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

Doing these things every day will stimulate the same hormones as the weight loss drug.

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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

Karawang, Indonesia - June 13th : sell eggShutterstock

“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.

More For You

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

Woman, success and outdoor with happiness for fitness, exercise or wellness as achievement. Girl, celebration and portrait in nature with energy or motivation for health, workout or marathon trainingShutterstock

“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

Karawang, Indonesia - June 13th : sell eggShutterstock

“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.

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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 lose weight fast without having to go on a weight loss drug? There are a few ways to do it, according to one expert. Thomas DeLauer is a wellness enthusiast with over 3.68 million subscribers who shares content about how to improve your life and lose weight. In a new viral clip, he reveals two ways to drop weight fast without taking a weight loss drug.


“You've probably seen all the rage of people talking about semaglutide using it for weight loss, using it for fat loss, using it for glucose modulation, really being used off-label a lot,” he says in the clip. However, he notes that by understanding the mechanism of semaglutide, there are ways “that we can do things that work just as well in a relatively healthy or metabolically healthy person.” Here are the two most powerful alternatives to Ozempic, he says.

Ozempic Sends a Signal to the Brain to “Manage Fuel Appropriately”

He starts off by explaining how Ozempic works. “GLP-1 one is a gut incretin,” he explains. “What that means is it sort of receives a signal from food that we consumed, and it receives that signal from the gut, and it ultimately sends a signal to the brain to manage fuel appropriately,” DeLaurer says in his post.

It Helps with Satiety and Glucose Modulation

“It can help your satiety. Although that's somewhat indirect, it can help glucose modulation. The reason that it potentially works so well for weight loss a lot of times is you see improvements in metabolic function. So, improvements in fuel utilization, like the mitochondria, are potentially able to use fuel better. But indirectly, people get serious appetite suppression from it,” he continues.

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

Specific Quantities of Protein Can Help Do the Same Thing, He Claims

“If you're getting appetite suppression from it, typically it's suggested that that's too much. Now, I'm not here to discuss this. What I'm here to talk about is something that might work better for people who are still trying to reduce their appetite. I've got two things. The first one is simple; it's protein, but in specific quantities,” he explains, citing a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Upping Protein Decreases Hunger Hormones and Increases GLP-1

“This was very eye-opening,” he says, noting that it involved women and compared people consuming “an adequate protein diet, which is essentially what is recommended we consume” to those on a high protein diet, “which in this case was 30% protein.” They found that those on the higher protein diet experienced increased satiety. “It decreased ghrelin, the hunger hormone, which is great, but it also increased GLP-1 glucagon-like peptide one, and it increased it quite a bit.” The more that you increase protein, the more that you influence GLP-1.

RELATED:Weight Loss Coach Shares 4 Natural Ways She Lost 12 Pounds After Having Kids

Two Studies Support This

He also cites research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition looking at men. “They measured a bunch of biomarkers three hours after eating an isocaloric breakfast with either high protein or adequate protein. So that means the same amount of calories; just one had high protein, and one had adequate protein and higher carbohydrates,” he says. “In men, they found increases in satiety, decreases in ghrelin, increases in cholecystokinin.”

He notes that “this directly communicates with the hypothalamus to influence satiety. So powerful, very much so like GLP-1, but in a different pathway and to boot.”

He Notes That This Also Helps During the Maintenance Stage of Weight Loss

“When you look at larger scale data in like observational research, they found that when they put subjects on maintenance calories and then put them on just varying interventions, and then finally put them on ad libitum eating as much as they wanted to, whatever they wanted to, as long as their protein was 30%, they found higher protein groups consumed 441 calories less on average,” she says. “So compared to other groups, when you put this into real-world data, increasing protein to 30% with each meal could effectively help you consume 441 calories less per day.”

RELATED:This Coach Stopped Running and Lost Her Puffy Face With 30-Minute Workouts

Some People Do Need the Drug, However, If They Are in a “Serious Metabolic Hard Place”

“So if you had the option of just increasing your protein or getting on semaglutide, personally, I would pick a protein, right?” he points out. “I'm not saying this to negate the effects of semaglutide. Semaglutide is designed to be used for people who are in a serious metabolic hard place, glucose being very mismanaged, metabolic syndrome, all of that, which is a lot of people. I'm not suggesting you don't get on that if your doctor recommends it. I'm suggesting that by increasing protein, you do a lot of the same thing.”

