Title: Lifestyle Program for Optimal Weight Loss
We've all been there. Frustrated with our current weight and feeling like we need to go to extremes to trim down. The problem with extremes, is that they are just that... Extreme. They aren't sustainable. And so inevitably, we return to our old ways, and regain the weight. You see, weight gain and weight loss, are just lagging markers of our consistency over time. That is precisely why dieting doesn't work, because it implies that we are doing something different to lose weight with the plan of returning to our old ways.
Here at Lifestyle Medicine Maine, we focus on sustainable long-term results. A healthy dietary pattern should be calorically appropriate and packed with nutrition. It should be something that we can stick to long term. And it needs to be filling, so that eating differently feels pleasant. So how do we help members make the transition towards a healthier dietary pattern in our programs?
We know that restriction often leads to increased cravings for a food. And these hyper-palatable foods can feel irresistible. That's why we focus on adding foods to our diet with the goal of slowly crowding out calorie-dense nutrient-poor foods. This works not only psychologically, but also at the core of the issue. By slowly adding more nutrient-dense low-calorie foods, we are slowly dialing down the hyper-palatability on our plates. Okay, but what if appetite remains a struggle? What if we want to add weight loss medications to the mix?
Lifestyle Medicine Maine offers prescription weight loss medications for Maine State Residents who meet the FDA indications, when you choose to take part in the Weight Loss and Wellness Program (read more about that here). While many of us will choose to go the natural route, weight loss medications can be a game-changer for some of us. The key difference here at Lifestyle Medicine Maine is that we leverage these medications with the goal of not needing them long-term. What do I mean by that?
There are a plethora of randomized control trials showing weight re-gain when weight loss medications, like Semaglutide, Wegovy and Zepbound, are stopped (1). So, if we don't significantly change what we are eating, studies suggest that our weight loss will plateau at a weight that is much higher than many of us hope for (1). So what can we do to leverage these medications to break the weight re-gain cycle and reach our goal weight? We can use them as appetite suppressants while making changes to the dietary pattern.
Don't get me wrong, weight loss medications are not for everyone. They come with potential side effects, and there appears to be a ongoing investigation evaluating a potential increased rate of suicidal thoughts in patients taking GLP-1's (2). To be clear, there does not appear to be a causal link, meaning that we don't think that GLP-1's cause suicidal thoughts (2). Read more about weight loss medications and their risks here and here.
As always, what do I think? Here at Lifestyle Medicine Maine, we offer peer support group programs to help make real shifts in the dietary pattern. Our 12 Week Weight Loss and Wellness Program helps us to transition towards a plant predominant dietary pattern for maximal weight loss and nutrition. We focus on sustainable changes and we aren't dogmatic, meaning that you choose how far along the dietary spectrum you want to transition. We understand that you're looking for a long-term solution and that's why we are building a community of Mainer's who are working towards a shared goal. Join us!
References
Is there sustained weight loss after discontinuation of GLP-1 agonist for obesity treatment? Caro, et al. Evidence Based Practice. (2023) DOI: 10.1097/EBP.0000000000001786 https://journals.lww.com/ebp/citation/2023/05000/is_there_sustained_weight_loss_after.7.aspx
Update on FDA’s ongoing evaluation of reports of suicidal thoughts or actions in patients taking a certain type of medicines approved for type 2 diabetes and obesity. Preliminary evaluation does not suggest a causal link. FDA Drug Safety Communication. (01/11/2024) https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/update-fdas-ongoing-evaluation-reports-suicidal-thoughts-or-actions-patients-taking-certain-type
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