Since Ozempic and other GLP-1 obesity drugs were introduced in 2021, there has been a steady rise in the market for weight loss injections. An estimated 1.5 million people in the UK are thought to take weight reduction injections; however, most people are only provided these injections for a short period of time, not for a long time, and the length of time varies from person to person. NICE states that no medication for weight loss should be administered to patients for more than two years.
Additionally, studies have shown that within a year of stopping the drugs, patients regain all of the weight they lost while taking them, which leads to a new set of issues. Food loudness, the quick return of appetite, and a lack of motivation and support to sustain weight loss could all be contributing factors.
To help patients on weight loss medication who wish to sustain those benefits over time, Dr. Clare Bailey Mosley, co-founder of the Fast 800 program with her late husband, Dr. Michael Mosley, and their son, Dr. Jack Mosley, are launching a new program.
They talked about some of the common mistakes people make when taking weight loss jabs and how to avoid them with Yahoo UK.
Behaving as though weight loss pills are a “magic bullet”
“Many people tend to view things like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy as a’magic bullet’,” notes Dr. Jack, who published a book on food noise this year. Yes, these drugs are quite effective at helping people who are having trouble controlling their weight, but they will never be able to take the place of long-term lifestyle choices like exercise and a balanced, healthful diet.
- Making the wrong calorie choices
Even while appetite suppressants can help people lose weight, it’s still critical to consume enough calories and nutrients to stay healthy and energetic. Given the decline in appetite and food capacity, choosing the correct foods becomes even more crucial. Dr. Clare says, “It is more about the quality of food eaten than the quantity,” “Eating lots of protein and fibre, along with healthy unsaturated fat, will produce longer satiety and provide nutrition necessary for your body.” Optimizing consumption of the appropriate foods is even more crucial given the reduced appetite. Making smart dietary choices, such eating fiber-rich pulses or gut-friendly Greek yoghurt, may help reduce some of the less desirable side effects of weight reduction drugs, like nausea and diarrhea. - Not preparing meals in advance
Dr. Jack says that forgetting to plan meals for the coming week is a regular occurrence for people starting a weight loss journey, whether or not they are using medication.
“Meal planning is one of the best things you can do to stay on track and meet your goals,” says Dr. Jack.
“You can sit down at the beginning of the week and plan your meals to meet your calorie targets. The best part is that you may save money by making sure to purchase your items in bulk! You will also benefit from the convenience of having several meals ready to reheat at any moment thanks to your bulk cooking and preparation. - Maintaining unhealthy snacks at home
According to Dr. Clare, her late husband Michael was a strong believer in “pantry hygiene,” which involves keeping the refrigerator and cupboards free of harmful snacks and foods like highly processed junk food or sugary treats.
“Michael was a real choco-holic but just knowing there wasn’t a lot of it in the house really helped him avoid the temptation of eating it all the time,” she stated.
“I’m not saying you can’t occasionally treat yourself to a piece of cake or a bag of chips, but I think that’s precisely what those meals are supposed to be: treats. Simply by avoiding their presence, you can assist yourself avoid them most of the time.
She advised keeping wholesome snacks on hand, such hummus and carrot sticks or berries and almonds, or other nutritious options, like fruit (like apples and bananas) or granola bars that are high in fiber and protein. - Not seeking assistance from friends and relatives
Given the stigma associated with obesity and weight reduction injections, many persons taking weight loss medicine, particularly injectable medication, may feel uncomfortable discussing it with others. However, Dr. Clare says it’s important to share your goals with family and friends so they can support you.
“When you tell others about your attempts to accomplish something, they can also help to hold you accountable,” she says. If they are aware that you are attempting to avoid particular meals, they may also be able to make the path to consistent success a little simpler by avoiding the purchase or concealment of junk food in the kitchen. They could want to help you prepare meals and cook, and all of a sudden it can be a lovely cooperative community activity.”
