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We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

5 Tips to Keep Weight Off After GLP-1 Shots

One MD lifts the lid on what it takes to keep weight off after weight loss drugs.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Dieting concept with scales on the wooden floor
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback

One of the biggest problems with weight loss drugs like Ozempic? Many people gain weight after they stop taking them. Dr. Jennifer McCann is a board-certified OB/GYN and Obesity Medicine specializing in complete women's care “that incorporates total wellness including considerations in gynecology, hormonal status, and weight optimization.” In a recent viral video, she shares the top 5 most effective tips to keep weight off after weight loss shots like semaglutide, Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Zepbound. “Learn how to keep weight off and even lose more weight. This video is useful for weight loss from injections and bariatric surgery like gastric bypass and gastric sleeve, as well as for very low-calorie diets,” she writes in the caption. “One of the most common questions I get is, what's next? How will I keep the weight off now that I've lost it? So in today's video, we're going to go over the top five tips to keep the weight off,” she adds in the clip.


Tip 1: Consume More Protein

Tip number one is “protein, protein, protein,” she says. “Protein is what builds your muscle, and your muscle does what? Burn calories. So, if you lose your muscle by not taking in enough protein, then you're actually going not to burn as many calories. So it's very important to get enough protein in your diet to keep your muscle, which will keep or even increase your metabolism so you can take in a few more calories and still keep the weight off.”

Consume One Pound of Protein Per Pound of Lean Body Mass

Chief hands cut salmon fillet with knife on wooden table at kitchen. Man cooking red omega fish with lemons for healthy nutrition dietShutterstock

So, how much protein do you actually need? “Generally, you need one gram of protein per pound of lean body mass,” says Dr. McCann. “There are many scales widely available now that measure your body composition. And this will tell you how much lean body mass you have. And this is going to be the minimum to keep your muscle. You need to get in a little bit more protein than this if you actually want to increase your muscle. So by keeping or even increasing your muscle mass, you will keep or increase your metabolism, which will be easier to keep the weight off even when you start taking in a few extra calories.”

RELATED:10 Foods That I Will Never Eat Again After Losing 120 Pounds

Protein Will Also Keep You Full

Young woman in kitchen. Beautiful woman making delicious food.Shutterstock

“Not only does protein help with your metabolism, but it also helps control hunger when used as a part of a carb moderation diet and specifically carb with a low glycemic index, which we'll get to a few tips from now,” she says. “So make sure you take in enough protein to keep your muscle.”

Tip 2: Watch Your Fat Intake

Raw Grass Fed Prime Rib Meat with Herbs and SpicesShutterstock

But not just any protein will do. It needs to be lean protein, she says. “Tip number two is watch your fat,” she explains. “Unless you're doing ketosis diet, and unless you're in ketosis, you need to watch the amount of fat that you get in your diet. So, if you're in ketosis, you can take in as much fat as you want because you're using that to burn energy. If you're not in ketosis and you're just doing car moderation, that is not the case. If you take in too much fat, you will gain weight.” She notes that women should consume around 35 grams of fat per day and men 55 if trying to lose weight.

Here Are Good and Bad Protein Sources

Jar with peanut butter on peanut background, close upShutterstock

Peanut butter, whole eggs, a lot of cheese, and even nuts are fatty proteins, she says. “All of these foods are going to have a lot of fat for the protein content. So if you're trying to get in a hundred grams of protein a day, you don't need foods that have a one-to-one ratio, protein to fat.” Instead, “some healthy alternatives that have a lot of protein and not as much fat” are beef jerky, “which is very low fat with high protein,” fish like salmon, “packed full of omega,” protein shake supplements, “especially with a whey protein,” and Greek yogurt, which she calls “a magic food.”

Tip 3: Watch Your Carbs

Healthy Food: Best Sources of Carbs on a wooden table. Top viewShutterstock

Tip number three: watch your carbs. “If you can't adhere to the ketosis diet, then just try carb moderation or carb restriction to where you're still keeping an eye on the carbs that you eat, but you're not in ketosis,” she recommends. “This is necessary to help you keep the weight off.”

RELATED:I Tried the 75 Soft Challenge and Here's What Happened

Pay Attention to the Glycemic Index

Diabetic health food low on glycemic index with foods high in protein, omega 3, antioxidants, fibre, vitamins, minerals and anthocyanins. All foods below 55 on GI index. Health care concept. Top view.Shutterstock

“Specifically, you wanna do the low glycemic carbs” and pay attention to the glycemic index, “a value used to measure how much a specific food raises your blood sugar,” she says. “The higher glycemic index that a carb has, the more it will increase your blood sugar, which an hour and a half to two hours later will eventually make you hungry.”

Stick to Low Glycemic Carbs

Foods with low glycemic index on gray background. Healthy food concept. Top view, flat layShutterstock

“A low glycemic index carb is what you're looking for, and the glycemic index can be found on multiple different websites,” she says. “Generally, you don't wanna take in more carbs than protein during the day. So if you need a hundred grams of protein to keep your lean body mass to keep your muscle, don't take in more than a hundred grams of carbs.”