Increasing Protein May Be Helpful While You Are Getting Off Ozempic

What is the other thing you may want to consider? “You have been using semaglutide, and you need to get off of it, and you're concerned about the potential rebound effect and how it can affect dopamine and the brain and everything like that; increasing protein might be a good way to offset the negative aspects of coming off of semaglutide,” he says.

RELATED:A Nutritionist Reveals 5 Simple Rules That Made Her Stubborn Belly Fat Vanish in 90 Days

Taking Rauwolscine Can Also Help You Lose Weight

He also reveals that rauwolscine, a supplement, can also help you lose weight. “Although it's a stimulant and it's not something that I would recommend people take all the time, it has profound appetite suppression effects,” he says. “People are always looking for a quick hit or a shortcut. I wouldn't exactly call it a shortcut, but it is tremendous when it comes to libido. It is tremendous when it comes to energy and sort of a stimulant effect,” he says. “A lot of people say it just crushes their appetite. So if you're coming off of a GLP-1 receptor agonist like semaglutide, rauwolscine might be a good sort of transition or a good alternative, but the lowest hanging fruit is right in front of you with the protein.”

Here Are His Protein Rules

His rules are to “stack most of your protein in the morning, so the satiety carries over throughout the rest of the day,” he says. “My other rules would be 30% with each meal, as much as you can. My other rule would be to keep it proportionate with whatever the amount of food you're eating. Otherwise, it is 30% no matter what, larger meal, larger protein, smaller meal, smaller protein, keep it proportionate.” 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.

Valparaiso IN USA - March 21, 2024: Ozempic semaglutide injection pen and Rybelsus Semaglutide tablets close up
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Ozempic is the buzziest drug in the weight loss world. However, it isn’t the only GLP-1 drug people are using to lose weight fast. Before you try and get a prescription, there are a lot of things you need to know about the drug, including how it works and also how it compares to similar treatments on the market. Here are ten key differences between Ozempic and other GLP-1 meds for weight loss, according to triple-board-certified plastic surgeon Leo Lapuerta, MD, The Plastic Surgery Institute of Southeast Texas.


Ozempic Isn’t Even Approved for General Weight Loss

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

While Ozempic is probably the most well-known GLP-1, it isn’t technically even approved for general weight loss. “It is for the control of Type 2 diabetes,” Dr. Lapuerta reveals.

Most Weight Loss Drugs Aren’t Approved for Weight Loss

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In fact, most drugs being used for weight loss weren’t even intended for that purpose. “Most of the GLP-1 drugs like Rybelsus, Victoza, Trulicity, and Byetta are intended for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes with beneficial side effects that include weight loss,” explains Dr. Lapuerta.

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

Some GLP-1s Offer Heart and Kidney Benefits

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There are other benefits to taking weight loss drugs. “Ozempic, Victoza, and Trulicity all have benefits for the heart and kidneys in addition to control of Type 2 diabetes,” says Dr. Lapuerta.

One Weight Loss Drug Is Injected Daily, Most of Them Are Weekly

Victoza Insulin group emerging from a medication for diabetes patients. studio shot on a white background in Viktoza box. Diabetes drugs.Shutterstock

Most of the GLP-1s, including Ozempic, require a weekly injection. However, “Victoza is unique because it is injected daily rather than weekly,” says Dr. Lapuerta.

One Is Available in Oral Format

Ozempic semaglutide injection pen and Rybelsus Semaglutide tablets close upShutterstock

And not all of them require a needle. “Rybelsus is the only GLP-1 that is available in oral format as all the other options are by injection only,” says Dr. Lapuerta.

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

Some of Them Are Approved for Weight Loss and Weight Management

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Ironically, while the most well-known of the bunch isn’t even approved for weight loss, the majority of the others are. “Wegovy, Saxenda, and Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) are GLP-1 agonists intended for weight loss and weight management rather than the treatment of Type 2 diabetes,” says Lapuerta.

