.
The takeaway? While experiencing some weight regain when stopping semaglutide is normal, being aware of this likelihood and taking proactive steps can help you maintain your desired results!
Strategies for Keeping Weight Off After Semaglutide
Alright, time for the meat and potatoes – actionable strategies to make your weight loss stick once semaglutide is out of the picture!
Our top tips include:
- Sticking to healthy dietary choices. Focus on nutritious whole foods, proper portions, and mindful eating habits. Meal planning is invaluable here.
- Remaining active with regular exercise. Aim for 150-300 minutes per week of moderate cardio along with some strength training. This helps prevent muscle loss.
- Seeking ongoing support and accountability. Counseling, support groups, and tracking your progress goes a long way.
- Adjusting your mindset. Let go of “dieting” mentality. Cultivate self-love and celebrate non-scale victories too.
- Developing flexibility. Expect ups and downs. React calmly and get back on track. Perfection is unattainable.
Putting in some work is needed, but implementing even small, sustainable changes makes a big difference for maintaining weight loss in the long run!
Diet and Exercise – Your Weight Loss Maintenance Power Duo
We cannot stress enough how vital diet and exercise are for keeping weight off after ending semaglutide or any weight loss aid.
Through dietary changes, you create an ongoing caloric deficit by taking in fewer calories while still getting proper nutrition. Physical activity then augments this deficit by burning additional calories.
Key strategies include:
- Emphasizing lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Limiting processed/packaged foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats
- Moderating carbohydrate intake with a focus on fiber
Regular exercise, especially cardio and strength training, is your partner in crime. It helps prevent the loss of calorie-burning muscle mass that often occurs with weight loss. Other exercise benefits include:
- Boosting metabolism – more muscle = more burned calories!
- Regulating appetite hormones like ghrelin to control hunger
- Providing an outlet for stress relief and mood boosting endorphins
The most sustainable plan involves activities you genuinely enjoy and that fit your lifestyle. Mix it up with cardio machines, weights, classes, sports, etc. Move your body daily if possible, even just a walk helps!
Support Resources to Continue Your Health Journey
Here at Ethos Spa, we recognize that maintaining major weight loss involves both internal and external resources. Let’s look at helpful support systems to promote your long-term success:
| Support Resources | Description |
| Your Healthcare Team | Lean on your doctor, weight specialist, dietitian, etc., for continued medical oversight. |
| Counseling and Therapy | Work through mental roadblocks to weight management with a professional. |
| Support Groups and Coaching | Join a community who share your struggles and cheer you on. |
| Apps and Trackers | Use technology to log food, activity, weight, and more. |
| Educational Online Resources | Take advantage of blogs, websites, social media groups, and more. |
| Our Team at Ethos Spa | Schedule follow-ups with us for aesthetic treatments, complimentary consults, and motivation. |
You don’t have to tackle weight maintenance alone – take advantage of knowledge, empathy, and accountability from those around you.
The Next Phase of Your Wellness Journey Awaits
We hope this gives you a comprehensive guide to continuing your health and wellness journey beyond semaglutide. While putting in consistent work on lifestyle habits is required, maintaining weight loss is absolutely achievable – and so worthwhile!
Here at Ethos Spa, we are invested in your lasting transformation, not just quick fixes. Our team of professionals, state-of-the-art treatments and inviting atmosphere all aim to make you feel supported, uplifted and equipped to embrace the healthy, confident version of yourself!
Schedule a visit and let’s chat one-on-one about your unique goals. We can’t wait to see you continue blossoming into your best self!
