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Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Doctor Reveals 3 Fundamentals That Will Help You Lose More Weight Than Ozempic

Mark Hyman, MD, gets real about weight loss drugs and what actually works better than them.

Dr Mark Hyman, M.D. drmarkhyman
Copyright drmarkhyman/Intagram

Ozempic and other weight loss drugs are the easiest option for rapid weight loss. However, according to one top doctor, this isn’t the case. There are three things you can do without a doctor's prescription that will help you drop pounds faster than any jab. Dr. Mark Hyman, MD, is a Senior Medical Advisor at Cleveland Clinic and the co-founder of Funciton Health. In a new social media post and interview, he reveals that while he isn’t anti-Ozempic, there are other things you can do that will accelerate fat loss.


It’s Not Ozempic, It’s the Diet

Montreal, CA - 16 November 2023: Ozempic semaglutide injection pens. Ozempic is a medication for obesityShutterstock

“It’s not the Ozempic—it’s the diet,” Hyman writes in the post. “These weight loss drugs might help some people temporarily, but they don’t address the root causes of weight gain and metabolic dysfunction.”

RELATED:20 Things You Need to Know About Ozempic and Weight Loss

If You Lose Weight Soley Because of Ozempic, You Are Likely Losing Muscle

GDANSK, POLAND - MAY 2022: obese fat man preparing Semaglutide Ozempic injection control blood sugar levelsShutterstock

“If you lose weight without prioritizing diet, protein, and strength training, you’re likely losing muscle—your body’s metabolic engine,” he continues. “This slows down your metabolism, making it even harder to maintain a healthy weight long term.”

His Client Only Lost 2 Pounds in 6 Months on Ozempic

Male,Weight,Scales,,Weight,,Diet,Shutterstock

“I had a patient lose 2 pounds on Ozempic,” he writes, adding in the video that it took him a whopping 6 months to do so. “It didn't really make him feel great. It had all these side effects,” he added.

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

He Ended Up Losing 60 Pound by Doing Three Things

Young Caucasian men using Smart Watch measuring heart rate during walk. Runner fixing time at sports smart watch. Young athletic man using fitness tracker or smart watch before run training outdoors.Shutterstock

“He switched over to what I told him to do. He lost 60 pounds and he's reversed his diabetes and he's on his way back to full, full health,” he says in the clip. This involved focusing on food, protein, and exercise. In addition he “reversed his diabetes and reclaimed his health,” says Hyman.

Fundamental 1: Eat One Gram of Protein Per Pound of Bodyweight

Woman in gloves puts raw chicken breasts in a plate on a digital weighing scale to prepare delicious food at home. Homemade cooking concept.Shutterstock

“Before we rush to prescriptions, let’s start with the fundamentals,” says Hyman. Number one? “Eat a gram of protein per pound of ideal body weight,” he says. “I think it's, personally malpractice to prescribe one of these drugs unless that person has diet counseling and understands they need to eat a gram of protein per pound of ideal body weight and they're taught how to do it right and that they do it,” he says.

Fundamental 2: Strength Train at Least Three Times a Week

Athlete,Dumbbell, Bodybuilding, weights, lifting, exercise, gym, weightsShutterstock

Next? “Commit to strength training at least 3 times a week,” he writes. “If you don't, what happens is this, you lose the weight, but up to half of the weight is muscle. Now muscle is your metabolic engine. It burns seven times the calories of fat, and when you lose muscle, your metabolism slows down. So then what happens? Then you stop the drug because it's side effects or you can't afford it forever. And then what happens? You gain back the weight,” he says, adding that will gain it back “all as fat, which means your metabolism is gonna be slower, even at the same weight that you were when you started, which means you need to eat less in order to just stay at that weight. You'll gain more weight even.”

Fundamental 3: Prioritize Whole Foods

Farmer woman holding wooden box full of fresh raw vegetables. Basket with vegetable (cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, radish, corn, garlic and peppers) in the hands.Shutterstock

And the third fundamental has to do with diet. He recommends staying away from processed foods. “Prioritize real, whole foods,” he writes.

