To say that excitement about new weight-loss drugs has reached a high level would be an understatement. These medications, including semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic), which are GLP-1 receptor agonists, and tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro), which are GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists, are incredibly effective for weight loss, so it’s no wonder why.
For example, in a 2023 meta-analysis of 41 studies and more than 15,000 participants with obesity or overweight but not diabetes, GLP-1 receptor agonists were associated with reduced body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference compared with others . control groups. These medications may cause more insulin release, slower stomach emptying, and decreased appetite. There is also research suggesting that GLP-1s reduce “food noise,” a term that refers to intrusive thoughts about food. When you pay less attention to food, you may not eat as much.
These medications can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as loss of appetite, and these factors can certainly affect what you eat and how much you eat. This increases the risk of nutrient deficiencies, which raises the question: Does it make sense to add a supplement to your regimen if you’re using a newer weight-loss drug?
We spoke with two registered dietitian-nutritionists to find out.
Do You Need Supplements If You’re Taking a Weight Loss Drug?
It’s certainly possible, and your healthcare team can help you determine the answer based on your individual health. However, in general, anyone taking GLP-1 should consider some important nutritional considerations.
“It’s well known that these medications reduce appetite, causing people to eat fewer calories and possibly eat less balanced, nutritious foods,” says Beth Warren, RD, who practices in New York City. There may be a tendency to rely entirely on medication for weight loss rather than pairing it with a healthy, balanced diet. “For some people, medication can take away motivation to eat well because it works so well on its own,” she explains.
If you are taking GLP-1, it is important to prioritize a healthy diet; But this goal brings its own challenges. “Due to decreased appetite and sometimes severe nausea or upset stomach, even if someone tries to follow a meal plan, they may not be able to do so,” Warren says. This can leave you more vulnerable to nutrient deficiencies.
These physical effects can also affect how much you eat. “I’ve seen people eat less than 1,000 calories a day because they felt too sick to eat. Others have no GI issues, says Jess DeGore, RD, CDCES, owner of the virtual private practice Dietitian Jess in Pittsburgh. For reference, according to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the calorie target for adults ranges from 1,600 to 2,400 per day, depending on age and gender. “I worry about whether people who have poor appetite and aren’t getting enough nutrients have a great quality of life when they can’t enjoy food and don’t feel well most of the time,” she says.
What’s more, if you’re losing weight quickly, that’s another reason to be alert for potential nutrient deficiencies and make sure you’re meeting your basic needs, says DeGore.
What Dietary Supplements Do You Need If You’re Taking GLP-1?
First, maintain a healthy, balanced meal plan structure but consume smaller portions, advises Warren, and definitely prioritize protein to preserve muscle mass as you lose weight. It’s also a good idea to limit added sugars and foods rich in saturated fats. The goal is to do your best to eat nutrient-rich foods. Then you can consider supplements. “Ek means ‘in addition to’. “The purpose of these is not to replace nutrients in your diet, but to help.”
The supplements your doctor or registered dietitian may recommend are those that address common deficiencies that may occur, especially during weight loss. Talk to your healthcare provider for further guidance on exactly how much you should take. If you’re worried about a deficiency, ask your provider for testing.
vitamin B12
B12 is a B vitamin vital for blood and nerve cell health, and getting enough amounts prevents a type of anemia that causes fatigue, according to the National Institutes of Health. “B12 is a common deficiency we see in weight loss, so you want to make sure you’re getting enough each day,” DeGore says.
Vitamin D
DeGore says he recommends vitamin D, also known as the “sunshine vitamin,” to everyone, especially during the winter months when there is less exposure to the sun. Adequate vitamin D is important for strong bones and immune support, he says, and deficiency is often seen in people on a restrictive diet.
probiotic
If you’re experiencing GI side effects due to medication, a probiotic can help repopulate your gut with good bacteria to relieve symptoms, DeGore says.
multivitamin
Warren says a multivitamin won’t overcome bad eating habits, but you can think of it as a security blanket. However, remember that vitamins and minerals are absorbed more effectively through food than through supplements, he says.
Summary
In summary: The quality of your diet is incredibly important, especially when your diet is limited due to appetite changes or weight loss medication side effects. “Use these medications as a tool to refocus on a healthy, balanced diet, learning how to eat every few hours, trying new foods, and educating yourself about nutrition,” says Warren. You can continue to create healthier habits when you don’t feel the pressure and anxiety that comes with trying to lose weight on your own.