Things to consider before taking Ozempic or GLP-1’s
Before I cut out processed foods and went off my antidepressants and birth control vs after.
We live in a world today that relies heavily on the pharmaceutical industry to solve all of our health issues. There are many instances where we do need medications and help from our doctors to navigate major health issues or diseases–however, a lot of the times, these medications and drugs are temporary fixes that simply put a bandaid on the root problem of what we may be experiencing (e.g., obesity).
We’ve now entered an epidemic where taking Ozempic or GLP-1’s are normalized as a popular weight loss “trend” without acknowledging the long term side effects that outweigh the benefits of a simple shortcut. Doctors are handing it out like candy–without recommending healthier ways we can reach the results we want. So, before jumping to the conclusion that you need Ozempic or GLP-1’s, in today’s blog post, I’ll be highlighting key factors to consider:
Stopping antidepressants
Getting off birth control
Minimizing alcohol consumption
Incorporating whole-foods
Cutting out refined flour, sugar, and seed oils
Practicing setting healthier boundaries in relationships
Working with a personal trainer and weight loss coach
Stopping antidepressants
Tapering off my antidepressants was a key factor that contributed to seeing my weight loss results. Antidepressants (SSRI’s) are meant to treat people who need it for short periods of time, but over the long run, in my personal experience, they suppress the root problem of the emotions stored in your body, resulting in a build-up of trapped energy that naturally wants to be released.
Also, the coating of the pill itself is very acidic which made me develop major gut issues. When I tapered off my antidepressants I experienced brain zaps, acne, and gut wrenching pain. But, at least I was finally able to feel, acknowledge, and release the emotions stored in my body–which promoted rapid weight loss results. Happy to say it’s now been almost three years since I’ve been on any antidepressants! Make sure to speak with your doctor first if you’re considering stopping your antidepressants.
To change your mindset to improve your depression symptoms and see actual weight loss results, download a copy of my Mindset for Healthy Living Workbook.
Getting off birth control
Another aspect to consider is getting off of birth control. When I was at my heaviest weight, I was on birth control. I had a lot of water weight and inflammation all of which decreased rapidly once I stopped taking the pill and removed my IUD. Birth control can interfere with our natural hormones and cycles which can lead to weight gain.
In fact, I tried going back on the pill for only two months and was immediately back up to over 200 pounds. Everyone’s bodies are different, this is just a consideration based off my experience that I had to learn the hard way. My recommendations are not a replacement for professional advice from a doctor.
Minimizing alcohol consumption
Another thing to consider before jumping to conclusion that you need Ozempic is reducing your alcohol consumption. I believe moderation is key to life and having a drink every now and then is totally fine. But, as a former alcoholic I can attest that alcohol is a gateway to rapid weight gain when not consumed in moderation.
This is because a lot of the times, we tend to crave unhealthy, processed foods under the influence along with the fact that it is a sleep disruptor contributing to lack of quality sleep due to an increased heart rate. Simply consider reducing the amount of drinks you consume on a weekly (or even daily) basis for starters.
A way that I was able to reduce my alcohol consumption was by incorporating a fun and healthy drink alternative such as Ultima Replenisher Electrolytes. That way, I was still able to treat myself to a fun drink at the end of the day, but maintain balanced hydration. Grab your Ultima Electrolytes through my affiliate link here and receive 20% off in your inbox immediately when you sign up for their emails!
Incorporating whole-foods
Another thing to ask yourself is have you genuinely tried incorporating whole-foods and more nutrient-dense meals into your diet? It’s as simple as eating more protein, veggies, and fruits. There are many healthy alternatives to the processed food you may be consuming, which will aid in less cravings and more results. Checkout my blog post: “8 Easy Food Swaps & Healthy Alternatives for Weight Loss” to learn more. Food is not just fuel, it’s molecular compounds transmuted into energy. You literally are what you eat. Which leads me to the next aspect to consider…
Cutting out refined flour, sugar, and seed oils
Before taking Ozempic, consider reducing (or cutting out altogether) refined flour, sugar, and seed oils–the unholy trinity. This is because a lot of people have gluten allergies without even knowing, then wonder why they feel sluggish and lethargic. Reason being is the flour sold on the market today is grown on artificial soil with tons of pesticides and chemicals that are body is simply just not meant to tolerate. Consumption of refined carbohydrates and sugar has increased by 700% in the American Diet today (Means, 2024). Cutting out refined grains and sugars will make all the difference.
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Practicing setting healthier boundaries in relationships
Another thing to consider is practicing setting healthier boundaries in your relationships. We live in a generation where it is highly normalized and favored to be a people pleaser and put others’ needs before our very own. We’re taught to go the extra mile for everyone but ourself which in the end, leaves us fighting a constant battle of silent stress and resentment.
The easiest way to recognize these habits that may be engraved in your body and behavior is to start asking yourself: “What do I need?”. Overtime, your body will start to recognize that you are taking care of yourself better and putting your health first–which will in hand, reduce your cortisol and stress levels that wreak havoc on your nervous system. The people and environments you surround yourself with and in, contribute to who you become, for good or bad.
Working with a personal trainer & weight loss coach
Lastly, before taking Ozempic have you considered working with a personal trainer and weight loss coach? A personal trainer and weight loss coach will be able to help guide you towards your fitness and weight loss goals easily by offering white-glove support personalized to your needs. It truly feels like a blessing when you have someone there alongside you to make the process more fun and motivating. Fill out my weight loss coaching application–I’m here to help you!
All of these key considerations I mentioned I have had to learn the hard way–now, hopefully you won’t! My doctor actually recently tried prescribing me Ozempic even after losing 100 pounds already. I told him I didn’t need it and he tried anyways. Luckily, my insurance didn’t approve it (because I was not going to take it anyways). So, you know what I did, I cut out refined flour, sugar, and seed oils. I set healthier boundaries even if it disappointed people. I stayed consistent in the gym. Most importantly, I listened to my intuition on what my body was trying to tell me. Three months later, I came back in for my physical and had lost 30 more pounds. Doc said, “Wow Lindsey, you’re on a health kick!” I said, “Yeah, I don’t need Ozempic.”
Because here’s the thing you may be forgetting: there’s no easy, quick fix for weight loss–if there is, it comes with side effects. I’ve been on numerous weight loss pills–stimulants, antidepressants, hormones, etc., but at the end of the day, all you’re truly left with is the root cause of what led you to developing bad eating habits and patterns in the first place.
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