GLP-1 Medications and Nutrition Support

Unfortunately, access to medical care can be denied based on BMI. Hence, dietitians are seeing more and more clients using injectable weight loss medications to access surgery, procedures or fertility treatments. GLP-1 receptor agonist medications include semaglutide (Ozempic® and Wegovy®) and liraglutide (Saxenda®). Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) acts on both GIP and GLP-1 receptors.

These weight loss injections can be a useful tool in the journey towards improved health and wellbeing and are most effective when integrated into a holistic approach versus a ‘magic fix’. Their use requires careful consideration and both medical and dietetic supervision. Diet plays a crucial role in the success of weight loss medication regimens. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach, and individualised dietary guidance is essential to maximise the benefits.

How Our Perth Dietitians Can Help When Taking GLP-1 Medications

It is a very personal decision to include a weight loss medication to assist in weight loss, and we respect people’s autonomy to explore options. Our dietitians take a harm reduction approach, ensuring you have the information needed to make an informed decision about using weight loss medication. For those who have already chosen to begin medication, we are here to offer ongoing support throughout the process.

Our expertise also includes:

• Explaining eligibility criteria for weight loss medications as well as contraindications and risks such as pancreatitis, gallstones, bowel obstruction, kidney damage, worsening diabetes-related retinopathy, thyroid disorders and mental health issues.
• Explaining how GLP-1 medications work in the body, what they do and don’t do, and how they affect nutritional intake and adequacy.
• Monitoring for signs of disordered eating or an undiagnosed eating disorder, particularly when starting weight loss medication, and assessing any changes in eating behaviours that may develop or worsen after beginning GLP-1s.
• Monitoring and managing common gastrointestinal disturbances such as constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, reflux, burping, indigestion or abdominal pain.
• Making targeted and timely dietary adjustments to meal quality, portion sizes and timing to promote satiety and ensure a balanced nutrient intake. This may include recommendations for protein, fibre and/or vitamin and mineral supplementation.
• Preventing other side effects such as low blood sugars, malnutrition, nutritional deficiencies, dehydration, low energy, muscle weakness and hair loss.
• Monitoring the rate of weight loss and medication dosages alongside your GP to avoid dose racing.
• Minimising loss of lean body mass (muscle) and bone mineral density, particularly in people with risk factors for osteoporosis, including perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, older adults, and those with osteopenia, osteoporosis or other relevant health conditions.
• Supporting metabolic function and explaining metabolic adaptation, including what happens when medication is stopped.
• Tailoring strategies to ensure that food enjoyment is maintained to preserve social eating and cultural food connections, if that is important.
• Exploring the complex relationship between food, body, weight and shape.
• Planning your GLP-1 exit strategy by understanding potential changes in hunger, appetite and weight, including the risk of weight regain.
• Maintaining long-term health habits alongside and beyond weight loss medications to avoid the pitfalls of yo-yo dieting and weight cycling.
• Referring to exercise physiology, physiotherapy, psychology or other allied health professionals to provide holistic and collaborative care.

Working with one of our skilled dietitians is an invaluable addition to your weight loss journey, not only to optimise outcomes but also to help set realistic, client-led, values-based goals and track habits.