The newest wave of GLP-1 weight loss medications on the market, including Wegovy (semaglutide), have been called “game changers” and “miracle drugs.” And while these medications are remarkably effective in helping people lose unhealthy weight, it’s important to pair your dose with healthy eating and an active lifestyle if you want to be successful on Wegovy.
Let’s see how you can maximize semaglutide results to lose unhealthy weight and achieve your health goals.
What makes Wegovy so great?
Wegovy has been shown to help with weight loss because it works behind the scenes to ease your food cravings, make you feel full longer, and balance your blood sugar levels. All of these benefits make cutting your calorie intake much easier, and it can also encourage you to take up healthier habits.
Do I need to eat right and exercise while on Wegovy?
Yep! Miraculous feats aside, weight loss with Wegovy still comes down to burning excess calories. Along with weekly Wegovy injections, you will need a plan for eating foods that fuel your body with healthy calories while also staying active to keep your heart, lungs, and muscles working. All of this put together will help you maximize your semaglutide results and find success with Wegovy.
How much weight loss should I aim for?
As a general guide, 1 to 2 pounds per week is considered a healthy pace for shedding unhealthy weight. You should always aim for steady weight loss over time until you reach your goal. In a study of nearly 2,000 people living with obesity or excess weight with a related medical problem (such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol), the majority of participants were successful on Wegovy, and their average weight loss was 35 pounds. These results were achieved over a period of 1 year and 4 months, and the participants paired their medication with a reduced-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity.
Need a little guidance on your weight loss goal?
Aiming to lose 10% of your body weight at a nice steady pace is a solid initial goal—because when your weight loss is steady, you’re less likely to gain the weight back.
By losing 10% of your body weight (for example, losing 25 pounds if you weigh 250 pounds), you’ll likely see other health benefits like lower blood pressure.
Having a solid number to track is great for goal setting—but try not to concentrate only on the number on the scale. Weight loss with Wegovy is about achieving a healthier state of being, which means losing the right kind of weight (unhealthy fat instead of muscle) and helping your body burn calories the way it’s supposed to. If Wegovy is working for you, there’s a good chance you’ll also see improvements in your blood sugar level and cholesterol numbers.
How much should I exercise each week?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults get 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity physical activity (such as a brisk half-hour walk, 5 days a week). The CDC (among many other groups) also recommends muscle-strengthening activity at least 2 days per week. Building stronger muscles is especially important for weight loss success because anytime you set out to lose unhealthy fat, it’s easy to lose healthy muscle along with it.
The best activity is the kind you like and will do—not something you have to force yourself to repeat over and over. Here are a few ideas:
- Consider fun activities such as ballroom dancing or belly dancing, walking your dog, or playing tag with the kids
- Recruit a friend or family member as a gym, pool, or tennis buddy a few times per week
- Double up your time and listen to audiobooks or podcasts during your quest to get in more steps each day
It’s a matter of taking up healthy, enjoyable habits, because exercise offers a ton of other benefits in addition to helping you lose excess fat.
What should my diet look like on Wegovy?
One of the best pieces of advice on how to be successful on Wegovy is to avoid extreme diets or fad diets and choose whole foods whenever you can.
Leading health and nutrition experts largely agree on several guidelines for anyone wanting to eat healthier:
- Stick to unprocessed or minimally processed foods as much as you can
- Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains (think rice, oats, and quinoa)—you’ll get way more fiber, which is excellent for your gut health
- When shopping for protein, select lean meats such as skinless chicken, turkey, and fish; when choosing red meat or pork, opt for lean cuts
- Limit refined grains, fried foods, processed meats, baked goods, and sugar-sweetened foods and beverages
Prefer sticking with a set diet plan? Though it has gained popularity, the Mediterranean Diet is not considered a “fad diet” by many because it is both sustainable and effective. And, as a bonus, this diet is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack.
Where can I get medical advice on prescription Wegovy?
QuickMD providers can prescribe Wegovy for weight loss via a telehealth visit, and we offer expert advice on getting the most out of your prescription. View our weight loss treatment options for pricing information, and when you’re ready, contact QuickMD online to speak with a provider about Wegovy for weight loss.