Tip 4: Watch Your Sugar Intake

Soft drinks and fruit juice mixed with soda high in sugar have a negative effect on physical healthShutterstock

Tip number four is to watch your sugar intake. “This is very important, so just go ahead and stop all the sugary drinks,” she says. “One can of soda a day for a year will make you gain 15 pounds, so just stopping the sodas, which I know is easy to say and sometimes hard to do, will help you keep the weight off.” Sugary drinks will also make you hungry, “so in order to help curb your hunger and keep the weight off, you have to stop, especially the sugar drinks, especially sodas.” A great alternative? Coffee with some skim milk. “You're getting your protein,” she points out. “Sip on it for a few hours. It will help curb your hunger.”

RELATED:6 Ways to Outsmart Your Fat Cells and Shed Pounds

Tip 5: Exercise

Female Runner on the Beach at Sunset silhouette in airShutterstock

Tip number five is exercise. “Unfortunately, there's just no getting you around this one. Exercise is important to keep or increase your muscle, and we've already been over the fact that muscle is what keeps or increases your metabolism, and that's how you're going to keep the weight off when you take in more calories.” She does note that you don’t have to spend an hour at the gym every day. “If you're just starting out again, 20 minutes. There's a reason why HIIT classes are so popular: you can get into that fat-burning exercise in less time. So a HIIT class, 20 minutes on your elliptical at home,” she continues. “It will increase your muscle, which will help with your metabolism. If you have physical limitations, you may need to see a specialist to help you know what exercises you can do to build your muscle so you can keep the weight off.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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Dieting concept with scales on the wooden floor
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

One of the biggest problems with weight loss drugs like Ozempic? Many people gain weight after they stop taking them. Dr. Jennifer McCann is a board-certified OB/GYN and Obesity Medicine specializing in complete women's care “that incorporates total wellness including considerations in gynecology, hormonal status, and weight optimization.” In a recent viral video, she shares the top 5 most effective tips to keep weight off after weight loss shots like semaglutide, Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Zepbound. “Learn how to keep weight off and even lose more weight. This video is useful for weight loss from injections and bariatric surgery like gastric bypass and gastric sleeve, as well as for very low-calorie diets,” she writes in the caption. “One of the most common questions I get is, what's next? How will I keep the weight off now that I've lost it? So in today's video, we're going to go over the top five tips to keep the weight off,” she adds in the clip.


Tip 1: Consume More Protein

Tip number one is “protein, protein, protein,” she says. “Protein is what builds your muscle, and your muscle does what? Burn calories. So, if you lose your muscle by not taking in enough protein, then you're actually going not to burn as many calories. So it's very important to get enough protein in your diet to keep your muscle, which will keep or even increase your metabolism so you can take in a few more calories and still keep the weight off.”

Consume One Pound of Protein Per Pound of Lean Body Mass

Chief hands cut salmon fillet with knife on wooden table at kitchen. Man cooking red omega fish with lemons for healthy nutrition dietShutterstock

So, how much protein do you actually need? “Generally, you need one gram of protein per pound of lean body mass,” says Dr. McCann. “There are many scales widely available now that measure your body composition. And this will tell you how much lean body mass you have. And this is going to be the minimum to keep your muscle. You need to get in a little bit more protein than this if you actually want to increase your muscle. So by keeping or even increasing your muscle mass, you will keep or increase your metabolism, which will be easier to keep the weight off even when you start taking in a few extra calories.”

RELATED:10 Foods That I Will Never Eat Again After Losing 120 Pounds

Protein Will Also Keep You Full

Young woman in kitchen. Beautiful woman making delicious food.Shutterstock

“Not only does protein help with your metabolism, but it also helps control hunger when used as a part of a carb moderation diet and specifically carb with a low glycemic index, which we'll get to a few tips from now,” she says. “So make sure you take in enough protein to keep your muscle.”

Tip 2: Watch Your Fat Intake

Raw Grass Fed Prime Rib Meat with Herbs and SpicesShutterstock

But not just any protein will do. It needs to be lean protein, she says. “Tip number two is watch your fat,” she explains. “Unless you're doing ketosis diet, and unless you're in ketosis, you need to watch the amount of fat that you get in your diet. So, if you're in ketosis, you can take in as much fat as you want because you're using that to burn energy. If you're not in ketosis and you're just doing car moderation, that is not the case. If you take in too much fat, you will gain weight.” She notes that women should consume around 35 grams of fat per day and men 55 if trying to lose weight.

Here Are Good and Bad Protein Sources

Jar with peanut butter on peanut background, close upShutterstock

Peanut butter, whole eggs, a lot of cheese, and even nuts are fatty proteins, she says. “All of these foods are going to have a lot of fat for the protein content. So if you're trying to get in a hundred grams of protein a day, you don't need foods that have a one-to-one ratio, protein to fat.” Instead, “some healthy alternatives that have a lot of protein and not as much fat” are beef jerky, “which is very low fat with high protein,” fish like salmon, “packed full of omega,” protein shake supplements, “especially with a whey protein,” and Greek yogurt, which she calls “a magic food.”

Tip 3: Watch Your Carbs

Healthy Food: Best Sources of Carbs on a wooden table. Top viewShutterstock

Tip number three: watch your carbs. “If you can't adhere to the ketosis diet, then just try carb moderation or carb restriction to where you're still keeping an eye on the carbs that you eat, but you're not in ketosis,” she recommends. “This is necessary to help you keep the weight off.”

