How To Lose Weight on Wegovy & Mounjaro
Weight loss is often a sensitive subject as it’s something the vast majority of UK adults will struggle with over time. Statistics in the UK show that the proportion of adults that are overweight have risen to 64.3% up from 52.9% in 1993, if you’re struggling with your weight then you are not alone.
Even more recently there has been a lot of talk about weight loss medications and how they can help someone achieve a healthy BMI.
Wegovy and Mounjaro are some of the most common weight loss medications currently available in the UK, especially as they can be easier to access than Ozempic, and they still can deliver great weight loss results when used alongside lifestyle changes.
To really achieve success taking these weight loss medications, you need to make some lifestyle changes to make the most of your medication.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Whether you’re losing weight with or without medication, the diet you have is an important factor. While Wegovy and Mounjaro will suppress your appetite it’s still important to make sure that you’re getting the healthy food and variety of food your body needs to feel well. There are some easy ways to get started with improving your diet.
Incorporate More Vegetables and Fruits: Aim to fill half your plate with vegetables and fruits at each meal. Fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients and fibre, which help you to feel full and satisfied. If you’re not sure where to get started with this why not try adding a side salad to your lunch or snacking on apple slices with peanut butter.
Experiment with different fruits and veg combinations to help you find meals that you enjoy eating, and can continue to eat after you’re done with Wegovy and Mounjaro.
Include Lean Proteins: Incorporate lean proteins like chicken, turkey, fish, beans, and legumes into your meals. These proteins will help you feel full and help your body recover from any exercise you do as well. A grilled chicken salad or a bean and veggie stir-fry are both great options. If you’re unsure about how much protein you need or what your specific macro nutrient needs are we recommend speaking to a nutritionist.
Healthy Fats are Your Friends: Don’t be afraid of fats they play an important role in health! Healthy fats found in avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil are essential for your body and can help keep hunger at bay. A handful of nuts or some avocado on whole-grain toast makes a perfect snack. The only word of caution is to be mindful about how much you’re having, while these healthy fats are good they do contain a lot of calories so keep portion size in mind.
Get moving with fun exercise!
Exercise is a key part of any successful weight loss plan. If you’re not very active when you start to take weight loss medication, we recommend starting slow and gradually build up your activity level. Here are a few beginner-friendly exercise ideas to get started!
Walking: Walking is a fantastic, low-impact exercise. Try to fit in a 10-minute walk after each meal. Over time, aim to increase your walking time to 30 minutes a day. While the age old advice of walking 10,000 steps a day is often debated, aiming for a target number of steps can help keep your goals in mind and keep you moving.
Try Yoga or Pilates: Yoga is excellent for both body and mind. Look for beginner yoga classes online or in your community. It’s a gentle way to improve flexibility and reduce stress. Or if you’d rather not go to a public class or a gym there are lots of great videos online like YouTube just be sure to start slow and build up your exercise routine over time.
Incorporate Light Strength Training: Strength training helps build muscle, which in turn boosts your metabolism. In terms of fat loss, it’s one of the most effective exercises you can do. Start with simple exercises like bodyweight squats, wall push-ups, and lifting light weights. You don’t need to rush out to buy weights either, we’ve seen people use water bottles and cans as beginner weights to use while you get used to the exercise.
Take Care of Your Mental Health
Good sleep and stress management are often overlooked but are vital for weight loss. How the mind is feeling and your emotions can be a huge factor for weight gain in the beginning, it only makes sense that it would impact how you lose weight as well. Here’s why and how you can improve your mental health to lose weight on Wegovy and Mounjaro.
Poor sleep can lead to weight gain: Poor sleep can disrupt hormones that control hunger, leading to increased appetite and weight gain. If you have a poor nights sleep, it can be as simple as feeling too tired to cook and going for quicker and unhealthy options. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night and create a relaxing bedtime routine by avoiding screens before bed and keeping your room cool and dark to get good quality sleep and support your weight loss.
Stress is linked to weight gain: Stress can trigger emotional eating and cravings for unhealthy foods. We’ve all had those moments of wanting a takeaway as a reward for getting through a difficult week. Practice stress-reducing activities like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply taking time to relax with a good book to try and cut back on your stress. If your stress is chronic or giving you physical symptoms it’s worth visiting your GP for advice.
Speak to Crest Pharmacy
When using medications like Wegovy or Mounjaro, it’s essential to tailor the dosage to your individual needs. We’re here to help you tailor your dosage and find the level that works for you.
We’re also here to answer any questions you have about taking the medication, storing it or to advise you if you have any reactions to the medication itself.
With Crest you can get started on your weight loss journey with some of the lowest prices in the UK and the option to split payments in 3. You can find out more at our weight loss hub here.
To Lose Weight You Need to Stick to the Lifestyle Change
Remember, while Wegovy and Mounjaro can significantly aid in weight loss, they are not magic solutions. You need to make changes alongside these medications to not only get the best results, but to build lasting habits that will help you lose weight and keep it off in future.
If you’re just starting to use Wegovy or Mounjaro you need to set realistic goals, stay consistent, seek support and be kind to yourself alongside adopting these healthy habits.
Remember, losing weight sustainably is a journey, not a race. Take it one step at a time, and celebrate your progress along the way. If you have any questions or need personalised advice, feel free to reach out to your local Crest pharmacist.
We’re here to support you every step of the way!
Common Questions About Wegovy & Mounjaro
Are there any common side effects I should be aware of when taking these medications?
Yes, common side effects of Wegovy and Mounjaro can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and abdominal pain. These side effects are usually mild to moderate and often decrease over time as your body adjusts to the medication. If you experience severe side effects or have concerns, please contact your GP.
How long does it take to see weight loss results with these medications?
Results can vary from person to person, but many people start to see weight loss within the first few weeks of treatment. Significant weight loss is often observed over several months. To see the best results it’s important to combine the weight loss medication with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Wegovy or Mounjaro?
We would advise against drinking alcohol while taking this medications. Alcohol can interfere with the medication’s effectiveness and may increase the risk of side effects like gastrointestinal issues. Additionally, alcohol is high in calories and can hinder your weight loss efforts. If you have more questions about this please speak to one of our pharmacists.
Will I need to take Wegovy or Mounjaro for the rest of my life?
These medications are typically prescribed as part of a long-term weight management plan. Some individuals may need to continue taking them to maintain their weight loss, while others might be able to stop after achieving their goals and developing healthy lifestyle habits. This decision should be made in consultation with your GP and pharmacist. Contact us if you’d like to know more about how long you could realistically need to take Wegovy or Mounjaro.
How should I store Wegovy and Mounjaro at home?
Both medications need to be stored in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C. Keep them in their original packaging to protect them. An ideal place to store them is in the fridge door shelves as the risk of freezing the medication is lower here versus it accidentally being stored at the back of the fridge. It’s very important that you do not freeze the medication, and if needed, it can be kept at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 28 days.