Pharmacists and experts caution about nutrition risks for GLP-1 weight-loss drug users
Health professionals warn that appetite-suppressing drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy can lead to undernutrition if patients do not follow specific dietary guidelines.
Pharmacists and medical researchers are urging patients using GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Ozempic and Wegovy to monitor their nutrition closely. The drugs, which reduce appetite and are increasingly prescribed for type 2 diabetes and obesity, may cause insufficient protein and micronutrient intake, the experts said.
"These medications do not distinguish between fat and lean mass, so without proper nutrition, patients can lose both," said Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, a professor of medicine and pediatrics at Harvard University. She noted that low protein consumption can lead to loss of muscle mass, while reduced overall food intake may create gaps in vitamins D, calcium, iron and B-vitamins. Stanford added that skipping meals can cause fatigue, dizziness, and potentially diminish bone density.
Sobia Qasim, a superintendent pharmacist at the U.K. online pharmacy Curely, emphasized that smaller portions make each meal more critical. "The goal shouldn't just be to lose weight, it should be to lose body fat while preserving muscle, strength and overall health," she said.
Both Stanford and Dr. John Batsis, a professor of medicine at the University of North Carolina, recommend prioritizing protein, eating frequent small meals, staying hydrated, limiting highly processed and sugary foods, and considering vitamin supplementation. They also stress pairing nutrition with resistance training to maintain muscle and metabolic health.
The pharmacists at Curely compiled a list of nutrient-dense foods they suggest for GLP-1 users, including edamame, fish, yogurt, seeds, legumes, eggs, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, fortified soy milk, poultry, lean meats, beans and nut butters. They advise patients to substitute lower-nutrient items with these options and to work with a dietitian to tailor choices to individual preferences and medical conditions.
Both experts warned that persistent vomiting, inability to stay hydrated, or severe food restriction should prompt immediate consultation with a prescribing clinician or dietitian.