AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) - Obesity affects over 40% of adults in America and can cause long-term health concerns.An Amarillo doctor says that while lifestyle changes are necessary when trying to lose weight, it is not easy for many people.Weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Semaglutide have gained popularity for those trying to lose weight.Some say the solution to obesity in America involves making changes to your lifestyle including dieting, exercise and correct nutrition.“Lifestyle changes are always a must to start with. What we put in our body plays such a major role, so diet and exercise. The biggest thing is not eating a lot of fried, fatty foods, fast food, all the things that taste good but it’s quick and cheap, it’s easy to get to. They’re no good for our body,” said Dr. Jeff Josma, medical director at Acute & Chronic Pain and Spine Center and Texas Pain & Spine Institute.While other people say these drugs improve the health, lifespan and quality of life for Americans.“For folks that have tried everything and they still struggle to get to their goal weight or they still struggle to lose weight these peptides, they are, I don’t want to say a God-send, but they are a pro as far as helping you lose weight,” said Dr. Josma.Body composition, genetics, access to healthy foods and more play a major role in becoming healthy and losing weight.“All the medication in the world’s not going to replace a very bad diet and lack of exercise, so I recommend those folks that do take those peptides still continue to work out and eat right as well,” said Dr. Josma.Walking, exercise and a healthy diet are a good place to start before speaking with your doctor about starting these drugs.“All of them together, they are going to act synergistically. So relying on one thing, just a pill or just working out and not changing your diet, you’re not going to get the best results. But doing a combination of everything, I think you’ll find that you’re in your best shape,” said Dr. Josma.Copyright 2025 KFDA. All rights reserved.

Doctor speaks on lifestyle changes vs. weight loss drugs

AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) – Obesity affects over 40% of adults in America and can cause long-term health concerns.Some say the solution to obesity in America involves making changes to your lifestyle including dieting, exercise and correct nutrition.An Amarillo doctor says that while lifestyle changes are necessary when trying to lose weight, it is not easy […]

AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) – Obesity affects over 40% of adults in America and can cause long-term health concerns.Some say the solution to obesity in America involves making changes to your lifestyle including dieting, exercise and correct nutrition.An Amarillo doctor says that while lifestyle changes are necessary when trying to lose weight, it is not easy for many people.“All the medication in the world’s not going to replace a very bad diet and lack of exercise, so I recommend those folks that do take those peptides still continue to work out and eat right as well,” said Dr. Josma.Walking, exercise and a healthy diet are a good place to start before speaking with your doctor about starting these drugs.Copyright 2025 KFDA. All rights reserved.Weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Semaglutide have gained popularity for those trying to lose weight.While other people say these drugs improve the health, lifespan and quality of life for Americans.Body composition, genetics, access to healthy foods and more play a major role in becoming healthy and losing weight.“All of them together, they are going to act synergistically. So relying on one thing, just a pill or just working out and not changing your diet, you’re not going to get the best results. But doing a combination of everything, I think you’ll find that you’re in your best shape,” said Dr. Josma.“For folks that have tried everything and they still struggle to get to their goal weight or they still struggle to lose weight these peptides, they are, I don’t want to say a God-send, but they are a pro as far as helping you lose weight,” said Dr. Josma.“Lifestyle changes are always a must to start with. What we put in our body plays such a major role, so diet and exercise. The biggest thing is not eating a lot of fried, fatty foods, fast food, all the things that taste good but it’s quick and cheap, it’s easy to get to. They’re no good for our body,” said Dr. Jeff Josma, medical director at Acute & Chronic Pain and Spine Center and Texas Pain & Spine Institute.