SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (Good Things Utah) – Total Health and Fitness has been helping Utahns reach their wellness goals for more than 20 years. Their approach combines weekly accountability, customized real-food nutrition plans, and personalized exercise programming to deliver sustainable results. Above all, Total Health and Fitness focuses on education to empower you to maintain your progress with confidence.

David Johns, a nutritionist with Total Health and Fitness discussed the popular weight-loss trend of Ozempic and semaglutide, weighing in on the pros and cons of the drug.

“We don’t prescribe or recommend any weight loss drug, but if you and your doctor have decided it is right for you, let us help you maximize the results without causing permanent damage to your metabolism,” said Johns.

Johns said, that while the drugs are helping many to lose weight, including some of his clients, use of semaglutide without habit changes makes muscle loss nearly inevitable. While looking muscular may or may not be the goal of someone taking semaglutide, the issue lies in the severe metabolic damage that can be done with extreme calorie reduction.

In a 18-month study of Ozempic*, patients lost an average of 11 lbs of lean mass. That pace of muscle loss is 22-times faster than the average adult over the age of 30. If someone uses semaglutide without adequate protein intake and resistance training, they run the risk of significant muscle loss, making weight regain highly likely.

Johns presented two examples of actual clients using semaglutide, Client 1 used the drug alone without a structured nutrition or exercise plan, Client 2 used the drug while following a customized nutrition and workout program.

While Client 1 lost more weight(36 lbs), they lost only 13 lbs of fat and 23 lbs of lean body mass, slowing their metabolism by 229 calories per day. This decrease in metabolism will lead to this person gaining 24 lbs per year, every year, if they resume the very same eating habits they had prior to weight loss. Client 2, who combined semaglutide with nutrition/exercise coaching, lost more fat (14 lbs) while actually increasing lean body mass by 1 lb. Client 2 maintained their metabolism and will be better able to sustain the weight loss.

“If you are taking advantage of the benefits of semaglutide, don’t just trust the scale,” said Johns. “Take the time to educate yourself on a balance that works for your body and sustains muscle, otherwise you’re likely to be frustrated with a severe yo-yo diet once you discontinue.”

Whether your goal is to lose weight, gain weight, improve energy, or just gain a better control of your nutrition habits,  their professionals can design a plan for you.

Visit www.totalhealthandfitness.com to request your free consultation or ask a question.

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*https://www.afr.com/policy/health-and-education/lighter-but-fatter-the-ozempic-paradox-20230718-p5dp5w

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