How Semaglutide Helps With Weight Loss

By The Aspen Clinic  |  Weight Loss  |  0 Comments  | 
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Semaglutide also known by its trade name Wegovy is a weight loss drug made by the pharmaceutical company, Novo Nordisk. There are two main mechanisms in which semaglutide helps with weight loss, the first is that it slows gastric emptying and the second, is by stimulating the satiety center in your brain to make you feel full. 

World-renowned endocrinology expert and endocrine surgeon, Dr. Jim Norman took semaglutide as a four month experiment to find out in further detail how it works to cause weight loss. His findings included 10 different ways in which semaglutide helps with weight loss. Learn more about Dr. Jim Norman’s experience with losing weight while on semaglutide, right here at the Aspen Clinic. 

Ten Ways Semaglutide Causes Weight Loss 

  1. Prevents you from eating big meals- Dr. Norman said once he reached the 1.7 mg injection dose he was only able to finish half of what he would normally eat. 
  2. Suppresses appetite- Glucagon is normally released from the pancreas after we have a big meal and signals our brain to stop eating. When injecting semaglutide you are giving an extra dose of man made Glucagon which stimulates the satiety center of your brain. 
  3. Intermittent fasting- Dr. Norman says that semaglutide caused him to adopt intermittent fasting techniques subconsciously because he wasn’t thinking about food and was not hungry. 
  4. Causes Ketosis which burns fat- Ketones are produced when the body switches to fat as its primary energy source. Through the combination of intermittent fasting and smaller portions, more ketones are produced causing more fat to be used as energy.
  5. Minimal reliance on will power- When dieting, people are usually focusing on their diet and what they shouldn’t be eating all day. Semaglutide eliminates the need to use will power because you are simply just not as hungry. 
  6. Prevents getting second portions- Since you are full after only half of your regular portion the idea of going in for seconds is not even a thought anymore. 
  7. Prevents eating desserts- Dr. Norman says once finished eating half of his normal portion he couldn’t even think of having dessert from feeling so full. However, semaglutide does not eliminate the craving for sweets so it’s important to try not to cheat in between meals if a sugar craving arises. 
  8. Prevents food cravings- Dr. Norman says that once he reached the full injection dose of 2.4 mg he no longer had cravings for certain meals that he would get before. 
  9. Decreases cravings for alcohol- Once reaching the 1.7 mg injection dose, Dr. Norman stated that his cravings for an alcoholic beverage at dinner went away and that he felt it just didn’t taste as good. 
  10. Teaches portion control- After just a few days of being on the full 2.4 mg dose, Dr. Norman said he found himself putting less food on his plate subconsciously and now when he goes to a restaurant he is able to recognize when he needs to order less to be able to finish his meal.

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                          The Aspen Clinic program is based on lifestyle changes, not temporary dieting. In summary, our program is designed to increase your metabolism and help you develop a new set of eating and activity habits. We will individualize your program according to your daily caloric needs to ensure that you are losing fat and avoiding the loss of lean muscle mass. 

                          Visit any of our Aspen Clinic locations across Louisiana, Baton Rouge, Covington, Hammond, Harvey, Houma, Lafayette, Metairie, Prairieville, and Slidell, or schedule an appointment today to get started!

                          Advantages of In-Person Weight Loss Programs

                          By The Aspen Clinic  |  The Aspen Clinic  |  0 Comments  | 
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                          Adopting a healthy lifestyle and better eating habits are both necessary components to losing weight. Managing these things can be tough especially for those who aren’t sure how to get started or stay on track. This is where joining an in-person weight loss program, like the Aspen Clinic, can be really helpful. 

                          At the Aspen Clinic we offer in-person medical and non-medical weight loss programs based on what your needs are. There are plenty of benefits to joining an in-person program because you’ll get to work with licensed professionals and meet other people in your position. 

                          Benefits to In-Person Weight Loss Programs

                          • In-person support- Losing weight is not an easy thing to do and it can definitely get frustrating if you aren’t seeing the results you want. Joining an in-person program can help you build relationships with other people in the program who might be struggling too and can offer support. 
                          • Accountability- You’re able to hold yourself more accountable and stay on track with an in-person program. With online programs it can be easier to make excuses and not follow through, sometimes knowing you have to show up somewhere for yourself and for your health can be the push you need. 
                          • Supervision- When you are supervised by a doctor or nutritionist it’s not only safer and more effective, it can also help you become less discouraged if you aren’t seeing results you want. When supervised you are more likely to follow good eating habits and follow an exercise plan instead of falling back into bad habits.

