There are many options available for us these days to achieve weight loss goals. Why is it, then, that some do not lose weight, and others lose some weight, then stall? What can you do to increase your chances of success with weight loss?
The patients who regularly check in with their physician have the best chance of success. Those who stay on auto-pilot and simply receive the medication each month, and do nothing else, will likely lose a few pounds at first but have much lower chances of ongoing success with losing weight. The reason is simple—losing weight is complex, and the solutions need to also target multiple areas.
1. Your Life Is Unique—So Should Be Your Approach
Every person’s weight loss story is different. Medications may help curb hunger and also go hand in hand with learning how to nourish yourself, move your body, and stay active.
2. Medication Is a Tool, Not a Lifeline
Weight loss medications are vital tools; however, healthy habits need to be added. Imagine building a house: medication might be the scaffolding, but the structure—your healthy habits—is what’s meant to last.
3. Small Changes Lead to Big Victories
Cooking one healthy meal, going for a walk, or saying no to a trigger food might feel small in the moment, but those small actions add up. These wins aren’t just about the scale; they’re about proving to yourself that you are actively taking part in your health.
4. The Power of Active Participation
When you take an active role in your weight loss process, you’re not just losing weight; you’re reclaiming control over your life. By learning new recipes, experimenting with workouts you enjoy, or practicing mindfulness to cope with stress, you’re not just a passenger on this ride. You’re the driver. And that empowerment feels really good.
Define Why You Want to Lose Weight
How would it feel to be able to walk a few blocks without your knees and hips hurting from carrying around excess weight?
- What about climbing a flight of stairs without feeling winded?
- Getting down on the floor and playing with your kids?
- Taking your dog for a walk and enjoying the fresh air and feeling your body able to keep up?
- Sleeping without excess weight blocking your airway, eliminating snoring and getting a refreshing night’s sleep without wearing a mask or using oxygen?
- Achieving a blood pressure in the healthy range and being able to wean off blood pressure medications?
- Improving your blood sugars and cholesterol so you reduce your risk factors for stroke and heart attacks?
All of these are within reach. Why wait?
Practical Steps to Take Ownership of Your Journey
If you’re ready to embrace your weight loss transformation, here are a few ways to stay engaged:
- Define Your Why: Write down why losing weight matters to you.
- Celebrate Progress—Big and Small: But don’t stop with the small victories.
- Find Joy in the Process: Explore healthy foods you love or activities that make you feel alive, like dancing or hiking.
- Build a Support System: Share your goals with your friends, spouse, and family to get their support.
- Check in with Your Doctor Regularly
The Bottom Line
Losing weight is about much more than shedding the unwanted pounds, and there’s no better time to start than right now. Weight loss medications are very important and effective, but the real magic happens when you take charge.
Dr. Corinne Rao is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician at Legacy Physicians, specializing in Lifestyle and Functional Medicine. With over 20 years of experience, she takes a comprehensive approach to helping patients navigate weight loss, hormonal health, stress and chronic disease management. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Corinne at Legacy Physicians.