Some Are More Effective Than Others

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

According to Dr. Lapuerta, results vary by brand. “Wegovy typically produces 2 to 3 times the percent weight loss as Saxenda,” he maintains.

Only One of Them Includes GIP

Basrah, Iraq - November 24, 2023: photo of Mounjaro Weight Loss Pen in handShutterstock

Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) has an edge over the competition. “It is the first GLP-1 to also include GIP, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), another gut hormone agonist that provides better longer-term control of blood sugar as indicated by better reductions in Hemoglobin A1C levels,” says Dr. Lapuerta.

RELATED:20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic

Some Medications Have Two Names

Zepbound injection pen from Eli Lilly is an injectable prescription medicine that may help adults with obesity, or with excess weight (overweight) Copenhagen, Denmark - November 9, 2023.Shutterstock

Don’t let names deceive you. “Zepbound is the FDA-approved version of Mounjaro specifically for weight loss,” says Dr. Lapuerta.

Keep Reading About Ozempic

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Keep educating yourself about Ozempic. Here are 15 things you should know before getting Ozempic for weight loss. 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
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Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Are you thinking about using Ozempic or another weight loss drug? Before you schedule an appointment with an MD or telemedicine doctor, educating yourself about the drug will give you a better idea of whether or not it’s worth it. Here is everything you need to know about Ozempic—how it works and its benefits for weight loss, how much it costs, and the potential side effects.


How Ozempic Works

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How exactly do weight loss drugs help you lose weight? “Ozempic enhances the release and action of insulin throughout the body, which helps with fat loss,” explains Dr. Sue Decotiis, MD, NYC weight-loss doctor.

Ozempic Shuts Down Your Appetite, and You Feel Full Faster

Woman,Feeling,Hungry,Looking,For,Something,To,Eat,In,AmusementShutterstock

“Weight loss drugs also have a tremendous effect on satiety, shutting down appetite so the patient feels very full after eating much less food,” she explains. “Ozempic acts on receptors in the gut and brain that regulate appetite.”

It Also Resets Your Rate for Fat Burning

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Ozempic also targets the centers in the brain that resets a person’s set rate for fat, Dr. Decotiis says. “When your set rate is higher for fat, you tend to hold more weight. When people go on Ozempic it resets the amount of weight that your body wants to hold onto.”

It Improves Insulin Function

Santiago, Chile, august 16th, 2023. Pen injection of semaglutide named “ozempic”, is a diabetes medicine to improve blood sugarShutterstock

The main way Ozempic works is changing the way insulin works, explains Dr. Decotiis. “When insulin works well, you can burn fat, when it doesn’t you gain weight,” she says.

It Helps Regulate Hormones

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“It helps regulate people’s hormones that have changed due to aging, stress, etc., so that they can lose weight,” she continues. “When people age their hormones change and it’s harder for them to lose weight. Ozempic stimulate the hormones needed in the body for fat loss.”

It Can Help with Self-Esteem and Rarely Leads to Depression

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Dr. Decotiiis has seen a lot of positive effects on personality in her practice. “When people lose weight, they have better self-esteem, and they feel more confident in their own skin,” she says. “I have people who were using sedatives for anxiety or depression, and then when they took these drugs, they felt better and didn’t need them as much. My patient who had ADHD felt they had better focus and concentration. I have never had anyone who’s gone into depression or has felt worse after taking these drugs. My advice is to know who the patient is and supervise them accordingly.”

Ozempic Is Actually Only Approved for Those with Type 2 Diabetes

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According to the National Library of Medicine Ozempic is approved to control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes when other medications do not control the sugar levels well enough.

It Can Also Help with Heart Health

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It is also used to reduce the risk of a stroke, heart attack, or death in adults who have type 2 diabetes along with heart and blood vessel disease. “It is not used to treat type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis,” they say.

