Losing weight is hard. Really hard. And keeping it off can be just as hard. You have to be committed to making changes to eating (and drinking) habits and getting more physically active. And you must be committed to doing this for life. In short, you must eat less and move more. And do it forever. All very simple in theory (the physics) but doing it (the reality) is hard. Emotions, mindset and the realities of daily life make it challenging to stick to healthier habits.
This may sound too good to be true, but it is true. There is, however, another ‘but’ – there always is! We’ll get back to that. First, though, let’s take a closer look at this drug (semaglutide) which is administered as a once-weekly injection – some refer to it as the “fat jab”. Those receptors are usually activated by the gut hormone, known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), that our body naturally produces. The effect of GLP-1 receptors in the brain being activated is increased production of insulin, which why it is prescribed in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Another effect of semaglutide is appetite suppression, which is why it has been repurposed as a weight loss drug.
Net weight loss over two years and four months in participants who had used semaglutide was 5.6%. This is clinically meaningful, but likely to have been very disappointing for those ‘bouncing’ up from having lost 15% of their starting weight. Change your mindset … Semaglutide works for as long as it is being taken. It can be prescribed for a maximum of two years. Appetite returns when treatment is stopped. Hunger signals return and you will again be faced with the daily challenge of controlling how much you eat. Sound familiar?
And on your way down in weight you could meet someone going up in weight, following cessation of semaglutide. Yes, losing weight, and keeping it off, can be hard to do, but it's not impossible. Aplos Health & Wellbeing Programme gives you support around making small and sustainable change to what you eat, drink and do.
Change your mindset, change your habits and your weight will change. Tony Hirving Dietitian
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AuthorTony Hirving helps people achieve their diet, health and weight goals ... Archives
March 2024
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