Dietary Recommendations While on GLP-1 Medications

Dr. Jamie Velazquez,

If you’re using GLP-1 medications to manage weight or type 2 diabetes, it’s essential to pair these treatments with the right diet for optimal results. In this article, we’ll discuss dietary recommendations while on GLP-1 medications, covering what GLP-1 medications are, how they work, and the best strategies for a balanced and nutritious diet.

Table of Contents
  1. FDA-Approved GLP-1 Medications
  2. Understanding GLP-1 Medications
    1. How GLP-1 Medications Work
  3. Why Diet Matters While on GLP-1 Medications
  4. Dietary Recommendations While on GLP-1 Medications
    1. Focus on Balanced Nutrition
    2. Track Macronutrients
    3. Eat Smaller, Frequent Meals
    4. Stay Hydrated
    5. Limit Processed Foods
    6. Include Fiber-Rich Foods
  5. Tips for Long-Term Success
  6. Other Helpful Reads
  7. Final Thoughts on Dietary Recommendations While on GLP-1 Medications
  8. Source

FDA-Approved GLP-1 Medications

Currently, several GLP-1 medications are approved for weight loss and diabetes management. These include:

  • Semaglutide (Wegovy): FDA-approved for weight loss in individuals with obesity or overweight with related health issues.
  • Liraglutide (Saxenda): Another option for weight loss, often used alongside diet and exercise.
  • Tirzepatide (Zepbound): FDA-approved for weight management in individual with obesity or overweight.

Your doctor can help determine which medication is best for you, based on your health needs and goals.

Understanding GLP-1 Medications

GLP-1 medications are a class of drugs designed to mimic glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone naturally found in your body that plays a key role in regulating blood sugar levels and appetite. These medications are commonly prescribed for people with type 2 diabetes and, in some cases, for weight management. Additionally, tirzepatide, a dual-acting medication, combines GLP-1 receptor agonism with glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor activity. GIP works synergistically with GLP-1 to enhance insulin secretion, reduce appetite, and improve metabolic outcomes, making tirzepatide particularly effective for both blood sugar control and significant weight loss.

How GLP-1 Medications Work

GLP-1 medications work by:

  • Suppressing appetite, making it easier to eat less.
  • Slowing digestion, helping you feel full longer after meals.
  • Improving blood sugar control by stimulating insulin production.

This combination of effects supports weight loss and better metabolic health. However, a healthy diet is crucial to maximize these benefits.

Why Diet Matters While on GLP-1 Medications

While GLP-1 medications can suppress appetite and slow digestion, they work best when combined with a thoughtful approach to nutrition. Dietary recommendations while on GLP-1 medications focus on balanced nutrition and macronutrient tracking to ensure your body gets the fuel it needs without overloading on calories. Focusing on your diet not only ensures proper nutrition but also helps minimize unwanted side effects of GLP-1 medications.

Dietary Recommendations While on GLP-1 Medications

Here’s how to optimize your diet while taking GLP-1 medications:

Focus on Balanced Nutrition

A balanced diet provides essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to support your health. Incorporate these food groups:

  • Vegetables: Include a variety of colorful vegetables like spinach, broccoli, peppers, and carrots.
  • Fruits: Stick to whole fruits like apples, oranges, and berries, and limit fruit juices.
  • Proteins: Opt for lean meats, fish, eggs, and plant-based proteins.
    • Lean meat: Chicken & turkey
    • Lean Fish: Cod, haddock, pollock, flounder, tilapia, mahi, halibut
  • Whole Grains: Choose options like quinoa, brown rice, oats, and whole-grain bread.

Track Macronutrients

Monitoring your intake of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats ensures you’re eating in a balanced way. A typical guideline is:

  • 40-50% carbohydrates: Focus on complex carbs like whole grains and avoid refined sugars.
  • 25-30%: Include lean sources like chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, and plant-based proteins.
    • OR 0.8 gram per kilogram as minimum daily recommended allowance and as high as 2 gram per kilogram daily for muscle growth. If you have no underlying kidney or liver issues consider 1 gram per kilogram a day.
  • 20-30% fats: Choose healthy fats such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil.

Want to dive deep into macronutrient monitoring and understanding labels better, then read the blogs linked for more information.

Eat Smaller, Frequent Meals

Since GLP-1 medications slow down digestion, eating smaller portions more frequently can help prevent discomfort and maintain steady energy levels. This can also help alleviate one of the most worrisome side effects patients experience, nausea. Key tips include:

  • Eat slowly
  • Eat smaller portions
  • Do not lay down after a meal
  • Be aware of your hunger and fullness cues (stop eating when satisfied)
  • Consider increasing meal frequency to avoid over eating
  • No straws
  • No distractions while eating
  • Less strenuous activity after a meal
  • No late meals or meals at bedtime

Other eating tips to consider is the composition of your food. Avoid spicy, high fat, sugar loaded, canned, or greasy meals. Stick to baked, boiled or griddle made food items.

Stay Hydrated

Proper hydration is essential for digestion and overall health. Aim to drink 8-10 glasses of water daily to stay hydrated.

  • Men: 3.7 liters (125 oz) of total water per day, including beverages and food.
  • Women: 2.7 liters (91 oz) of total water per day, including beverages and food.

Limit Processed Foods

Processed foods like chips, cookies, and sugary drinks often contain empty calories and unhealthy fats. Replace these with whole, nutrient-dense options. This is beneficial for reducing your cancer risk, as ultra-processed foods have been associated with an increased likelihood of colon, breast, and pancreatic cancers.1

Include Fiber-Rich Foods

Fiber helps you stay full and supports healthy digestion. Foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes are excellent sources of dietary fiber. If unable to obtain adequate fiber in your diet, there are a variety of supplements available. Maintaining adequate fiber in your diet will also help offset constipation that may be associated with GLP-1 medications.

Tips for Long-Term Success

  • Plan Your Meals: Preparing meals in advance ensures you have healthy options available, even on busy days.
  • Keep a Food Journal: Tracking what you eat can help you stay mindful of your dietary goals.
  • Use an App: Apps like MyFitnessPal are helpful in tracking your total calories and food content daily.

Other Helpful Reads

Final Thoughts on Dietary Recommendations While on GLP-1 Medications

When following dietary recommendations while on GLP-1 medications, it’s important to focus on balanced nutrition, track macronutrients, and eat foods that support your health and wellness goals. These medications are powerful tools for managing weight and blood sugar, but a healthy diet is the foundation for long-term success.

For the best results, combine your medication plan with sustainable dietary changes, regular exercise, and guidance from healthcare professionals. By doing so, you can maximize the benefits of GLP-1 medications and achieve a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.

Need a kickstart to your diet and achieving your long term goals on a GLP-1 medication? Check out our digital resources available for immediate download at our SHOP.

Source

  1. Isaksen IM, Dankel SN. Ultra-processed food consumption and cancer risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Nutr. 2023 Jun;42(6):919-928. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2023.03.018. Epub 2023 Mar 30. PMID: 37087831. ↩︎
GLP-1 Medications Nutrition

Related Posts