When is it Time to Get Help with Weight Loss?
While a suppressed appetite is exactly how these medications help you achieve your goals, it creates a new challenge: making every calorie count. At the top of your nutritional priority list should be protein.
Why is protein so vital during medical weight loss?
When the body is in a significant calorie deficit, it looks for energy wherever it can find it. If you aren't consuming enough protein, your body may begin to break down lean muscle tissue for fuel rather than just targeting your fat stores.
Maintaining muscle is essential because muscle is metabolically active. The more muscle you have, the higher your resting metabolic rate—meaning you burn more calories even when you are sitting still. If you lose too much muscle during your journey, you may find:
- Your weight loss stalls.
- You feel weaker and more fatigued than you should.
The Benefits of a High-Protein Approach
- Preserving Lean Muscle: High protein intake, ideally combined with gentle resistance exercise, signals to your body to preserve your muscles and focus on burning fat.
- Sustained Fullness: Protein is the most "satiating" nutrient. It takes longer for your stomach to break down, which helps extend the appetite-suppressing effects of your medication.
- Blood Sugar Stability: Protein helps slow the absorption of sugars, preventing the energy spikes and crashes that can lead to cravings.
Practical Ways to Increase Your Intake
We understand that when your appetite is low, eating a large meal can feel daunting. Instead, try to incorporate small "protein hits" throughout the day:
- Greek Yogurt or Skyr: High in protein and easy on the stomach.
- Lean Poultry and Fish: Chicken, turkey, and white fish are excellent, low-calorie sources.
- Plant-Based Power: Lentils, chickpeas, and edamame beans are great for adding bulk and fibre.
- Quality Supplements: A high-quality whey or vegan protein shake can be a convenient way to hit targets when your appetite is at its lowest.
Visit Our Staffordshire Clinics
If you’re unsure whether your current diet is supporting your weight loss correctly, pop into any of our Staffordshire Weight Loss clinics. Our expert pharmacy teams can help you review your nutrition to ensure you are losing weight healthily, safely, and sustainably.