Wegovy Is Approved for Weight Loss

Overweight female is standing on white scales at homeShutterstock

“Semaglutide injection (Wegovy) is used to reduce the risk of a stroke, heart attack, or death in adults who are overweight or obese along with heart and blood vessel disease,” they say, adding that “used along with an individualized low-calorie, low-fat diet and exercise program” it can help with weight loss “in obese adults or overweight adults who may also have high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol” and in obese children 12 years of age or older.

It Comes in a Prefilled Pen

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

Semaglutide injection comes in a prefilled dosing pen injected once a week under the skin. “Use semaglutide injection on the same day each week at any time of day. You may change the day of the week that you use semaglutide as long as it has been 2 or more days (48 or more hours) since you used your last dose,” they say.

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

You Usually Start on a Low Dosage and Work Your Way Up

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Your doctor usually gets you started on a lower dosage, increasing it after four weeks. “Your doctor may increase your dose again after another four weeks based on your body's response to the medication,” they say.

Most Common Side Effects

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These are the most common side effects of Ozempic and Wegovy:

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • abdominal pain
  • constipation
  • heartburn
  • burping

More Serious Side Effect

Portrait Of A Young Woman Suffering From Chest PainShutterstock

There are also some potential serious side effects:

  • ongoing pain that begins in the upper left or middle of the stomach but may spread to the back, with or without vomiting
  • rash; itching; swelling of the eyes, face, mouth, tongue, or throat; or difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • decreased urination; or swelling of legs, ankles, or feet
  • vision changes
  • fainting or dizziness
  • pain in upper stomach; yellowing of skin or eyes; fever; or clay-colored stools (in those receiving semaglutide [Wegovy] for management of weight loss)
  • rapid heartbeat
  • dizziness, light-headedness, sweating, confusion or drowsiness, headache, blurred vision, slurred speech, shakiness, fast heartbeat, anxiety or irritability or mood changes, hunger, weakness, or feeling jittery

RELATED:5 Foods That Maximize Weight Loss on GLP-1 Medicines, According to Coach

How Much Does Ozempic Cost?

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

Just because your doctor prescribes Ozempic doesn’t mean insurance will cover it. The cost of Ozempic weighs heavily on whether your health insurance company believes that you qualify for the drug.

It’s Very Expensive Without Insurance

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

Ozempic is expensive if your insurance refuses to cover it. According to GoodRX, without insurance Ozempic can cost as little as $937.98 per month and as much as $1,014 per month.

How Much Does Ozempic Cost with Insurance

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How much does it cost with insurance? Novo also offers a savings card, which enables people with private or commercial insurance to pay as little as $25 for a 1-month, 2-month, or 3-month supply of Ozempic for up to 24 months. However, many people pay more than that, with most insurance companies covering around 85 percent of the cost.

How Much Profit Are the Drug Companies Making?

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According to a study published in JAMA Network Open Trusted Source, these drugs “can likely be manufactured for prices far below current prices, enabling wider access.” Researchers from Yale University, King’s College Hospital in London, and the nonprofit Doctors Without Borders concluded that if the producers were charging $0.89 to $4.73 a month and still making a profit. This is in contrast to the nearly $1,000 per month list price charged by Novo Nordisk for Ozempic in the US.

RELATED:15 Things to Know Before Getting Ozempic for Weight Loss

What Is Rebound Weight Gain?

Menopausal Mature Woman Concerned With Weight Gain Standing On Scales In Bedroom At HomeShutterstock

After you stop taking Ozempic, there is a good chance you may gain the weight back. One study found that one year after stopping the drug, participants regained two-thirds of their prior weight loss.

Ozempic Face

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"Ozempic face" is one of the most popularized side effects of GLP-1 drugs. It’s actually a side effect of rapidly losing weight and isn’t a direct result of the drug. Losing weight fast can cause facial aging, including a hallowed look, wrinkles, and sunken eyes, explains Harvard Health.

RELATED: 15 Travel Habits That Help You Stay Fit and Lose Weight on the Go

Loose Skin and Excess Fat

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“Ozempic body” and “Ozempic butt” are two more trending terms to describe the sagging skin left behind as a result of rapid weight loss. After dropping weight fast, loose skin, pockets of stubborn fat, and stretch marks can be left behind. Treatments, including surgery, like liposuction and tummy tucks, and less invasive options, like CoolSculpting and EmSculpt Neo, as well as lasers, can help treat these conditions.