                          A program custom for your needs- In-person medical weight loss programs are customized based on the individual and their needs. Your doctor will design a personalized program based on factors like current weight, lifestyle, and general health. 

                          Schedule Appointment >

                          The Aspen Clinic program is based on lifestyle changes, not temporary dieting. In summary, our program is designed to increase your metabolism and help you develop a new set of eating and activity habits. We will individualize your program according to your daily caloric needs to ensure that you are losing fat and avoiding the loss of lean muscle mass. 

                          Visit any of our Aspen Clinic locations across Louisiana, Baton Rouge, Covington, Hammond, Harvey, Houma, Lafayette, Metairie, Prairieville, and Slidell, or schedule an appointment today to get started!

                          What Should I Put on My Grocery List to Lose Weight?

                          By The Aspen Clinic  |  Nutrition  |  0 Comments  | 

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                          Trying to make a healthy lifestyle change by losing weight definitely has its challenges. It can be frustrating when trying to figure out what to eat and what not to eat especially when it comes to grocery shopping. There are plenty of healthy options out there but there are also options that claim to be healthy but aren’t actually that good for you. 

                          Luckily if you are struggling with knowing what to put on your grocery list to lose weight, the Aspen Clinic is full of resources to help you maintain a healthy diet.

                          Grocery Guide 

                          The Aspen Clinic Grocery Guides are some of the best resources to check out when it comes to making healthier choices on your next grocery shopping trip. These comprehensive guides offer the best choices for every category of food from local grocery stores such as Walmart, Target, Rouses, and Whole Foods. 

                          Recipes 

                          We also encourage you to take a look at our recipe guide online where you can find healthy recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and so much more. You can even learn how to make any kind of nut milk which can also be used in other recipes as well!

                          Happy, Healthy Days Podcast

                          For additional information on healthy eating take a listen to our podcast where we go over everything from fitness, nutrition, recipes, and so much more. Happy, Healthy Days is a great resource for guidance, tips, tricks, and support for listeners on their weight loss journey.

                          Join The Aspen Clinic – We Have 9 Locations in Louisiana

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                          The Aspen Clinic program is based on lifestyle changes, not temporary dieting. In summary, our program is designed to increase your metabolism and help you develop a new set of eating and activity habits. We will individualize your program according to your daily caloric needs to ensure that you are losing fat and avoiding the loss of lean muscle mass. 

                          Visit any of our Aspen Clinic locations across Louisiana, Baton Rouge, Covington, Hammond, Harvey, Houma, Lafayette, Metairie, Prairieville, and Slidell, or schedule an appointment today to get started!

                          Can A Quick Walk Help with Digestion?

                          By The Aspen Clinic  |  Fitness  |  0 Comments  | 

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                          If you can find a little bit of time in your day, even just 10 minutes, to take a quick walk, your body will thank you for it! Walking helps speed up digestion, along with a ton of other health benefits. Keep reading to learn more about all of the ways a quick walk can benefit your health and help out along your weight loss journey. 

                          Health Benefits of a Quick Walk

                          The main benefits of a quick walk include improved digestion, heart health, blood sugar management, regulated blood pressure, and weight loss. Starting with low to moderate intensity 10-minute walks following your main meals allows you to yield these benefits with a low risk of negative side effects.

                          Other benefits of a quick, 10-minute walk include:

                          • Maintain a healthy weight and lose body fat
                          • Prevent or manage various conditions, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer and type 2 diabetes
                          • Improve cardiovascular fitness
                          • Strengthen your bones and muscles
                          • Improve muscle endurance
                          • Increase energy levels
                          • Improve your mood, cognition, memory and sleep
                          • Improve your balance and coordination
                          • Strengthen immune system
                          • Reduce stress and tension

                          According to Mayo Clinic, the faster, farther and more frequently you walk, the greater the benefits. For example, you may start out as an average walker, and then work your way up to walking faster and walking a mile in a shorter amount of time than an average walker, similar to power walkers. This can be a great way to get aerobic activity, improve your heart health and increase your endurance while burning calories.

                          You can also alternate periods of brisk walking with leisurely walking. This type of interval training has many benefits, such as improving cardiovascular fitness and burning more calories than regular walking. And interval training can be done in less time than regular walking.

