Why nutrition is so important when taking weight loss medication

Prescription weight loss medication has been a game-changer for many people with chronic conditions like being overweight and obesity. But did you know that weight loss medication can affect more than just your weight? Everything from the number on the scale to your muscle mass and energy levels can be impacted.

Do food choices still matter when taking prescription weight loss medication? The answer is an emphatic yes! Proper nutrition is crucial for your health at any weight. Let’s learn why it’s especially important when taking weight loss medication.¹

How it all works

Glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists (GLP-1s), one class of prescription weight loss medications, work by mimicking the action of the GLP-1 hormone your body produces naturally.²

GLP-1s act in your stomach to slow down emptying. They also act in your brain to reduce appetite. The result is that you eat less and feel full longer, which leads to weight loss.²

Effects on your body

It’s crucial to be aware of both the quality and quantity of food you’re consuming when taking prescription weight loss medication. When you don’t feel like eating, you may end up skipping meals or consuming food that’s lower in nutrients. This could potentially lead to:²

• Decreased energy levels
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Muscle mass loss
• Dehydration

 Gastrointestinal side effects from prescription weight loss medication can also include:²

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation

 Being overweight, obesity, having high blood pressure and diabetes are complex conditions that require personalized treatment. Are you looking for a program that provides support alongside your medications?

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Your food choices matter—a lot

The importance of balanced nutrition in helping you feel good and remain healthy while taking prescription weight loss medication can’t be underestimated. Since you may not have much of an appetite, it’s essential to choose whole, nutrient-dense foods to really make your meals and snacks count. Proper nutrition and hydration can also be a big help in reducing or even preventing some of the side effects of prescription weight loss medication.³ Some tips to try:

1. Prioritize protein

Protein offers a big bang for your buck, nutritionally. It’s important to eat enough protein to maintain muscle mass, which can be easy to lose when taking prescription weight loss medication. Focus on lean meats, poultry, seafood, low-fat dairy, eggs, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds.³

2. Fill up on fiber

Fiber helps prevent constipation, a common side effect of weight loss medication. Choose high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. If you’re not used to eating much fiber, be sure to start slow and gradually increase, along with your fluid intake, to avoid bloating and gas.³ Try these three high-fiber snacks.

3. Stay hydrated

Hydration is essential for digestion. And if you’re experiencing side effects like vomiting and diarrhea, you’re at a greater risk of dehydration, so staying hydrated is even more important. Try to sip mostly water throughout the day, but low-calorie beverages (decaf coffee, herbal tea) and nutrient-dense beverages (low-fat milk, soy milk) can also help you reach your daily fluid intake. Limit sugar-sweetened beverages and try to avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate you.³ Sugar-free herbal teas like ginger and mint may even help with nausea too.

4. Rethink portion sizes

Weight loss medication can make you feel full sooner than normal. Start with smaller portion sizes so you don’t feel nauseated after eating. Eat slowly. And since your hunger cues may be off, pay attention to the time that’s passed between meals to make sure you’re eating regularly. Try a nutrient-packed snack or mini-meal, like low-fat cottage cheese with fruit or a tuna fish-stuffed avocado half.

5. Be mindful of fats and spicy foods

Your stomach might be a bit more touchy than normal, so go easy. Greasy and fried foods take longer to digest and can cause nausea and cramping. Spicy foods can cause acid reflux. Prioritize high-quality, unsaturated fats like avocado, nuts, seeds and olive oil and limit saturated fats like animal fats, coconut and palm kernel oil.³

Don’t forget about exercise

Regular physical activity is crucial when taking prescription weight loss medication because it can help combat muscle loss.⁴ Strength training (resistance exercise), in particular, can help preserve muscle mass and support bone and metabolic health.⁵ But at the end of the day, the best type of exercise is the one that you’ll do on a regular basis. Find a form of movement that you’ll look forward to.

Take care of your mental health too

Making any sort of big change in your life can bring up unexpected feelings. On a weight loss journey, it’s important to prioritize both your physical and psychological well-being. Teladoc Health experts can provide whole-person support for all your care needs. Reach out with any questions you may have about weight loss medications, nutrition, therapy and more.

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Published November 22, 2024