RELATED:What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Taking Ozempic

He’s Not Opposed to Weight Loss Drugs

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“I’m not opposed to these drugs. What I’m opposed to is the widespread use of them, and the lack of research on other interventions that work better,” Hyman concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

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Dr Mark Hyman, M.D. drmarkhyman
Copyright drmarkhyman/Intagram
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Ozempic and other weight loss drugs are the easiest option for rapid weight loss. However, according to one top doctor, this isn’t the case. There are three things you can do without a doctor's prescription that will help you drop pounds faster than any jab. Dr. Mark Hyman, MD, is a Senior Medical Advisor at Cleveland Clinic and the co-founder of Funciton Health. In a new social media post and interview, he reveals that while he isn’t anti-Ozempic, there are other things you can do that will accelerate fat loss.

It’s Not Ozempic, It’s the Diet

Montreal, CA - 16 November 2023: Ozempic semaglutide injection pens. Ozempic is a medication for obesityShutterstock

“It’s not the Ozempic—it’s the diet,” Hyman writes in the post. “These weight loss drugs might help some people temporarily, but they don’t address the root causes of weight gain and metabolic dysfunction.”

RELATED:20 Things You Need to Know About Ozempic and Weight Loss

If You Lose Weight Soley Because of Ozempic, You Are Likely Losing Muscle

GDANSK, POLAND - MAY 2022: obese fat man preparing Semaglutide Ozempic injection control blood sugar levelsShutterstock

“If you lose weight without prioritizing diet, protein, and strength training, you’re likely losing muscle—your body’s metabolic engine,” he continues. “This slows down your metabolism, making it even harder to maintain a healthy weight long term.”

His Client Only Lost 2 Pounds in 6 Months on Ozempic

Male,Weight,Scales,,Weight,,Diet,Shutterstock

“I had a patient lose 2 pounds on Ozempic,” he writes, adding in the video that it took him a whopping 6 months to do so. “It didn't really make him feel great. It had all these side effects,” he added.

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

He Ended Up Losing 60 Pound by Doing Three Things

Young Caucasian men using Smart Watch measuring heart rate during walk. Runner fixing time at sports smart watch. Young athletic man using fitness tracker or smart watch before run training outdoors.Shutterstock

“He switched over to what I told him to do. He lost 60 pounds and he's reversed his diabetes and he's on his way back to full, full health,” he says in the clip. This involved focusing on food, protein, and exercise. In addition he “reversed his diabetes and reclaimed his health,” says Hyman.

Fundamental 1: Eat One Gram of Protein Per Pound of Bodyweight

Woman in gloves puts raw chicken breasts in a plate on a digital weighing scale to prepare delicious food at home. Homemade cooking concept.Shutterstock

“Before we rush to prescriptions, let’s start with the fundamentals,” says Hyman. Number one? “Eat a gram of protein per pound of ideal body weight,” he says. “I think it's, personally malpractice to prescribe one of these drugs unless that person has diet counseling and understands they need to eat a gram of protein per pound of ideal body weight and they're taught how to do it right and that they do it,” he says.

Fundamental 2: Strength Train at Least Three Times a Week

Athlete,Dumbbell, Bodybuilding, weights, lifting, exercise, gym, weightsShutterstock

Next? “Commit to strength training at least 3 times a week,” he writes. “If you don't, what happens is this, you lose the weight, but up to half of the weight is muscle. Now muscle is your metabolic engine. It burns seven times the calories of fat, and when you lose muscle, your metabolism slows down. So then what happens? Then you stop the drug because it's side effects or you can't afford it forever. And then what happens? You gain back the weight,” he says, adding that will gain it back “all as fat, which means your metabolism is gonna be slower, even at the same weight that you were when you started, which means you need to eat less in order to just stay at that weight. You'll gain more weight even.”

Fundamental 3: Prioritize Whole Foods

Farmer woman holding wooden box full of fresh raw vegetables. Basket with vegetable (cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, radish, corn, garlic and peppers) in the hands.Shutterstock

And the third fundamental has to do with diet. He recommends staying away from processed foods. “Prioritize real, whole foods,” he writes.

RELATED:What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Taking Ozempic

He’s Not Opposed to Weight Loss Drugs

Pen,Injection,Semaglutide,Ozempic, diabetes, medicine, medication, diet, weight, lossShutterstock

“I’m not opposed to these drugs. What I’m opposed to is the widespread use of them, and the lack of research on other interventions that work better,” Hyman concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Do you want to lose weight but aren’t sure if you want to take medication to do it? You don’t have to, according to one expert. Susie Matychuk, AKA Coach Sooz, is “the world’s nerdiest personal trainer,” according to her YouTube bio. “The thing that is more effective than Ozempic is a healthy lifestyle,” she says at the start of the viral YouTube clip. In it, she discusses alternatives to the drug for weight loss in the form of foods and fitness.