                          Join The Aspen Clinic – We Have 9 Locations in Louisiana

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                          If you are looking for some support along your weight loss and wellness journey, join us! The Aspen Clinic program is based on lifestyle changes, not temporary dieting. In summary, our program is designed to increase your metabolism and help you develop a new set of eating and activity habits. We will individualize your program according to your daily caloric needs to ensure that you are losing fat and avoiding the loss of lean muscle mass. 
                          Visit any of our Aspen Clinic locations across Louisiana, Baton Rouge, Covington, Hammond, Harvey, Houma, Lafayette, Metairie, Prairieville, and Slidell, or schedule an appointment today to get started!

                          How To Limit Liquid Calories

                          By The Aspen Clinic  |  Weight Loss  |  0 Comments  | 

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                          There is no easier way to lessen your calorie intake than by limiting your liquid calories! A calorie is defined as a measure of the energy value of a food or drink. Liquid calories are often easier and quicker to consume and will satisfy thirst, but not hunger. Liquid calories are considered “hidden” calories because the body does not feel the same fullness from a drink as it does from solid foods. Don’t forget that liquid calories count! Here are some tips from the Aspen Clinic of Louisiana to help limit your liquid calorie intake. 

                          Tips To Limit Liquid Calories

                          Liquid calories in alcohol, juices, soda, sports drinks or specialty coffees can have a huge impact on our calorie intake. Soda and juices are the primary sources of extra calories and specialty coffee drinks are close behind. Try to change your drinking habits by incorporating tea, black coffee, or sugarless drinks! 

                          If you are going to enjoy a cocktail, try replacing mixers with water or carbonated water and flavor with lemon, lime, or other fruits! 

                          Drink more water. In addition to lack of energy and brain fog, mild dehydration can cause a sensation that may be mistaken for hunger. According to Healthline, drinking water increases the number of calories you burn, which is known as resting energy expenditure. Drink one glass of water 30 minutes before a meal to help digestion. Remember not to drink too soon before or after a meal as the water will dilute the digestive juices. Drink water an hour after the meal to allow the body to absorb the nutrients. 

                          Join The Aspen Clinic – We Have 9 Locations in Louisiana

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                          If you need some assistance limiting your liquid calories, join the Aspen Clinic! Our program is based on lifestyle changes, not temporary dieting. The Aspen Clinic is designed to increase your metabolism and help you develop a new set of eating and activity habits. We will individualize your program according to your daily caloric needs to ensure that you are losing fat and avoiding the loss of lean muscle mass. 
                          Visit any of our Aspen Clinic locations across Louisiana, Baton Rouge, Covington, Hammond, Harvey, Houma, Lafayette, Metairie, Prairieville, and Slidell, or schedule an appointment today to get started!

                          Holiday Weight Loss Challenge

                          By The Aspen Clinic  |  The Aspen Clinic  |  0 Comments  | 

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                          It’s that time of year again! Halloween marks just the start of several holidays over the next three months that all place a heavy focus on food.

                          Late October through New Year’s Day is a time of fun celebrations, family get-togethers, gift-giving, and a three-month food fest—one that you shouldn’t let end in weight gain. 

                          The problem is that weight gained during the holiday season can take months to lose, according to a new study. In many cases, individuals never lose the weight, packing on extra pounds that stay on and accumulate year after year.

                          Take control of the holiday season now – get on a plan, stick to it, and let the Aspen Clinic help you stay on track throughout the next three months! Because before you know it, it’ll be Mardi Gras! 

                          How The Holiday Weight Loss Challenge Works

                          Let us offer you an incentive to stay on track during the holidays.  Get $1 off for every pound lost from the end of October through New Years Day. If you lose 5 pounds, $5 will be taken off of your bill for your visit in 2023! 

                          Challenge yourself this holiday season. Stick to your plan and save some money during the time you need it most! 

                          Join The Aspen Clinic – We Have 9 Locations in Louisiana

                          Schedule Appointment 

                          The Aspen Clinic program is based on lifestyle changes, not temporary dieting. In summary, our program is designed to increase your metabolism and help you develop a new set of eating and activity habits. We will individualize your program according to your daily caloric needs to ensure that you are losing fat and avoiding the loss of lean muscle mass. 

                          You can also visit our online store, we carry all the weight loss essentials including water bottles, vitamins / supplements, protein powders, and more!

