Can You Eat What You Like On Weight-Loss Treatments?
Reviewed by Dr Mitra Dutt
Weight-loss treatment that people can use at home have revolutionised the world of weight management. Often a last resort for those who’ve struggled with weight for a long time, medications such as Wegovy® and Mounjaro® reduce appetite and stabilise blood sugar to give weight loss a kick-start.
However, in the UK and elsewhere, medical bodies have recommended that these injections be used in conjunction with diet and lifestyle advice. It goes without saying that boosting your health with the right foods can help prevent some of the undesirable effects of prescribed medication. But, for the individual, there’s more to it than that. In fact, there are three huge concerns that come up repeatedly among nutrition coaching clients.
Guilt, blame and acceptance
Anyone who has faced a constant struggle with weight has also faced a barrage of misunderstanding from the people around them. Society tells people they made themselves ill by being overweight. Family, friends and the media give well-meaning advice to ‘just eat less’. Nutritionists are often the first to explain to individuals that their weight problems are not their fault. In fact, here are just some of the factors that contribute to difficulties with weight management:
- Incorrect advice to eat a high-carb, low-fat diet
- A food environment consisting of mostly ultra-processed, high-sugar foods
- Blood glucose dysregulation caused by genetics, gut microbiome issues and more
- Metabolic disturbance from thyroid dysfunction, repeated dieting and hormone imbalances
Your nutrition coach is here to listen to you and help you on the best journey for you.
Nausea
While weight does indeed come off with weight-loss injections, many people struggle to continue with them due to side effects such as nausea, fatigue and headaches. The prospect of not tolerating the drug can be devastating for the individual. Professional advice around food choices and meal timing, as well as dietary tips to soothe digestion, can make all the difference to your chances of continuing successfully.
Keeping the weight off
Another pressing issue for anyone taking weight-loss treatment is the worry about what will happen when you stop taking it. The fear that weight will return is very real. Learning about the foods and dietary strategies that can sustain weight loss and long-term weight management can give you the tools and confidence to control your weight into the future.
Professional nutrition coaching
Nutrable’s nutrition coaching program is designed to support people on their weight-loss journey with or without medication, recognising the complexities of weight loss and taking into account the individual’s unique health history and preferences.