Cherisse Kozloski cherisse_rykercoaching
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Are you on a high-protein diet for fat loss but can’t seem to lose weight? You could be making a common mistake, according to an expert. Cherisse Kozloski is a nutrition coach and personal trainer who helps her clients lose weight and keep it off. In a new post, she discusses some slip-ups that many seem to be making. Most women eating a high protein diet but not losing fat are making these common mistakes,” she writes. “Are these mistakes stopping your progress?”

Mistake 1: You Aren’t Counting Calories

The first mistake? “Not paying attention to your overall calories,” she reveals. “Eating more protein doesn’t automatically mean fat loss. If you’re not mindful of your portions, you could be consuming more calories than you burn, a surplus is a surplus.”

Solution: Measure or Weigh Your Food

How can you correct this? “Weigh or measure your food at least for a little while so you can get a good idea of what a serving size actually is,” she suggests.

Mistake 2: Choosing Food Labeled “High Protein

The second mistake people make? “Choosing foods labeled as ‘high protein’” she says. “Many foods labeled ‘high protein’ actually aren’t.”

Solution: Calculate Yourself

Her solution? Do your own calculations. “Remember the 10/1 rule for every 100 calories you want to get at least 10 grams of protein to be considered high protein,” she says.

Mistake 3: Skipping Healthy Fats

Mistake three has to do with going too low-fat. “Skipping healthy fats,” she says. “Avoiding fats completely can leave you hungry, mess with your hormones, and make it harder to stick to your diet.”

RELATED: This Is Exactly How to Lose Body Fat This Year

Solution: Eat Healthy Fats

The solution is simple. “Add fats into your diet like avocado, olive oil, and nuts,” she says. “But remember they are calorie dense so be mindful of how much you’re consuming.”

Mistake 4: Eating too Many Processed Foods

The fourth and final mistake? Just because something is high in protein doesn’t mean it’s good for you. “Eating too many processed foods,” is a no-no. “Protein bars and shakes are convenient but often packed with sugar and additives,” she says.

Solution: Eat Whole Food Protein Sources

Instead, stay away from packaged foods and shop the grocery store's perimeter. “Focus on whole-food protein sources like shrimp, boneless chicken thighs, and eggs to nourish your body and support fat loss,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these20 Superfoods for People Over 50.

Dylan Hornof dylanjfit
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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 just getting started on your weight loss journey and are overwhelmed by all the advice you are getting? According to one expert, there is a simple, foolproof approach. Dylan Hornof is a personal trainer and fitness coach who transformed her body and helps others do the same. In a new social media post, she reveals that a handful of habits were instrumental in her weight loss. “5 things I’ve done to lose 20lbs and keep it off for years,” she writes in the post.

Drinking Less Alcohol

You might consider putting down the bottle if you are drinking your calories. Dylan reveals that drinking less helped her lose more weight. “I worked through my relationship with alcohol - I had to break the habit of drinking multiple days on the weekend,” she said. There is another non-weight-related benefit. “This helped me lose lbs and lower a lot of inflammation in my body and face)” she says.

Walking More

Dylan also recommends walking. “A walk a day (move your body more) it’s that simple. We are not meant to sit all day. Outside, on a treadmill - get your steps in!” she says. How much should you walk for weight loss, according to science? A 2018 study published in 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.

Eating Consistently

It can be tempting to starve yourself to lose weight. However, Dylan points out that you need to fuel your body. “Ate MORE food consistently. Hear me out - when you’re eating 1,200 calories and falling off all the time you’re not going see results. Up your calories and find consistency with your food,” she says.

RELATED: This Is Exactly How to Lose Body Fat This Year

Strength Training with Purpose

Dylan points out that you should focus on quality over quantity in your strength training workout. “I train with purpose. My weight lifting is intentional - I push myself and challenge myself with the weights I use,” she says.

