How to Maximize Weight Loss Results While on Prescription Medication

Today, over 40% of the adult US population is obese — a major issue that prescription weight loss medications are attempting to solve. However, even the latest medications are no more than weight management tools. And, for the best possible results, should be paired with other effective remedies and strategies.

If you want to maximize healthy weight loss while taking weight loss medications, you’re in luck. Lifestyle Med Spa’s licensed physicians and dieticians have outlined the most effective ways to achieve your ideal body weight using both medications and other methods.

Understanding Prescription Weight Loss Medications

FDA-approved weight management medications hit the market as an innovative obesity treatment in 2021, and have saturated the public conscience ever since.

How do they work? By mimicking the hormones in your body that naturally tell you when you’re full or hungry (GLP-1), the medication takes on the role of regulating appetite, insulin levels, and digestion. You can expect slower digestion, increased feelings of fullness, and reduced cravings — all of which contribute to a lower calorie intake over time.

At Lifestyle Med Spa, we specialize in GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP medications. Here are some of the differences:

GLP-1 Medications: GLP-1 Agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy only target the GLP-1 receptor, without the added effects of GIP receptor activation. Studies show patients losing an average of around 14.9% of their body weight in clinical trials.
GLP-1/GIP Medications: Dual Agonists like Mounjaro and Zepbound that activate both GIP and GLP-1 receptors. In studies, patients experienced a 15-22% reduction in body weight, exceeding what is typically seen with GLP-1 agonists alone.

As effective as these medications are, professional guidance and supplemental treatment plans are essential for healthy prescription drug use. For example, your provider may suggest exercise or healthy eating plans to solidify your lifestyle changes.

Should I Take Prescription Weight Loss Drugs?

Prescription weight loss drugs are generally approved for patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30+ or those with a BMI of 27+ and related health conditions — such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. Regular injections can help you stave off persistent weight gain and mediate the symptoms of weight-related chronic health challenges.

Always reach out to a trusted provider who can help you determine the best medication based on your unique medical history.

1. Reach Out To A Professional To Start a Weight Management Plan

Treating obesity is more than just an aesthetic goal, and when you want to maximize your results while avoiding/remedying serious health problems, you need a professional weight management plan. Licensed providers and certified dietitians not only provide access to the medications you need, but can also monitor your progress and suggest supplemental treatments that boost healthy weight reduction. Contact Lifestyle Med Spa today to get started!

What weight management plans include:

Ongoing Support & Monitoring: Check-ins that regularly help you build healthy habits, monitor progress, address side effects, and adjust doses when needed.
Customized Nutrition Plans: Personalized diet plans, from reduced calorie diets to low-fat diets, designed to support your metabolism and prevent nutrient deficiencies.
Exercise Recommendations: Exercise regimens tailored to your fitness level and weight loss goals.
Lab Testing & Health Screenings: Baseline and follow-up lab work to monitor blood sugar, cholesterol, and hormone levels as you lose weight.

2. Consider The Different Types of Weight Loss Medication

While Lifestyle Med Spa specializes in GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP medications, at least six drugs have been FDA-approved for weight loss as of 2025. These include:

Bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave)
Liraglutide (Saxenda)
Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)
Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia)
Semaglutide (Wegovy)
Setmelanotide (Imcivree)

Determining which medication is best for your chronic weight management plan requires research and careful planning, which is why we always recommend working with licensed medical professionals. After all, these medications can interact with a variety of existing conditions.

3. Note Any Existing Conditions or Medications

If you have a personal or family history of digestive and kidney diseases or specific rare genetic disorders related to your weight, always be sure to discuss them with your provider. Health conditions and the medications you take for them can have a major impact on the effectiveness and potential side effects of your weight loss medication, making it crucial to discuss beforehand.

For example, GLP-1 medications are not typically recommended for anyone with a history of medullary thyroid cancer or pancreatitis. Medications for diabetes, high blood pressure, or to treat depression can also cause overlapping side effects like nausea or low blood sugar.

Here are our tips for how to use your medical history to maximize weight loss results:

Disclose Medical Conditions: Always share your full medical history with your provider.
Be Aware of Allergic Reactions: While allergic reactions to weight loss medications are rare, you should still inform your practitioner of any existing allergies you have.
Be Aware of Medication Interactions: Notify your practitioner if you’re taking any medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements. Some medications — like insulin or antidepressants — may interact with weight loss drugs and increase unwanted side effects.

4. Start Developing a Healthy Diet

While weight loss medications help you lose weight by suppressing appetite, they also slow gastric emptying. This makes developing a balanced diet essential for mitigating side effects and long-term success. Your provider or dietitian may offer several different tips depending on your unique dietary needs, but we also have some recommendations for maximizing results:

Eat Smaller, More Frequent Portions

Eating three meals a day works for many weight loss patients, but if you’re having a hard time managing your energy or blood sugar levels, eating 4-6 smaller meals can help your body digest more effectively. Just make sure these extra meals are proportioned and balanced, not just empty snacks.

Avoid High Fat, Sugary, & Ultra Processed Foods

Foods high in saturated fats, added sugars, and artificial ingredients are known to not only contribute to weight gain, but also exacerbate medication side effects. Foods high in fat are already difficult to digest, leading to heartburn, nausea, and other discomfort when medications cause slower gastric emptying. Excess sugar, even in the form of carbohydrates, can also harm your progress by spurring unwanted cravings. Here are some common foods to avoid:

Fried foods (donuts, chips, etc.)
Refined carbohydrates (white bread, pasta, etc.)
Processed meats (hot dogs, bacon, etc.)
Full-fat dairy products (milk, cheese, etc.)
Sugary drinks (soda, sweetened coffee, etc.)
Candy (chocolate, caramels, etc.)

