New year, new you. Sound familiar? Every January we set big, scary goals like hitting the gym everyday or cutting out carbs, only to abandon our plans before the month has ended!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, if you\u2019re starting 2025 with GLP-1 weight loss pens<\/a>, like Mounjaro<\/strong><\/a> or Wegovy<\/strong><\/a>, your weight loss journey will look different. Unlike traditional diets, these treatments mimic hormones in your body to reduce both your appetite and your preoccupation with food. Supported by healthy habits, this should make it easier for you to lose weight in the long-term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But there\u2019s still a lot to consider before you start the year on GLP-1 weight loss treatment. So, in this article, we give you some practical tips to help you meet your health goals in 2025 and beyond. And you\u2019ll get advice on how to safely resume weight loss injections if you\u2019ve taken a break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First and foremost, it\u2019s important you stick to the dosing schedule your healthcare provider has given you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you start taking Mounjaro or Wegovy, you’ll need to \u201ccomplete all four doses of your current pen before moving onto a higher dose,\u201d explains Zahra Qureshi<\/a>, a registered pharmacist at Simple Online Pharmacy. \u201cThis gradual increase helps to ensure your safety and enhances the medication\u2019s effectiveness.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n You might not feel like your injection is working in the beginning. Don\u2019t worry \u2013 this is normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe initial low dose is designed to help your body adjust safely,\u201d Zahra adds. \u201cSo don\u2019t be discouraged if you don\u2019t see immediate results.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n We often fall into the trap of setting new year goals that are impossible to meet \u2013 and then feel guilt and shame when we don\u2019t stick to them. Try not to put too<\/em> much pressure on yourself this year, and aim for slow and steady weight loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Laura Perez, Lead Dietician at Simple Online Pharmacy, advises you to \u201caim for a consistent weight loss of about one to two pounds per week<\/strong> during that steady loss phase.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBut keep in mind that this can vary based on factors like starting weight, diet, exercise intensity, and metabolism,\u201d she adds. \u201cIt’s also common to experience plateaus where your weight loss slows or stalls as your body adjusts to new habits.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n In general, patients start losing weight at around the four-week <\/a>mark, but this isn\u2019t guaranteed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In one study, patients using Mounjaro experienced a gradual decrease in body weight in the first four weeks of using it<\/a>. After eight weeks, patients lost around 6% of their body weight. After 12 weeks, patients lost around 8% of their body weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This year, aim for progress \u2013 not perfection. Even if the scale doesn’t move, celebrate the non-scale victories as you gain healthier habits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, you might notice:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your weight loss journey is unique, so don\u2019t compare your progress with anyone else\u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEveryone loses weight at their own pace,\u201d says Laura. \u201cRemember, aim for gradual changes rather than quick fixes for lasting results. Embrace this journey towards wellness and celebrate the positive changes you’re making.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n On GLP-1s, you likely won’t have the same appetite for food as before. While it might be tempting to eat a diet of buttered toast, you still need to eat a balanced, nutritious diet. This will fuel your body, help you stay energised throughout the day and maximise your weight loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead of fixating on what to remove from your diet (and your life), try to focus on what you can add. <\/em>Think about adding healthy, nutrient-dense foods to your diet. And think about what activities you can fit into your schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Try and make one small, positive change per week \u2013 rather than completely overhauling your lifestyle in one go \u2013 to avoid overwhelm and build healthy habits that last.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And did you know the water in our food<\/a> makes up around 20% of our fluid intake? So when you eat less, you also take in less water. Common side effects of GLP-1s, like diarrhoea and nausea, can also cause you to lose water. So drink plenty of fluids to stay healthy and help manage side effects (more on the below).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pick a few fun activities you want to try this year \u2013 yoga, running, boxing \u2013 and start small.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember that something is better than nothing. Do as much as you have time for, even if it\u2019s 10 minutes. Over time, you might find you can (and want to) keep going for longer. Before you know it, you\u2019ve got the fitness bug!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Start resistance training if you can. It\u2019s one of the most important forms of exercise for GLP-1 users<\/a>, as it helps you maintain muscle and improve body composition as you lose weight. It also boosts cardiovascular and overall health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most people who start GLP-1 medications won\u2019t get any side effects. But one in 10 people do report gastrointestinal issues. The most common ones are nausea, diarrhoea and constipation. You might also get headaches or feel dizzy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These common side effects are usually worse when you begin the treatment and as you increase your dose. And they\u2019re usually mild and manageable<\/a>. Here are a few tips to avoiding discomfort:<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n While uncommon, some patients do experience serious side effects from GLP-1<\/a> medications. It\u2019s important you know what they are and their symptoms so you know when to seek medical attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\tNew Year Resolutions to Succeed on GLP-1s<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Stick to Your Dosing Schedule<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Set Realistic Goals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Celebrate Non-Scale Victories<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Don\u2019t Compare<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Eat a Balanced Diet & Stay Hydrated<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Make Movement a Habit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Manage Common Side Effects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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