Experts Unveil First Nutrition Guide for People Taking Anti-Obesity Drugs

Approximately 42% of adults in the United States are living with obesity. Following a nutritious diet and exercising are essential for weight management, but some people need more help reaching and staying at a weight that supports their health.

As new anti-obesity drugs have entered the market, there has not been much nutritional guidance for patients taking these medications.

A recent research article comprehensively examines dietary recommendations that may reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness for patients taking Wegovy or Zepbound. This new guideline could help clinicians identify and manage patients at risk of nutritional deficiencies due to reduced food intake, the researchers wrote.

The authors of the article acknowledge that targeted nutrient intake varies from person to person and that there is no one dietary pattern that is considered best or most effective for weight loss.

They recommend a balanced diet of nutrient-dense foods and beverages that provide plenty of vitamins and minerals. They also recommend choosing foods that are low in added sugar, saturated fat, and sodium.

Here is a general breakdown of nutritional guidelines for people using Wegovy or Zepbound.

Calorie

Calories provide your body with the energy it needs to perform basic functions such as breathing, moving and thinking. The typical energy intake for weight loss is between 1,200 and 1,500 calories per day for women and 1,500 to 1,800 calories for men.

However, your energy needs vary depending on your age, gender, body weight, physical activity level and other factors. Your energy intake should be personalized by a nutritionist based on your needs and goals.

You may find calorie tracking helpful, but Isabella Ferrari, MCN, RD, CSO, LD, senior clinical manager at Doherty Nutrition, told Verywell that calorie counting can be harmful for some people.

“It’s very important to have a dietitian with you when you’re trying to lose weight because we don’t want calorie counting or calorie tracking to become an obsessive behavior where people can’t live their lives without knowing how many calories they’re tracking,” Ferrari said.

Protein

People living with obesity need to consume at least 60-75 grams of protein per day, and it is recommended that you consume up to 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, especially if you are undergoing bariatric surgery or other weight loss treatments.

The recommended amount of protein for most adults with no health problems is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day.

Carbohydrates

A common misconception about weight loss is that you have to cut carbs to lose weight. However, research has shown that severe carb restriction does not lead to long-term weight loss and may even restrict nutrients you would normally get from eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

If you’re taking newer anti-obesity medications, Almandoz suggests focusing on a balanced diet. The recommended amount of carbohydrates for healthy adults may work for people trying to lose weight: 135 to 245 grams per day for a 1,200- to 1,500-calorie diet, or 170 to 290 grams per day for a 1,500- to 1,800-calorie diet.

For patients who are recommended or prefer a low-carb diet, Almandoz recommends making sure you drink 2 to 3 liters of fluids per day.

Oil

Dietary fats help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K. Although there is less evidence for recommended fat intake ranges, the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR) for fat for most adults is 20% to 35% of energy intake for a 1,200- to 1,500-calorie diet.

Fiber

About 90% of Americans don’t get enough fiber, but this nutrient plays an important role in preventing constipation and keeping you feeling full longer. The adequate daily fiber intake for women is 21-25 grams and for men it is 30-38 grams. To meet your fiber needs, focus on fiber-dense foods such as:

• Fruits
• vegetables
• Whole grains

“Unfortunately, many people in the U.S. consume a poor-quality diet rich in ultra-processed foods,” Almandoz said. “Without proper nutritional assessment and guidance, we run the risk that people taking these new anti-obesity medications will eat less of a poor-quality diet.”

If you don’t already consume a lot of fiber, you should increase your fiber intake gradually to avoid problems like constipation.

Talk to your dietitian and nutritionist about your diet if you are considering using anti-obesity medications, as you do not want to risk nutritional deficiencies and muscle loss.