The journey of motherhood is filled with ups, downs, and plenty of unexpected moments. In addition to the lifestyle changes accompanying a new bundle of joy, pregnancy introduces notable changes to a woman’s body. In particular, many new mothers find themselves grappling with postpartum weight gain.
While it’s important to approach weight loss with patience and realistic expectations, new mothers deserve to feel – and look – their best. With help from practical strategies and science-backed weight-control medications such as GLP-1s (Glucagon-Like Peptide 1), postpartum women can achieve their weight goals while focusing on their overall well-being — a win-win for momma and baby alike.
Understanding Postpartum Weight Gain
Before diving into weight loss, discussing postpartum weight gain and why it may be challenging to shed the unwanted pounds is important. A woman’s body creates the perfect environment for a tiny baby to thrive during pregnancy. As the baby develops, the body prepares itself for the trimesters ahead. In addition to weight gain from fluid retention, increased blood volume, and womb growth, the body stores extra fats during pregnancy to help fuel postpartum energy needs, such as breastfeeding.
Although it’s expected – and necessary – to gain weight during pregnancy, it’s essential to differentiate between healthy postpartum weight retention and excessive weight gain. Keeping in line with recommended guidelines for pregnancy-related weight gain and caloric intake is important to prioritize the health of both the mother and baby.
Nutrition and Weight Loss
In addition to staying as healthy as possible while pregnant, postpartum nutrition plays a critical role. While a woman should gain a healthy amount of weight during pregnancy, it can be easy to overindulge (maybe the cravings are to blame?). Throughout the journey, adopting a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet focused on whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins – not just calories – is essential.
Considering various factors such as a woman’s activity level, age, starting weight, and fitness goals, postpartum weight loss requires patience and perseverance. Pre-pregnancy fitness methods may not prove effective in a postpartum world.
Get LEAN
Addressing weight loss can be challenging, especially if progress has plateaued. That’s where our innovative program, LEAN, comes into play.
To simplify weight loss, LEAN by On/GoTM is a complete direct-to-your-door weight loss program. This subscription service features state-of-the-art technology and delivers prescribed GLP-1 medications, such as semaglutide or liraglutide, synthetic versions of the body’s naturally-occurring GLP-1 hormone. These medications promote weight loss by mimicking the hormone’s ability to suppress appetite and slow digestion — essentially having you feel full for extended periods. In doing so, the urge to overindulge decreases, resulting in fewer calories being consumed daily.
The LEAN program is integrated with the On/Go app that’s chock-full of weight loss tips to help patients lose weight — and keep it off. LEAN’s customized plans are tailored to each patient’s unique situation and supported by a team of medical experts every step of the way. By highlighting convenience, this “medicine-meets-technology” weight loss program offers in-app support at your fingertips – and toes – with the LEAN smart scale.
Addressing Hormonal Changes
Significant hormonal fluctuations, including changes in estrogen and progesterone levels, mark the postpartum period. These hormonal changes can directly impact a woman’s metabolism and contribute to weight retention. For a successful postpartum weight loss journey, it’s essential to understand and adequately address these hormonal changes. In some cases, hormonal imbalances may require medical intervention.
After giving birth, it’s perfectly normal for women to retain some weight gained during pregnancy. Whether pregnancy-induced or hormonally-charged, GLP-1s can help control cravings across the (charcuterie) board.
While keeping realistic beauty standards front and center, conversations about weight should always be approached with a touch of sensitivity — especially when it comes to pregnancy. LEAN is an excellent side-kick to help support non-breastfeeding mothers in their weight loss journey — because everyone deserves to feel their very best.
Establishing Realistic Expectations
Weight gain and weight loss are incredibly personal experiences. For postpartum women, it may seem like a neverending topic of conversation. In today’s society, the added pressure for new mothers to “bounce back” to pre-pregnancy weight is not only unrealistic, it’s unhealthy. That’s why setting achievable expectations is critical before embarking on a postpartum weight loss journey.
One critical point to keep in mind is that every woman is different. Losing weight varies from person to person — some may shed pounds faster than others due to factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall health. For a realistic and healthy action plan for a woman’s body, working toward a steady loss of 1–2 pounds per week is recommended.
Prioritizing Self-Care
Balancing the demands of motherhood with self-care is essential for overall well-being — this includes successful postpartum weight loss. Establishing an environment that promotes adequate rest, mindfulness, and effective stress management can positively influence successful weight loss efforts. Creating and utilizing a support system can allow for moments of self-care leading toward a healthy self-image.
Long-Term Lifestyle Changes
Every woman’s postpartum experience is as unique as they are. Postpartum weight loss is multifaceted and requires a healthy dose of patience, self-compassion, and realistic expectations — no matter how eager.
It’s critical to approach weight loss by focusing on mental health and well-being instead of societal expectations. New mothers must prioritize nutrition, hormonal changes, and lifestyle adjustments as they navigate this transformative chapter. While dinner menu options open up after pregnancy – like sipping merlot and eating sushi rolls – other things, such as losing weight, take time. Thanks to LEAN’s innovative program and its helpful network of healthcare professionals, it’s never been easier to get back on track and recognize the person in the mirror.
While the focus may initially be on shedding postpartum weight, it’s essential to look at the journey as a long-term commitment to overall health. Like any weight-loss supplement, incorporating sustainable lifestyle changes is key to maintaining a healthy weight in the long run.
Women can get the ball rolling toward healthy weight loss by starting with simple, low-impact activities such as walking, yoga, or postpartum-specific exercise programs. Based on individual recovery and physical ability, moms can slowly incorporate more challenging workouts, such as cardio, into their routine.
Beyond traditional dieting and exercise, GLP-1s reduce the risk of heart disease, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and lower A1C (blood sugar levels). Complementing the LEAN by On/GoTM weight loss program with healthy lifestyle habits can improve self-confidence and help you become healthier — and lighter.
Get LEAN, the App
To help everyone get – and stay – lean, the LEAN by On/GoTM weight loss program is the easiest, trusted solution for managing weight and staying healthy. Based on a revolutionary weight loss medication known as GLP-1, such as semaglutide, LEAN is an affordable option to help reduce cravings naturally. By following your tailored LEAN plan, you could see impressive results in just a few weeks. With over 50,000 5-star reviews, the On/GoTM app has helped thousands of people get back to living their best lives.
Signing up is simple: Fill out a quick health history questionnaire to see if you’re a match for the LEAN program. If everything lines up, you’ll schedule a virtual appointment with one of our medical experts. Once approved, your LEAN kit, medication, and connected digital scale will be shipped directly to your door. With LEAN, you’re never alone. Our expert medical team is by your (virtual) side every step of the way.
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