New Year New You! (Again!) Weight Loss Tips and Tricks PLUS Freebie…

Dec 29, 2022 Weight Loss

We don’t know about you but a show of hands in the SimplyMeds Online office showed that if anyone were to tell us we can’t eat something, we’d be more likely to want it. Lots of it. Cutting out favourite foods and drinks can be hard. Thankfully losing weight successfully is all about balance and finding a way that suits your needs and your lifestyle. Sometimes you might need a little extra help but that’s ok. The aim is to get yourself to a healthier and happier place.

 

 

Why Lose Weight?

Few of us enjoy being told by our doctor or similar that we could benefit from losing weight. It’s not a fun conversation to have and yet it’s an important one. Whether you’ve been told to try to drop some weight or you’re at a place where you know you will benefit, getting started is important. Putting it off can have real health implications. 

Being overweight heightens your risk of type 2 diabetes, stroke, heart issues, cancer (particularly breast and bowel cancer), blood pressure issues, gallstones and much more. All of these conditions can have a serious effect on your health and even ultimately cause premature death. 

If that’s not harrowing enough, being overweight can affect your self-esteem and cause or contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.  Losing just 5% of your body weight can make a significant difference to your health and well-being. 

Once you’ve decided to lose weight, finding the best way forward is the next step.

 

One Size Does Not Fit All

We are all made up differently which is why it comes to losing weight, one size doesn’t fit all. We’ve looked at several different slimming clubs and weight methods in the past (more on this here) and outside of those, there are many different support tools and weight loss methods and plans available. The NHS Lose Weight app and site are packed with great information and a way to track your weight loss and diet information. 

 

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

One of the most important things to remember is that when losing weight you are doing it for yourself. Don’t compare your journey to someone else’s. Weight loss is an individual thing and as such everyone’s process and progress are different. Trying to lose weight too quickly can be detrimental. If you aren’t eating enough and your meals don’t contain the right nutrients you can do more harm than good. 

Crash dieting or being incredibly restrictive with food is unlikely to be something that can be maintained so you will ultimately regain lost weight. Changing habits and building awareness of healthier and tasty food, as well as portion control, is the best way forward. Slow and steady is advised with the NHS suggesting a 1-2lb weight loss a week or sustained and healthy loss. 

 

Exercise Can Help With Weight Loss

Exercise can play a key role in helping you lose weight and also feel great. Exercising releases powerful endorphins that genuinely boost your mood and make you feel happier. Feeling wonderful and being healthier? That’s two very good reasons to incorporate exercise into your weight loss journey. 

Exercise doesn’t necessarily mean you suddenly start going to the gym three times a week. There are many cost-effective ways to exercise and physical activity comes in many forms. For some people vigorous gardening is a starting point, then walking, jogging, dancing, swimming, exercise classes and many more options. For those who are interested in running, or building up to it, the Couch to 5k programme has been known to be very successful and also fun. 

The important thing when it comes to exercising is to find something that you enjoy.

 

Weight Loss Products That Can Help

The best way to lose weight is to eat healthier, move more and consume fewer calories overall. Sometimes extra help is needed. Your GP may advise you to consider additional support. Here at SimplyMeds Online, we stock weight loss tablets, Wegovy and Saxenda, a weight loss weekly injection. 

Orlistat and other similar medications work to reduce the amount of dietary fat your body absorbs. The excess fat is flushed when you go to the toilet. These treatments can reduce up to 30% of the fat in your diet from being absorbed by your gut. 

Saxenda and Wegovy help you lose weight by making you feel less hungry, slowing down the movement of food out of your stomach. This makes you feel fuller for a longer time. Using Saxenda as a daily injection and Wegovy as a weekly injection, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and exercise is recommended for regular weight loss.

Again, one size does not fit all so when it comes to considering weight loss treatments such as these it pays to do your research and to get pharmacist or GP advice where appropriate.

 

In Conclusion

Losing weight isn’t easy but with the right motivation, support and plan there’s no reason why you can’t meet your goals. Whether a slimming group is for you, increased exercise and your own healthy eating regime are best or you need a little extra help from weight loss tablets or treatments, you will get there!

To help you on your way and to keep you on track we’ve put together this free weight loss tracker which includes a food diary, mood trackers, and a weekly check-in with yourself and more.

 

 

Please note: Before making major lifestyle changes, particularly if you have pre-existing conditions, please seek the advice of your health team first. This is to ensure that you are losing weight and exercising in a safe and supported way that suits your individual needs.