Struggling to lose weight despite consistent efforts? If you’re an adult facing health problems due to your weight and have found diet and exercise alone ineffective, prescription weight-loss medications may be a suitable option for you. However, it’s essential to understand that these medications should be paired with healthy weight loss meals and exercise for safe and sustainable results. They work best when combined with diet plans with proper nutrition, portion control and mindful eating habits.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to safely incorporate weight loss medications into your daily routine, focusing on best practices, potential risks and the importance of medical supervision. We’ll also provide meal recommendations from Basiligo’s nutrient-dense menu to help you make the most out of your weight loss journey.
Why Combine Weight Loss Medications with a Healthy Diet?
Weight loss medications such as appetite suppressants, diet pills or newer prescription drugs like GLP-1 receptor agonists can help reduce hunger, increase metabolism or block fat absorption. However, they are not a replacement for a healthy diet. The combination of medications and a balanced diet ensures that your body receives essential nutrients while enhancing the effectiveness of the medication.
For instance, we offer a variety of weight-loss-focused meals that make it easy to balance your medications with delicious, nutritious food. These meals are perfectly portioned, rich in nutrients, and designed to support your weight loss goals without compromising taste.weight loss medications with a nutritious diet
Who Can Benefit from Weight Loss Medications?
Your healthcare provider may suggest weight-loss medications if you have been unable to lose weight through diet and exercise alone, especially if your BMI is greater than 30 (indicating obesity) or if your BMI is greater than 27 with obesity-related medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. These medications are intended to aid individuals facing serious health risks due to their weight.
However, they are not for everyone. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant, weight-loss medications are not recommended. Before choosing a medication, your healthcare provider will assess your medical history and explain the pros and cons of each drug.
How Well Do Weight Loss Medications Work?
Prescription weight loss medications have been shown to lead to significant weight loss when used alongside a healthy diet and lifestyle changes. For example, long-term use of these medications can result in a 3% to 12% reduction in total body weight compared with a placebo. While that might not seem like a massive drop, losing even 5% to 10% of your total body weight can yield important health benefits, such as lower blood pressure, improved blood sugar levels and reduced triglycerides.
Best Practices for Combining Weight Loss Medications with a Healthy Diet
⦁ Consult a Healthcare Professional: Before beginning any weight-loss treatment, consult your healthcare provider. He/she will recommend the most appropriate weight loss medications for your situation, whether you’re using appetite suppressants or prescription drugs like Liraglutide (Saxenda) or Semaglutide (Wegovy). Regular monitoring ensures that you’re on the right track and helps mitigate any potential side effects.
⦁ Focus on Balanced, Nutrient-Dense Meals: While on weight-loss medications, your body still needs proper fuel to function optimally. Incorporating meals rich in protein, fiber and healthy fats is essential to maintaining energy and promoting muscle retention. Our Grilled Chicken with Quinoa Salad is a great example of a meal high in lean protein and nutrient-dense ingredients, which supports fat loss while preserving muscle mass.
⦁ Manage Portion Sizes: Though weight-loss medications can reduce your appetite, it’s still important to manage portions. Proper portion control prevents overeating, even when your hunger is suppressed. Try the Salmon Harissa Tunisia Salad for a delicious, well-balanced, pre-portioned meal that aligns perfectly with weight-loss goals.
⦁ Stay Hydrated: Hydration is vital when taking weight-loss medications, particularly those containing caffeine or ephedra, which can cause dehydration. Drinking enough water throughout the day ensures your body stays hydrated, supports metabolism, and helps you avoid potential side effects like dry mouth or headaches. At least eight glasses of water should be taken daily.
⦁ Practice Mindful Eating: Mindful eating is crucial when combining weight loss medications with a diet. Eat mindfully by slowing down, enjoying each bite and paying attention to your body’s signals of hunger and fullness. Our customized meal plans offer flavorful, portion-controlled meals that make it easy to practice mindful eating and enjoy every bite.