She Grew Up Believing Medication Should Be a “Last Resort”

She starts by discussing her experience with medication. “I grew up with very traditional values, and I remember my mom telling me that medication should always be the last resort. In my early twenties, I started getting chronic strep throat, joint pain, and rashes. I had no idea that it was because of my poor diet and stress level,” she says in her post.

She Has Tried Taking Typical Medications But They Haven’t Worked

“I went to the doctor and got prescribed antibiotics and painkillers. My symptoms got worse, and I went to the emergency room thinking that I had rheumatoid arthritis or something, which is typical of Susie being overdramatic. The doctors were just as confused as me, and I realized the medical system is not made to help people with symptoms,” she says.

However, Healthy Lifestyle Has Helped Her Ailments Over the Years

She reveals that when she “started taking vitamins, eating a paleo diet, and spending more time outside, and I stopped taking medications,” her symptoms gradually went away. “That's a little bit about my story and why I am so passionate about a lifestyle approach instead of medication,” she says, adding that there are specific types of food and exercises that stimulate GLP-1, “which is the hormone that Ozempic” targets.

She Believes a Healthy Lifestyle Can Work Just as Well as Ozempic

She notes that while doctors are “prescribing it very generously,” they wouldn’t need to if people understood nutrition and exercise. “If we understood how to make our body have nutrients, then we wouldn't gain fat and feel the need for weight loss drugs at all,” she says. “I would definitely describe myself as anti-medication and pro-healthy lifestyle.”

These Foods Increase the Production of GLP-1

“GLP-1 is a hormone that is produced in the gut and the brain that slows digestion and lowers appetite. Your body is really good at making it on its own without any medical intervention,” she claims. “There are foods you can eat that increase the production of GLP-1, which will make weight loss easier. Eggs, avocado, nuts, and complex carbohydrates all have been shown to increase GLP-1,” she says. Yerba mate tea and black coffee also lower appetite.”

RELATED: She Dropped 50 Pounds in One Year Without Strict Diets By Walking Every Day

The Best Diet Is “Pretty Close” to Keto

The ideal fat loss diet that “stimulates a lot of GLP-1” is “pretty close to a ketogenic diet, which is very effective for reversing insulin resistance and losing fat,” she reveals. “Remember that fat loss is the goal, not weight loss because we wanna keep our muscle and lose the fat.”

Exercise Also Releases Chemicals That “Benefit the Body”

Exercise does not stimulate GLP-1,” but it does stimulate a whole bunch of other chemicals that benefit the body,” says Susie. “One of them is growth hormone or GH, and another one is BDNF,” she says about brain-derived neurotrophic factor. “GH is what starts the process of muscle growth. BDNF is what makes you smarter. So basically, exercise makes you jacked and smart.”

RELATED: This Nutritionist Lost 15 Pounds by Eating These 7 "Busy Woman" High-Protein Foods

Ozempic Stops You From Releasing GH, Which Is the Hormone That Helps You Build Muscle

“Ozempic actually stops you from releasing growth hormone, which is why those who take it tend to gain fat and lose muscle. So in most cases, ozempic actually makes us lose the wrong type of weight,” she reveals.

These 5 “Primal Movements” Are the Best Exercises for Weight Loss

According to Susie, the best exercises are called primal movements. “They are movements that your body is actually designed to do. Injury and pain are the result of not being able to do primal movements. There are five of them, and they are squatting, hinging, lunging, pushing, and pulling,” she says.

RELATED: She Tried Every Diet for 8 Years Then These 5 Changes Got Her Perfect Body

The Most Effective Equation for Fat Loss? Diet and Exercise

“Basically, all you need to do to live a healthy lifestyle that is more effective for fat loss than ozempic is one, eat the GLP-1 stimulating diet, and two, practice your primal movements,” she says. “Every day, big pharma will keep making drugs and selling them to us as long as we are asking for them. And by taking them, you're still asking for them. So hopefully, this provided some clarity on what to do instead, which is to be healthy.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Coach Susie is a Canadian personal trainer, fitness educator, and online coach who helps her clients get in shape without relying on medication. In a viral YouTube video, she reveals a diet to help you lose weight, comparable to Ozempic. “The thing that is more effective than ozempic is a healthy lifestyle,” she says in the clip. She goes on to reveal the exact food and meal plan you should follow to mimic the weight loss effects.


