Why Nutrition and Lifestyle Support Matter When Using GLP-1 Medications
Why Nutrition and Lifestyle Support Matter When Using GLP-1 Medications
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Saxenda have changed the landscape of obesity and diabetes management. For many people, they offer a powerful tool to support weight loss, blood sugar regulation, and appetite control. But while these medications can be of great help, it’s essential to understand that they’re not a complete solution on their own. Comprehensive medical, nutritional, and lifestyle support alongside these medications isn’t just helpful for achieving better results while taking them - it’s essential for managing potential side effects, monitoring safety, and supporting long-term health outcomes.
If you’re considering whether a GLP-1 medication might help you with your weight loss goals, read on to find out more about why nutrition, exercise and behavioural support are so important alongside.
Firstly, what are GLP-1s?
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists are a class of medications originally developed for managing type 2 diabetes. They work by mimicking the effects of the GLP-1 hormone, which helps regulate blood sugar, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite. Over time, these medications have been increasingly used for weight loss, particularly in people with obesity or metabolic challenges. Commonly known GLP-1 medications include Ozempic, Wegovy, and Saxenda.
Why Nutrition & Lifestyle Support are Important Alongside
1. GLP-1s Change the Way You Eat - But Not Necessarily What You Eat
One of the most noticeable effects of GLP-1 medications is a significant decrease in appetite. While this can lead to reduced calorie intake and weight loss, it can also make it harder to meet your nutrition needs.
Without nutrition support, you may find that you:
Undereat protein
Develop nutrient deficiencies over time
Struggle with low energy or fatigue
Working with a nutritionist can help you to prioritise nutrient-dense foods, recommend supplements where needed, support with nutritional management of any gastrointestinal side effects, and support you to build sustainable habits with food so that you have a better likelihood of maintaining your results when you come off the medication.
2. Muscle Loss Can Slow Your Metabolism and Undermine Long-Term Results
When losing body weight, we ideally want to lose mostly fat and retain as much lean muscle mass as possible. This is particularly important with GLP-1 medications, which may lead to rapid weight loss over a short period of time, increasing the risk of losing a higher proportion of muscle mass.
Why does this matter?
Muscle isn’t just about strength - it plays a major role in your metabolism. The more muscle you have, the more energy your body burns at rest. When you lose too much muscle, your metabolism can slow down, making it harder to maintain weight loss and easier to regain weight later.
That’s why it’s critical to support your body with:
Adequate protein intake
Resistance training or movement that helps maintain or build muscle
Nutritional guidance to ensure you’re fuelling your body, not just eating less
Losing weight at the expense of muscle can work against your long-term success - even if the number on the scale is going down.
3. GLP-1s Are a Tool - Not a Magic Pill
While GLP-1 medications can be a valuable part of a weight management plan, they’re not a standalone solution. They can help make the process easier - but they don’t build habits, make meal choices, or keep you active.
To get the most from these medications, it’s important to use the “window of opportunity” they create to focus on:
Changing your nutrition habits
Creating sustainable routines with meals and movement
Understanding your relationship with food
Planning for what happens when you stop the medication
Think of GLP-1s as scaffolding - they can support your progress while you build something more permanent underneath. The real transformation happens when you use this time to put healthy and sustainable routines in place that will carry you forward long after the medication is stopped.
4. Managing Potential Side Effects
Some people on GLP-1s may experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, constipation, or diarrhoea - especially in the early weeks of treatment. It’s essential to be guided by a medical practitioner to help manage any side effects, monitor your safety and potentially alter your dosage if needed.
A combined approach of nutrition and medical support can make a big difference in managing these symptoms and improving overall tolerance.
5. Supporting a Healthy Relationship With Food
GLP-1 medications can reduce hunger and cravings, but they don’t address the emotional or behavioural patterns that can drive eating habits. Lasting change comes from understanding your emotional connection to food and developing new ways to respond to emotional needs.
Support from a psychologist can help with:
Identifying emotional eating triggers
Managing moments of self-sabotage
Setting realistic goals and expectations
Developing a compassionate mindset around food and body
Mindset plays a powerful role in weight management - it's the foundation for building sustainable habits and staying committed to your long-term goals.
Tailor Clinics Medical Weight Loss Program
At Tailor Clinics, we offer a comprehensive Non-Surgical / Medical Weight Loss Program which provides holistic support from our nurse practitioner, nutritionist, psychologist and exercise specialist alongside GLP-1 medications.
You can read more about this program and download a free info pack here.
Ready to Take Action?
If you’d like to enquire about whether our Medical Program is right for you, reach out to our team via phone: 07 859 0185 or email: reception@tailorclinics.co.nz
Disclaimer: this blog post is intended for educational purposes only and does not replace individual medical advice. For more support please always seek the guidance of your relevant health practitioners.