Forever, we have been looking for the magic answer to weight loss. “Oh, if I could just take a pill to lose weight.”
It seems we may have found a solution in the new medications for diabetes management, that also are proving to be good for weight loss. Within the last few years, we’ve seen a big leap in the use of this class of injectable medications called the GLP-1 receptor agonists, the pharmaceutical name for GLP-1, a hormone naturally produced in our bodies and involved in blood glucose regulation and hunger and satiety signals.
Spotlight Brands for Weight Loss and Diabetes Drugs
In the spotlight, are the brand names Ozempic (semaglutide), Victoza (liraglutide), Trulicity (dulaglutide), Mounjaro (tizepatide) that are being prescribed in record amounts to manage diabetes and weight loss and at times may be difficult to find due to demand.
Wegovy (semaglutide) and Saxenda (liraglutide) are used for weight loss at higher doses than the doses used for diabetes. Newer, next generation drugs are on the horizon for weight loss. These may revolutionize the way we treat obesity. Stay tuned.
When taking these drugs, some people do experience gastrointestinal side effects like e nausea, bloating, or diarrhea that usually occur after the first day of the weekly injection. Typically, the prescription starts at the lowest dose with dosage level increasing slowly over time to the highest dose allowing the body to adjust to more GLP-1 than is naturally available.
Check your health insurance plan for medication coverage and discuss your options with your health care provider.
Rethinking Lifestyle
If you are taking one of these medications, you may be enjoying a bit of relief from the frustration of dieting and/or managing blood glucose. This is an opportunity for a bit of self-reflection. You now have the perfect chance to improve your lifestyle habits.
For people with diabetes and for those wanting to shed pounds, your blood glucose will drop, you will lose weight, and your health will improve. Generally, these medications cause a loss of interest in food, make you feel full longer, keep your liver from releasing stored glucose, and support release of insulin from the pancreas.
The Four Pillars of Health: Nutrition, Exercise, Sleep, and Stress Management
Female dietitian-nutritionist blogging to her readers about healthy eating habits.
It’s easy to sit back and let the medication do it for you. Instead act to improve your future health with new healthy lifestyle habits.
Nutrition is good medicine. Focus on plant-based foods. The more “color” on your plate, the more nutrition.
- Purchase nutritious food, plan your meals, and make food your path toward health which means you will lower your risk for heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. Plant foods reduce inflammation and strengthen your immune system.
Physical activity burns calories. It doesn’t mean running a marathon, but it does mean moving more, sitting less.
- If you are limited physically, request an appointment with a physical therapist who can address your physical limitations. Otherwise create a plan to add exercise or more activity to every day.
Sleep gets tough as we go through the aging process. But you have more control over how you sleep than you may think.
- Before you go to bed avoid any device with a screen. Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol. Pick a consistent bedtime. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, ask your primary care person for a sleep study.
Stress hits everyone at some time or other and can affect overall health. It affects sleep, how we eat, and may even stop us from getting the exercise we need. If the other three “pillars” are in place, you have a better chance of managing life’s challenges. Seek counseling if you feel your stress is overwhelming.
Work with a registered dietitian-nutritionist to coach you through planning a heathy lifestyle to improve your diabetes management and succeed with weight loss.
RECIPE TIP
This is one of the simplest recipes ever. Cornbread plus soup, chili, or a salad makes the meal a bit more special. Of course, you may want to eat two muffins!
Salsa Cornbread
1 8.5-ounce box of corn muffin mix (follow box instructions)
1/2 cup salsa (drain if juicy)
1/4 cup finely shredded cheese
Preheat oven according to package instructions. Follow preparation instructions, stirring in the salsa as one of the ingredients. Fill six muffin cups with batter. Stop with cheese. Bake 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Makes 6 muffins. Calories : 200 Carbohydrates: 28 g.
Written by: Mimi Cunningham, MA, RDN, CDCES
Mimi is a registered dietitian-nutritionist and diabetes care specialist helping people learn to manage their diabetes and achieve good health. She believes food definitely is good culinary medicine.
Reference Links
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Ozempic, Trulicity, and More: 9 GLP-1 Agonist Drugs and How to Navigate Your Options
- Healthy Sleep Habits
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