She Always Recommends a Healthy Lifestyle Over Medication

When she was young, she “started taking vitamins, eating a paleo diet, and spending more time outside, and I stopped taking medications,” which made her “so passionate about a lifestyle approach instead of medication.”

RELATED: 20 Things You Need to Know About Ozempic and Weight Loss

You Can Increase GLP-1 Without Ozempic

“In this video, we're going to be focused on what kinds of foods to eat and what kinds of exercises stimulate GLP-1, which is the hormone that Ozempic affects,” she says. “So basically, how to get really effective weight loss results without needing to take drugs.”

She Has Talked to a Lot of People Who Have Taken Ozempic

“I am a personal trainer, so I'm an expert at exercise, nutrition, and coaching and not medications, although I have done my fair share of research on ozempic because I talk to so many people who have taken it or are currently taking it,” she says.

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

What Is GLP-1

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“GLP-1 is a hormone that is produced in the gut and the brain that slows digestion and lowers appetite. Your body is really good at making it on its own without any medical intervention.”

These Foods Can Increase GLP-1 Production

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“There are foods you can eat that increase the production of GLP-1, which will make weight loss easier. Eggs, avocado nuts, and complex carbohydrates all have been shown to increase GLP-1,” she says. “Yerba mate tea and black coffee also lower appetite.”

The Ideal Fat Loss Diet Is “Pretty Close to Keto”

Ketogenic low carbs diet concept. Healthy eating and dieting with salmon fish, avocado, eggs and nuts. Top viewShutterstock

“The ideal fat loss diet that stimulates a lot of GLP-1” is “pretty close to a ketogenic diet, which is very effective for reversing insulin resistance and losing fat,” she says. She adds that “fat loss is the goal, not weight loss because we wanna keep our muscle and lose the fat.”

RELATED:What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Taking Ozempic

Breakfast

Avocado toast with poached egg on a wooden board. Breakfast concept.Shutterstock

For breakfast, she recommends keeping it simple. Eggs, avocado, and coffee are the perfect combination of fat-burning food.

Lunch

Gourmet portion of thick juicy fresh salmon grilling on a griddle seasoned with lemon zest, herbs and spices in a low angle view with copyspace and rising steamShutterstock

For lunch, she recommends a clean protein, veggies, and healthy fat. Grilled salmon, cauliflower rice, green pepper, EVOO, is an example she uses.

Dinner

Medium,Rare,Ribeye,Steak,,Herbs,Grass,Fed, Beefed,meatShutterstock

For dinner, she also recommends protein, veggies, and probiotics. Grass-fed ribeye, spaghetti squash, and sauerkraut is a great example.

RELATED: I Lost 45 Pounds and Got Rid of Stomach Fat by Cutting Out These 6 Foods

Also, Do These Types of Exercise

“So basically, exercise makes you jacked and smart. Ozempic actually stops you from releasing growth hormone, which is why those who take it tend to gain fat and lose muscle. So in most cases, ozempic actually makes us lose the wrong type of weight,” she says. “The best exercises are called primal movements. They are movements that your body is actually designed to do. Injury and pain are the result of not being able to do primal movements. There are five of them, and they are squatting, hinging, lunging, pushing and pulling.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Ozempic shutterstock_1404723482

Are you considering taking a weight loss drug but aren’t exactly sure what to expect? Dr. Dan Burton is a “pharmacist by training and an expert in obesity management and medicine.” In a recent post, he answers a burning question that so many people have prior to taking a weight loss drug. “You just got back from the doctor's office, and maybe you were prescribed Ozempic or Wegovy for your weight loss journey. The next big question you might have is, how much weight will you lose by taking this medication?” he says, revealing the answer.


Everyone Is Different, He Says

“The short answer is, I don't know,” he admits. “Nobody actually knows how much weight you, in particular, are going to lose by taking this medication. You see, everyone's a little bit different. We all have a completely different genetic and physiological makeup as well.”

RELATED: 20 Things You Need to Know About Ozempic and Weight Loss

These Factors Will Influence How Much Weight You Lose

One bathroom scale on white wooden background, top view

There are going to be a number of factors that influence how much weight somebody can lose. “If your starting weight is higher, you are likely going to lose more weight,” he explains. “If you have other chronic diseases and medications you're taking, those might influence your weight as well. The number of weight loss attempts you've made in the past is also going to play a role in your various life circumstances.”

