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Is The Holiday Season A Good Time To Start Your Weight Loss Journey?

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When considering starting a weight loss journey, many often consider their plans and if they can see themselves progressing towards their goals with all the items they have penciled in on their calendars. Generally, as the holiday season rolls around calendars are filled with activities, however, some contemplate starting their weight loss journey to get a head start on the new year and feel their best going into the holidays.  With so many events and temptations during this time, many opt to put weight loss on the backburner but progress and success are possible during this time of year! So, today we are breaking down the top three myths people tell themselves to push their start date into the new year in hopes that you'll join the wave on starting the journey towards your goals during the holiday season. 

Myth #1: Starting my weight loss journey right now will only make the holiday season less enjoyable.

Any time an individual makes a change, there is some level of discomfort. Starting a weight loss journey is difficult, especially as you get into the swing of it. However, most people start to feel benefits in a couple of weeks and as you build healthy habits, things don’t seem as difficult anymore. As you continue on your journey you'll notice a difference in energy levels, a change in habits, and other various other "non-scale" victories.  Losing even a very small amount of weight can have very immediate positive results on your physical health and help you feel more confident thus generally happier going into the holiday season- who doesn't want that?

Myth #2: If I start my weight loss journey now, I’ll miss out on my favorite parts of the holidays.

Food is certainly the focal point of the holiday season and many look forward to the holidays because they get to enjoy some of their favorite meals and treats. However, starting your weight loss journey during the holidays doesn't mean missing out. Let us break it down for you- there are 31 days in December. There will be more "regular" days than holidays. On average, most people celebrate for four days in December- meaning they enjoy treats and their favorite foods. If you subtract those four days (give or take) you still have twenty-seven (give or take) "normal" days where you can make progress towards your goals. Progress is also possible on the days you are celebrating as you most likely will not be indulging all day on those holidays but rather enjoy one meal. Having one meal loaded with all your favorites a couple of days out of the month is not detrimental to your progress and is a great way for you to practice enjoying foods and treats in moderation. 

Additionally, those who start their weight-loss journey during the holidays express they have more confidence in making healthy choices and find they can enjoy some favorites on the days of celebration in moderation, as they have been practicing these healthy habits on the days they aren't celebrating and continue to see success on their journey.

Myth #3: Starting my weight loss journey in the new year will just be easier.

Those who start on their weight loss journey during the holiday season are more likely to avoid self-sabotaging behaviors during the holidays when the average person gains several pounds due to over-indulgence. These individuals have a head start going into the new year rather than being even further behind due to holiday weight gain. Having extra steam going into the new year can also equate to more success in the new year as you already built the foundation for success during the holidays.

 

If you are ready to start your weight loss journey today, be sure to check out our Personalized Weight Loss Assessment to help you prepare for a meaningful conversation with your healthcare provider.

 

CON-1463-001 12/22
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
What is CONTRAVE?
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CONTRAVE can cause serious side effects including:
Suicidal thoughts or actions: One of the ingredients in CONTRAVE is bupropion. Bupropion has caused some people to have suicidal thoughts or actions or unusual changes in behavior, whether or not they are taking medicines used to treat depression. Bupropion may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults within the first few months of treatment. If you already have depression or other mental illnesses, taking bupropion may cause it to get worse, especially within the first few months of treatment.

CONTRAVE is a prescription weight-loss medicine that may help some adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater (obese), or adults with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) with at least one weight-related medical problem such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes, lose weight and keep the weight off.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
See More

CONTRAVE can cause serious side effects including:
Suicidal thoughts or actions: One of the ingredients in CONTRAVE is bupropion. Bupropion has caused some people to have suicidal thoughts or actions or unusual changes in behavior, whether or not they are taking medicines used to treat depression. Bupropion may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults within the first few months of treatment. If you already have depression or other mental illnesses, taking bupropion may cause it to get worse, especially within the first few months of treatment.

What is CONTRAVE?
See More

CONTRAVE is a prescription weight-loss medicine that may help some adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater (obese), or adults with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) with at least one weight-related medical problem such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes, lose weight and keep the weight off.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
What is CONTRAVE?
See Less

CONTRAVE can cause serious side effects including:
Suicidal thoughts or actions: One of the ingredients in CONTRAVE is bupropion. Bupropion has caused some people to have suicidal thoughts or actions or unusual changes in behavior, whether or not they are taking medicines used to treat depression. Bupropion may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults within the first few months of treatment. If you already have depression or other mental illnesses, taking bupropion may cause it to get worse, especially within the first few months of treatment.

While taking CONTRAVE, you or your family members should pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes, in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. This is very important when you start taking CONTRAVE or when your dose changes.

