Recently, glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists, or GLP-1s, have become a popular treatment for weight loss, particularly due to the exposure GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are getting on TikTok.
According to one report, “over the last few years, the use of GLP-1s has increased significantly. Data shows that GLP-1 use increased 40-fold between 2017 and 2021, with about 6 million people in the United States taking semaglutide (Ozempic) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro).”
Sure enough, GLP-1s, which were originally developed to treat diabetes, can be extremely effective tools toward losing weight. This is because GLP-1 agonists mimic the glucagon-like peptide-1 hormone naturally produced in the gastrointestinal tract. When GLP-1 is expressed in the body, this results in reduced hunger pangs, increased feelings of fullness, and slower gastric emptying. As a result, you eat less and lose weight.
That said, GLP-1s are not a magic cure. They’re powerful drugs that may present side effects and other health risks, particularly if they’re used without incorporating healthy lifestyle habits, or without the guidance of a doctor or healthcare professional.
One particular risk that GLP-1 treatments can introduce is nutrient deficiency. This is why, as of July 2024, experts have released new dietary guidelines for patients taking GLP-1s like Wegovy and Ozempic. Read on to learn about how GLP-1s may cause nutritional deficiency and how to stay healthy while taking these revolutionary weight loss medications.
The Risk of Nutrient Deficiency
As registered dietitian and weight loss specialist Melissa Mitri told Lose It!, “It is fairly common for people to experience nutrition deficiencies at various levels when taking GLP-1 medications.” This is because GLP-1s significantly reduce how much a person eats and alter the body’s nutritional needs, leading some patients to develop nutrient deficiencies during treatment, sometimes in as soon as a few weeks.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, GLP-1 drugs function by activating receptors in the pancreas, which stimulate insulin release, reduce glucagon secretion, slow down stomach emptying, and signal to your brain that you’re full. This helps patients eat smaller portions and lose weight quickly. At the same time, because you’re eating a reduced amount, there is a higher risk that you won’t eat a balanced diet full of all the nutrients you need.
As Michelle Routhenstein, RD, a preventive cardiology dietitian at EntirelyNourished told MedicalNewsToday: “Oftentimes, GLP-1 medications can over-suppress an appetite, and without proper nutrition guidance, it can lead to muscle loss, nutrient deficiencies, constipation, and dehydration.”
While there isn’t yet sufficient data on nutrient deficiencies specifically associated with GLP-1 drugs, experts have identified five common nutrients that people on GLP-1s may not get enough of. These include protein, vitamin D, calcium, vitamin B12, and iron.
Likewise, GLP-1s come with the potential for a whole range of gastrointestinal side effects that can affect your retention of nutrients. Most commonly, patients taking GLP-1s experience stomach upset, nausea, and vomiting that can dehydrate the body, disrupt normal digestion, and impact healthy absorption of nutrients.
Studies show that mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset can develop in 40-70% of patients taking GLP-1s. The good news is that this upset—and the correlated potential for developing nutrient deficiencies—can be easily managed by following the proper diet.
GLP-1s and Diet
Because using GLP-1s for weight loss is a relatively new development, there is limited research on the best diet for patients undergoing GLP-1 therapy. That said, in July 2024 a new study, reflecting what experts believe are the best dietary patterns and nutritional recommendations for people taking GLP-1 medications, was published in Obesity.
According these guidelines, to safely lose weight with GLP-1s, patients should eat a healthy, balanced diet that prioritizes protein and vegetables and reduces intake of simple carbs and sugar. Keeping yourself hydrated is also essential.
Likewise, other research suggests preventing the risk of gastrointestinal side effects by adopting habits like eating slowly, eating smaller portions, not lying down after a meal, increasing the frequency of meals, and not eating while distracted.
Protein sources suggested for GLP-1 patients include beans, peas, and lentils, nuts, seeds, and soy products, lean meat, poultry, low-fat dairy foods, and eggs. As for carbohydrates, researchers advise against the use of low-carb diets while using GLP-1s due to the risk of dehydration. They suggest patients emphasize getting their carbs from whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, milk, and yogurt.
As for keeping up with your micronutrients, the experts suggest eating fatty fish, milk, fortified cereals and egg yolks to keep up your vitamin D; animal products like meat, fish, poultry, shellfish, milk, cheese, and eggs, to keep up your vitamin B12; and to turn to red meat, fish, poultry, shellfish, green leafy, vegetables, beans, peas, lentils, nuts, dried fruits, fortified cereals to sustain healthy iron levels.
What’s more, eating the advised diet for GLP-1 treatment will also help to boost your weight loss results. According to Health, carbohydrates like glucose and sucrose, help enhance the body’s natural secretion of GLP-1, making the medication work better. Certain proteins and amino acids like glutamine, arginine, and phenylalanine, have a similar effect.
Staying Healthy on GLP-1s
What you eat while undergoing treatment can make or break your experience with GLP-1s—and put your health at risk. Even more reason to closely follow dietary guidelines published by the experts and to work closely with a healthcare provider with whom you can communicate about your GLP-1 treatment.
Your practitioner can educate you upfront on what to expect and help you navigate treatment, whether that means helping you find your optimal dose, manage side effects, and/or avoid or mitigate any nutritional deficiencies that arise. Practitioners can also help to hold you accountable to the healthy habits that make weight loss stick.
For best results, weight loss with GLP-1s should always be a part of a comprehensive weight loss strategy involving modifications to diet, more regular exercise, and other behavioral changes that serve a healthier you.
The experts at EVEXIAS Health Solutions are at the forefront of weight loss management, utilizing cutting-edge GLP-1 medications. Specialists provide comprehensive support, including guidance on lifestyle modifications and nutrition, to optimize the effectiveness of your treatment plan. Discover the nearest EVEXIAS provider today and learn more about your weight loss journey.