In Studies, People Lose an Average of 15% of Their Weight

Valparaiso, IN USA - January 22, 2024: Wegovy semaglutide pens for treatment of chronic obesity, close upShutterstock

He explains that in various studies, there were average sounds of weight loss. “To use Wegovy or Semaglutide as an example, at a dose of 2.4 milligrams once per week, the individuals that were taking it in the step one trial lost on average 15% of their weight from baseline over a 68-week period. So, to put that into English terms here, what that means is that if your starting weight is 200 pounds, 15% of the 200 pounds lost from your baseline is about 30 or so pounds. So an individual that is 200 pounds, they would lose on average about 30 pounds down to 170 pounds,” he says.

He Emphasizes That They Were Exercising and Put on a Calorie Deficit

Mature athlete using rowing machine while working out in a gym.Shutterstock

“The other big factor to remember here is that in these studies, the individuals that were put on these drugs were given a 500 calorie per day deficit diet, and they were told to get about 150 minutes of activity in every single week. So following those parameters and taking the medication led to that 30-pound weight loss for a 200-pound individual,” he says.

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

Some People Will Lose More and Some Less

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“Now, of course, some people are going to lose less weight, and some people in these studies have lost a lot more weight. Again, the factors and reasons that are contributing to that are wide and varying, and it's going to really depend on person to person,” he continues.

Most People Expect to Lose More Weight Than They Will

Upset and unmotivated woman on electronic floor scale in bedroom wondering why cannot lose weight despite her new diet, looking aside with sade face expression. Weight Loss and healthy lifestyleShutterstock

“The other important thing that I can tell you is that just about every single one of you is expecting to lose way more weight than what we actually clinically expect based on the averages from those trials. So, for that 200-pound individual, on average, we expect about a 30-pound loss from Wegovy. But you guys are expecting a 40, 50, or 60-pound weight loss when you're taking Wegovy,” he says.

There Are Lots of Reasons Why People Have Unrealistic Expectations

Sad,Wealthy,Woman,Suffering,From,Depression,Hiding,Her,Face,MoneyShutterstock

“The reason for these unrealistic expectations vary widely everything from comparing yourself to somebody online or comparing yourself to your friend Susan at work, or just the preconceived notions that you have around weight loss and that you expect to get down to, say, your pre-pregnancy weight again, or to the weight that you were when you were back in your twenties,” he continues.

“Ultimately, 99% of you are setting an expectation for weight loss that is entirely unrealistic and is likely gonna set you up for failure when you fail to reach that expectation.”

RELATED:What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Taking Ozempic

Your Weight Loss Will Rely on Changes You Are Willing to Make

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“The amount that you're gonna lose is going to depend on all the various factors and things that are gonna influence and have a role in your weight,” he says. “It's also going to depend on the various changes you are able to make, the things you're able to implement, and what your current life circumstances are.”

A Lot of People Struggle with Consistency

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He notes that a lot of people “tend to do really well from, say, Monday to Thursday, they follow the diet, they pack their lunch, everything's going well, but then Friday, Saturday, Sunday, kind of turn into a bit of a dumpster fire with going out for meals, having some alcohol, and just in general relaxing for the weekend,” he points out. “Sure, you might initially lose some weight, but eventually, if you keep that pattern up, the weight loss will stall out. Trust me, this is exactly what I used to do back in the day until I just learned to find a better balance with life and to be more consistent every single day through the week.”

RELATED:20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic

Weight Loss Drugs Offer “A Little Bit of Support,” But You Need to Make Changes

Weight loss drugs “are fantastic because they can help you and provide you the support so that you can go about making the various changes that you need to make,” he says. “But again, they're nothing special. They're just a little bit of support to make those things a bit easier to engage in because those behaviors are going to be what ultimately gives you health.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Over the past few years, Ozempic and similar GLP-1 medications have revolutionized the weight loss industry, helping millions of people who struggled to lose weight lose it fast. However, there are some serious drawbacks to the “miracle” weight loss drug – including less-than-optimal side effects and the fact that many people gain rebound weight after stopping the injections. The good news is, scientists believe they have made a serious weight loss breakthrough that could result in an even more effective drug than Ozempic.


