Understanding the Key Differences Between Popular Weight Loss Injections and the Latest Trends in Personalized Treatment

Weight loss injections have emerged as a popular solution for individuals struggling to achieve weight loss through diet and exercise alone. These injections typically involve medications that are administered on a regular basis, often weekly. Among the most widely used weight loss injections are GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide (commonly known as Wegovy or Ozempic) and liraglutide (branded as Saxenda), as well as HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) injections. Each of these medications operates differently within the body, offering distinct benefits based on an individual’s health status and weight loss objectives.

GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide and liraglutide mimic the action of the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1, which is involved in regulating appetite and insulin production. By increasing GLP-1 levels, these injections help reduce hunger, slow the emptying of the stomach, and enhance insulin sensitivity, leading to significant weight loss. Studies have shown that semaglutide can help individuals achieve up to 15% weight loss over time, making it one of the most effective weight loss medications currently available. Additionally, these injections offer benefits beyond weight loss, such as improved blood sugar control, which is particularly advantageous for individuals managing type 2 diabetes.

In contrast, HCG injections involve the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin, which is produced during pregnancy. This method is often combined with a very low-calorie diet, typically ranging from 500 to 800 calories per day. Advocates of HCG injections claim that the hormone helps mobilize fat stores, leading to rapid weight loss while preserving muscle mass. However, the use of HCG for weight loss remains controversial, and it is not approved by the FDA for this purpose. While some individuals report substantial weight loss, the effectiveness of HCG is debated, with questions surrounding whether the hormone itself or the severe calorie restriction is responsible for the results.

A notable trend in weight loss injections is the combination therapy approach, where different medications are used together to enhance weight loss results. For example, healthcare providers are exploring the combined use of GLP-1 receptor agonists with other medications like SGLT-2 inhibitors, which help the body eliminate glucose through urine, or with appetite suppressants. This approach aims to address obesity from multiple angles, improving both the quantity and quality of weight loss. Additionally, there is a growing interest in personalized medicine, where treatments are tailored to an individual’s genetic profile and specific health needs, potentially increasing the effectiveness of weight loss injections.

In summary, weight loss injections provide various options for those seeking medical assistance in their weight loss journey, each offering unique advantages and considerations. From the highly effective GLP-1 receptor agonists with added metabolic benefits to the more controversial HCG injections, individuals now have a broader range of choices for medical weight loss. As trends continue to evolve, the future of weight loss injections may lie in combination therapies and personalized approaches, offering even greater potential for effective and sustainable weight management.

UNDERSTANDING FOOD ADDICTIONS AND CREATING HEALTHY HABITS

Are you aware of how prevalent food addiction really is? I want you to know that it’s actually not your fault many of us are struggling in this area!!  Everywhere we go these highly addictive foods are front and center. Refined sugar is in everything!  In fact we are consuming an average of 150 pounds of refined sugar and flour products each year (Dr. A’s Habits of Health -pg. 319). Just astounding!! 

This ultra refined sugar and flour can act almost as a drug that causes insatiable hunger and cravings that leads to addiction and loss of control. In fact, as our insulin rises in response to these sugars, it blocks leptin ( a hunger suppressant hormone released by our fat cells) that tells our brain we aren’t hungry anymore. (Habits of Health-pg 320). 

STOP. CHALLENGE. CHOOSE.

Sadly the food industry is not necessarily our friend and we are compelled to take matters into our own hands. Luckily we can utilize a strategy developed by Dr. Wayne Scott Anderson  (New York Times best selling author and one of the first critical care doctors in our country) called  “STOP. CHALLENGE.CHOOSE” to help us navigate through this issue. 

HOW DOES STOP, CHALLENGE AND CHOOSE WORK?

Take a moment to STOP and pause before deciding what to do. 

Challenge yourself to think about what you really want and if that next action moves you closer to or farther from your goal. 

Decide what the next best step is for you as it relates to your goal. 

With socializing on the rise, you are likely going to be attending more parties & maybe even a Memorial Day barbecue. Here’s how you might use this strategy in that event. You arrive at the party and see the table is covered with pastries, beverages and appetizers. Knowing that your goal is to be happy in your bathing suit for that weekend on the beach what do you do?

• Stop before diving right into the food and drink. This gives your impulsive brain time to be taken over by your thinking brain.
• Challenge yourself by asking which is more important? The immediate gratification of the food and drink or the feeling you’ll have once you put on that suit. 
• Decide what you want to do to get closer to the suit or instant gratification goal. 

It doesn’t have to be all or nothing by the way. It’s possible to allow yourself one or two indulgences at that moment. But pausing will allow you to decide more strategically. 

About the Author – Jen Boss, Health and Wellness Coach 

A former elementary school teacher and longtime stay at home mom, Jen started her health and wellness business in February of 2019 after tackling health goals of her own. With the guidance of a coach, support of a community, education and a simply structured nutrition plan, Jen helps people take their health back & empowers them to live their best possible life centered around what matters most to them. The intention is to make health a habit and dieting a thing of the past. 

In health there is no denying the power of self-awareness and the tools for creating a healthy mindset. One of the most challenging aspects on our transformation journeys is working through discomfort. If we understand how we approach our choices, we are more likely to make healthier decisions instead of slipping back into unhealthy habits in uncomfortable situations. In fact, experiencing discomfort can be necessary for growth. In order to reprogram our habits when we’re faced with difficult choices, we first have to see the opportunities for making better choices. Dr. Wayne Scott Andersen offers some suggestions on becoming more mindful: Plan ahead. Prepare healthy meals in advance or keep a small healthy snack handy to account for what you are going to eat before you become too hungry. Keep a journal. Reflecting on your day and documenting the healthy choices you did make or could have made in your journal will help make you more mindful when these scenarios happen again. Work with a Health Coach. Talking with someone regularly that supports and guides you through your health journey can help you see more opportunities for transforming your health. Recognizing how our own habits are structured is the next step toward transforming unhealthy habits to healthy habits when faced with a difficult or uncomfortable situation. This practice is easier if you use Stop. Challenge. Choose.: Stop. Take a slow, deep breath to help control your emotions. Recognize that you are triggering an unhealthy habit. Pausing and taking a breath helps to regain control. Challenge. Think about why you are responding to the situation the way you are. Remind yourself of your goals and the choices you should be making to reach these goals. Choose. Make the healthy choice that gives you a similar reward but is much better for your long-term health.Like other habits, using Stop. Challenge. Choose. may take some time to practice and implement, but over time it will become an automated response.

Meet Coach Jen
Independent OPTAVIA Coach and Certified Health and Wellness Coach
(772)-261-0680 to learn more about creating healthy habits.