Staying active and sticking to your routine

Whether you're new to Semaglutide or have been using it for months, you may wonder how to reach your weight-loss goals more quickly. According to Dr. John Bernard, a Shed provider, staying active is essential. However, he recommends avoiding drastic changes in your workout routine. Instead, stick with the exercises you were doing before starting the medication, rather than jumping into a new, vigorous exercise regimen.

Dr. Bernard emphasizes the importance of combining both cardio and weight training for optimal results. The key, he says, is listening to your body and maintaining the fitness approach that works best for you.

Hydration: finding the right balance

When it comes to hydration, Dr. Bernard suggests drinking between two to four liters of water each day. While staying hydrated is crucial, he warns that drinking excessively more than that doesn't offer additional benefits and isn't particularly helpful.

Diet considerations: protein, carbs, and fats

In addition to staying hydrated, your diet plays a significant role in achieving your weight-loss goals. Dr. Bernard advises focusing on a diet that’s high in protein and low in carbohydrates while avoiding saturated fats. He suggests consuming one gram of protein for each kilogram of body weight daily, a general guideline that has shown positive results for many patients.

For those on medication, Dr. Bernard encourages swapping out red meats for leaner options like chicken and fish. He also cautions against highly processed foods and those rich in saturated fats, such as sweets (candy, cookies, cakes, pies), which are high in sugar and carbohydrates and provide little nutritional value.

Moderating alcohol and high-fat foods

Dr. Bernard also recommends avoiding alcohol because it is packed with empty calories. High-fat foods, including butter, whole milk, and red meat, should be consumed in moderation. Instead, focus on incorporating more vegetables and whole grains into your diet for a healthier balance.

Side effects and long-term results

Dr. Bernard mentions that most people on medication do not experience any significant side effects, and if they do, these are often minimal and can be controlled through diet adjustments. In most cases, patients see excellent results, shedding a significant amount of weight, which leads to improvements in both their physical and emotional well-being.

While there isn’t a "perfect" weight-loss medication, Dr. Bernard believes Semaglutide is as close as it gets. "We are certainly seeing a lot of success with these medications," he says. "They are the best we've ever had and are game-changing treatments for weight loss, particularly for a condition that has been very difficult to manage in the past."

Dr. Bernard affirms that many people find success with Semaglutide, not only achieving their weight-loss goals but also experiencing life-changing improvements in their overall health and emotional state.

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