Strategies for Maintaining a Healthy Body Weight As Alternatives to Popular Weight Loss Drugs
You’ve likely heard about popular weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro. While these drugs have been effective for some people, they’re not the only successful strategy for losing weight. Furthermore, weight loss drugs aren’t right for everyone. They’re quite expensive and may not be covered by insurance. Additionally, they may require indefinite use to retain weight loss benefits. These drugs also have potential side effects.
Fortunately, there are other natural approaches to weight loss that may be feasible for you. This article provides guidance for how you can successfully maintain a healthy body weight without using weight loss drugs.
What Are the Benefits of Maintaining a Healthy Weight?
The Harvard School of Medicine reported that 69% of U.S. adults are overweight or obese, and 36% of adults are obese. Struggling with weight is common and nothing to be ashamed of. The good news is that there are numerous benefits to maintaining a healthy weight and feasible strategies for most.
Being overweight or obese puts you at a greater risk for other health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Losing even a few pounds can improve your health if you’re overweight. When your weight is within a healthy range, your body functions more efficiently. This means blood circulates more effectively, your fluid levels are easier to manage, you’re less likely to develop certain diseases, and you may have more energy and feel better about yourself. Losing weight can also reduce joint pain, increase mobility, lower cancer risk, improve heart health and improve quality of sleep.
Strategies for Maintaining a Healthy Body Weight
Losing weight can be challenging. No matter where you are in your weight loss journey, it’s important to go easy on yourself and remember that it’s natural to make mistakes or get off track temporarily. When this happens, remember the big picture and continue with your weight loss program as soon as possible. Long-term weight loss takes commitment. Before you start, you should be ready to make permanent changes to your eating and exercise habits. Strong internal motivation and realistic goals will help you reach a healthy weight. Consider the following strategies for losing weight:
Reduce your portion sizes to reduce calorie intake.
Be physically active (e.g., go for walks and choose the stairs over the elevator).
Swap unhealthy foods with nutritionally dense alternatives (e.g., carrot sticks instead of chips).
Drink plenty of water.
Avoid processed foods and foods with added sugar.
Eat lots of fruits and vegetables with every meal. In addition to being good for you, fruits and vegetables can help you feel full.
Plan your meals in advance.
Create a healthy shopping list and stick to it.
Keep a food journal to track what you’re putting in your body.
Focus on fitting into a certain size rather than meeting a certain number on the scale.
Avoid indulging in too many “rewards” or temptations (e.g., a candy bar after your workout).
Add strength training to your workout. This will help you build muscle and increase your metabolic rate.
Work with a nutritionist to find healthy foods you like.
Find a physical activity you enjoy (e.g., pickleball, yoga or walking). This will make you want to be active.
Ask your friends and family members for support.
Conclusion
Use these strategies to create a weight loss plan and put it into action. Your needs may be different from your peers’, so find the weight loss strategies that work for you and keep at them, even when you face setbacks. Remember that losing weight takes long-term commitment, and it’s natural to make mistakes. Start with small, achievable goals and work your way up. While weight loss drugs are one option for weight loss, they aren’t right for everyone. Talk to your doctor to find a weight loss plan that works for you, and check with your employer for wellness resources.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. For further information, please consult a medical professional. © 2023 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.