Whether new to Semaglutide and Tirzepatide or multiple months in, one may wonder how to reach weight-loss goals more quickly. Dr. John Bernard, a ShedRx provider, shared suggestions to avoid side effects and gain the maximum benefit from Compounded Semaglutide and Tirzepatide.
First things first, stay active, Bernard said. However, avoid drastic change in workouts. He advised patients to stick with what they were doing prior to taking medication rather than to undergo a new, vigorous exercise regimen.
He noted that the best approach to exercise is including both cardio and weight training. However, Bernard emphasized the idea of continuing with the individual’s fitness approach that was in place before beginning medication. “The key is, really, to just follow what your body’s telling you.”
This also goes for water intake. Two to four liters of water each day is what the doctor recommended. Any more than that, he said, will probably not produce more benefits and is not “particularly helpful.”
In addition to drinking water, other aspects of the diet are important to pay attention to. Bernard said this means daily food intake should be high in protein and low in carbohydrates, while avoiding saturated fats.
A general rule to go by is to consume one gram of protein for each kilogram a person weighs daily, Bernard taught. While each individual varies, he said this is a good goal to shoot for, as an increase of protein has seemed to help patients. He encouraged those on medication to swap out red meats for leaner options, such as chicken and fish.
On the other hand, Bernard counseled against food items that are processed and high in saturated fats. Sweets, like candy, cookies, cakes, pies, etc. are not very nutritious due to their high sugar and carbohydrate content.
Alcohol, Bernard said, is also something to avoid since it is full of “empty calories.” He added that high-fat foods, including butter, whole milk and red meat should also be consumed in moderation. “You want to stay focused on things like vegetables and whole grains, especially,” he stated.
Bernard said most people on medication do not see any side effects at all and if they do, the influence is minimal and may be controlled through changes in diet. Generally, excellent results are produced, meaning a great deal of weight has come off and, therefore, the patient feels better physically and emotionally about themselves.
“Most people really do [obtain] pretty good success,” Bernard said. “And a lot of people — it really changes their life too, and improves their overall health and certainly their emotional sense of well-being.”
Bernard noted that while the perfect medication for weight-loss does not exist, Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are as close as they come.
“They are definitely the best we’ve ever had and they really are game-changing treatments for weight-loss for a condition that, in the past, has been very difficult to manage and treat,” Bernard said. “We are certainly seeing a lot of success with these medications.”