The First Step Toward Weight Loss

Many people believe the first step toward weight loss or reaching a “goal weight” is the moment you step into a gym or the first day of a new diet. But neither of these instances is truly a first step.

The first step toward weight loss or making better choices regarding your health begin with a mind shift. We often consider losing weight or making healthier choices in what we eat, but the true shift happens when we decide it’s time to make a change.

Committing to a healthier lifestyle is not easy to arrive at. It’s daunting, we get nervous about all the changes that may come with it, we doubt ourselves, etc. Can we even make it happen? Will it last this time? What’s different from the last time I tried this?

We can tell you what makes the difference between what will last and what will be a passing fad or phase in our lives: the decision to be healthy. Does that sound simple? You might be thinking, “Of course, I want to be healthy!” But health is more than just fitting into an old pair of your favorite jeans or being “swimsuit ready” for the summer. It comes from hundreds of choices you make each week and the habits you have already formed – which habits you’re willing to change.

The first step to losing weight, feeling healthy, feeling strong–fill in the blank–is making the decision to change your habits day to day. Once you do that, the other important elements fall into place. Eating healthier, getting your body moving, etc. will be enjoyable parts of your day and they’ll become habitual to you. That is a crucial element to maintaining your health.

So whether you need to get healthy because you want to lose the weight you’ve gained over the last year or your doctor is advising you to lose weight, the real change and progress will come with changing your habits and getting into a routine that works for you.

At Physician’s Weight Control and Wellness Center, we understand no two patients are alike. That’s why we schedule a consultation to talk with you, get blood work, and work to understand family history among other factors to see what will actually work for you.

If you’re ready to make a positive change in your life, contact us to get started. We want to see you succeed, and we have the goods to back up what we say we can do.

Saxenda: A Game-Changer in Weight Loss Management

Saxenda (liraglutide) is an FDA-approved injectable medication used as an adjunct to a healthy diet and regular exercise for long-term weight management in adults with a BMI of 30 or greater (obese) or 27 or greater (overweight) with at least one weight-related medical condition (e.g., high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes). The medication works by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite and food intake, leading to reduced calorie consumption and weight loss.

Effectiveness: Studies have shown that Saxenda, when used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, can lead to an average weight loss of 4-6% of the initial body weight within a year. Moreover, it has been proven effective in improving obesity-related health conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes.

Side Effects: Some common side effects of Saxenda include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, headache, and dizziness. These side effects are usually mild and tend to subside as the body adjusts to the medication. However, if they persist or worsen, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional.

Usage: Saxenda is an injectable medication administered once daily, preferably at the same time each day. The dose is gradually increased over time, as instructed by a healthcare professional. Always follow the prescribed dosage and never share the medication with others.

Wegovy: The New Kid on the Block

Wegovy (semaglutide) is another FDA-approved injectable medication for long-term weight management in adults with obesity or overweight individuals with at least one weight-related medical condition. Like Saxenda, Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, helping to regulate appetite and promote weight loss.

Effectiveness: In clinical trials, Wegovy has demonstrated impressive results, with participants losing an average of 12-15% of their initial body weight within a year when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. This weight loss has been associated with improvements in obesity-related health conditions.

Side Effects: Common side effects of Wegovy include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and abdominal pain. As with Saxenda, these side effects typically diminish as the body adjusts to the medication, but it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional if they persist or worsen.

Usage: Wegovy is administered once weekly via subcutaneous injection. The dose is gradually increased as per a healthcare professional’s instructions. Always follow the prescribed dosage, and do not share the medication with others.

The Importance of a Healthy Lifestyle

While Saxenda and Wegovy can be effective tools in managing weight loss and obesity, it’s crucial to remember that they work best when used in combination with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and other healthy habits. A comprehensive weight loss program may include:

A balanced, nutrient-dense diet with an emphasis on whole, unprocessed foods (Link unpickled Meal Plans)
Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, along with muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days per week)
Adequate sleep and stress management techniques
Behavior modification strategies to help break unhealthy habits and develop new, healthier ones

Real-Life Experiences and Insights

Many patients at Physicians Weight Control & Wellness have experienced significant weight loss success with Saxenda and Wegovy as part of a comprehensive weight loss program. These medications have helped them overcome challenges with appetite control, allowing them to make healthier food choices and feel more satisfied with smaller portions. However, it’s essential to note that individual results may vary, and not all patients may experience the same level of success.

Saxenda and Wegovy are promising medications that can help patients struggling with obesity achieve meaningful weight loss when used in conjunction with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and other healthy habits. By providing essential facts about these medications, their effectiveness, side effects, and proper usage, we hope to empower our patients to make informed decisions about their physician-led weight loss journey. At Physicians Weight Control and Wellness, we are here to help our patients lead healthier and fuller lives. If you would like to learn more, please call our Arlington or Waco offices to book an appointment.