RELATED:I Tried the 75 Soft Challenge and Here's What Happened

Pay Attention to the Glycemic Index

Diabetic health food low on glycemic index with foods high in protein, omega 3, antioxidants, fibre, vitamins, minerals and anthocyanins. All foods below 55 on GI index. Health care concept. Top view.Shutterstock

“Specifically, you wanna do the low glycemic carbs” and pay attention to the glycemic index, “a value used to measure how much a specific food raises your blood sugar,” she says. “The higher glycemic index that a carb has, the more it will increase your blood sugar, which an hour and a half to two hours later will eventually make you hungry.”

Stick to Low Glycemic Carbs

Foods with low glycemic index on gray background. Healthy food concept. Top view, flat layShutterstock

“A low glycemic index carb is what you're looking for, and the glycemic index can be found on multiple different websites,” she says. “Generally, you don't wanna take in more carbs than protein during the day. So if you need a hundred grams of protein to keep your lean body mass to keep your muscle, don't take in more than a hundred grams of carbs.”

Tip 4: Watch Your Sugar Intake

Soft drinks and fruit juice mixed with soda high in sugar have a negative effect on physical healthShutterstock

Tip number four is to watch your sugar intake. “This is very important, so just go ahead and stop all the sugary drinks,” she says. “One can of soda a day for a year will make you gain 15 pounds, so just stopping the sodas, which I know is easy to say and sometimes hard to do, will help you keep the weight off.” Sugary drinks will also make you hungry, “so in order to help curb your hunger and keep the weight off, you have to stop, especially the sugar drinks, especially sodas.” A great alternative? Coffee with some skim milk. “You're getting your protein,” she points out. “Sip on it for a few hours. It will help curb your hunger.”

RELATED:6 Ways to Outsmart Your Fat Cells and Shed Pounds

Tip 5: Exercise

Female Runner on the Beach at Sunset silhouette in airShutterstock

Tip number five is exercise. “Unfortunately, there's just no getting you around this one. Exercise is important to keep or increase your muscle, and we've already been over the fact that muscle is what keeps or increases your metabolism, and that's how you're going to keep the weight off when you take in more calories.” She does note that you don’t have to spend an hour at the gym every day. “If you're just starting out again, 20 minutes. There's a reason why HIIT classes are so popular: you can get into that fat-burning exercise in less time. So a HIIT class, 20 minutes on your elliptical at home,” she continues. “It will increase your muscle, which will help with your metabolism. If you have physical limitations, you may need to see a specialist to help you know what exercises you can do to build your muscle so you can keep the weight off.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

I’m Antoni Adamrovich, and I’m a nurse practitioner. I’ve been working around weight loss, hormones, and peptides for over a decade. Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in biology and took as many exercise and nutrition classes as possible. In the last decade, I have been fortunate to be able to pass this information along and help thousands of people transform their bodies through improving diet, increasing activity, decreasing deconstructive activities, correcting hormones, and utilizing safe weight loss supplements and medications.


So naturally, patients are asking me a lot about weight loss drugs.

And I'll tell you what I tell them: Substantial weight loss that is long-lasting can only occur through safe and incremental weight loss. It must be accompanied by a nutritious and balanced diet, monitored intake, and physical activity. If there is an underlying medical condition or patients take longer to respond to diet and activity, I may utilize a supplement or medication to augment the process.

Some of the more promising weight loss medications to recently hit the scene are the glucagon-like peptides GLP-1. They are not without risk, similar to all medications, but for weight loss medications, they are not only fantastic for safe weight loss, but the downstream benefits are incredible. To echo my aforementioned statements as they apply to overall health, a balanced diet, daily physical activity plus sunlight, balanced stress, and adequate sleep cannot be overemphasized for overall positive health.

What is the Role of Ozempic and GLP-1 Medications in Weight Loss?

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

Think of it like this: We have glucagon-like peptides (GLP-1’s) already in our body. These medications aim to mimic the ingestion of food or recreate those same hunger hormones that are produced when we actually consume food. These hormones are like text messages to various parts of our body that can receive them. They help to tell the body the location of food in the intestines. When the brain receives these messages that there is food in the intestines, it will signal to reduce consumption which will lead to a decrease in wanting to eat and feelings of fullness. When the pancreas receives these messages it will stimulate more insulin to help with incoming food and reduce glucagon, so put less glucose into the bloodstream. Besides the brain and pancreas, they also work at other sites, including the cardiovascular system, kidneys, bones, muscle tissue, reproductive system, and the liver.

How to Maintain Weight Loss After Using Ozempic and GLP-1 Medications

Woman Struggling With Tight Jeans. Weight GainShutterstock

Some common challenges people face in maintaining weight loss after stopping GLP’s include rebound weight gain, maintaining similar calorie consumption to what patients were consuming while on GLP’s, increased inflammation, psychological issues with gaining any weight or “phantom weight.” Here are 12 steps to maintaining weight loss.

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

Tip 1: Aim For A Slight Overachievement In Weight Loss

Woman,Scales,,Measuring,weight,loss,gain,feet,dietShutterstock

Try to lose 10% more weight than your goal to account for some slight rebound weight gain.

