Understanding Wegovy and How It Works
Wegovy (semaglutide) is an injectable prescription medication that was approved in 2021 for chronic weight management. It is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that targets areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake.
How Wegovy Helps With Weight Loss
Wegovy helps people lose weight in a few key ways:
- It suppresses appetite so people eat less
- It reduces hunger and controls cravings
- It increases feelings of fullness and satisfaction after eating
- It slows digestion so the stomach empties slower
Together, these effects allow people to reduce their calorie intake and lose significant amounts of weight. In clinical trials, adults taking Wegovy lost an average of 12.4% to 17.4% of their initial body weight over 68 weeks.
How the Wegovy Dosage Schedule Works
When starting Wegovy, there is a slow dose increase over 16 to 20 weeks to allow the body to adjust and reduce gastrointestinal side effects. The dosing schedule is:
- 0.25 mg once weekly for 4 weeks
- 0.5 mg once weekly for 4 weeks
- 1 mg once weekly for 4 weeks
- 1.7 mg once weekly for the remainder of treatment
The gradual increase allows the medication to build up slowly in the system. The 1.7 mg maintenance dose is the most effective for weight loss results.
The Best Diets to Pair with Wegovy
While Wegovy will help you eat less even without diet changes, following a healthy eating plan tailored to weight loss can enhance your results.
Calorie Counting or Portion Control Diets
Counting calories or using portion control containers are simple and flexible ways to be more mindful of how much you are eating. This awareness helps many people eat less without feeling deprived or hungry thanks to Wegovy curbing appetite.
Aim for a 500-1,000 calorie per day deficit below your maintenance needs for a 1-2 pound per week weight loss. Use a calorie calculator to determine your intake needs for weight loss versus maintenance.
High Protein Diets
Research shows higher protein diets help preserve lean muscle mass while losing fat. Protein is also very satiating, keeping hunger at bay. Good protein sources include:
- Lean meats
- Fish and seafood
- Eggs and dairy
- Beans, peas, lentils
- Soy foods like tofu and edamame
- Nuts and seeds
Aim for 0.5-1 gram of protein per pound of your goal body weight per day.
Low Glycemic Index Diets
Choosing foods that do not spike blood sugar levels also helps manage hunger between meals. Focus on non-starchy vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats.
Mediterranean Style Diets
This diet pattern emphasizes plant-based foods like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, herbs and spices. It also includes seafood and dairy like yogurt and cheese. These provide key nutrients and satiety while still allowing weight loss.
Lifestyle Changes That Complement Wegovy
While Wegovy will do much of the work curbing hunger and appetite, making certain lifestyle adjustments can enhance your weight loss.
Exercise and Activity Levels
Being more physically active supports weight loss and metabolism. It also helps retain lean muscle mass as you lose weight. A mix of cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises provides overall health and fitness benefits.
Aim for 150-300 minutes of moderate activity per week, with resistance training 2-3 times per week according to fitness level.
Stress Management
Chronic stress can negatively impact appetite regulating hormones, Blood cortisol and insulin levels. Stress management helps control physiological factors tied to overeating. Practice relaxation techniques, self-care, mindfulness, therapy, or other strategies at least 30 minutes daily.
Healthy Sleep Habits
Getting enough quality sleep regulates hormones tied to hunger and appetite control. It gives the body time to heal and metabolize fat overnight. Prioritize 7-9 hours nightly, with consistent bed and wake times.
Hydration
Drinking more water and other calorie-free beverages supports weight loss. Thirst is often confused with hunger, leading people to eat unnecessarily. Proper hydration provides satiety. Aim for intake spread consistently throughout the day.
Putting It All Together
Wegovy makes losing weight more achievable with less hunger and effort required. But pairing injections with positive diet and lifestyle adjustments enhances your results. Focus on being more mindful of what you eat, emphasizing protein, produce, whole food carbs and healthy fats. Increase daily activity as able, reduce stressors, sleep well and stay hydrated.
Following these evidence based tips will help you lose weight safely and effectively while on Wegovy and keep it off long-term after stopping treatment. Commit to positive changes and be patient during the process it takes time to form new, healthy habits.
FAQs
What is the best diet to follow while taking Wegovy?
The best diets while taking Wegovy focus on portion control, protein, and low glycemic index foods. Calorie counting or using portion control containers can help you achieve a calorie deficit. Consuming high amounts of protein preserves lean muscle and provides satiety. Choosing carbs that release sugar slowly will help manage hunger between doses.
Can I still eat carbs when taking Wegovy?
Yes, you can still eat carbohydrate foods like whole grains, starchy vegetables, legumes, and some fruits with Wegovy. The key is choosing those that are higher in fiber and protein, which help slow digestion and fill you up. Limit high sugar carbs like sweets, sodas, fruit juice, and refined breads which may spike hunger.
Do I have to exercise while on Wegovy?
Exercise is not required for Wegovy to work, but being more physically active does enhance weight loss results. It helps burn more calories, increases calories burned at rest, retains lean muscle, boosts metabolism, and reduces fat accumulation even without diet changes.
Will I gain the weight back after stopping Wegovy?
Maintaining healthy eating and activity habits established while losing weight with Wegovy is key for keeping it off long term. Continue consuming nutritious whole foods, controlling portions, staying active, limiting stress, sleeping enough, and drinking water to prevent regaining the weight.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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