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Topics: Weight loss, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Health
Callum Jones
A dietician has detailed some of the key differences between those on a diet while taking a GLP-1 jab compared to those trying to lose weight the more conventional way.
There are plenty of weight-loss drugs out there to try and shed the pounds, but amid some of the potential side effects that come with such injections, many still decide to go down the old-school way of trying to lose weight by implementing a strict diet and regular exercise.
No matter what means you are using to get the summer body ready, it's important to adapt a balanced diet alongside exercise.
Zoe Griffiths, Registered Dietitian and VP of Behavioural Medicine at Numan, has explained some of the key differences between an appropriate diet for people taking a GLP-1, and those trying to lose weight without injections.
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She explained: "The basic principles apply to both people using weight loss medication and those relying on diet and exercise alone. These are eating a balanced diet (whole foods, high in protein and fibre, and limited processed food), eating regular meals, staying hydrated, and strength training to preserve lean muscle. However, using GLP-1s is different enough for a more tailored approach."
The expert advises GLP-1 users to avoid large meals as that could cause nausea, reflux or bloating, and instead adopt an eating plan of smaller and more frequent meals.
Griffiths continued: "Nutrient deficiencies can also become a real risk whilst using weight loss medication because appetite is significantly reduced. That’s why people on GLP-1 based treatments need to be more intentional about hitting protein and micronutrient targets.
"Higher protein intake is important during weight loss because without it, the risk of losing excessive muscle mass increases. This has downstream impacts on health, strength and long term weight loss maintenance."
The dietician also advises vitamins and minerals should be included throughout food in the day due to a decreased intake of calories that comes with trying to shed the pounds.
"People on weight loss medication may also need to adapt their eating behaviours and dietary choices to prevent and manage side effects. Most side effects are gastrointestinal and dose-related - and many can be significantly reduced with dietary strategies," Griffiths continued.
The likes of greek yoghurt, tofu, eggs and smoothies may come in handy here.
The health expert concluded: "Finally, it’s important to remember flexibility over restriction. While rigid calorie restriction is unnecessary and may exacerbate side effects, portion sizes will naturally be smaller, so the focus shifts to nutrient density rather than calorie counting, with the nutritional quality of every bite mattering more."