Tip 2: Leverage Technology For Nutritional Tracking

My,Fitness,Pal,App, MyFitnessPalShutterstock

Use an app such as Cronometer or MyFitnessPal to track macronutrients and micronutrients on and off of GLP’s medications. It is important to ensure patients are consuming the correct foods as well as similar calories to what they were while on GLP’s to maintain their post-GLP weight.

Related: Benchmark Your Progress with Our Lean Body Mass Calculator

Tip 3: Maintain Heart-Rate Elevating Activities

Portrait of a senior man in fitness wear running in a park. Close up of a smiling man running while listening to music using earphones.Shutterstock

Continue daily activities preferably something that increases the heart rate.

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

Tip 4: Prioritize Hydration

Beautiful sporty woman drinking water while sitting on exercise mat with a cityscape and river behinde her.Image is intentionally toned.Shutterstock

Continue to adequately hydrate about 3.7L (15.5 cups) daily for men and 2.7L (11.5 cups) daily for women.

Tip 5: Avoid Unhealthy Food Choices

Fast food concept. Unhealthy food. Unhealthy food and fast food with donuts, chocolate, burgers and sweets top viewShutterstock

Continue avoiding processed foods, foods high in sugar, and high in trans fats.

Related: I Lost 160 Pounds Eating These High-Protein Snacks

Tip 6: Limit Smoking And Alcohol

closeup woman hand smoking cigarette ,unhealthy lifestyle conceptShutterstock

Continue avoiding smoking and excess alcohol consumption.

Tip 7: Explore Hunger-Reducing Supplements

vitamins ,omega 3,multivitamins, Supplements, vitamins, probiotics, collagen, pills, tabletsShutterstock

Consider adding supplements that help with reducing hunger like rauwolscine or yohimbine (may not be a good option for patients with a history of anxiety or cardiac issues).

Tip 8: Stimulate Endogenous GLP-1 Production

Japanese green teaShutterstock

Consider supplements or foods that stimulate our endogenous GLP-1 production. These include green tea, maca, yerba mate (EGCG), berberine, resveratrol, tart cherry, hesperetin, kale, and rosemary.

Tip 9: Reduce Stress

Calm,Couple,Meditating,Spiritual,Shutterstock

Reduce stress (meditate, pray, do yoga, read books, walk in nature).

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

Tip 10: Ensure Adequate Sleep

Man sleeping on bed in bedroom at homeShutterstock

Continue getting 6-8 hours of sleep daily (stop hydrating 3-4 hours before bed, stop caffeine consumption 4-6 hours before bed; people sensitive to stimulants may need to stop earlier).

Tip 11: Get Daily Sunlight Or Vitamin D

Woman, sunshine, sun, light, happy, sunset, sunriseShutterstock

Try to get daily sunlight or supplement with Vitamin D.

Tip 12: Focus On Gut Health

Kimchi cabbage, cucumber and radish in a jar, Korean foodShutterstock

Focus on gut health, consuming fermented foods as well as foods high in insoluble fiber. Consider a good probiotic and focus on foods that will fulfill our micronutrient needs (Vit C, B, A, zinc, magnesium, selenium).

Related: Here Is How I Lost 15 Pounds of Water Weight in 4 Weeks

Final Word from the Nurse Practitioner

,Plus,Size,Women,Jogging,Obesity,overweight,happy,celebrate,run,running,fatShutterstock

Weight loss is a marathon, not a sprint. Fast weight loss is not sustainable or healthy for our bodies. Do not get discouraged if the weight loss is slow, you already took the hardest step and that is committing to becoming healthier. Our bodies are evolutionarily designed to preserve calories and energy, as cavemen and women did not know when their next meal would happen, so weight loss is inherently difficult. Never stop loving your body, inside and out, even if it does not look or feel exactly how you want it to. You have the power to change. Continue trying to become incrementally healthier every day so that longevity is also met with quality of life. Know that we also possess the power to help others to healthier living through our own journeys.

💪🔥Body Booster: Try to lose 10% more weight than your goal to account for some slight rebound weight gain. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Antoni Adamrovich is the Chief of Medicine and Co-Founder of Tb2.Health
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.

If you're taking Wegovy or Ozempic but not seeing the results you want, these expert tips could be the game-changer you need. "If losing weight was just about finding the perfect diet plan or exercise routine, well, you wouldn't be here," says Dr. Dan, a pharmacist and obesity management expert. Through his popular YouTube channel, he's helped thousands optimize their GLP-1 medication results by combining medical expertise with practical lifestyle strategies. Read on to discover how to make your medication work harder for lasting weight loss success.


Understanding GLP-1 Medications

Let's start with some information about GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. Dr. Sue Decotiis, MD, a weight-loss doctor in NYC, explains, "They enhance the release and action of insulin throughout the body, which helps with fat loss." These medications work in multiple ways: they suppress appetite through receptors in the gut and brain, reset your body's fat-holding rate, and improve insulin function. Dr. Decotiis notes, "When insulin works well, you can burn fat; when it doesn't, you gain weight." Additionally, these medications help regulate hormones that may have changed due to aging or stress.

