Congratulations on choosing to lose weight and live a healthier life! Weight loss is individualized and varies significantly from person to person. Working with a provider who is an expert in weight loss and obesity-related issues is essential.

It's important to understand that some people respond quickly to treatment (early responders), while others respond after some time (delayed responders). Regardless of your group, weight gain does not happen overnight. So, it's natural that weight loss will take time, too. This variability is normal and part of the process. You're not alone in this journey, and we're here to support you every step of the way.

Two weight loss pathways exist. The first and most established approach is lifestyle changes, which include diet and exercise. Lifestyle changes can result in weight reduction, but it takes longer, and the amount lost is modest at best. SURMOUNT-1 found lifestyle changes alone resulted in a -3.1% weight reduction at 72 weeks versus -15% to -20.9% on tirzepatide. STEP TEENS found lifestyle alone resulted in a 2.7% increase in body weight at 68 weeks versus -17.4% on semaglutide. STEP-5 found that lifestyle alone resulted in a -0.6% weight reduction versus -16.7% at 104 weeks. Kompaniyets et al. (2023) found that only about 1 in 10 patients could achieve a 5% reduction in weight with lifestyle modifications alone.

The second approach is pharmacological treatment via medication prescribed by a medical provider. Of the two options, pharmacological treatment has the best results in achieving meaningful weight loss. By 'meaningful weight loss, we mean a reduction of at least 5% of your initial body weight. GLP-1s can be incredibly effective in weight reduction. The SURMOUNT and STEP clinical trials document the effectiveness of Semaglitude and Tirzepatide in weight reduction.  

Remember, the best formula for weight reduction is combining lifestyle changes with pharmacological treatment. The SCALE trial (2013) was the first document on how effective a GLP-1 (Liraglutide) can be when combined with lifestyle changes. The clinical trials SURMOUNT-1 & 3, STEP-5, and STEP TEENS examined Semaglutide or Tirzepatide plus lifestyle changes and found patients experienced significant weight reduction of up to 24%. With the right approach, success is within reach.

However, patients who rely solely on medication and make no changes in lifestyle see little to no meaningful reduction in weight! So, you must do your part to see a change for the better!

If you follow the guidance provided during our one-on-one consultations regarding diet, including avoiding liquid calories, exercise, and keeping a food log, the weight will come off. Remember, obesity is a chronic relapsing disease that requires continuous effort to control. Your commitment to this journey is crucial. Your dedication and perseverance will be the key to your success. Weight loss is individualized and never guaranteed. One person's weight loss experience does not guarantee weight loss for anyone else.