GLP-1 therapy support

The landscape of weight loss is evolving rapidly, with glucagon-like peptide-1  or GLP-1 receptor agonist medications offering results for many individuals. These therapies, now used by over a million people in the UK, target appetite regulation and blood sugar pathways to facilitate effective weight management. However, achieving and maintaining optimal health outcomes with GLP-1 therapy depends not only on the medication itself but also on robust nutritional care (Mozaffarian et al., 2025; Butsch et al., 2025).

Why Nutrition Is Vital Alongside GLP-1

· Overcome nutritional deficiencies

· Reducing gastrointestinal symptoms

· Maintaining muscle and bone health

· Sustain long-term health benefits

· Reducing the risk of developing health issues 

Emerging evidence suggests that nutritional deficiencies are frequently observed among individuals taking GLP-1 receptor agonists. In a large retrospective study, over 20% of adults developed nutrient deficiencies within twelve months of starting such therapy, with vitamin D being the most common. Deficits in calcium, magnesium, iron, and a range of B vitamins were also documented (Butsch et al., 2025).

Supporting this, a 2025 cross-sectional analysis found that patients using GLP-1 receptor agonists typically fell short of the dietary reference intakes for essential micronutrients, such as vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium. Reduced energy and appetite due to medication use contributed significantly to these shortfalls (Johnson et al., 2025).

If left unaddressed, inadequacies in key nutrients can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, poor wound healing, and an increased long-term risk of various health conditions. Experts emphasise the importance of regular screening and interventions to prevent or treat nutrient deficiencies in individuals taking GLP-1 therapies (Mozaffarian et al., 2025; Johnson et al., 2025).

The appetite-suppressing effects of GLP-1 medications often lead to marked weight reduction, but this can also create nutritional deficiencies, which put health at risk. Access to professional nutritional guidance helps ensure that, despite reduced food intake, all necessary nutrients are consumed to support lasting wellbeing (Mozaffarian et al., 2025; Butsch et al., 2025).

Signs of Inadequate Nutrition on GLP-1

Signs that you may not be getting enough nutrients when using GLP-1 medications include persistent tiredness, muscle weakness, excessive hair loss, dry or itchy skin, poor wound healing, bruising, and slow recovery from illness (Mozaffarian et al., 2025). A low intake of calories and essential nutrients can also lead to rapid loss of muscle mass, abnormal fatigue, and gastrointestinal side effects, which may be exacerbated by a reduced appetite resulting from the medication (Butsch et al., 2025; Johnson et al., 2025). It is also possible to experience dizziness, low mood, hormonal issues and frequent infections if micronutrient deficiencies develop. 

Protecting Muscle, Bone, and Overall Well-being

Lasting weight management is not solely about fat loss; protecting lean muscle mass and bone strength is equally important, especially as these can be undermined by reduced calorie and nutrient intake. Sound nutrition advice is crucial for helping to preserve muscle and bone while minimising the risks of fatigue, frailty, and injury during GLP-1 therapy (Mozaffarian et al., 2025; Johnson et al., 2025).

Recent clinical findings suggest that tailored nutrition can help prevent the muscle and bone loss sometimes associated with the use of GLP-1 medicines (Haines et al., 2025; Gertz et al., 2024; Iepsen et al., 2015). Combining nutrition support with regular exercise yields the best outcomes for preserving lean body mass and protecting bone density (Gertz et al., 2024).

Sustainable Results for the Long Term

While weight regain is a common risk following discontinuation of GLP-1 therapy, ongoing nutritional guidance can help individuals sustain healthy patterns and protect their progress for the future (Mozaffarian et al., 2025; Butsch et al., 2025; Johnson et al., 2025).

Multiple studies confirm that comprehensive nutrition therapy, when combined with GLP-1 treatment, yields superior long-term weight control and metabolic improvements compared to medication use alone (Mozaffarian et al., 2025; Gibbons et al., 2024). A randomised controlled trial demonstrated that, one year after ending GLP-1 therapy, people who received both nutrition and exercise guidance maintained clinically meaningful weight loss, highlighting the crucial role of lifestyle support in preventing weight regain (Jensen et al., 2024).

A 2025 meta-analysis found that combining GLP-1 agonists with lifestyle modification, including personalised nutrition therapy, resulted not only in greater weight loss but also in improved key heart and metabolic risk factors (Liu et al., 2025). Taken together, these results highlight the value of nutritional therapy in supporting real, lasting benefits for GLP-1 users.

Personalised Support Makes the Difference

Nutrition and lifestyle strategies play a crucial role in managing the side effects of GLP-1 medications, while supporting both physical and mental health. Common side effects such as nausea, constipation, and diarrhoea can be minimised by adopting a balanced diet that emphasises small, frequent, nutrient-dense meals. Proper hydration helps counteract dehydration risks linked to gastrointestinal symptoms and the reduced thirst sensation often caused by GLP-1 drugs. Behavioural support is essential in assisting individuals to adjust their eating patterns and maintain consistent nutrition intake, which can be challenging due to appetite suppression. Additionally, regular exercise complements these strategies by preserving muscle mass, enhancing bone strength, and boosting mood and energy levels, all of which contribute to overall well-being during treatment. Together, these approaches provide a holistic framework that enables individuals to tolerate the medication more effectively, reduce side effects, and sustain long-term health improvements (Mozaffarian et al., 2025; Christen and Cahoon, 2025; Cleveland Clinic, 2025).

With the majority of GLP-1 prescriptions now coming via private providers, it is common for patients to miss out on evidence-based dietary support. Seeking input from a registered nutrition professional minimises risk, maximises sustained health improvements, and helps individuals using GLP-1 medications thrive in body and mind. If GLP-1 therapy is being considered or is already underway, investing in tailored nutritional support is a proven way to secure better results and safeguard future well-being. 

References:

Butsch, W.S., et al. (2025). Nutritional deficiencies and muscle loss in adults with type 2 diabetes using GLP-1 receptor agonists: A retrospective observational study. Obes Pillars, 100030.

Mozaffarian, D., et al. (2025). Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity. Obesity, 33(5), 945-960.

Johnson, B., et al. (2025). Investigating nutrient intake during use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist: a cross-sectional study. Frontiers in Nutrition, 1566498.

Haines, A., et al. (2025). Consuming more protein may protect patients taking anti-obesity drugs from rapid muscle loss. ENDO 2025 Press Release.

Gertz, E.R., et al. (2024). Bone Health After Exercise Alone, GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Treatment, or Combination Treatment: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Network Open, 7(6): e2416775.

Iepsen, E.W., et al. (2015). GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment increases bone formation and prevents bone loss in weight-reduced obese women. JCEM, 100(8):2909-17.

Jensen, S.B.K., et al. (2024). Healthy weight loss maintenance with exercise, GLP-1 receptor agonist, or both combined followed by one year without treatment: a post-treatment analysis of a randomised placebo-controlled trial. EClinicalMedicine, 69:102475.

Liu, H., et al. (2025). Efficacy of lifestyle modification combined with GLP-1 receptor agonists for obesity: A Meta-Analysis. eClinicalMedicine, 100847.

Christensen, S., Robinson, K., Thomas, S. and Williams, D.R. (2024) ‘Dietary recommendations for the management of adverse events associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists’, Frontiers in Nutrition, 11, 1168918.

Gertz, E.R., Piccolo, B.D., Labouesse, M.A., et al. (2024) ‘Bone Health After Exercise Alone, GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Treatment, or Combination Treatment: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial’, JAMA Network Open, 7(6): e2416775.