GLP-1 Medications: A New Advisory Finally Brings Clarity to a Growing Health Conversation
Over the past few years, we've seen a surge in the use of GLP-1 agonists—powerful medications like Ozempic and Wegovy—primarily prescribed for diabetes and weight loss. Between 6% and 12% of the U.S. population has now taken them. But here’s the truth: while these medications can be effective, they’re not magic pills. And until recently, doctors didn’t have a unified framework to support patients beyond the prescription pad.
That changed in May.
A long-overdue advisory—developed by four respected health organizations—finally gives prescribers a roadmap. The American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society joined forces to publish clear nutritional and lifestyle guidelines in the journal Obesity. It’s the first time the medical community has come together with one voice to say: "Medication alone isn’t enough."
Let’s walk through what this means—and what every woman using (or considering) GLP-1s needs to know.
The new advisory emphasizes starting with a basic nutritional assessment.
Medication Is Just the Start
GLP‑1 medications (like semaglutide, liraglutide, tirzepatide) have revolutionized obesity treatment—showing 5–18% weight loss in trials and real-world benefits across metabolic, cardiovascular, sleep, and liver health. But medication alone isn’t the full answer. Common real-world challenges include:
Gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, constipation, diarrhea)
Nutrient deficiencies due to decreased calorie intake
Loss of muscle and bone mass
High discontinuation rates
Steep costs
Weight regain once medication stops
This advisory was developed by leading clinical and research groups to provide clinicians with clear, practical nutrition and lifestyle guidelines to support patients using GLP‑1s.
Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, one of the lead authors of the advisory, put it simply: these medications were approved in addition to lifestyle changes—not instead of them. Yet, in many cases, they’re being used as a first line of defense without any real conversation about food, movement, or support systems.
That’s where things need to shift. Without proper nutrition, strength training, and holistic lifestyle care, we risk more than we gain.
Food First: Why Nutrition Is the Cornerstone
The new advisory emphasizes starting with a basic nutritional assessment. That doesn’t mean an expensive lab panel or hours of food journaling. It means asking real-world questions:
What do you eat in a typical day?
Do you snack frequently or eat out often?
Do you have access to fresh food?
Do you know how to cook—or even have the equipment?
These aren’t throwaway questions. They uncover essential barriers that keep women stuck—everything from budget constraints to cultural habits to the simple fact that many of us weren’t taught how to nourish ourselves.
And let’s not forget: eating less (a common effect of GLP-1s) doesn’t automatically mean eating better.
In fact, a study in Frontiers in Nutrition found that many patients on GLP-1s were under-consuming fiber, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and even key vitamins like A, C, D, and E.
What You Can Do: Small Shifts That Matter
This advisory reinforces something I’ve long taught my patients and clients: sustainable weight management starts with small, meaningful shifts.
Choose whole, minimally processed foods when possible.
Focus on protein, fiber, and hydration to reduce side effects like nausea and constipation.
Don’t skip meals—eat smaller portions more frequently if your appetite is suppressed.
Consider high-quality supplements or shakes only if you can’t meet your nutritional needs through food.
And let’s not forget—GLP-1s often alter taste preferences. Many patients report losing their cravings for ultra-processed foods. That’s a powerful moment to embrace better habits and stock your pantry with foods that support your goals.
Movement Matters: Why Strength Training Can’t Be Optional
Here’s something that doesn’t get talked about enough: weight loss from GLP-1s doesn’t just target fat. It can also strip away bone and muscle—especially if you’re not strength training.
Losing muscle and bone density increases the risk of frailty, especially during and after menopause. That’s why the advisory recommends lifting weights (yes, at least twice per week) and ensuring adequate intake of protein, calcium, and vitamin D.
And if you’re thinking, “I’ve never lifted weights before,” that’s okay. Starting now is still powerful. Even resistance bands or bodyweight exercises can make a difference.
It’s Not Just About Food and Fitness
The advisory didn’t stop at diet and exercise. It acknowledged what women know deep down: our health is influenced by stress, sleep, social support, and even substance use.
Sleep is a big one. GLP-1s can disrupt it—and yet sleep deprivation has been linked to slower fat loss and increased cravings. Prioritize good sleep hygiene: shut down screens early, create a bedtime routine, and keep caffeine in check.
And let’s talk about alcohol. While some research shows that GLP-1s may reduce addictive tendencies, over-drinking while on these meds can lead to serious nutrient deficiencies. If alcohol is part of your life, this is a good time to reflect on how much and how often you indulge.
A Long-Awaited Step in the Right Direction
For too long, women have been left to figure out how to “do it all” with medications like GLP-1s—without a clear, supportive path forward.
This new advisory is a breath of clarity. It confirms what many of us already knew: that our health doesn’t come from a single prescription. It’s built on education, choices, and support.
If you're taking a GLP-1—or considering it—know this: you deserve more than just a quick script. You deserve a provider who will walk with you through nutrition, movement, sleep, and all the messy, beautiful layers of life that impact your weight and well-being.
And if no one has told you lately—you’re not alone in this. You’re capable. You’re powerful. And you’re in control.
Let’s keep talking about real health—because women deserve better.
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