Weight loss giants Ozempic and Wegovy contain semaglutide, a GLP receptor agonist that promises fast results. They offer a swift path to shedding unwanted pounds, but behind the rapid weight change lies a cautionary tale. While these groundbreaking medications are helping millions lose weight, most are doing it without a focus on the sustainable lifestyle habits needed for long-term success. It’s time to dive into the harsh reality of weight regain and discover the potential of healthy habit support.
What sounds better than fast weight loss?
The problem isn’t the loss of fat – it’s the loss of muscle. The faster the pounds drop, the more muscle is lost as a percentage of total weight loss. Compared to rapid weight loss, studies bear out that “body composition is more favorable following a slow weight loss.” This disadvantage occurs due to rapid muscle atrophy. (While we can build that muscle back up, it takes years of dedicated strength training.)
Unfortunately, this loss of strength extends to bones, too. With rapid weight loss, bone density also declines. For instance, a 10% loss of initial body weight is associated with a 2% decrease in bone density. This increases the likelihood of hip fractures, highlight the importance of developing physical activity habits to avoid injury.
Not only is muscle and bone sacrificed to a greater extent during rapid weight loss, but hormones are also altered. In the rapid weight loss scenario, hormones are released in patterns that promote weight regain, making it even more difficult to manage hunger. Together, the muscle loss and lingering hormonal changes are reflected in a lower-than-expected metabolic rate. This means that dietary adherence is even more important after rapid weight loss.
As reviewed by obesity experts, regular exercise may be a necessary element of sustaining significant weight loss. This “high activity level appears necessary to compensate for greater-than-expected reductions in energy expenditure…” And while cardio and strength training can be major habits to develop, they aren’t enough on their own. Diet matters, too.
Even the most active individual will not build back all the muscle that is lost without modifying their diet. This idea is confirmed by studies on weight loss with varied protein intakes.
Ideally, physicians prescribing these breakthrough medications for weight loss would have the resources to fully support their patients in forming sustainable habits. As we all know, our healthcare system is not yet able to accommodate meetings with dietitians, personal trainers, and access to behavior change coaches. The best recommendations do indicate that all patients with obesity benefit from intense, multicomponent behavioral interventions, but developing these lifestyle habits remains challenging.
The risk of weight regain, muscle loss, and bone loss, may be inevitable when discontinuing weight loss medications. But we can mitigate losses by some degree with the help of healthy habits. Instead of fearing the potential pitfalls of weight regain, let us embrace the power of lifestyles that last. Habit support opens the door to a healthier future, because a loss of strength and bone density is not inevitable with weight loss! And because weight rebound does not need to be part of the semaglutide story.
Adding Treo habit support can make a difference.
Through tailored lifestyle changes based on each person’s preferences and needs, individuals can not only harness the benefits of these medications but also pave the way for a sustainable, medication-free future. The key is not to abandon these revolutionary tools but to use them as allies in a transformative journey toward lasting health and well-being. This is part of our goal at Treo, to help individuals find their healthier lifestyle habit, one day at a time. And by providing personalized behavior change support, Treo can provide the softer landing so crucial for the long-term success of semaglutide patients.
Interested in how we can empower healthier transformations? Let’s get in touch – email us at info@treowellness.com.
As Treo’s Global Wellness Researcher, Karlie uses recent research findings to support healthier daily habits. Karlie earned her doctorate in Neuroscience and Behavior and bachelors in Health and Exercise Science.
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