Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription medication that helps in chronic weight management for adults and children aged 12 years and older – who are either obese or overweight and have related medical conditions.
It’s a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist.
These drugs work by cutting down your appetite and slowing down the digestive process, so you can stay full for longer.
Who Should Consider Wegovy?
- Adults with 30 kg/m² BMI or higher
- Adults with 27 kg/m² BMI or higher who also have weight-related medical conditions
- Children aged 12 and older with a BMI in the 95th percentile or greater for their age and sex
Wegovy also has approval for reducing the risk of cardiovascular events, like heart attacks and strokes, in adults who are overweight or obese and have cardiovascular disease.
Challenges in Achieving Weight Loss with Wegovy
It’s true that Wegovy can be helpful for many, but some people may not see the expected weight loss, and this could be because of many reasons:
- Wegovy helps control appetite, but it doesn’t magically replace the need for exercise. Regular physical activity is necessary for burning calories and maintaining general health.
- Not getting enough sleep can mess with hormones responsible for hunger and metabolism. This has a direct effect on Wegovy’s benefits.
- Conditions like hypothyroidism or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can make weight loss far more difficult than usual, even with Wegovy-like medicines.
- Skipping doses or not following the prescribed regimen can lower the usefulness of Wegovy.
- Weight loss takes time. Expecting quick results can be very frustrating and decrease motivation to stick with the treatment plan.
- High-calorie or processed foods can offset the appetite-suppressing effects of Wegovy – weight loss is then harder to achieve.
- Chronic stress can increase cortisol levels, a hormone that may add to weight gain or hurt weight loss efforts.
- Genetics are also important in how easily one can lose weight, and some people may find it difficult to experience it because of their genetic makeup.
- As the body adjusts to weight loss, the metabolism may slow down, so it gets harder to lose additional weight.
11 Tips to Make the Most of Wegovy
- Take Wegovy exactly as your healthcare provider advises – stick to the dosage and schedule as advised.
- Support the medication with a balanced diet and regular exercise. This can get you lasting results.
- Drink a lot of water to support your metabolism. It can help you differentiate between hunger and thirst.
- Sleep for 7 to 9 hours each night to balance hormones and support weight loss.
- Add stress-reduction practices to your regular routine, for example, meditation or yoga. This reduces stress-related weight gain.
- Keep a track of your food intake and exercise habits; write in a journal or keep a digital record on your phone. You can identify patterns and areas that need more attention.
- Weight loss is neither a simple process nor a quick one. Eye the long-term health improvements rather than having unrealistic expectations of overnight results.
- Discuss progress and concerns with your doctor to adjust your plan as needed.
- Having more high-fiber foods can help you feel full longer and support your digestive health.
- Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods to get the max out of the nutritional value from your meals.
- Keep your habits healthy, even during weekends or special occasions, to avoid setbacks.
Make sure you address likely obstacles and follow the above tips.
Those individuals who are on Wegovy can improve their chances of achieving as well as maintaining their weight loss goals by doing so.
Bear in mind – no matter what medicine you take, there is no escaping lifestyle changes like diet and exercise.
For more information, visit Canadian Pharmacy
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