Your Primal Brain and The Weight Loss Challenge

"We are dealing with an inconsolable child that is your irrational, emotional, and hedonistic primal brain," Dr. Dan reveals. "It fundamentally doesn't want you to lose weight. It doesn't want you to cut out the sweet, and it really doesn't want you to become more active." While medications can help "cage or put up a fence for our primal brain," maintaining good lifestyle practices is crucial to prevent weight regain.

Prioritize Protein to Preserve Muscle Mass

Food high in protein close-upShutterstock

"Protein is absolutely essential for everybody, but particularly for individuals on GLP-1 medications," says Dr. Dan. He emphasizes aiming for 30 grams of protein at meals and 20 grams at snacks. "Not only does protein help to keep us fuller for longer so we consume less food, but if your body needs carbs or fats, it can take protein and convert it into those two macronutrients." Start early in the day and increase intake gradually. Consider both animal proteins (chicken, beef, eggs) and plant-based options (tofu, lentils).

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

Create Consistent Meal Times to Manage Hunger

Man eatsShutterstock

"You see, 30,000 years ago, when we were living in caves, we didn't have any predictability in our lives," Dr. Dan explains. "Our primal brain is used to being in that world. But really what it wants is that predictability." By establishing regular meal times, you can better manage hunger and avoid making poor food choices when "hangry." The key is creating a routine your body can rely on. "Aim for being predictable and boring," he advises.

Don't Cut Calories Too Low

Nutrition facts. Close-up.Shutterstock

"When you drastically cut your calories, you really piss your primal brain off," Dr. Dan warns. He describes the familiar cycle: "Spending an entire week on a diet starving themselves, white-knuckling it until Friday, and then Friday comes, and we start to ease up." This pattern leads to weekend binges and Monday restarts. Instead of aiming for 1,200 calories, which he says "is already too low," calculate your appropriate intake for sustainable weight loss.

Focus on Fiber for Fullness and Health

Metamucil, Fiber Gummies, Sam's Club shelfShutterstock

"Fiber is really the unsung hero," Dr. Dan shares. "Not only can it keep us fuller for longer, which when paired with the GLP-1 medications is a great little tool, but fiber through fruits and veggies provide us with a lot of micronutrients." He recommends at least 25 grams daily through foods and supplements like Metamucil. "Plus, fiber can help you manage any side effects from a GI perspective that you might experience with the GLP-1s."

Make Exercise Work for You

Kettlebell, workout and fitness class with a gym coach and people training with cardio and exercise. Portrait of a strong personal trainer and sports friends in a wellness health club with motivationShutterstock/PeopleImages.com - Yuri A

"Exercise is pretty hard to go wrong with," Dr. Dan notes, but many people overcomplicate it. "People tend to get caught up in the all or nothing in that if I can't do something for at least an hour, there's no point in doing it." He particularly advocates for resistance training: "It allows you to have a way to quickly see results beyond what the scale might be telling you." Start small with hand weights during walks or basic strength exercises. "You're not going to magically turn into a bodybuilder overnight. What's going to happen is you're going to get stronger, you're going to feel better, and you're going to feel more confident."

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

The Power of Consistency

Body and mind workout in loft fitness studio. Closeup on fitness woman workout with dumbbell in urban loft gymShutterstock

"Consistency might be the most important factor because, without consistency, everything else that I've already talked about is pretty much useless," Dr. Dan emphasizes. He compares it to investing: "We're doing a small action every single day consistently until it builds and builds and builds and eventually compounds to give us our big fat outcome." Don't overcomplicate your routine; focus on showing up every day. "The more consistent that you are, the faster the results are going to be."

The Science of Satiety and Success

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

Understanding how these medications affect your appetite can help you optimize their benefits. "Weight loss drugs have a tremendous effect on satiety, shutting down appetite so the patient feels full after eating much less food," Dr. Decotiis explains. This biological change makes it easier to follow Dr. Dan's recommendations for consistent meal timing and appropriate calorie intake. However, it's important to note that these changes may be temporary without proper habits in place. Research shows that after discontinuing medication, many people regain significant weight – one study found participants regained two-thirds of their weight loss within a year of stopping the medication.

Mental and Physical Benefits

Woman,Stretching,Her,Arms,In,Bamboo,GardenShutterstock

The journey with GLP-1 medications often brings benefits beyond weight loss. "When people lose weight, they have better self-esteem, and they feel more confident in their own skin," Dr. Decotiis shares. Some patients experience improved focus and reduced anxiety. These positive changes, combined with the physical improvements from following Dr. Dan's exercise and nutrition recommendations, create a comprehensive approach to better health.

RELATED:20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic

Making the Most of Your Medication

Pharmacy,Drugstore:,Beautiful,Asian,Pharmacist,Uses,Checkout,Counter,Computer,,DoesShutterstock

For optimal results, medical guidelines recommend using GLP-1 medications "along with an individualized low-calorie, low-fat diet and exercise program." By following Dr. Dan's strategies while maintaining consistent medication use, you're setting yourself up for the best possible outcomes. Remember, these medications are powerful tools, but they work best when combined with sustainable lifestyle changes that you can maintain long-term. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Dr_Eric_Berg30
Copyright Dr. Eric Berg DC/YouTube/Shutterstock
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.

