How Do GLP-1 Medications Work and Why Nutrition Still Matters

By now, we’ve all heard the hype on GLP-1 medication use and how it can be a booster for reaching weight loss goals. As helpful as they are, we cannot lean completely on using a GLP-1 medication for weight loss. This medication is just a piece of the puzzle for weight loss and maintenance. Nutrition and lifestyle changes still matter when it comes to using a GLP-1 medication. Working with a registered dietitian (RD) can be a crucial step of the process to make your weight loss journey seamless.

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What Is GLP-1 and What Does It Do? 

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GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1. It’s a hormone that is actually produced in the body naturally and is released from the small intestine when we eat. Once released, it has three main jobs: 

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• Job #1: Send signals to the brain that we are getting full so we know when to stop eating. This signaling plays a big role in reducing cravings.
• Job #2: Send signals to the pancreas to release insulin in order to bring our blood sugars down after eating.
• Job #3: Slow down our digestive tract, so we can stay fuller for longer.

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What Is a GLP-1 Medication?

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A GLP-1 medication is a medication that mimics the GLP-1 hormone as discussed above. There are many different brand names of GLP-1 medications (also known as Semaglutide). Some of the most common brand names are Ozempic and Wegovy. 

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There are also combination medications of GLP1 & GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), known as Tirzepatide. The brand names you may know are Mounjaro and Zepbound. The GIP part of this medication works alongside GLP-1 to help stimulate the release of insulin, stimulate fullness and satiety in the brain, and reduce the breakdown of bone.

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Why Take a Medication Form of GLP-1 If It’s Already Made in the Body?

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Even though we make these hormones naturally, they are broken down by the body quickly, so the effects of the hormones are short-lived. The GLP-1 medication can amplify these effects, providing a stronger sense of fullness/appetite control and a longer lasting effect on blood sugars. This can be therapeutic for those with type 2 diabetes, helping to reduce their post-meal blood sugar spikes and lowering their A1C with time.

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Why Does Nutrition Still Matter?

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While GLP-1 medications can work wonders at reducing cravings and helping us feel satiated, we still have to fuel our bodies properly while using this medication.

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With a reduced appetite, it’s easy to fall short on the nutrients that our body needs in order to support our energy and metabolism. When eating less overall, it’s important to choose foods that are nutritionally adequate. Make the meals count! 

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What Aspects of Nutrition Do I Focus On?

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1. You’ve most likely heard it before… eat enough protein! It is inevitable that when we are losing weight, we lose a little bit of muscle mass. We can preserve that muscle mass by making sure we are eating enough protein to support it. Muscle mass plays an important role in supporting your metabolism, helping you maintain your weight loss once you’ve reached your goal.
2. Fiber. As mentioned above, GLP-1 can slow down your digestion. Fiber from whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes can help us maintain bowel regularity. Not to mention, the fruits & vegetables provide us with micronutrients as well.
3. Choose healthy fats such as avocado, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and fatty fish to support your energy levels and brain health. Limit deep fried and highly processed foods, as foods with large amounts of fat or oils may worsen side effects of GLP-1 medication.
4. Fluids. As appetite and hunger cues decrease with GLP-1 medication use, so can our thirst cues. Be sure to stay hydrated and sip water throughout the day.

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Working with an RD can make understanding nutrition on a GLP-1 simple. Salvo Health’s registered dietitians are here to help you build a personalized nutrition plan that supports your individual health goals, symptoms, and nutritional needs.

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