Stop taking CONTRAVE and call a healthcare provider right away if you or your family members notice any of the following symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you: thoughts about suicide or dying; attempts to commit suicide; depression; anxiety; feeling agitated or restless; panic attacks; irritability; aggression, anger, or violence; acting on dangerous impulses; an extreme increase in activity and talking; other unusual changes in behavior or mood; trouble sleeping.

CONTRAVE is not approved for use in children under the age of 18.

Do not take CONTRAVE if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure; have or have had seizures; use other medicines that contain bupropion such as WELLBUTRIN, WELLBUTRIN SR, WELLBUTRIN XL, APLENZIN and ZYBAN; have or have had an eating disorder called anorexia or bulimia; are dependent on opioid pain medicines or use medicines to help stop taking opioids, or are in opiate withdrawal; drink a lot of alcohol and abruptly stop drinking, or use medicines called sedatives (these make you sleepy), benzodiazepines, or anti‐seizure medicines and stop using them all of a sudden; are taking or have taken medicines called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) in the past 14 days; or are allergic to any of the ingredients in CONTRAVE.

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions including if you have: depression or other mental illnesses; attempted suicide; seizures; head injury; tumor or infection of brain or spine; low blood sugar or low sodium; liver or kidney problems; high blood pressure; heart attack, heart problems, or stroke; eating disorder; drinking a lot of alcohol; prescription medicine or street drug abuse; are 65 or older; diabetes; pregnant or planning to become pregnant; or breastfeeding.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

CONTRAVE may cause serious side effects, including:
  • Seizures. There is a risk of having a seizure when you take CONTRAVE. The risk of seizure is higher in people who take higher doses of CONTRAVE, have certain medical conditions, or take CONTRAVE with certain other medicines. Do not take any other medicines while you are taking CONTRAVE unless your healthcare provider has said it is okay to take them. If you have a seizure while taking CONTRAVE, stop taking CONTRAVE and call your healthcare provider right away.
  • Risk of opioid overdose. Do not take large amounts of opioids, including opioid-containing medicines, such as heroin or prescription pain pills, to try to overcome the opioid-blocking effects of naltrexone. This can lead to serious injury, coma, or death.

    Get emergency medical help right away if you take opioids and you:

    • have trouble breathing
    • become very drowsy with slowed breathing
    • have slow, shallow breathing
    • feel faint, very dizzy, confused, or have unusual symptoms
  • Sudden opioid withdrawal. People who take CONTRAVE must not use any type of opioid including street drugs, prescription pain medicines, cough, cold, or diarrhea medicines that contain opioids, or opioid dependence treatments, for at least 7 to 10 days before starting CONTRAVE. Using opioids in the 7 to 10 days before you start taking CONTRAVE may cause you to suddenly have symptoms of opioid withdrawal when you take it. Sudden opioid withdrawal can be severe, and you may need to go to the hospital. Tell your healthcare provider you are taking CONTRAVE before a medical procedure or surgery.
  • Severe allergic reactions. Stop taking CONTRAVE and call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if you have any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: rash, itching, hives, fever, swollen lymph glands, painful sores in your mouth or around your eyes, swelling of your lips or tongue, chest pain, or trouble breathing.
  • Increases in blood pressure or heart rate. Some people may get high blood pressure or have a higher heart rate when taking CONTRAVE. Your healthcare provider should check your blood pressure and heart rate before you start taking, and while you take CONTRAVE.
  • Liver damage or hepatitis. Stop taking CONTRAVE and tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of liver problems: stomach area pain lasting more than a few days, dark urine, yellowing of the whites of your eyes, or tiredness. Your healthcare provider may need to stop treating you with CONTRAVE if you get signs or symptoms of a serious liver problem.
  • Manic episodes. Bupropion can cause some people who were manic or depressed in the past to become manic or depressed again.
  • Visual problems (angle-closure glaucoma). Signs and symptoms may include: eye pain, changes in vision, swelling or redness in or around the eye. Talk with your healthcare provider to find out if you are at risk for angle‐closure glaucoma and to get treatment to prevent it if you are at risk.
  • Increased risk of low blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus who also take medicines to treat their diabetes (such as insulin or sulfonylureas). You should check your blood sugar before you start taking CONTRAVE and while you take CONTRAVE.

The most common side effects of CONTRAVE include nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, and diarrhea. These are not all of the possible side effects of CONTRAVE.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is CONTRAVE?

CONTRAVE is a prescription weight-loss medicine that may help some adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater (obese), or adults with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) with at least one weight-related medical problem such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes, lose weight and keep the weight off.

CONTRAVE should be used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

It is not known if CONTRAVE changes your risk of heart problems or stroke or of death due to heart problems or stroke.

It is not known if CONTRAVE is safe and effective when taken with other prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal weight-loss products.

CONTRAVE is not approved to treat depression or other mental illnesses, or to help people quit smoking (smoking cessation).

Please see Full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide, for CONTRAVE.

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