If you've achieved your weight goals with Ozempic, you might be wondering what comes next. The journey to maintaining your new weight can seem daunting, especially as you plan to stop the medication. But according to Dr. Eric Berg DC, a renowned expert in healthy ketosis and intermittent fasting, there's a science-backed approach to keeping the weight off.

As the director of Dr. Berg's Nutritionals and author of multiple Amazon bestsellers, Dr. Berg suggests a fundamental principle: "My whole philosophy has always been get healthy, then lose the weight versus lose weight and get healthy." With 13 million YouTube subscribers following his evidence-based strategies, he outlines three crucial methods for maintaining weight loss after GLP-1 medications.

Why Post-Ozempic Strategy Matters

"Ozempic is a GLP-1 agonist that mimics a certain hormone in your small intestine," Dr. Berg explains in his video. It works by increasing insulin to lower blood sugar, signaling fullness to your brain, and slowing down digestion. While these effects make weight loss easier, they can mask underlying challenges that need addressing for long-term success.

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

The Hidden Risk Most People Don't Know

Cropped shot of a young caucasian blonde woman grabbing skin on her upper arm with excess fat isolated on a white background. Pinching the loose and saggy muscles. Overweight, extra weight concept

Shutterstock

One significant concern Dr. Berg highlights is muscle loss: "A lot of people will end up losing a lot of muscle mass, sometimes up to 50% of their muscle mass while they're also losing body fat." This creates an unfavorable fat-to-muscle ratio that can complicate weight maintenance after stopping the medication.

Method 1 - Strategic Protein Intake

Raw Grass Fed Prime Rib Meat with Herbs and SpicesShutterstock

"You don't need necessarily protein. You need amino acids," Dr. Berg emphasizes. He recommends focusing on bioavailable protein sources like high-quality red meat, eggs, and fish. The minimum requirement is 0.8-1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of lean body mass, with careful attention to actual protein content versus food weight.

Understanding True Protein Content

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

Dr. Berg clarifies a common misconception about protein portions: "You got to realize like half that steak or more is water and other things." For example, one egg provides about seven grams of protein, making it essential to calculate your intake accurately for muscle preservation.

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

Method 2 - Strategic Exercise

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"Exercise is the greatest stimulus of muscle mass," states Dr. Berg. Combined with proper hormone balance, regular physical activity, particularly weight training, becomes crucial for maintaining muscle mass and metabolic health after stopping Ozempic.

The Hormone Factor

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Dr. Berg explains that cholesterol plays a vital role in hormone production: "The raw material to make all these hormones is cholesterol." This understanding helps inform dietary choices that support hormone balance and muscle preservation.

Method 3 - The Ketogenic Approach

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"The ketogenic diet is so important, especially if you're coming up on Zempik," Dr. Berg advises. This approach helps maintain low insulin levels while promoting natural appetite control. When combined with intermittent fasting, it creates a sustainable framework for weight maintenance.

Potential Challenges to Watch For

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Dr. Berg warns about various considerations, including gastroparesis, constipation, and other digestive issues that might persist after stopping the medication. Understanding these challenges helps in developing effective counter-strategies.

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

Putting It All Together

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The three-method approach Dr. Berg recommends combines strategic protein intake, regular exercise (especially weight training), and a ketogenic diet with intermittent fasting. This comprehensive strategy addresses both the visible and hidden challenges of post-Ozempic weight maintenance.

Your Action Plan

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By implementing these three methods - proper protein intake, strategic exercise, and a ketogenic approach - you're building a sustainable foundation for long-term success. As Dr. Berg emphasizes, the goal is to "get healthy, then lose the weight," creating lasting results that continue well after stopping Ozempic. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Dr. Jennifer McCann, a board-certified in OB-GYN and obesity medicine specialist, recently shared her top three tips for enhancing weight loss while taking GLP-1 medications like semaglutide (Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) in a new YouTube video. These medications have gained widespread attention for their effectiveness in helping individuals shed significant weight, but Dr. McCann emphasizes that medications alone aren’t a magic solution. To achieve maximum results and maintain a healthy weight, adopting specific lifestyle changes is essential.


In her video, Dr. McCann explains how GLP-1 drugs work to suppress appetite and reduce glucose production, while offering practical advice for those looking to amplify their results. She highlights key areas like eliminating sugary drinks, increasing protein intake, and incorporating regular exercise into daily routines. For those on GLP-1 medications, these strategies are crucial for achieving long-term success and overall wellness beyond the medication itself. Here's how to get started.

Understanding GLP-1 Medications

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Before diving into the tips, Dr. McCann explains how these medications work: "Well, they work by several different mechanisms. First of all, they work by inhibiting glucagon release, which is what makes you hungry. They decrease glucose production from the liver or decrease gluconeogenesis. It delays gastric emptying and it also decreases appetite. And all of these do lead to what can be significant weight loss," she says in the video.

She also notes that these medications aren't suitable for everyone:

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"These medicines are not for everybody. There are several contraindications listed by the manufacturers, which include a personal or family history of thyroid cancer or other endocrine problems or cancers."

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

Tip 1: Eliminate Sodas and Sugary Drinks

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"Okay, so tip number one and one of the most important lifestyle changes that you need to make is stop all sodas. Yes, I said all sodas and sugary drinks like slushes or other sugary coffee beverages that you might like drinking," she says in the video.

