Sustainable Weight Loss. Healthy Habits.
Hey, it’s Paul Joy, FNP-C, owner of Joy Health & Wellness! I’ve helped hundreds of patients lose weight, regain energy, and feel their best. But the real question is: “How do I lose weight AND keep it off—especially when I stop taking medication?” The key is sustainability—building habits that last so you can maintain your results long-term. That’s why I recommend a combination of 16:8 intermittent fasting, a low-carb diet, and medical weight loss support (like GLP-1 medications or Tesofensine) to help you lose weight effectively AND transition into a lifestyle you can stick with. Why 16:8 Intermittent Fasting Is So Effective At Joy Health & Wellness, we prefer the 16:8 fasting method, where you:
>> Fast for 16 hours (skip breakfast, eat between 12 PM - 8 PM)
>> Eat in an 8-hour window (focus on protein & healthy fats)
>> Avoid snacking after dinner
Why fasting works:
>> Burns stored fat (lowers insulin & improves metabolism)
>> Reduces cravings (naturally balances hunger hormones)
>> Boosts energy & mental clarity
>> Supports digestion & gut health Fasting teaches your body to use fat for fuel, making it a natural long-term strategy even after stopping weight loss medications.
Why a Low-Carb Diet Helps Keep Weight Off
Pairing intermittent fasting with low-carb, high-protein eating helps prevent weight regain by keeping blood sugar stable and cravings low.
Best foods for sustainable fat loss:
>> Lean proteins (chicken, beef, fish, eggs)
>> Healthy fats (avocados, olive oil, nuts)
>> Non-starchy veggies (broccoli, spinach, asparagus)
Foods to limit for long-term success:
>> Sugar & processed carbs (bread, pasta, cereal)
>> Sodas & sugary drinks
>> High-carb snacks (chips, crackers, pastries)
By focusing on whole foods, your body stays in fat-burning mode, making it easier to maintain your progress after weight loss treatments.
How GLP-1 Medications & Tesofensine Jumpstart Weight Loss
Many people need extra support at the beginning of their journey, which is where GLP-1s (Semaglutide, Tirzepatide) and Tesofensine can help.
GLP-1 Medications:
>> Suppress appetite naturally (you feel full faster)
>> Regulate blood sugar (reduce cravings & energy crashes)
>> Enhance fat loss while preserving muscle
Tesofensine:
>> Reduces appetite powerfully (curbs overeating)
>> Boosts metabolism (helps burn more fat at rest)
>> Enhances energy & motivation (keeps you moving)
These treatments make it easier to adopt healthy habits, so when you stop taking them, you already have a sustainable routine in place.
How to Keep the Weight Off After Medications
Weight loss is a short-term phase, but healthy living is for life. Here’s how to transition off medications without regaining weight:
>> Keep up 16:8 fasting – Helps control hunger and maintain fat-burning.
>> Stick to high-protein, whole-food meals – Prevents cravings & keeps metabolism strong.
>> Stay active daily – Strength training + walking = long-term weight maintenance. 4. Use supplements & peptides – Perfect Aminos, B12, or CJC-1295 can help sustain energy & muscle mass.
>> Track habits, not just weight – Focus on how you feel, how your clothes fit, and energy levels, not just the scale.
The Bottom Line: A Lifestyle That Lasts
The goal isn’t just to lose weight—it’s to build a lifestyle where you never have to “start over” again. By combining intermittent fasting, a low-carb diet, and smart medical weight loss strategies, you’re setting yourself up for lasting success—even after stopping medications.
Need help figuring out the best plan for you? At Joy Health & Wellness, we create customized weight loss programs tailored to your body and long-term goals.
