Weight loss injections are becoming increasingly popular as a means of achieving weight loss goals. Although there is no magic bullet when it comes to weight loss, these injections can be an effective tool to help individuals reduce their overall body fat. When used alongside a healthy diet and exercise program, these injections can help people shed excess weight and reach their weight loss goals.
What are they:
Other Names: Ozempic is a type of medication called a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. These medications (other brand names include Trulicity, Rybelsus, Saxenda, and Wegovy; work by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, a naturally occurring hormone that regulates blood sugar. GLP-1 causes the release of insulin, which tamps down high blood sugar. It also slows stomach emptying and reduces appetite.
These medications are currently only done with an injection at home or in a clinic. 💉
The current retail cost (most insurances won’t cover) is $700-$1500/month. In Washington state the pharmacies have it for $916-$1030 per month.
The side effects:
nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, and injection site pain. Some people might experience more serious side effects such as kidney problems, vision changes, a drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
The suggested meals to avoid on them are:
Fried foods, sugary foods, high sodium foods, refined carbs, high glycemic starchy vegetables, alcohol.
So, basically, a healthier diet/lifestyle. 😏
Average weight loss on them:
*Two year trial of Ozempic results:
More than 85% of participants taking semaglutide lost 5% of their body weight, nearly 70% achieved a 10% weight loss, 50% achieved a 15% weight loss, and just under a third achieved a 20% weight loss.
*A 200lb person would have lost up to 40lbs at best in the 2 year trial.
Case Studies and References:
Meal replacements are an excellent option for those people using the GLP-1 receptor agonists or other effective obesity medications to supplement the common lack of sufficient protein and certain essential nutrients. — Dr. Sue Shapses, PhD, RD/RDN; Rutgers University
While GLP-1 agents reduce people’s appetite and food preoccupation, it is also necessary to have behavioral support to navigate the food environment. Including meal replacements in a person’s daily routine — along with appropriate food choices — is an important tool to support the nutrition needed to achieve and sustain healthy weight loss and maintenance. — Dr. Kelly Alison, PhD, FAED, FTOS; University of Pennsylvania
To maintain vital Lean Body Mass (LBM), use of high protein meal replacements with semaglutide and other GLP-1 medications will help reduce LBM loss, which was observed to be 9.7% in DEXA evaluations of 140 patients in the Step 1 Study as reported in the literature.1 — Dr. Holly Lofton, MD; New York University
Patients taking semaglutide should incorporate meal replacements containing protein, prebiotic fiber, vitamins, and minerals to satisfy dietary requirements. — Dr. Abby Gilman, PhD, RDN, LDN, and Stacey Weatherbee, RDN, LDN; Mainline Health Care
Meal replacements could be beneficial and recommended for people using the GLP-1 Receptor Agents or other effective obesity medications. Meal replacements could supplement the anticipated adverse nutritional outcomes such as lack of sufficient protein and other essential nutrients. Patients must have access to the tools they need to follow an appropriate diet that confers the maximum health benefit of their weight loss. — Dr. Cheryl Anderson, PhD, MPH MS; University of California San Diego
Things to consider:
No support
No guidance
No meal plan or ideas
How to preserve muscle mass
No maintenance plan
AKA the ShiftSetGo program is a perfect addition to a client taking these medications or who just want to learn how to lose weight and learn to keep it off.
With the ShiftSetGo protocol, here’s what you can expect:
➡️ Average weekly weight loss for women is 2-4 lbs per week; men is 4-6 lbs per week
➡️ Weekly coaching = weight in, measurements, planning for upcoming week
➡️ Meal ideas
➡️ Proper nutritional food and supplements
➡️ App for journaling and progress and weekly wisdom tips
➡️ Support
➡️ Guidance
➡️ Preserve Muscle Mass
➡️ Fabulous maintenance plan
Bottom line . . . . if you want to lose weight, you have to change your lifestyle and eat better foods. 🥗 You have to put in the effort.
We make it easier and actually teach you and have fun along your journey!