GLP-1 medications are making headlines as a revolutionary tool for weight management, and the excitement is understandable. But this excitement can also create unrealistic expectations of a “magic shot.” At Channelside Health and Wellness, we believe in a transparent, medically supervised approach. Understanding the full journey is the first and most important step to success.
Understanding GLP-1s Beyond the Hype
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) agonists are powerful medications. They work by mimicking a hormone that slows down digestion, significantly reduces appetite, and helps you feel full longer.
However, they do not “melt fat” on their own. They are an effective tool for implementing the crucial lifestyle changes needed for sustainable health. Quieting the “food noise” helps you focus on better habits. They are helpers, not heroes.
Expectation vs. Reality: A Marathon, Not a Sprint
The most common unrealistic expectation we see involves the speed of weight loss. While some people may lose weight quickly at first, a safe, sustainable, and healthy rate is typically one to two pounds per week.
In clinical studies, patients taking these medications lost an average of 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks (about a year). This is a marathon, not a sprint. A plan focused on rapid, short-term loss is often a setup for long-term regain. Our goal is to help you lose the weight and keep it off.
Why This Medication Is Only One Piece of the Puzzle
A prescription without a comprehensive plan is incomplete. Our medical weight-loss program at Channelside Health and Wellness is built on a holistic foundation. The medication is just one part of that.
1. The Role of Nutrition and Protein
The medication will make you eat less, but what you eat becomes more important than ever. Prioritize protein intake (1g per pound of ideal body weight) to maximize fullness and protect muscle.
2. The Non-Negotiable: Preserving Muscle
When you are in a calorie deficit, your body can lose both fat and muscle. Losing muscle is detrimental to your long-term health; it is the “organ of longevity” and your metabolic engine. This is why strength training 2-3 times per week is a non-negotiable part of our program. We must protect your muscle mass as you lose fat.
Navigating the Path: Side Effects and Long-Term Planning
It’s important to be realistic about the process. Some patients experience side effects like nausea, constipation, or other gastrointestinal discomfort, especially when starting or increasing a dose. These are often manageable and typically improve with time, but they are a real part of the journey for many.
This is also not a short-term fix. We work with you to create a plan for long-term management, building sustainable habits that will serve you for the rest of your life, whether or not you remain on the medication.
Your Partner in a Realistic, Sustainable Journey
A realistic plan is a successful plan. If you are ready for a comprehensive, medically supervised weight management program that sets you up for long-term success, contact Channelside Health and Wellness. We are here to be your trusted ally on this journey. Call us at 813-444-2787, email [email protected], or go to our online app to schedule your comprehensive consultation today.