Researchers Unlock "Cheat Code" for Boosting Calorie Burn

Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, believe they have found a “cheat code” for burning calories in the fat-burning mechanism beige fat. Three types of fat cells exist in the majority of mammals, including humans — white, which serves as energy reserves for the body, brown, which burns energy to release heat, and beige, a more efficient combination of them. Scientists already knew that white fat cells naturally turn into beige ones in response to diet or a cold environment. However, they wanted to determine how to manually trigger the mechanism.

In the paper published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, the researchers claim they discovered how to “turn ordinary white fat cells, which store calories, into beige fat cells that burn calories to maintain body temperature.” The secret? Limiting the production of a certain protein.

RELATED: 20 Things You Need to Know About Ozempic and Weight Loss

Converting White Fat to Beige Fat is Easier Than Previously Thought

“A lot of people thought this wasn’t feasible,” Brian Feldman, MD, PhD, the Walter L. Miller, MD Distinguished Professor in Pediatric Endocrinology and senior author of the study, explains in a press release. “We showed not only that this approach works to turn these white fat cells into beige ones but also that the bar to doing so isn’t as high as we’d thought.”

“For most of us, white fat is not rare, and we’re happy to part with some of it,” he said. Feldman had already determined that a protein, KLF-15, impacts metabolism and the function of fat cells. He teamed up with postdoctoral scholar Liang Li, PhD, to examine how the protein reacted in mice, which retain brown fat throughout their lives.

KLF-15 Protein May Surpass GLP-1 Treatments

They learned that KLF-15 was less prevalent in white fat cells than in brown or beige fat cells. Through their tests, Feldman determined that a different drug targeting the Adrb1 receptor in humans is more likely to work and be more long-lasting than GLP-1 drugs and without side effects like nausea.

“We’re certainly not at the finish line, but we’re close enough that you can clearly see how these discoveries could have a big impact on treating obesity,” he said. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Obese,Fat,Man,Preparing,Semaglutide, obese, drug, medication, weight, loss
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Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Are you on Ozempic but can’t seem to lose weight? It might be slowing down your metabolism, says an expert. Aliza Olive, MD, is a macronutrient expert and Cleveland Clinic doctor who dropped 20 pounds in 3 months on semaglutide. She is also the co-founder of MedFree Maintenance, helping others lose weight and achieve their body goals. In a new video, she discusses a very important thing to look out for. “Ozempic gals, red flags that your GLP-1 is slowing down your metabolism. 7 things you need to look out for. 3 is the worst,” she writes, revealing “GLP-1 Mistakes You Can’t Afford to Make!!”

If Your Metabolism Goes Down You Might Plateau

Shot of smiling young woman eating yogurt while sitting on stool in the kitchen at home.

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“If your metabolism goes down, it’s going to cause stubborn plateaus and make it even harder to keep the weight off when you decrease or stop Semaglutide or tirzepazide,” she writes in her post. Wish you could stop GLP1 meds like Ozempic, Zepbound, or Mounjaro but keep the results? Tapering off Semaglutide or Tirzepatide soon and fear becoming just another weight regain statistic?”

RELATED:20 Things You Need to Know About Ozempic and Weight Loss

If You Don’t Eat Enough It Can Cause Muscle Loss

European tourist woman trying out local food.Eating traditional Portuguese egg custard tart pastry dessert pastel de Nata.Shutterstock

“If you don’t eat ENOUGH while On Ozempic, it can cause muscle loss, decreased calorie burn at rest, and decreased metabolism. Here are 7 Red Flags 🚩 that Your GLP-1 is slowing down your metabolism!” she adds.

7 Signs Ozempic Is Slowing Your Metabolism

Millennial girl with hair loss problem looking in mirror at homeShutterstock

Here are the following red flags, per Aliza:

  1. If you are losing hair.
  2. If your energy low
  3. If you’re not hungry at all in the mornings.
  4. If you are more moody than normal
  5. If your sex drive is decreased
  6. If your sleep is off.
  7. If You feel like you are weak and losing strength.

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

Your Body Is Slowing Down

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“These are signals that tell you that your body isn’t thriving. When our metabolism slows down, we experience that with a decrease in movement. (You might not even notice it… thinks like less fidgeting, less talking with your hands, etc) Your body is actually slowing down on purpose so you use less calories each day,” she explains.

