Over the past few weeks, I’ve had a lot of people ask me about GLP-1 injections. And I get why. These medications Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are everywhere. They’re now available through the NHS for some people living with obesity, and it feels like everyone knows someone who’s using them.
Maybe you’ve been prescribed one. Maybe you’ve seen someone’s transformation online. Or maybe you’re just curious.
Here’s what I think: GLP-1s are powerful tools. For many people, they’ve helped where nothing else has. So, I completely understand why people would want to try them.
In fact, I’ve recently done some extra training to support people using these injections — because alongside the benefits, there are also things to watch out for, and I want to help people get the most from their treatment.
As it’s also important to talk about what these medications can’t do. Because medication is just one part of the picture. And if you want to feel your best not just lose weight, but stay strong, energised, and healthy for the long-term nutrition and lifetyle still matters.
What GLP-1s Actually Do
GLP-1 medications work by mimicking a hormone that helps regulate appetite, blood sugar, and digestion. They slow how quickly food leaves your stomach and help you feel fuller, sooner.
In clinical trials, people taking these medications lost between 5 and 18 percent of their body weight. Some also saw improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammation.
So yes, they seem to be effective. But they aren’t a shortcut to great nutrition and lifestyle. They change how much you eat, but not what you eat. And that’s where things can get tricky.
Why Food Still Matters
These medications aim to reduce your appetite, which can lead to a much lower overall food intake. But when your portions shrink, every bite counts even more.
Without the right support, people can run into problems like:
- Low energy or fatigue
- Digestive issues like bloating or nausea
- Struggling to get enough protein to protect muscle and bone
- Missing key nutrients
There’s also the question of what happens after the injections stop. These medications aren’t meant to be taken forever, and while they can help you lose weight, they don’t build the skills or confidence to maintain those results on their own.
That’s why there’s growing concern among experts about the risk of weight regain once people stop taking them, especially if they haven’t had support in building long-term habits around food and lifestyle.
What Nutritional Therapy Adds That the Injection Can’t
It helps you make sense of what your body needs. It supports you in feeling good while you’re on the medication — and sets you up to keep feeling good when you stop.
This isn’t about strict diets or cutting out food groups. It’s about learning how to:
- Eat in a way that supports energy, gut health, and blood sugar balance
- Get enough protein, even if your appetite is smaller
- Choose nutrient-dense foods that actually help you feel better
- Build realistic, enjoyable habits you can carry forward long after the injection ends
And this isn’t just my personal opinion, the science backs it up.
The Research is Clear: GLP-1s Work Better With the Right Nutrition and Lifestyle Support
Just recently this year, four leading health organisations in the US, the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society released a joint clinical advisory calling for nutrition to be a core part of GLP-1 treatment.
They highlighted eight key nutrition and lifestyle areas that support people on these medications. These include things like managing side effects, protecting muscle, preventing nutrient deficiencies, and preparing for long-term maintenance.
Studies like have shown that people who combined medication with structured nutrition and lifestyle support had better outcomes and were more likely to keep those results going. And in follow-up studies, those who didn’t make those changes were at greater risk of regaining the weight after stopping the medication.
If You’re Using GLP-1s, or Thinking About It, Here’s What You Need to Know
These injections can absolutely play a helpful role. But they’re most effective when paired with the kind of personalised, sustainable nutrition and lifestyle support that helps your body thrive not just survive on fewer calories.
That’s what I do.
I help people understand how their body works, what it needs, and how to build habits that last. Whether you’re already taking medication or just considering your options, nutritional therapy can help you feel better now and stay that way, even when the medication stops.
If you want support with your Nutrition while you’re on GLP-1s or how to feel your best when you stop, I’d love to help. You can book a free chat with me using the link below:
References
Jastreboff AM et al. (2022). Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 387(3):205–216.
Wadden TA et al. (2023). Tirzepatide after intensive lifestyle intervention: the SURMOUNT-3 trial. Nature Medicine, 29(11):2909–2918.
Wilding JPH et al. (2021). Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11):989–1002.
Wilding JPH et al. (2022). Weight regain after withdrawal of semaglutide: STEP 1 trial extension. Diabetes Obesity and Metabolism, 24(8):1553–1564.
American College of Lifestyle Medicine, ASN, OMA, TOS. (2025). Nutritional Priorities to Support GLP-1 Therapy for Obesity.