Focusing on Whole Foods

And finally, she cleaned up her diet. “I stopped hitting my macros with whatever food I could fit in. I choose to eat 90% whole foods everyday (I do believe in balance and I am a huge foodie - you CAN fit ‘fun’ foods in) but focusing on more clean foods helped me feel less ‘puffy’.” she writes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

Jenna Bernhardt jennabernhardt10
Copyright jennabernhardt10/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.

Do you want to lose weight but don’t want to give up fast food? According to one expert, you don’t have to! Jenna Bernhardt is a fat loss coach and personal trainer who gained and lost 35 to 40 pounds during her three pregnancies. In a new social media post, she reveals her go-to fast food meals that can help you lose weight. “It’s sometimes nice to just go grab fast food! But what if you have goals to hit!? A certain calorie range to stay in? Believe it or not- It can be done!” she writes. “My favorite fast food under 300 calories.”

Chick-fil-A

  • Egg white grill has 290 calories, 8g of fat, and 26g of protein
  • Greek Yogurt Parfait with granola has 270 calories, 9g of fat, and 13g of protein
  • 5 count of nuggets is 160 calories, 7g of fat, and 17g of protein
  • 8 count of nuggets is 250 calories, 11g of fat, and 27g of protein
  • 2 count of Chick-fil-A chicken strips is 200 calories, 9g of fat, and 19g of protein
  • A small mac n cheese bowl is 270 calories, 17g of fat, and 12g of protein
  • A bowl of chicken noodle soup is 255 calories, 5.5g of fat, and 16g of protein.

Starbucks

NEW YORK CITY - MAY 2015: Starbucks store. Starbucks is the largest coffeehouse company in the world.Shutterstock
  • The reduced fat turkey bacon breakfast sandwich is 230 calories, 5g of fat, and 17g of protein.
  • The spinach, feta, and egg white wrap is 290 calories, 8g of fat and 20g of protein.
  • The kale and portabella mushroom sous vide bites are 230 calories, 14g of fat, and 15g of protein.
  • The bacon and gruyere sous vide bites are 300 calories, 20g of fat, and 19g of protein.
  • Their cake pops range anywhere from 140 -170 calories
  • The marshmallow dream bar is 230 calories, 5g of fat, and 1g of protein

Subway

Subway,Restaurant,sandwich,fast,foodShutterstock
  • Veggie Delite A 6-inch Veggie Delite on 9-grain bread has 200–250 calories, 2 grams of fat, made with 9-grain wheat bread and contain two servings of vegetables.
  • Any of the salads are under 300 calories WITHOUT the dressings!
  • Add extra meat to load up on protein!

Taco Bell

Taco,Bell,Restaurant,fast, food, junk, Mexican,Shutterstock

All under 300 calories!

  • Grilled Chicken soft shell fresco style
  • Crunchy Taco with beef fresco style
  • Grilled Steak taco fresco style
  • Veggie Power Bowl- no rice or ranch

Taco John’s

Taco John's exterior and sign. Taco John's is fast-food restaurant featuring Mexican-inspired fast-food.

Shutterstock

  • Crispy Taco, Chicken: 160 calories
  • Softshell Taco, Chicken: 210 calories
  • Street Taco, Chicken: 170 calories
  • Potato Oles-1/2 a small order 250😉

McDonald’s

Ayutthaya,Thailand - March 7, 2018 :View in Porto Go Bangpa-in, McDonald's Restaurant in Ayutthaya,Thailand. McDonald's is an American hamburger and fast food restaurant chainShutterstock
  • Egg McMuffin has 300 calories, 12g of fat, and 17g of protein
  • One hash brown has 150 calories, 9g of fat, and 1g of protein
  • 4 piece chicken nuggets has 190 calories, 12g of fat, and 9g of protein and the 6 piece has 280 calories, 18g of fat, 13g of protein
  • Plain hamburger has 250 calories, 9g of fat, and 12g of protein
  • Cheeseburger has 300 calories, 13g of fat, and 15g of protein
  • One sausage burrito has 300 calories, 16g of fat, and 12g of protein.
  • Fruit and maple oatmeal has 290 calories, 4.5g of fat, and 5g of protein
And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear

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