Weight loss injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy are becoming increasingly popular as a way to manage weight loss. They remove the hard work and inconvenience of counting calories.
The semaglutide in Wegovy and the tirzepatide in Mounjaro reduces your appetite and regulates your blood sugar, making it easier to lose weight.
However, losing weight and keeping it off will be much more successful if you also eat healthily. There’s one nutrient in particular you should pay attention to, and that’s protein.
When you are using Wegovy or Mounjaro you will notice that you have a smaller appetite. You’ll eat less without feeling hungry and this is a boost for your weight loss goal. However, the injections don’t differentiate between healthy and unhealthy foods. You can eat sugar and fat and still lose weight. But, if you haven’t changed unhealthy eating habits, you might be thin, but your body isn’t going to be strong and healthy.
Protein builds and maintains muscle. It supplies the amino acids your body needs to grow, repair and protect muscle tissue. We need healthy muscles for strength, to protect joints and bones, support your metabolism and for energy.
Lack of protein means the body will burn muscle as well as fat. This can mean your metabolism will slow down and you’ll feel less energetic and tired. When you eat enough protein it:
Aim for around 20-30 grams of protein per meal. On your plate that means around:
Swapping foods and adding ingredients can boost your protein intake. For instance, instead of toast in the morning have an egg or a yoghurt with berries. Add chickpeas to a salad and snack on edamame beans or a handful of walnuts.
Swap out your sugary foods and drinks for healthy fats and carbohydrates. Wholewheat pasta and rice, Quinoa and oats are all good choices. You can also eat sweet potatoes, oats and bananas. Keep fats to a minimum but you can include olive oil, avocado, walnuts and almonds.
Try and change your eating habits so that you include more protein and eat less sugar and fat. This will help you to keep the weight off once you stop using the injections. Do some exercise each day. As you lose weight moving around will be easier.
The NHS recommend adults do 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise a week. That means if you go for a brisk half hour walk each day, or spend 40 minutes swimming twice a week you will be getting the exercise you need to improve your fitness, maintain your weight loss, and strengthen your muscles.
We run a weight loss clinic where you can come and have your weight loss injections each week by a qualified pharmacist. We support you through your weight loss journey with advice and tips about healthy eating, exercise, and lifestyle changes. You can make an appointment to come to the clinic by phone at 01276 21002, in person by coming into the pharmacy or by booking online.
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