                          Tips For Maintaining Weight Loss

                          By The Aspen Clinic  |  Weight Loss  |  0 Comments  | 

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                          Congratulations! With the help of the Aspen Clinic, you have finally reached your weight loss goal and are feeling great in your body. The journey doesn’t end here- it is now time to maintain all of the progress you’ve made, and we are here to help! Here are a few tips to maintain your weight loss from the Aspen Clinic of Louisiana. 

                          Stay Active

                          Don’t hang up your sneakers just yet! While it is great that you have made progress toward your goal weight, turning the tactics you implemented during your weight loss journey into habits is what is going to help you keep the weight off. If you enjoyed going for walks or runs, keep it up! Keep moving your body and you will have a much easier time maintaining your weight loss. 

                          Eat Breakfast Every Day

                          According to Healthline, breakfast eaters tend to have healthier habits overall, such as exercising more and consuming more fiber and micronutrients. Furthermore, eating breakfast is one of the most common behaviors reported by individuals who are successful at maintaining weight loss. One study found that 78% of 2,959 people who maintained a 30-pound (14 kg) weight loss for at least one year reported eating breakfast every day. Science is on your side. Eat a well-balanced breakfast! 

                          Prepare for Setbacks

                          The most important part of maintaining your weight loss is not throwing in the towel when things get tough. Setbacks are inevitable on your weight maintenance journey. There may be times when you give in to an unhealthy craving or skip a workout. However, the occasional slip-up doesn’t mean you should throw your goals out the window. Simply move on and follow through with better choices. This will all lend itself to creating your permanent lifestyle change! 

                          A lifestyle change consists of adapting healthy habits that promote long-term weight loss and control. This means making small changes in your everyday life, rather than making drastic changes all at once. Some examples of ways to kickstart your lifestyle change could be:

                          • Gradually cutting back on junk food
                          • Organize / plan workouts as a part of your everyday routine
                          • Meal prepping
                          • Drinking more water
                          • Trying to incorporate more nutrient dense foods and cutting back on junk food
                          • Organize / plan physical activity as a part of your day
                          • Meal prepping
                          • Drinking more water
                          • Meditate or find ways to manage stress
                          • Reduce TV or screen time to prioritize sleep

                          Eventually, if you stick to it, it will become a routine, and each step you take toward bettering your health will become a permanent change.

                          The Aspen Clinic – We Have 9 Locations in Louisiana

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                          Don’t ditch us after you’ve lost the weight! We can still help you along the way. The Aspen Clinic program is based on lifestyle changes, not temporary dieting. In summary, our program is designed to increase your metabolism and help you develop a new set of eating and activity habits. We will individualize your program according to your daily caloric needs to ensure that you are losing fat and avoiding the loss of lean muscle mass.

                          Off the Scale Ways to Measure Success

                          By The Aspen Clinic  |  Weight Loss  |  0 Comments  | 

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                          Are you doing everything you can to stay on track with your healthy lifestyle, but you still aren’t seeing results on the scale? Let’s ignore the numbers for now, and explore some other ways to track your progress! Here are a few ways to ditch the scale and measure your progress in other ways from the Aspen Clinic of Louisiana. 

                          Try On Old Clothes

                          Do you remember those old jeans you left in the back of your closet because you grew out of them? Take them out and try them on! Even if they still aren’t fitting as you would like them to, you are sure to have made some progress if you have stayed on track. Try on some old clothes. Maybe some fit perfectly now, or maybe some are too big all of a sudden! 

                          Write Down Measurements

                          Yes, measurements are still numbers, but sometimes it is easier to see progress through loss of inches around your body than it is with numbers on a scale! Take down your measurements one every week, or even every two weeks if you want to see bigger gaps in your measurements! 

                          Analyze Endurance

                          Another great way to keep track of your progress is to take note of your endurance! Were you able to walk an extra mile that you couldn’t before? That is major progress, and something you should be proud of!

                          Mindset Matters More

                          At the end of the day, if you feel good about your progress it doesn’t matter what the number on the scale says. If you are living a healthy lifestyle but the scale isn’t reflecting that in the way that you would like it to, that is no reason to give up. As long as you stick to it, results will come! 

                          Join The Aspen Clinic – We Have 9 Locations in Louisiana

                          Schedule Appointment 

                          The Aspen Clinic program is based on lifestyle changes, not temporary dieting. In summary, our program is designed to increase your metabolism and help you develop a new set of eating and activity habits. We will individualize your program according to your daily caloric needs to ensure that you are losing fat and avoiding the loss of lean muscle mass. 