When to Eat While Taking Weight Loss Medication
Timing is important when using appetite suppressants or prescription drugs like GLP-1 receptor agonists. While these medications reduce hunger, maintaining regular meal times is key to ensuring you consume enough nutrients. Our Lemon Oregano Chicken with Charred Broccoli provides the perfect balance of fiber-rich vegetables and lean proteins to keep your digestion regular and energy levels stable, even when your appetite is reduced.
Start your day with high-fiber fruits like apples or pears and pair them with heart-healthy fats, such as those found in our Scrambled Chicken with Spring Vegetables for a nutritious and satisfying breakfast.
Recommended Food and Beverages When Taking Weight Loss Medications
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to diet while on weight-loss medications, but some general guidelines include:
⦁ Prioritize Protein: Protein helps preserve lean body mass during weight loss. Aim for 20-35g of protein per meal, which you can easily find in our Grilled Chicken with Quinoa Salad.
⦁ Incorporate Produce: Ensure your diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. We offer dishes that provide dietary fiber and essential vitamins, which can help prevent constipation—a common side effect of some weight loss medications.
⦁ Stay Hydrated: As mentioned, hydration is key. Drinking enough water supports digestion, boosts metabolism, and reduces side effects associated with certain medications.
Likely Risks and Side Effects of Weight Loss Medications
Although prescription weight-loss medications can be effective, there may be potential side effects. At times, nausea, diarrhea, constipation or a higher heart rate can be experienced. The common symptoms are usually mild and often improve with time. However, it’s important to be in touch with your healthcare provider so that your body’s reaction to the medication is tracked.
Additionally, medications like Orlistat (Xenical) affect how your body absorbs fat, which can sometimes lead to nutrient deficiencies if not paired with a balanced diet. Basiligo’s Mushroom Cauliflower Risotto with Coconut Milk and Roasted Vegetables offers a nutrient-rich option to help combat any deficiencies, providing a balance of healthy carbs, fats, and fiber.
The Bigger Picture: Sustainable Weight Loss
The long-term solution is not just by taking weight loss medications. To achieve sustained success, a balanced strategy needs to be in place, which includes a healthy diet, lifestyle adjustments and consistent exercise. For lasting health benefits, consider taking on long-term eating habits like the low-carb or Mediterranean diet.
Our meal delivery options provide long-term support by offering nutritious, well-balanced meals that fit into your daily routine. Whether your goal is weight loss or overall wellness, our meals are crafted to help you stay on course while enjoying flavorful and nourishing foods.
Conclusion
The key to long-term success lies in balance—combining weight loss medications with a nutritious diet and positive lifestyle changes is crucial for achieving sustainable results. Consulting with a healthcare provider, focusing on nutrient-dense meals and practicing mindful eating are essential steps for achieving long-term weight loss results. Our weight loss meals provide the perfect support, offering chef-prepared, portion-controlled options that make your journey to health both enjoyable and sustainable.
Explore Basiligo’s weight loss meals today and discover how nutritious, tasty meals can help you reach your goals in a balanced and satisfying way.
FAQs
Can I take weight loss medications without adjusting my diet?
No, it’s crucial to combine weight loss medications with a healthy diet to ensure your body receives proper nutrients and to enhance the medication’s effectiveness.
How can I select the right meals while taking weight loss medication?
Choose nutrient-rich, portion-controlled meals. Basiligo’s weight loss meals provide balanced, nutritious options that support your weight loss goals.
Are there risks associated with long-term use of weight loss medications?
Yes, there can be risks, including mild side effects or possible nutrient deficiencies. Working with your healthcare provider and following a balanced diet can help minimize these risks.
How long should I stay on weight loss medications?
The duration of use depends on your individual progress. Your healthcare provider will evaluate your results and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
Can Basiligo’s meals be customized for specific dietary needs?
Yes, Basiligo’s customized meal plans can cater to specific dietary preferences, including vegetarian, low-carb and dairy-free options.