Dr. McCann emphasizes the impact of this change:

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"One can of soda can make you gain 15 pounds over the year, over one year, one can a day, 15 pounds over one year. So this is a very important step to lose the amount of weight that you want and to be able to keep it off," she says.

For those worried about caffeine, she offers alternatives:

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"Coffee is a great alternative, especially either black coffee or mixed with a little bit of stevia or a sugar-free skinny latte is also a great option, so you don't have to give up your caffeine, but you do need to give up all soda," she says in the video.

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

Tip 2: Prioritize Protein Intake

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"Tip number two is protein, protein, protein. Make sure that when you feel like eating, you get your protein. Specifically lean protein," she says in the video.

Dr. McCann explains the importance of protein:

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"So protein is what builds your muscle, and your muscle is what burns calories. So, if you don't take in enough protein, you will lose your muscle, and you won't be able to burn as many calories as you did before losing that muscle. So protein increases your metabolism by increasing your muscle, and that again, lets you burn more calories," she says.

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

Tip 3: Incorporate Regular Exercise

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"And the third tip is exercise. So you've probably already guessed this, but exercise is very important for weight loss, for keeping the weight off, for losing it for your cardiovascular health. And you may not know, but it actually is a natural remedy for anxiety because it releases cortisol," she says in the video.

For beginners, she recommends:

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"If you're just starting out 20 minutes, four times a week through a high-intensity training, something like kit classes, we'll be just fine starting out," she says in the video.

RELATED:This Diet Is More Effective Than Ozempic, Says Weight Loss Coach

She also advises:

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"As you start exercising and start losing weight, you are going to want to increase the time and the intensity," she says.

By following these tips while on GLP-1 medications, Dr. McCann believes patients can maximize their weight loss and set themselves up for long-term success in maintaining a healthy weight. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

katie south_east_living
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Do you want to drop a lot of weight this year? Katie Rees is a social media influencer who is documenting her weight loss journey on Instagram. In a recent post, she reveals all of the habits she is focusing on to achieve her weight loss goals this year. “Here’s everything my personal trainer has told me to do to lose 40 pounds of weight naturally in 2025,” she writes.

Wear a Weighted Vest and Ankle Weights

The first tip, courtesy of Katie’s personal trainer? Weighted vest movement and ankle weights. “I’m using mine to clean my house,” she says, “but you can use it to walk in. Buy heavy and remove the weights to start at an easy weight, then increase.”

Walking 10,000 Steps Per Day

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Next, make sure to get your steps in. “10,000 steps minimum daily and use a step tracker to count it so you’re accurate,” says Katie. A 2018 study published in the journal Obesity found a link between walking 10,000 steps a day and weight loss and weight management. Other studies published by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) in JAMA Neurology and in JAMA Internal Medicine also linked walking 10,000 steps a day to less dementia and less cardiovascular disease overall, with less heart disease, less heart failure, and fewer strokes.

Macro Tracking Over Calorie Counting

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Regarding nutrition, her trainer has specific guidance to “monitor macros over calories and focus on protein and nutritional quality of food,” Katie says. “Protein is your nutritional superhero. No processed rubbish.” 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.

Hydrate

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Hydration is also key if you want to lose weight. Katie’s trainer recommends 3 liters of water daily “with electrolytes in the morning,” she says. According to the Mayo Clinic, hydration is essential for various reasons. Water helps eliminate waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature regular, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues.

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

Strength Training

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Strength training is also essential to build lean muscle and burn fat. “3 resistance workouts a week in addition to the daily steps,” Katie says. According to the Mayo Clinic, strength and weight training help reduce body fat, preserve and increase lean muscle mass, and burn calories more efficiently. Strength training may also help you:

  • Develop strong bones
  • Manage your weight
  • Enhance your quality of life
  • Manage chronic conditions
  • Sharpen your thinking skills

Protein Before Caffeine

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It’s okay to drink coffee, but Katie’s trainer maintains that if you want to lose weight, you need to do something first. “Protein before caffeine…always,” she says.

Visualize and Focus

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As for mental weight loss habits, “mindset and motivational podcasts daily” and visualization are crucial. Also, “focus on the day ahead and getting that done rather than the bigger picture. The consistent small actions from one day will add up to something big,” she says.

RELATED:8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

Don’t Drink Alcohol

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Don’t drink your calories. Katie’s trainer says to “drop alcohol totally.” Not only are most alcoholic drinks high in calories, but when you drink you are less likely to eat healthy food and exercise.

Sleep

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Finally, make sure to allow your body recharging time. “Time to rest and relax is just as important as everything else, make sure you’re getting enough sleep and restoration to reduce your cortisol,” says Katie.

Katie Lost 4 Pounds in 3 Week

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Katie is on her way to achieving her weight loss goals this year. “Let’s do it together in 2025. 4 pounds down, 40 to go,” she writes. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Fitness Coach Reveals 4 Ways to Avoid Weight Gain While Drinking Alcohol
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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.

