Shedding pounds is not always easy. Sometimes, you need a little extra help outside of diet and exercise – that’s where we come in. Pro Health offers a variety of weight-loss services, and our experienced nurse practitioners can help find treatment options to fit your specific needs. Check out the frequently asked questions below to learn more.
How do weight-loss medications work?
Weight-loss medications mimic natural hormones already in your gut, helping your body better handle food. They slow down how much food leaves your stomach and reduce your appetite. Additionally, the treatments send a message to your pancreas to release insulin only when your blood sugar is high. With all of this, you’re likely to feel satisfied sooner, which causes you to eat less. You may also experience more stable blood sugar levels.
How long until I see results?
Patients notice portion control changes and blood sugar stabilization first – typically in the first week or two of treatment. It takes about four to six weeks to begin seeing observable weight loss. As you increase your dosage, you’ll experience faster rates of weight loss. When it comes to how much weight will be lost, it’s hard to say because everyone is different. Studies have shown individuals on Semaglutide lose about 15% of their body weight on average, and those on Tirzepatide lose about 20%.
Do I have to be on a special diet?
There are no diet requirements or restrictions when you’re on weight-loss treatments. However, you’ll feel better eating smaller portions and if you consume lean proteins at every meal. It’s also recommended that you drink plenty of water – 15.5 cups per day for men and 11.5 cups for women. Consuming greasy, fried or overly sugary foods can cause nausea, so it’s best to limit those.
Will I have to be on weight-loss treatment forever?
Weight-loss medications work as long as you’re taking them. If you stop, your appetite and metabolism will return to normal, which can lead to weight gain. We see many patients stay on these treatments for maintenance – similar to maintaining blood pressure or cholesterol with regular medicine. It’s important to note both Semaglutide and Tirzepatide have strong long-term use data. We keep tabs on new industry findings, and monitor patients closely through regular labs and check-ins.
Will this replace diet and exercise?
Weight-loss treatments are just one of the many tools patients can use to lose weight. The healthier your overall habits, the better results you will experience. This means in addition to your treatment, we recommend you pay attention to what foods you eat, how much you eat and incorporate regular exercise into your routine.
What side effects will I experience?
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal issues, including nausea, constipation, diarrhea and bloating. However, these typically improve as your body adjusts to the treatment. We try to mitigate reactions by starting patients on a small dose, slowly increasing over time. There are some serious risks, but they are rare – like pancreatitis and gallbladder complications. Some tests with lab animals also showed thyroid tumors. Our nurse practitioners will monitor you closely and provide guidance on how you can reduce negative side effects – mainly through portion control, staying hydrated and using anti-nausea medication as needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you ever miss your dose, take a look at how close you are to your next treatment. Go ahead and take it if you’re just a day or two off. If you’re closer to your next treatment than you are to the one you missed, wait until your next scheduled dose day.
Ready to meet your weight-loss goals? Give us a call, schedule an appointment or walk into any of our clinics to get started on the right track today.