If you’re on or about to start a weight-loss journey with semaglutide, we know you’ll have lots of questions.
At first, the questions are usually about how this revolutionary drug works, what to expect, typical results, and so on.
But once you already know it’s the right option for you, lots of other questions usually start to spring to mind – more focused on how to maximize your weight loss on semaglutide.
Questions such as: What’s the best diet with semaglutide? How much protein do you need when on semaglutide? How important is exercise? Are there other treatments that can enhance your results? and many more...
And with good reason – as knowing all these “extra” factors that support the effectiveness of semaglutide can make a huge difference to your end result.
As licensed providers of semaglutide here at BodyTonic Med Spa, we can reassure you that most of these questions will be answered by your practitioner as you start out on your journey.
But in the meantime, we’ll cover some of the most common questions about semaglutide for weight loss here, and give you practical tips on how to make the most of this life-changing treatment.
How does semaglutide support weight loss?
We’ve covered the details of exactly how semaglutide causes weight loss and how long you normally stay on semaglutide in previous articles, but here’s a quick summary:
Semaglutide works by mimicking a hormone in your body that helps regulate appetite and control blood sugar levels. This both reduces your appetite and makes you feel fuller faster, and for longer, with less food – making it easier to reduce calorie intake and achieve gradual weight loss without feeling like you’re “on a diet” or having to constantly go without.
When combined with healthy lifestyle changes, semaglutide can be extremely effective, with most people losing an average of 15% of their initial body weight over a period of 12 to 24 months.
What’s the best diet with semaglutide?
While semaglutide is extremely effective at helping control how much you want to eat, what you eat is still important. After all, eating less isn’t going to make a massive difference if you’re only eating fatty or processed foods.
The short and simplest answer is that a healthy and balanced diet is key to maximizing your results on semaglutide.
Our previous blog post on the best semaglutide diet plan goes into more detail on exactly what an optimal balanced diet looks like, and tips that will help you get started.But essentially – a nutrient-rich diet that includes a variety of whole foods, such as lean proteins, whole grains, healthy fats, and plenty of vegetables, can support your body’s health and help sustain energy levels, while also keeping your calorie intake low enough to ensure the pounds fall off.
While there are no “types” of diet that are specifically recommended in combination with semaglutide (i.e. keto, intermittent fasting, calorie-restricted, etc.), sufficient protein is always important during any kind of weight loss, and semaglutide is no different. So ensuring you have enough healthy lean protein in your diet when on semaglutide is always our top recommendation.
How much protein should I eat on semaglutide?
Protein is an essential part of any weight-loss diet, and especially when you’re on semaglutide, as protein both helps preserve muscle mass and keeps you feeling full.
The general recommendation for adults aiming to lose weight is about 1.5 to 2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. This usually translates to around 20 to 30 grams per meal. Lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, tofu, beans, and legumes are all excellent protein sources that can fit easily into your meals.
If you need a bit of inspiration, there are lots of sample meal plans for semaglutide (or weight loss in general) available online. Just remember that while sample plans can give you ideas, personalized dietary advice should always come from a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
What if I still feel hungry on semaglutide?
While semaglutide normally reduces appetite quite significantly, it’s normal for your appetite to vary, and remember too that every person will react slightly differently.
If you’re still feeling hungry on semaglutide, try focusing on high-fiber and high-protein foods, which help keep you full longer.
Spread your protein intake evenly across meals and snacks, and include whole foods that are rich in fiber, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Staying hydrated and eating mindfully can also help curb hunger.
Is exercise important while using semaglutide?
Exercise is essential if you want to maximize your results on semaglutide.
With any kind of weight loss, doing it properly and healthily will not only lead to the best results, but the most sustainable results. And once again, this is no different when on semaglutide.
Regular physical activity not only helps burn extra calories, but also boosts your metabolism, making it more efficient at burning fat and calories throughout the day, even when you’re resting.
Strength training is also very beneficial. Weight loss often leads to muscle loss, which can slow down your metabolism and affect your body composition and appearance. So maintaining muscle mass while on semaglutide not only keeps your metabolism active and supports an increased weight loss, but it also helps tone your body as you lose weight, giving you a leaner, more defined look.
Semaglutide alone can have good results, but combining it with a regular well-rounded exercise routine can significantly enhance your weight loss and help you reach your goals faster.
But remember that it’s important to check with your doctor or another licensed professional before starting any new exercise program, especially if you haven’t been active recently.
Are there treatments that help maximize the results of semaglutide?
People often ask about treatments that can help boost the results of semaglutide weight loss, or correct any side effects that might come from it. And the good news is that there are several treatments that are very beneficial for people losing weight with semaglutide.
Here are the treatments we most recommend to our semaglutide clients at BodyTonic Cleveland:
- Body contouring treatments such as Emscupt Neo are a great option for people wanting to boost their fat loss and muscle-building results.
- Skin-tightening treatments such as RF (radiofrequency) microneedling or PDO thread lifts can help tighten loose skin – one of the most frequent concerns from people experiencing significant weight loss.
- Biostimulators (such as Sculptra or Radiesse) and fillers are recommended for facial rejuvenation after weight loss, to restore any lost volume and firmness to the skin.
How can I maximize my weight loss on semaglutide?
To get the best results from semaglutide, it’s important to focus on a well-rounded approach that includes a healthy and balanced diet and regular exercise.
Staying hydrated, eating balanced meals with plenty of protein, exercising regularly – including weight training – and getting plenty of quality sleep will all greatly enhance your results.
Remember, semaglutide is a tool, not a complete solution, so adopting a healthy and sustainable lifestyle will help you achieve and maintain your goals.
Get started on your semaglutide weight-loss journey at BodyTonic Cleveland
At BodyTonic Med Spa, we’re here to support you every step of the way on your semaglutide weight-loss journey.
As part of your semaglutide treatment, we’ll give you all the information and support you need to ensure you can achieve the best possible results.
And that includes answering all your questions – from advice on how much protein you need to eat while on semaglutide to the best forms of exercise or the best rejuvenating treatments as you near your end goal.
From the semaglutide treatment itself to supportive treatments such as non-surgical skin tightening or facial rejuvenation, our team is here to help you reach your goals with confidence. Ready to take the next step? Book a free consultation with us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your weight-loss goals with semaglutide, and get started on your journey to look, and feel, truly amazing.