Embrace Protein, Fiber, & Healthy Fats

Lean proteins, fiber-rich veggies, and dietary fats work with anti-obesity medications, rather than against them. Balancing your diet with this combination helps reduce cravings, support muscle mass, and keep you fuller for longer. Examples of foods to add to your plate include:

Lean proteins (grilled chicken, salmon, eggs, etc.)
High-fiber whole grains (quinoa, brown rice, oats, etc.)
Legumes and pulses (lentils, black beans, chickpeas, etc.)
Non-starchy vegetables (spinach, broccoli, bell peppers, etc.)
Healthy fats (avocados, olive oil, nuts, etc.)
Low-sugar fermented dairy (plain Greek yogurt, kefir, cottage cheese, etc.)

Track Your Progress

Food diaries and tracking apps can help you stay aware of your calorie intake, food choices, and reactions to certain meals. Your provider can also help you track your dietary progress effectively.

5. Research Natural, Supplemental Remedies

Aside from expert nutritional guidance, there are other natural ways you can maximize your weight loss journey. Below are several healthy supplements that have been proven to work well with weight loss medication:

Yerba Mate Tea: Studies have shown this tea to have compounds like ferulic acid, capable of boosting GLP-1 levels by 40–50%. By drinking at least one cup per day (3g of tea leaves) for up to 12 weeks, you can reduce inflammation and fat buildup.
Allulose Sweetener: This once rare, but now readily available sugar doesn’t spike blood glucose or insulin like other sweeteners. Instead, you can use in recipes and drinks to increase GLP-1 and promote fullness.
Collagen Peptides: These supplements are typically used for skin treatments, but can also help people losing weight maintain healthy joints, lean muscle, and skin elasticity. It’s also been shown to enhance the GLP-1 response.
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): Easy to access for those looking to lose excess weight, ACV reduces blood sugar spikes, curbs appetite, and improves gut health.

6. Incorporate Regular Exercise

Physical activity is another key aspect of maximizing healthy weight loss — whether you work with a personal trainer or do simple exercises at home. Something as simple as a daily walk can boost your progress, but ultimately, the best exercise routine will depend on your current weight and medical history.

That’s why we generally recommend working with a personal trainer, as diving into exercise regimens you’re not ready for can cause injuries that harm progress, rather than help. However, here are some general tips you can follow:

Start Slow: For patients with health conditions or high weights, starting with low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or cycling is both physically and psychologically beneficial. Even 15–30 minutes a day can build momentum.
Incorporate Strength Training: If you’re concerned about losing muscle mass on weight loss medication, try lifting weights or doing body weight exercises at least 2–3 times per week.
Stretch Before and After: Gentle stretching or yoga following your workout can improve flexibility, prevent soreness, and support recovery.
Track Your Movement: Maintain your motivation by tracking progress with a fitness app, smartwatch, or journal.

7. Get Adequate Sleep

When it comes to maximizing weight loss, the time you spend sleeping is just as important as the time you spend awake. Sleep quality and your natural circadian rhythm both play a role in preventing weight gain and promoting healthy weight loss.

For example, sleep deprivation has been shown to cause impaired GLP-1 responses, causing unwanted cravings and making food more difficult to digest. In turn, the blood sugar spikes from unhealthy snacking leads to even more sleepless nights.

Instead, avoiding food intake close to bedtime and working with licensed medical professionals can help you improve your natural sleep patterns. Lifestyle Med Spa provides personalized advice on sleep hygiene, relaxation techniques, and lifestyle changes to help you break an unhealthy sleep cycle, improve energy levels, and meet weight loss goals.

Start Slow: For patients with health conditions or high weights, starting with low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or cycling is both physically and psychologically beneficial. Even 15–30 minutes a day can build momentum.
Incorporate Strength Training: If you’re concerned about losing muscle mass on weight loss medication, try lifting weights or doing body weight exercises at least 2–3 times per week.
Stretch Before and After: Gentle stretching or yoga following your workout can improve flexibility, prevent soreness, and support recovery.
Track Your Movement: Maintain your motivation by tracking progress with a fitness app, smartwatch, or journal.

8. Stay Hydrated

Finally, staying hydrated might seem like a small factor, but it’s especially important when medications can slow digestion or suppress thirst. Regularly consuming healthy drinks not only supports digestion, but also minimizes side effects like constipation or fatigue. Here are a few key hydration tips:

Drink Plenty of Water: Aim for at least 2–3 liters per day. Not a fan of plain water? Opt for flavored or sparkling water without added sugars.
Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol is a no-go for those on weight loss medication, as it can worsen side effects like nausea and dizziness, as well as disrupt vital blood sugar regulation.
Skip Sugary Beverages: Drinks like soda, energy drinks, and sweetened coffee often have excess sugar that can derail your progress. Even seemingly healthy options like juice often pack in hidden sugars—always check labels.

Knowing Your Body Is The Key To Success

No two bodies respond to weight loss medications the same way, which is why you should know your medical history before you start treatment. Anything from food intolerances to nutritional deficiencies can have an impact. For example, patients with lactose intolerance might need to replace dairy with low-fat soy milk, while those with diabetes need to carefully monitor their carbohydrates.

Listening to your body also makes it easier for medical professionals to identify and prevent issues like muscle loss or digestive upset. By knowing your history, they can provide the most accurate dietary recommendations.

Start Your Comprehensive Weight Loss Treatment At Lifestyle Med Spa!

At Lifestyle Med Spa, we combine the latest injectable weight loss medications with expert dietary advice and natural remedies for the most effective weight management plans. From reducing symptoms of diabetes to achieving your goal weight, our certified providers are dedicated to helping you meet your goals.