Do you want to enjoy a night of drinking, even if you are trying to lose weight? One expert claims to have some tips to help you do this. Casie Jericho is a fitness coach who helps women “lose fat, tone up & regain confidence without “giving up wine or charcuterie,” she writes in her Instagram bio. In a nw social media post she reveals her hacks for drinking alcohol and still losing weight. “4 things I do the day after drinking to not gain weight,” she writes, adding that they will help you to “avoid feeling sluggish and bloated!”

She Only Drinks Twice a Month

She starts with a disclaimer: She doesn’t drink often. “Reminder: I drink maybe once every two weeks. I know my body won’t be burning fat while it’s processing alcohol, and yes, it’s empty calories!” she writes.

RELATED:8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

1. Start with a Protein-Packed Breakfast

Her first tip is to start with a protein-packed breakfast. “Start the day strong with at least 40g of protein!” she says. 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.

She Recocmends This Ometlette

She shares the “easy, delicious option” recipe with 32 grams of protein. “Add a scoop of protein powder to your coffee or smoothie for an extra 8g!” she says.

  • Veggie Omelette
  • 3 eggs (18g protein)
  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese (14g protein)
  • 1/2 cup spinach & peppers (nutrients + flavor!)
  • Top with salsa for extra zest!

2. Hydrate

Next, hydration is key. “Chug over 100oz of water with electrolytes!” she suggests. “Try this:Water + pinch of sea salt + squeeze of lemon + splash of coconut water = Your body will thank you!” According to the Mayo Clinic, hydration is essential for various reasons. Water helps eliminate waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature regular, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues.

3. Exercise: 10,000 Steps

Next, “Get moving!” she says, recommending 10,000 steps per day. A 2018 study published in the journal Obesity found a link between walking 10,000 steps a day and weight loss and weight management. Other studies published by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) in JAMA Neurology and in JAMA Internal Medicine also linked walking 10,000 steps a day to less dementia and less cardiovascular disease overall, with less heart disease, less heart failure and fewer strokes.

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

Also, Do This Quick Full-Body Workout

She also recommends doing “a quick full-body” workout. “Move your body, boost your energy, feel better!” she writes.

  • Squats: 3x12
  • Push-Ups: 3x10
  • Dumbbell Rows: 3x12
  • Plank: 3x30 sec.

3. Eat At Home

She also recommends eating at home. “Plan ahead to avoid cravings! Here’s a simple high-protein day,” she says.

  • Lunch: Grilled chicken salad + quinoa.
  • Snack: Greek yogurt + berries.
  • Dinner: Salmon + broccoli + sweet potatoes.

4. Get Back on Track

As for the “biggest tip” she says to keep on going. “Own your choices, move on, and get back on track. Overdoing cardio or binging on greasy takeout won’t help!” And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

Maria Gad mariiiagad
Copyright mariiiagad/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 struggling to lose weight but experiencing frustration? You don’t need to complicate weight loss, says one expert. Maria Gad is a Fitness & Weight Loss Coach who uses her experience losing weight to help others. In a new post, she shares some simple tips on how to do it by changing up your diet. “5 eating habits that helped me lose 9 kg,” she writes. “These small changes helped me stay on track and achieve my goals! Try them out and see how they work for you!”

Hydrate

Her first tip? Start the day on a hydrated note. “Hydrate first! Drink water as soon as you wake up and before or with every meal,” she writes. According to the Mayo Clinic, hydration is essential for various reasons. Water helps eliminate waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature regular, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues.

Snack Smart

You can eat in between meals, but make good choices. “Snack smart,” Gad recommends. “Have a light snack before going out to avoid overeating later.”

RELATED:8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

Meal Plan

Her next tip? Plan ahead. “When dining out, check the menu in advance to make healthier choices. Stick to 2 out of 3: starter, main, or dessert,” she writes. There is scientific evidence supporting the benefits of meal planning. Studies show that the more meals you eat prepared away from home, the higher your risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and early death. One study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found meal planning was associated with a healthier diet and less obesity.

Limit Alcohol

Don’t drink your calories, says Gad. “Limit alcohol. A drink now and then is fine, but remember it’s packed with hidden calories, can slow recovery, and mess with your sleep,” she writes.

Sauces on the Side

Don’t drench your food in sauce. “Sauces on the side” is a must, she says. “Ask for dips and sauces on the side to control portions and avoid unnecessary calories.”

Eat Protein Oats

You can still “eat delicious food AND still get results,” she writes in another post. “Eating healthy doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or enjoyment. Here are 3 of my favorite meals that keep me on track while satisfying my cravings.” The first? Protein oats. “Tastes just like cake! Perfect for sweet mornings. Just mix oats, cocoa powder, protein powder, and a splash of milk. Top with melted peanut butter and dark chocolate. You’ll be in heaven!” she says.

Teriyaki Salmon Is Another Favorite Meal

Another one of her favorites is teriyaki salmon. “My go-to dish that I could eat every day! Marinate wild salmon in a teriyaki mix, bake it to perfection, and serve with rice and broccoli. It’s both nutritious and indulgent!” she writes.

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

And, Halo Top

When it comes to sweet treats, you don’t have to deprive yourself. “Yes, I eat dessert every day!” she says. “A tub of Halo Top only has 320 calories, making it a guilt-free way to satisfy my sweet tooth after dinner.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.