People prescribed the new generations of weight loss drugs may not receive sufficient -or any-nutritional guidance to support safe and sustainable weight loss, leaving them vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies and muscle loss’ report experts and UCL and Cambridge University, UK.
Weight loss drugs such as semaglutide and tirzepatide-under brand names such as Wegovy, Mounjaro, Ozempic- mimic the naturally occurring hormone glucagon like peptide (GLP-1), released into the blood in response to eating. The drug suppresses appetitie, giving a feeling of being full, and reduces food cravings. These drugs can reduce calorie intake up to 39%.
The drugs use can impact diet quality, protein intake and micronutrient intake via appetite reduction and reduced calorie intake.
Evidence based research suggests that lean body mass, muscle fibres and bulk, can constitute 40% of the total weight lost during GLP-1 treatments.
Without appropriate nutritional guidance and support from healthcare professionals using GLP-1 weight loss drugs, there’s a real risk that reduced food intake does compromise dietary quality. Meaning people may not get enough protein, fat and fibre and vitamins and minerals for maintaining their overall health during and following weight loss. Leading to potential immunity issues, hair loss, osteoporosis etc, as well as saggy skin. Loss of muscle mass can also contribute to overall weakness, injury and fall risk.
Guided Nutritional Goals will help you to navigate and offset these risks via:
Prioritising protein within the diet; lean sources of protein are essential to retain muscle mass during rapid weight loss. eg chicken, lean beef etc.
Ingesting high fibre and nutrient dense foods. Focusing on vegetables, fruits and wholegrains to maximise nutritional intake via minimal calorie gain.
Enjoying much smaller regular meals to offset risks of overeating.
Good hydration.
Behavioural and CBT support to help limit and offset behavioural patterns that will otherwise sabotage successful weight loss goals. eg. binge eating, overeating, emotional comfort eating etc.
Please get in touch and arrange a Nutritional consultation and assessment so we can help guide your food choices towards a leaner, healthier, fitter and more active lifestlye long term.