                          Visit any of our Aspen Clinic locations across Louisiana, Baton Rouge, Covington, Hammond, Harvey, Houma, Lafayette, Metairie, Prairieville, and Slidell, or schedule an appointment today to get started! 
                          You can also visit our online store, we carry all the weight loss essentials including water bottles, vitamins / supplements, protein powders, and more!

                          How Does Stress Affect Weight Loss?

                          By The Aspen Clinic  |  Weight Loss  |  0 Comments  | 

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                          Stress has woven itself into almost every aspect of our lives. Whether it’s about money, relationships, work, etc., stress is always hanging over our heads like a dark cloud. While on your weight loss journey, there could be nothing worse than adding stress into the mix. Stress is not a friend to weight loss, and here is how stress will only make your journey harder to finish. 

                          Stress vs Weight Loss

                          While it is almost impossible to completely remove stress from your life, it is important to try, especially when trying to lose weight. According to Healthline, for many people, stress can have a direct impact on their weight. Whether it causes weight loss or weight gain can vary from person to person — and even from situation to situation.

                          In some cases, stress may lead to missed meals and poor food choices. For others, stress may cause them to completely lose the desire to eat. Oftentimes, this change is only temporary. Your weight may return to normal once the stressor has passed.

                          One of the main problems with high-stress levels in the body is the production of the hormone cortisol. Your body identifies stress and the adrenal glands will begin to produce cortisol, which puts the body into a catabolic state – meaning it will begin to eat or break down muscle. Muscle is key during weight loss because it helps to increase our body’s basal metabolic rate to burn fats. Therefore, if you are losing muscle mass, you are losing the ability to burn fat which is very counterproductive when trying to lose weight. We must keep our stress levels down in order to prevent excess cortisol in the body and maintain our muscle mass! This is why we like to say your adrenal glands are your “key to weight loss”.

                          Whichever way stress affects your weight loss, neither option is healthy for your body. Whether you put weight on, or weight falls off, both fluctuations are temporary because stress is temporary! 

                          Signs Your Weight Loss Is Connected To Stress

                          A change in your weight can be linked to stress if you are also experiencing:

                          • Headaches
                          • Indigestion
                          • Aches and pains
                          • Tense muscles
                          • Mood changes
                          • Fatigue
                          • Difficulty falling or staying asleep
                          • Difficulty with short-term memory
                          • Increased heart rate

                          Join The Aspen Clinic – We Have 9 Locations in Louisiana

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                          If you need help working through your stress or help along our weightloss journey, join us! The Aspen Clinic program is based on lifestyle changes, not temporary dieting. In summary, our program is designed to increase your metabolism and help you develop a new set of eating and activity habits. We will individualize your program according to your daily caloric needs to ensure that you are losing fat and avoiding the loss of lean muscle mass. 
                          Visit any of our Aspen Clinic locations across Louisiana, Baton Rouge, Covington, Hammond, Harvey, Houma, Lafayette, Metairie, Prairieville, and Slidell, or schedule an appointment today to get started!

                          The Aspen Clinic vs Noom

                          By The Aspen Clinic  |  The Aspen Clinic  |  0 Comments  | 

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                          Wondering if the Aspen Clinic’s weight loss program is what will work for you, or if Noom will be more efficient? The Aspen Clinic is here to inform you on how Noom works, and how you can work Noom and The Aspen Clinic program together to change your life completely. 

                          What is Noom?

                          Noom is a fitness and weight-loss program. Noom claims to be “the last weightloss program you will ever need.” The Noom app focuses on making changes surrounding dieting. As we have mentioned in a previous post, dieting is never the way to approach weight loss, so it is best to steer clear of that practice and focus on our program at the Aspen Clinic if you are looking for longevity and a true lifestyle change. 

                          What is the Aspen Clinic?

                          The Aspen Clinic program is based on lifestyle changes, not temporary dieting. In summary, our program is designed to increase your metabolism and help you develop a new set of eating and activity habits. We will individualize your program according to your daily caloric needs to ensure that you are losing fat and avoiding the loss of lean muscle mass. We also provide in-person support, something an app like Noom cannot provide. 

                          Join The Aspen Clinic – We Have 9 Locations in Louisiana

                          Visit any of our Aspen Clinic locations across Louisiana, Baton Rouge, Covington, Hammond, Harvey, Houma, Lafayette, Metairie, Prairieville, and Slidell, or schedule an appointment today to get started!