The health and wellness landscape is evolving rapidly, with an estimated 30 million Americans projected to be utilizing GLP-1 medications by 2030.* While medications can play a significant role, they represent just one piece of the puzzle. Lifestyle changes are equally crucial when it comes to long-term weight loss and overall wellbeing. 

OPTAVIA was featured in the news, including the country’s largest metropolitan daily newspaper the Los Angeles Times, in an article titled "5 Things You Need to Know about Medically Supported Weight Loss." Vice President of Scientific and Clinical Affairs at OPTAVIA discusses key components of a healthy medically supported weight loss journey – from prioritizing nutrition and muscle health to assembling a strong support network. 

The article discusses:

• Prioritizing Nutrition and Support Muscle Health: Muscle loss often accompanies weight loss and can affect vital functions like blood sugar regulation and bone strength. For both muscle health and proper nutrition, it’s important to create healthy eating habits while on weight loss medication.
• Getting Support Beyond Prescriptions: Independent research** shows most individuals interested in weight loss medications are looking for support beyond prescriptions, including clarity on how to incorporate components of healthy living, such as proper nutrition and exercise, into their lifestyles while utilizing these medical solutions.
• Building a Strong Support System: In addition to your clinician, personalized guidance from an independent OPTAVIA Coach can significantly impact your journey, especially if they have firsthand experience.
• Surrounding Yourself with a Like-minded Community: A supportive community of individuals who understand your journey, speak from their own experiences, and encourage your efforts can make all the difference.
• Establishing Healthy Habits: As appetite decreases with weight loss medication, seize the opportunity to focus on creating healthy habits that can offer long-term benefits, like reduced stress, improved sleep, and increased motion.

At OPTAVIA, our commitment extends beyond weight loss to help people achieve lifelong transformation by making a healthy lifestyle second nature.

If you're eager to learn more about how OPTAVIA can support your pursuit of optimal health, don't hesitate to reach out to me, or visit our website for comprehensive information and resources.

Together, let's embark on a journey toward a healthier you.

At OPTAVIA, we support people along their journeys toward lifelong transformation— making a healthy lifestyle second nature. This journey is guided by fundamental principles known as MacroHabits and microHabits of Health, which are outlined in Chapter 2 of the Habits of Health® book.

There are six MacroHabits that serve as the pillars of optimal health and play a vital role in building a healthy lifestyle.

Here is an explanation of each MacroHabit, followed by an example of a correlating microHabit you can implement to improve or reinforce these Habits of Health:

• Healthy weight management. An eating plan specifically designed to move you through a fat-burning stage to recalibration stage in which your metabolism is working at its most efficient. Achieving a healthy weight can give you more energy, lower your risk for certain diseases, and improve the overall quality of your life. Eat a small meal or Fueling every two to three hours.
• Healthy eating and hydration. A focus on portion control, meal frequency, nutrients, eating a balanced diet, and the importance of water and proper hydration. Healthy eating and hydration are essential to fighting food cravings and coincide with healthy weight management. Drink one additional glass of water each day.*
• Healthy motion. Formal exercise as well as smaller activities and strategies for moving your body throughout the day. Healthy motion keeps your body flexible and strong and can also impact emotional wellbeing. Take a five-minute walk every day.
• Healthy sleep and energy management. Proper sleep as well as focus and productivity. Sleep is a critical, and often overlooked, component of Optimal Health. Getting at least seven hours of sleep can rejuvenate your body, reduce food cravings, and improve memory. Drink one less cup of coffee, soda, or other caffeinated beverage after noon.
• Healthy mind. How you make choices, understand patterns and triggers, and maintain calm and resilient with self-awareness and mindfulness. A healthy mind is just as critical as physical fitness. Maintaining a clear mind and managing stress appropriately are important for your overall health. Write down something you are grateful for in your journal each day.
• Healthy surroundings. Your environment can impact the success of your other MacroHabits. It’s important to build a support system that motivates you and celebrates your victories along with your journey to optimal health. Share an accomplishment that you’ve achieved, like running a marathon or losing 20 pounds with a friend or loved one to fuel your success

Creating a Life of Impact and Empowerment

Jeannine started her OPTAVIA journey in 2018, like many others, because she wanted to lose weight. Reflecting on her journey, she shares, "I was diagnosed with type two diabetes at 48, and the fear of shortening my own life due to my daily choices was terrifying. It felt like I was constantly searching for answers to reverse the impact I was making on my family."

She was buried under the responsibilities of being a mom, wife, daughter, friend, and busy executive. But beneath it all, her confidence was shattered, and she was struggling with self-doubt and feeling down.

Little did she know OPTAVIA would completely change her life.

In under seven months, Jeannine lost over 65 pounds and dropped seven clothing sizes*. Even more importantly, she started feeling like herself again — the person she thought she'd lost.

As Jeannine got healthier and shared her story with others, she started to find herself again and felt empowered. That's when she knew she couldn't keep this gift to herself and decided to help other women find themselves again too.

As she shared her story online and with her community, something amazing happened. Other women started sharing their stories of feeling lost and hopeless. They'd also lost themselves under the weight of their responsibilities and struggles. But as they joined OPTAVIA, learned healthy habits, and took control of their lives, they too started to find themselves again.

For Jeannine, it wasn't just about losing weight — it was about helping other people rediscover themselves through health and find their purpose.

Jeannine’s story is not just about her. By sharing her story and encouraging others to take charge of their lives, she started a movement of empowerment. She's seen the impact spread to others she has coached, making a difference in her community and beyond.