Here’s What to Do About It

Cooked,Salmon,With,Parmesan,Asparagus,And,A,Side,Of,Quinoa

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What should you do about it? “Make sure you are eating enough and not completely skipping meals while on Ozempic. It’s going to be hard to get enough protein if you aren’t having enough meals,” she says.

RELATED:What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Taking Ozempic

Here’s How Much You Should Eat

Assorted foods with calorie count labels, illustrating healthy diet and calorie tracking.Shutterstock

“How much should you eat? That’s pretty individual. VERY Generally, I recommend using a TDEE calculator to calculate your maintenance calories. Then subtract about 500 calories. So if your maintenance is 1800 calories each day, aim for about 1300 calories,” she says.

Bottom Line: Don’t Undereat!

Young woman looking into the fridge, feeling hungry at nightShutterstock

“Going lower is not better! Feeling zero hunger, cravings, or food noise is NOT the goal. 🤯Yes, I said it!! The goal, especially if you plan to wean off medication is to dull these so you can build habits and emotional outlets to be able to maintain!” she concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Dr Jared Beckstrand Tone and Tighten
I'm a PT and These 8 Moves Are Perfect For Inflexible People
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Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

That nagging lower back pain has become your unwanted companion, making even simple tasks feel challenging. Whether it's from sitting too long at your desk or overdoing it at the gym, back pain can significantly impact your quality of life. The good news? Relief might be just nine minutes away.

Dr. Jared Beckstrand, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and founder of the popular fitness platform Tone and Tighten, has developed a simple yet effective routine to help alleviate back pain. With his expertise in orthopedic rehabilitation and athletic performance, Dr. Beckstrand has helped thousands find relief through these targeted exercises. Follow along with this nine-minute routine that you can do right at home.

Lumbar Rotation: Get Started with Gentle Twists

Attractive young woman working out indoors, doing yoga exercise on wooden floor, lying in Reclining Spinal Twist, Jathara Parivartanasana, resting after practice, full length, top view​Start With Lumbar Rotation For Lower Back ReliefShutterstock

Begin by lying on your back with your knees bent. "Let both your knees fall to one side while keeping your shoulders firmly on the ground," says Dr. Beckstrand. Hold this position for 20 seconds on each side, repeating three times. As your muscles relax, you'll notice increased flexibility with each rotation.

Stretch: Target Deep Hip Muscles

Yoga stretch exercise fit Asian woman stretching lower back for spine health on city outdoor fitness class in park. Seated spinal twist.​Easy Hip Opener With Piriformis StretchShutterstock

Next, address the piriformis muscle, which Dr. Beckstrand notes is tight in "nine out of 10 patients with low back pain." Cross one leg over the other and pull your bottom knee toward your chest. Hold for 20 seconds on each side, performing three sets. Remember, as Dr. Beckstrand emphasizes, "A gentler stretch held longer is more effective than an aggressive stretch held briefly."

Hamstring Stretch: Release Tension from Your Legs

Single athletic woman with blond hair in blue outfit on back stretching hamstring muscles for leg in mid air​Simple Hamstring Stretch For Tight LegsShutterstock

Your hamstrings connect to your pelvis, affecting your lower back's foundation. Lie on your back, grab behind one knee, and gradually straighten that leg toward the ceiling. "You should feel the stretch from behind your knee to your buttocks," Dr. Beckstrand explains. Hold for 20 seconds each side, repeating three times.

Pelvic Tilts: Restore Natural Movement

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Moving into strengthening exercises, perform pelvic tilts while lying on your back. Dr. Beckstrand instructs to "rotate your hips backward to press your lower back into the mat, then forward to create an arch." Maintain each position for three seconds, continuing for one minute. Note: Skip this exercise if you have severe disc problems or stenosis.

Glute Bridges: Strengthen Supporting Muscles

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"Your back muscles work in connection with your glutes," Dr. Beckstrand shares. Lying on your back with knees bent, squeeze your glutes to lift your hips toward the ceiling. Hold for three seconds before lowering. Focus on using your glutes rather than your hamstrings for maximum benefit.

Bird Dogs: Final Core Stabilization

Young fit woman in sportswear doing yoga at gym in Bird Dog pose.Shutterstock

Complete the routine with bird dogs. On hands and knees, extend opposite arm and leg simultaneously. "This exercise creates excellent stabilization in your lower back," explains Dr. Beckstrand. Hold each position for two seconds before alternating sides.

