Article: What Medical Weight Loss in Maine Looks Like: A Comprehensive Approach
When it comes to medical weight loss in Maine, many people are turning to medications like GLP-1 agonists (e.g., Wegovy or Mounjaro) to help shed excess pounds. These medications can be highly effective, but they often don’t get us to our ultimate goal weight on their own. At Lifestyle Medicine Maine, we believe in using medical weight loss as a tool to augment out weight loss and wellness journey. By pairing medication with sustainable diet and lifestyle changes, we help you achieve long-term, lasting results.
How Do GLP-1 Medications Work?
GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro work by mimicking a hormone in the body that helps regulate appetite and insulin levels, making it easier to eat less and lose weight. On average, participants using GLP-1 medications lose about 15-20% of their body weight. While this can be a significant step toward your goal, for many, it’s not enough to reach the weight they want to maintain for life.
That’s why, at Lifestyle Medicine Maine, we focus on combining medication with dietary changes. Medications can give you a helpful boost, but the real magic happens when you learn the skills needed to change your eating habits, manage your weight, and maintain long-term health. Our goal is to empower you with the tools you need so that you won’t have to rely on weight loss medications indefinitely.
Why Medication Alone Isn't Enough
While GLP-1 medications are an effective tool, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Many people find that after losing an initial amount of weight with medication, they hit a plateau. This is because, without making significant changes to the actual foods that we are choosing, your body will adapt, and further weight loss becomes difficult.
In fact, one of the biggest concerns with using only medication for weight loss is the likelihood of regaining weight once the medication is stopped. That’s why at Lifestyle Medicine Maine, we focus on using medications like GLP-1 agonists as a temporary aid while teaching you the long-term skills that will help you maintain your weight loss once you’ve stopped the medication.
Concerns About Compounded GLP-1 Medications
There’s been growing concern around the use of compounded GLP-1 medications like compounded versions of tirzepatide (Zepbound). As these medications become more popular, some compounding pharmacies have started offering cheaper versions, but this comes with risks. As we’ve discussed in our recent blog post "Is Compounded Zepbound (Tirzepatide) Safe?", compounded versions have risks. At Lifestyle Medicine Maine, we prioritize your health and safety, and we recommend sticking with FDA-approved medications under the supervision of a medical professional.
Combining Medication with Dietary Changes for Long-Term Success
At Lifestyle Medicine Maine, we take a holistic approach to medical weight loss. We use GLP-1 medications as part of a broader strategy that includes personalized feedback, hands-on learning, and community support. When you combine medication with dietary changes, you’re employing the most effective solution for sustainable weight loss.
Dietary changes allow you to retrain your body and mind, helping you develop a healthy relationship with food that supports your weight loss goals. While GLP-1 medications can help suppress appetite, learning to prepare and enjoy nutrient-dense, lower-calorie meals ensures you continue to lose weight and maintain your results in the long term.
The Power of Group Programs and Community Support
In our experience, the most successful participants are those who engage in our group weight loss programs. These programs are not just about following a diet—they’re about learning, growing, and supporting one another along the way. Here’s why group programs are so effective:
Go at Your Own Pace: In a group setting, you can take things as slow or as fast as you need. You’ll have the flexibility to make changes at your own pace, with the support of others who are on a similar journey.
Inspiration and Motivation: Watching others succeed can be incredibly motivating. You’ll see members start where you are and grow alongside them, inspiring one another to stay on track and continue making progress.
Shared Success: Group members lift each other up, offering encouragement and celebrating every small victory. It’s a powerful way to stay committed to your goals.
Positive Environment: Our group programs foster a sense of continuous positive regard, helping you work through feelings of shame or guilt around eating. We provide a safe, supportive space where you can learn and thrive.
Why Lifestyle Medicine Maine Is Different
At Lifestyle Medicine Maine, we don’t offer quick fixes or fad diets. Our approach is medically designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to feel in control of your weight and wellness for life. We use tools like GLP-1 medications not as a permanent solution, but as a bridge to help you achieve your weight loss goals while learning the lifestyle changes that will keep the weight off for good.
Our program is designed for long-term success, offering the support of a knowledgeable clinician, group meetings, and our Lifestyle Medicine EATs App, which helps you build the skills to create healthy, balanced meals for life.
Take Control of Your Weight with Medical Weight Loss in Maine
If you’re ready to take control of your health and achieve sustainable weight loss, Lifestyle Medicine Maine is here to help. Our combination of medication, dietary changes, and community support provides a comprehensive approach to medical weight loss that works.
Join us today and discover how to achieve your weight loss goals—without relying on medication for life.
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