On Nutrition: Nutrition matters for GLP-1 users

We noticed it right away in 2005 when the first GLP-1 medication for people with diabetes hit the market. I was part of a team of registered dietitians and certified diabetes educators at the time. Our patients were not exactly thrilled when they learned this new medication required two daily injections with a needle. But they were over the moon when they experienced the main side effect - weight loss.

As word of this new class of diabetes medication spread, many of my overweight patients who did not have diabetes wished they could use it to help lose weight. They couldn't.

Fast forward a couple of decades. This particular category of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1) is still used to treat type 2 diabetes. But this same class of medications has now been approved to treat obesity as well.

For example, Wegovy (a different dose of the same drug as the diabetes medication Ozempic) and newly approved Foundayo are now marketed specifically for weight loss with a simple once-a-week injection or once-a-day pill.

The result? Many overweight people - with or without diabetes - are losing weight with these medications. And along with weight loss come some side effects.

Rapid weight loss associated with these drugs has caused some experts to coin the term "Ozempic face" to describe what happens when a person loses a significant amount of facial fat. Wrinkles become more more apparent, eyes appear to sink in and cheeks begin to sag. Slower but steady weight loss can sometimes prevent this.

Rapid weight loss can also cause weakness due to a sudden loss of muscle mass. To prevent this, the body needs a daily intake of protein and a steady habit of exercise. Most experts recommend 20 to 30 grams of protein at each meal or three times a day.

For perspective, one egg contains about 7 grams of protein, a tablespoon of protein powder provides about 16 grams of protein and a small (3-ounce portion) of meat, fish or poultry supplies about 21 grams of protein. And don't forget we also get protein in beans, nuts, vegetables and grain-based foods.

GLP-1 meds also slow digestion. So plenty of dietary fiber and fluids is recommended to avoid constipation. Find fiber in plant foods such as fruit, vegetables, whole grains, beans and nuts.

These drugs work because they reduce hunger and increase a feeling of fullness after eating. That means that every bite needs to count nutritionally. Precious bone mass can be lost, for example, if you skimp on calcium as you lose weight. Dairy foods like milk and yogurt provide this essential mineral. They are also a good source of high quality protein to maintain muscle during weight loss.

Bottom line with any weight loss technique: Nutrition really does matter.

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This story was originally published June 12, 2026 at 1:43 AM.