Help with Healthy Eating and Weight Loss
Reaching or maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself. It takes commitment and dedication, and support from partners like us can help you get achieve your goals. If you’re not sure where to start, talking first with your primary care doctor can be a great first step. If you don’t have a primary care doctor, use our Find a Doctor tool to find one you love. You can start by tracking what you eat and drink. Download our Printable Tracker and give it a try.
Know the Five Keys to Healthy Weight Loss
No matter where you are in your weight loss process, there are lots of ways to make positive changes.
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Nutrition
The key to weight loss is eating the right mix of quality proteins, healthy fats, and nutritious carbohydrates. Figuring out the right balance can be tricky, but we have tools to help. Start with MyPlate (below) and the other resources listed here.
MyPlate
Healthy Eating- Healthy Foods: Your Guide to the Best Basic Foods
- Getting Support When Changing Your Eating Habits
- Cutting Unhealthy Fats from Your Diet
- Eating Less Sodium
- Making Healthy Choices When You Eat Out
- Making Healthy Choices When You Shop
- Overcoming Barriers to Change
- Recognizing Your Hunger Signals
- Back to Basics for Healthy Weight Loss
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Physical Activity
Physical activity is a core aspect of reaching and maintaining a healthy weight. If you’re new to exercise, start with the resources here or find a class on our Living Well Calendar. Or, if you’re an MVP Medicare Member, take advantage of free SilverSneakers classes. And while it’s never too late to start exercising, start gently and slowly to avoid injuries.
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Drinking Water
Drinking water keeps you hydrated and helps you feel full. This is called satiety, and it helps you eat less and prevents cravings. To learn how to put water to work toward your weight loss goals, check out these tips.
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Sleep
Good sleep may be the most enjoyable way to boost your weight loss. Getting enough sleep reduces appetite, curbs cravings, and makes it easier to make healthy choices. It also helps your muscles rest and rebuild after strength training, which helps you burn calories.
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Stress Management
Good stress management habits keep your weight loss plans on track. By keeping stress levels low, it’s easier to fight cravings and stay focused on healthy choices. Check out the resources here or find great stress reduction programs on our Living Well Calendar.
Medication Therapy
Weight loss medications, when combined with diet and exercise, are right for some people. Because they may have serious side effects, it’s important to evaluate the risks and benefits of using them. Talk to your doctor to find out if weight loss medication is right for you.
If you and your doctor decide weight loss medication is right for you, it may be covered by your plan. Review your plan’s prescription drug coverage to find out. When reviewing the formulary, look for these medications: benzphetamine, diethylpropion, phendimetrazine, phentermine, Qsymia, Contrave, Saxenda, and Xenical.
Connect with a Nutritionist
Search for “Dietitian” or “Nutritionist” in our Find a Doctor tool.