Dietitian and Nutritionist for GLP-1 Use Guidance

Important information on GLP-1 use by our registered dietitians:

The use of GLP-1 medications has become increasingly popular in recent years. A common misconception is that these medications are all intended to target weight loss, when in fact, some are meant to target blood sugar regulation in particular, and weight loss is more of a side effect that some people may experience, and others may not.

More GLP-1s have been created and prescribed to assist with weight loss in particular, and have been shown to be quite effective for some individuals. However, with any medication comes its side effects, and so it is important to weigh the pros and cons of GLP-1 use with a health care professional before taking the step to start using them.

At a metabolic level, GLP-1 medications increase insulin release – a hormone that allows your body to utilize sugar (glucose) effectively, delay stomach emptying, and reduce appetite. It makes sense then why GLP-1s would be successful in promoting weight loss. The potential downside to these effects, however, is that reduced appetite and potential nausea caused by delayed stomach emptying can negatively affect the enjoyment of food and eating with others, which may complicate one’s relationship with food over time, or even interfere with their quality of life.

For these reasons dietitians can play a key role and provide some guidance around GLP-1 use.

A dietitian and nutritionist for GLP-1 use can help in the following ways:

 

• Working with a registered dietitian who focuses on weight loss through these mentioned challenges can help individuals using GLP-1s navigate the complexities of its use, support positive relationships with food and foster maintenance of weight loss long-term.
• Because GLP-1s can have gastrointestinal (GI) side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, irregular bowel movements, bloating, etc., working with a qualified dietitian and nutritionist can also assist people using them learn how to manage these symptoms via dietary interventions.
• Working with a dietitian and nutritionist can allow those using GLP-1s to determine if they need any nutrient supplementation, as reduced appetite puts them at higher risk for deficiencies and malnutrition as well.
• When it comes to the management of blood sugar and/or weight loss, it is always valuable to create dietary habits that help foster and support the maintenance of progress initiated by GLP-1 medications.
• A dietitian can also provide follow-up sessions to monitor response and progress, address additional concerns and adjust the plan, if necessary.
• Have a dietitian and nutritionist answer any questions and address concerns that you may have regarding GLP-1 use, within the dietitian’s scope of practice, of course.
• Help address related concerns. Work with a dietitian and nutritionist for PCOS, a digestive health dietitian and more.
• Receive follow-up sessions.
• And more.