By Karen Kier
Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU HealthWise team
 

In 2022, the number one New Year’s resolution was to lose weight. Other surveys found 23% wanted to live healthier, while 21% wanted personal improvement. I would not be surprised if 2023 is similar. 

How likely is one to keep their resolution?

The statistics are surprisingly good. Survey data reported 75% maintain their resolution for one week with the number dropping to 64% at one month. At six months, 46% maintain their resolution. This is encouraging. Some psychologists suggest the best way to succeed is to be realistic, plan ahead, reward yourself, track your progress and do not beat yourself up. 

As I read the advice, it reminded me of the 1991 comedy, What About Bob?. The movie starred Bill Murray as Bob Wiley who was a troubled patient of Dr. Leo Marvin played by Richard Dreyfus. Dr. Marvin was a psychotherapist who had finished a book called Baby Steps. Murray’s character followed Dr. Marvin on vacation and befriended his family. Dr. Marvin was invited to discuss his book on morning television and the directors invited Bob to participate. Bob stole the show with his discussion of the baby step technique, while Dr. Marvin lost control of the interview. 

Bill Murray is best known for his roles on Saturday Night Live and Ghostbusters and he was awarded the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2016. He is an avid sports fan and is part owner of several minor league baseball teams. Besides winning numerous awards such as the Academy Award for The Goodbye Girl, Richard Dreyfus started The Dreyfus Civic Institute to raise awareness about the importance of citizenship and civic responsibility. 

Baby steps can be a very good way to keep on track with resolutions especially when it comes to losing weight or living healthier lifestyles. Take things as small steps to a larger goal. Focus on one small aspect of your plan, then go to the next baby step as you succeed with the first step. Managing smaller goals to obtain one larger goal can be a good way to achieve success.

As you think about a healthier lifestyle, remember to refer to the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential EightTM (https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/lifes-essential-8). Remember the newest member of this healthy living advice is the need for good sleep habits and getting between 7-9 hours of sleep per night. This is a good baby step to start a new 2023. 

As for the number one resolution of losing weight, there are many options out there for success. It is important to talk to your healthcare professional before starting a new diet or plan. Some weight loss products including both prescription and over the counter can have some serious side effects as well as drug-drug interactions. It is important to discuss these options. 

Many evidence-based studies have been published on the use of intermittent fasting for weight loss. There are different versions of intermittent fasting so it is important to find the one right for you and fits not only your lifestyle, but other health conditions. A common method used is only eating in an 8-hour window during the day and fasting for the additional 16 hours. Studies show the 16-hour fasting reduces the number of calories eaten per day as well as some alterations in insulin and glucose in the body. Another caution is to discuss a good 8-hour diet with a registered dietician because it can be difficult to get the essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for a healthy diet in those 8 hours. 

In the past, many of the prescription weight loss drugs had problems with sustained weight loss as well as some serious side effects. Many of these products were ultimately removed from the market or had significant restrictions placed on length and response to therapy. In recent years, researchers have focused on a new class of medication initially FDA-approved for managing diabetes. The studies with diabetes showed a significant weight loss over placebo or other agents. The pharmaceutical companies started to pursue these agents for weight loss.

The class of medications is called GLP-1 agonists. The FDA approved liraglutide in December of 2014 for weight loss as well as semaglutide in 2021. Both of these drugs are administered for weight loss as injections under the skin by the patient. These drugs have some important side effects, which should be discussed prior to use. A new drug for diabetes has been approved with both GLP-1 agonist and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) properties named tirzepatide. This agent is being investigated for its ability to manage weight loss and is under FDA review in 2023 for the additional indication. 

If you have a New Year’s resolution for a healthier lifestyle, stop by and see us at ONU HealthWise to discuss the many options. Remember baby steps!

ONU HealthWise is offering COVID-19 vaccines as well as flu shots Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m- 5:00 p.m.. The bivalent COVID-19 vaccines are available. Clinics are Monday through Friday from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Please call the pharmacy for more information. 

ONU HealthWise Pharmacy
419-772-3784