5 weight loss tips that obesity doctors say you should try before taking medications like semaglutide

• When other methods have failed, semaglutide is a medicine that can aid in weight loss.

• Doctors that specialise in treating obesity advise beginning with dietary and activity modifications or combining them.

• It is important to first evaluate additional weight-related issues, such as existing medical problems and prescription drugs

According to study, the weight reduction medication semaglutide has been dubbed a "game changer" for large, long-lasting weight loss when more conventional lifestyle adjustments have been ineffective.

The drug, which was created to treat diabetes but was approved in June 2021 to treat obesity, immediately ran out.

According to Dr. Rami Bailony, an expert in obesity medicine and CEO and co-founder of the obesity management platform Enara Health, it functions by minimising hormonal and metabolic alterations that often make long-term weight loss challenging.

"It's not a quick fix. What it does is change your biology such that it rewards you rather than attempting to combat you "Informed Insider, Bailony.

According to endocrinologist and expert in obesity medicine Dr. Scott Isaacs, the majority of patients who are considering semaglutide have made numerous attempts to lose weight without success.

"The moment to consult a professional, he advised, is when someone is trying really hard to lose weight but failing to do so."

A sustainable diet is often the first step for healthy weight loss

The majority of patients asking for semaglutide or other weight-loss drugs have unsuccessfully tried numerous regimens, according to the experts.

While many restrictive diets for weight loss can be effective for a few weeks or months, research indicates that people rarely stick to them over time and frequently gain the weight back (and sometimes even more).

Any temporary action will only provide temporary results, according to Isaacs.

For health benefits like a lower risk of disease, Isaacs suggests a low-calorie Mediterranean diet since it is adaptable, enables delicious foods, and is abundant in nutrient-rich leafy greens, whole grains, and good fats.

"Contrary to what we frequently assume, losing weight is more like a tug-of-war. You're pulling, and ultimately your weight set point will notice this and begin to retract, according to Bailony."

Exercise is helpful for weight maintenance

Despite the fact that exercise is frequently advised for weight loss, studies has shown that it isn't very helpful for major, long-term weight loss since the body can adapt and burn fewer calories over time.

Exercise, especially resistance training, is beneficial for overall health and can help you gain and retain muscle mass to keep your metabolism high.

"Exercise doesn't contribute much to initial weight loss, but it's crucial to maintain it, according to Isaacs."

Check your medications — some can cause weight gain

According to study, up to 20% of Americans may be taking drugs related to obesity.

The most typical ones consist of:

• Beta adsorbents

• Antidepressants

• Anti-allergy drugs

Prioritizing sleep can help you reduce appetite and cut calories 

According to Isaacs, getting at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night is an underappreciated approach to aid with weight management.

One study suggests that getting enough sleep may considerably lower your calorie intake.

Get tested for underlying conditions that may interfere with weight loss

Cushing syndrome, hypothyroidism, and metabolic disorders are a few additional medical conditions that can aggravate or worsen obesity.

Although treating underlying issues may not completely stop weight gain, Isaacs said doing so is crucial for general health and welfare.