Are You Holistic If You Take Medication to Lose Weight?

The term holistic health often brings to mind natural remedies, organic foods, meditation, and lifestyle changes rather than prescription medications. But what if you’re taking weight loss pills or GLP-1 injections – does that mean you’re not holistic? The truth is, being holistic isn’t about avoiding all medications; it’s about looking at your health from a whole-person perspective. Holistic health considers the mind, body, and lifestyle choices that contribute to your well-being. Medications can be a tool in your journey, but they work best when combined with sustainable habits that support your long-term health.

Holistic Health is About Balance, Not Extremes

A holistic approach to weight loss focuses on nutrition, movement, mental well-being, and lifestyle factors that contribute to a healthier you. While medications like GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists (e.g., semaglutide, tirzepatide) can help regulate appetite and blood sugar levels, they don’t replace the need for whole foods, regular exercise, and stress management. Relying solely on a medication without addressing lifestyle habits is not truly holistic but integrating it into a broader health plan can be. The key is balance – using medication as a support while still prioritizing mindful eating, physical activity, and emotional well-being.

Medications as a Bridge and Not a Destination

Weight loss medications can provide a steppingstone to better health, especially for individuals who struggle with metabolic resistance, insulin resistance, or severe obesity. However, research suggests that sustainable weight loss is most successful when medication is paired with behavioral changes. A study published in Obesity Reviews (2022) found that lifestyle interventions, including diet and exercise, significantly improve long-term weight management outcomes in people using GLP-1 medications. This means that while weight loss shots or pills can help, they should be seen as part of a larger strategy rather than a stand-alone solution.

Holistic Does Not Mean Anti-Medication

Some people feel guilt or shame for using weight loss medications, believing it contradicts a “natural” or “holistic” lifestyle. But holistic health does not mean rejecting all modern medicine – it means making informed decisions that align with your overall well-being. For some, that might include using GLP-1 medications to kickstart their weight loss while also focusing on improving gut health, reducing inflammation, and building sustainable habits. The goal is not perfection but progress.

A Holistic Plan for Lasting Change

If you’re using weight loss medications, consider complementing them with:

• A whole-food, nutrient-dense diet to support metabolic health
• Strength training and movement to preserve muscle mass
• Mindfulness and stress-reduction practices to support emotional well-being
• Regular check-ins with a health or wellness coach for accountability and guidance

At Ample Health & Wellness, we believe that weight loss is about more than just a number on the scale – it’s about creating a sustainable, healthy lifestyle. Whether you’re taking medication or not, a holistic approach means looking at the bigger picture of your well-being.

References

1. Wilding, J. P. H., et al. (2022). Long-term weight management with GLP-1 receptor agonists: A review of efficacy and safety. Obesity Reviews, 23(2), e13320.
2. Srivastava, G., & Apovian, C. M. (2022). Current pharmacologic treatment options for obesity: What is new? Current Obesity Reports, 11, 89–103.