Starting a medical weight loss journey is exciting, but adjusting to a new medication often brings unexpected hurdles. At Channelside Health and Wellness, we know that understanding your body’s signals is the key to long-term success. Here is how to navigate standard adjustments and keep your progress on track without pressing pause.
What Are Common GLP-1 Side Effects?
The Bottom Line: Most side effects are gastrointestinal, such as nausea or fullness, because the medication slows digestion to regulate appetite.
When you begin medical weight loss support, your body needs time to adapt to the new metabolic pace. The medication slows gastric emptying, keeping you fuller for longer, but it can sometimes cause GLP-1 side effects.
Common responses include temporary nausea, digestive changes, or fatigue. These are typically signs that the medication is working, but they should not disrupt your daily life. Studies indicate that about 50% of patients may experience mild nausea initially. However, these symptoms are typically transient and often subside significantly within the first 4 to 8 weeks of treatment as your body adjusts.
How Can You Manage Nausea Effectively?
The Bottom Line: Managing nausea is often about portion control and chewing thoroughly—chewing each bite 20-30 times can significantly reduce stomach distress.
If you experience waves of queasiness, your diet is likely the first place to look. Because your digestion has slowed, eating the exact portion sizes you used to can leave you feeling overly full and sick.
- Chew Thoroughly: Aim to chew each bite 20-30 times. This pre-digests food, making it easier for your stomach to process.
- Eat 5 Smaller Meals: Shift to 5 small meals a day rather than three large ones to keep your stomach settled.
- Prioritize Protein: Lean protein is easier on the stomach than heavy, greasy, or sugary foods.
Timing Matters: Stop eating at least 2-3 hours before bed to prevent nighttime indigestion.
How Do You Deal With Fatigue?
The Bottom Line: Managing fatigue often requires meeting specific nutritional targets, such as 1 gram of protein per pound of ideal body weight, to fuel your body.
Feeling tired is a common complaint, but it is often a sign of under-eating or muscle loss rather than a direct side effect of the medication. Adults can naturally lose 3-8% of their muscle mass per decade; rapid weight loss can accelerate this if you aren’t careful.
Channelside Health and Wellness recommends a strict protein goal: 1 gram of protein per pound of your ideal body weight daily. If your ideal weight is 150 lbs, aim for 150 grams of protein. This, combined with strength training 2-3 times a week, helps maintain a high metabolism and stable energy.
Why Is Hydration Critical for Digestive Health?
The Bottom Line: Water is the lubricant for your metabolism; aim for half your body weight in ounces daily and 25-30g of fiber to prevent constipation.
Weight loss medication tips often overlook the most straightforward advice: drink more water. Slower gastric emptying means food stays in your system longer. Without adequate fluids, this can lead to constipation.
The golden rule is to drink at least half your body weight in ounces of water daily. If you weigh 200 lbs, aim for 100 oz of water. Additionally, aim for 25-30 grams of fiber daily from sources like leafy greens or berries to keep your digestive system moving smoothly without adding unnecessary calories.
Taking Control of Your Journey
You do not have to navigate these changes alone. With the proper adjustments to your diet and lifestyle, you can minimize side effects and focus on your results. If you need personalized guidance on adjusting your dosage or nutrition, we are here to help.
Contact Channelside Health and Wellness today to book your consultation.
