Today, weight loss no longer solely focuses on looking thinner and thus “better.” As global obesity rates rise, so does public awareness of the fact that it can cause chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. That’s spurred an increasing demand for weight loss products and services. Yet while diet supplements, meals, and services dominate this market, increased availability means more people are now turning to medical interventions to safely lose excess weight and avoid further health complications.

Compared to years prior, these doctor-led solutions are now more accessible and range from invasive to non-invasive. That includes bariatric surgery, a surgical procedure that alters the stomach and intestines to induce weight loss. Thanks to pharmaceutical innovations, an increasing number of individuals vulnerable to the health complications of being overweight and obese are also opting for non-invasive prescription medications that use a GLP-1 agonist for weight loss. Semaglutide and tirzepatide, commonly sold under the brand names Wegovy and Mounjaro, can activate GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas to simultaneously regulate insulin and control one’s appetite. When taken alongside a balanced diet and regular exercise, they can help you lose an average of 15% of your body weight.

If you wish to follow a medical weight loss plan, though, don’t just focus on achieving tangible results. Those eligible to take these drugs often struggle with self-esteem issues stemming from body image, weight stigma and discrimination, and a poorer quality of life. Since progress isn’t linear, these concerns can impact your well-being as you shed pounds for better health. To prevent those outcomes, it’s thus crucial to practice self-care. Here are a few ways you can do just that. 

Care for your body

Self-care extends to looking after your physical well-being. When it comes to medical weight loss, this will involve putting your body in the best position possible to deal with its rigors. You can start by eating a healthy mix of whole grains, fruits and veg, lean meat, fatty fish, fruits, and nuts. Aside from nourishing your body so it stays healthy as you lose weight, doing so can also boost your metabolism, nicely complementing the benefits of prescription weight loss medications. That makes regular exercise equally important.

Aside from helping you burn more calories, it’ll also build your strength. That can be crucial because medical weight loss can take away both muscle and fat if you don’t work out, causing a weakness that can lower your quality of life and impact your well-being. However, overweight and obese individuals may find it harder to start doing so because they’re more likely to experience inflamed muscles and joints. In these cases, you can care for yourself by trying massages for chronic pain. Your massage therapist will completely tailor every session to your needs, down to the pressure levels that work for you. It’s a great way to help you and your body feel better and more prepared to tackle the necessary workouts for medical weight loss.

Seek a support system

It’s important to again emphasize that progress isn’t linear. Even as you use prescription medications to aid your weight loss efforts, you’re likely to hit obstacles or not see results right away. You may also experience weight stigma. Still widespread in the US, it can negatively impact your self-confidence and even discourage you from continuing your weight loss journey. In these cases, seeking support will be a crucial pillar of your self-care strategy. Connecting with the right people can help keep you accountable, celebrate your progress, and motivate you to continue pressing onward. One study even finds that building personalized support systems can boost the long-term benefits of weight loss plans led by primary care practitioners. That ultimately means it can more effectively help you lose weight and keep it off. 

Of course, the best way to start is by turning to family and friends for support. But why stop there? You can also join a community of like-minded individuals going through similar challenges. Whether you opt for a fitness class or a dedicated medical weight loss support group, you’ll be giving yourself a safe space to share your experiences, hold each other up, and even give each other advice on how to better tackle a treatment plan. 

Be kind to yourself

This is arguably the most important way to practice self-care as you undergo medical weight loss. That’s especially true since psychological distress can cause weight cycling, which involves repeatedly losing your weight and gaining it back again. To prevent stress and frustration, remove the pressure from your weight loss journey.  

You’re losing weight for yourself, not for anyone else—so don’t be too hard on yourself if you’re not progressing as quickly as you’d like. Remember that everyone’s body is unique, which is why your medical weight loss journey will look different. Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on yourself. Set realistic goals, like losing a pound a week. When you hit them, celebrate those wins. If you run into a hitch, like a weight loss plateau, be patient with yourself. Acknowledge your frustration, but also think about how far you’ve already come and how you can progress even further. Practicing self-awareness—and, more importantly, self-compassion—can help you better care for yourself as you lose weight with prescription medications.