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If you’ve opened TikTok or scrolled your news feed recently, you’ve probably seen articles about Ozempic®. It’s generated buzz as celebrities and influencers have touted it as a game-changing weight loss solution .
In this article we will help you separate some of the myths from the facts regarding popular weight loss drugs and highlight both established methods and new alternatives for weight loss.
While everyone is different, a person loses weight (and keeps it off) by making sustainable lifestyle changes. This includes increasing your daily physical activity levels (e.g., strength and cardio exercise), opting for a more health-conscious diet, and an overall focus on health and wellness, rather than just the number on the scale.
For most of us, it’s hard to make sustainable lifestyle changes, but it’s important that these modifications are maintained in the long run. Otherwise, it is likely that the person falls back into old habits and regain the weight. Thus, we recommend that you consult with your family physician, a registered dietitian, and / or a personal trainer to assist in your weight loss journey. It’s also a good idea to garner family and friend support to help you along the way.
It is well-established that being overweight is linked to a reduced quality of life and increased risk of various chronic diseases (e.g., heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and infertility).
In certain situations lifestyle changes may not be possible or not enough, and medications and / or bariatric surgery might be options for losing weight. However, without making sustainable lifestyle changes, even medications and / or surgery can only go so far. Scientific evidence shows that regain of bodyweight is likely without a comprehensive approach that includes daily exercise and a reduced calorie diet.
As of this blog post publication, there are four medications approved for weight management in Canada: Saxenda®, Contrave®, Xenical®, and Wegovy®
While Wegovy® and Ozempic® are the same therapeutic drug (e.g., GLP-1 receptor agonist; semaglutide), it’s important to note that, currently, Wegovy® is the only Health Canada approved drug to assist in weight management, while Ozempic® is the only Health Canada approved drug to treat Type 2 Diabetes. A lot of the current buzz mistakenly references Ozempic® as a weight management drug, but it currently does not have Health Canada approval for that claim.
Well, not everyone. Between the TikToks and press, it might seem like everyone is using weight loss drugs – but that’s not true.
Medications all come with their own risks and benefits, and it’s important to consider whether medication is really right for you. They’re all designed to be used in tandem with lifestyle changes for long term weight loss. The same is true for Wegovy®.
Additionally, pharmaceutical drugs are often accompanied by side effects, and weight management drugs are no different. Common side effects of drugs like Wegovy® and Ozempic®, include gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. Other side effects include recent claims of an increased loss of muscle mass, but further research is required.
All in all, medication should never be considered a replacement for making sustainable lifestyle changes.
If you think a weight management drug could be an option for you, talk to your family doctor.
There are dietary supplements that will support weight loss and healthy weight management, like Trim 7, amongst others. Reviewing your local grocery aisle or health food store will identify numerous options, but buyer beware – not all weight loss supplements are supported by clinical research.
Trim 7 is licensed under Health Canada’s Natural Health Product Directorate and designed to support your weight management goals. It’s one of the most well-researched supplements and it’s undergone both preclinical and clinical testing to ensure safety and efficacy. Importantly, research results show that Trim 7 supports the loss of fat mass, while maintaining lean mass.
The effects of weight loss medications, like Wegovy®, vary greatly between individuals, but when combined with sustainable lifestyle changes, a patient can expect, on average, 7 – 15% body weight loss over 6 months. Importantly, this weight loss is split between fat and muscle mass loss. Keep in mind, it’s muscle mass that helps us to keep active later in life. It’s hard to rebuild muscle mass and this is something that should be a primary concern for everyone.
Contrary, in a recent double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial, Trim 7 induced on average a 4% fat loss over 3 months, while specifically preserving muscle mass.
While the percentage of weight loss might be lower, Trim 7 is a safe supplement that specifically targets fat mass. It’s not restricted to overweight or obese individuals – anyone who wants to lose weight can take it without a prescription.
Trim 7 is also more cost-effective than medication, with fewer harmful side effects. It has lots of health-promoting antioxidants and can help you feel more energized. Comparatively, the financial cost of Wegovy® can be as high as $900 CAD for about a one-month supply.
First, prior to starting any weight management therapy, consult with your family physician and other experts, especially when it comes to prescription medications and obviously surgical options.
Secondly, a weight loss drug should be considered your last line of treatment. Lifestyle modifications are your first line of treatment, and dietary supplements, like Trim 7, may be considered as an option to support your lifestyle modification program.
If you are not satisfied with your purchase, please contact us at info@stayabovenutrition.ca. We will endeavour to improve your experience with our products.
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