Making It Part of Your Routine

Young athletic woman lifting her hips while doing glute bridge exercise on the floor at home.Shutterstock

For optimal results, Dr. Beckstrand recommends performing the stretches (exercises 1-3) two to three times daily, while the strengthening movements (exercises 4-6) can be done once or twice per day. "It doesn't have to be long," he emphasizes, "it just has to be consistent."

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Tips for Success

Seated spinal twist. Fit woman practicing yoga outdoor stretching lower back for spine health sitting on fitness mat on sandy beach with cliff landscape view. Training class on fresh air in summer

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Always work within your comfort zone and never force a stretch to the point of pain. If you experience increased discomfort with any exercise, skip it and consult a healthcare professional. Remember, these exercises are meant to provide relief, not create additional strain.

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When to Expect Results

Beautiful woman doing bird dog yoga pose and stretching her body at the park in the morning, healthy lifestyle and activity conceptShutterstock

While individual results vary, many people report feeling improvement after just one session. However, consistent practice over several weeks typically yields the best long-term results. As Dr. Beckstrand notes, "The lower back wants to feel better - presenting it with the opportunity through the right exercises really goes a long way in helping to alleviate pain and tension."

Give this routine a try today, and take the first step toward a stronger, more comfortable back. Remember to move mindfully and listen to your body throughout the exercises. With consistency and proper form, you're on your way to better back health. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss these 3 Simple Stretches Made This Coach More Flexible in 2 Weeks.

Chris DeHollander functionalhealthcoachchris2.0
Copyright functionalhealthcoachchris2.0/Instagram
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Are you in your 50s and struggling to lose weight? One expert claims to have the magical equation. Chris DeHollander is a Midlife Health Coach who helps “midlife women gain energy, burn fat, build muscle & age healthfully,” she writes in her Instagram bio. In a new social media post, the 55-year-old shares her game-changing protein hack to lose weight and keep it off.

10:1 Protein Ratio Rule

“I get so many messages from women wanting to increase their protein without adding tons of extra calories, so let me introduce you to a simple calculation: the 10:1 Protein Ratio Rule! If you have been following me for a while, hopefully, you know that increasing protein in midlife is a game-changer!” she writes.

Here’s Why Protein Is Important

Chris stresses the benefits of eating enough protein. “Not only does it help build and maintain muscle, which naturally declines as we age, but it also boosts metabolism, energy, and keeps us fuller for longer,” she says.

Some Foods Pack More of a Protein Punch

There are some foods that are better than others when it comes to protein. “If you’re aiming for fat loss, finding foods that pack a protein punch without loads of extra calories can make all the difference. Enter the 10:1 Protein Rule!” she writes.

Stick to Foods That Offer at Least One Gram of Protein Per 10 Calories

“Here’s how it works: for every 10 calories, look for at least 1 gram of protein. So if a food has 200 calories, it should ideally have 20 grams of protein to meet the 10:1 ratio,” she writes. “This ratio is a quick and easy way to spot high-protein, low-calorie options that will keep you full, fuel your muscles, and support your goals!”

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She Keeps the Math Simple

“I like to keep the math simple! To find high-protein, low-calorie options, just take the protein amount, multiply it by 10, and make sure the total calories are at or below that number. It’s an easy way to spot protein-rich foods that keep you on track without the calorie overload,” she writes.

Non-Fat Greek Yogurt: Ideal

She offers a few examples, starting with “Non-Fat Greek Yogurt (3/4 cup): 16 g protein x 10 = 160 calories > total calories 90 - Great choice! This hits the 10:1 ratio,” she writes.

Peanut Butter: Not Ideal

She moves onto peanut butter (2 tbsp). “7g protein x 10 = 70 calories < total calories 190 - A more calorie-dense option, not ideal if you’re focusing on protein,” she points out.

Protein Bar: Not Ideal

A surprisingly not great protein source for weight loss? Protein bars. “14g protein x 10 = 140 calories < total calories 240 - Check labels carefully! Many bars are not ideal,” she says.

Aim for Mostly Whole Foods

“The 10:1 rule helps you prioritize foods that support muscle building and metabolism without the calorie overload. Aim for mostly whole food protein sources, and you’re good to go!” she concludes.

What Science Says About Protein and Weight Loss

According to clinical trials, consuming more protein than the recommended dietary allowance not only reduces body weight (BW), but also enhances body composition by decreasing fat mass while preserving fat-free mass (FFM) in both low-calorie and standard-calorie diets. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.