GLP-1 Medications Explained: Why Nutrition Support Matters
A dietitian’s guide to GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Trulicity®, Victoza®, and Mounjaro®.
Learn the benefits, nutrition considerations, and how to support sustainable results.
GLP-1 Medications and Nutrition: What You Need to Know
GLP-1 receptor agonists (such as Ozempic®, Wegovy® and Mounjaro®) are increasingly used to support glycaemic management, cardiometabolic health, and appetite regulation when clinically indicated.
These medications work by:
Slowing gastric emptying
Increasing feelings of fullness
Supporting blood glucose regulation
Influencing appetite and reward pathways in the brain
For some people, GLP-1 medications can provide meaningful clinical benefits—but medication is only one part of the picture.
Because these medications can change appetite, digestion and eating patterns, nutrition remains essential for supporting energy, muscle mass, micronutrient intake, gut health and long-term wellbeing.
What are the benefits of using GLP-1 medications (when clinically appropriate)?
There is strong evidence that GLP-1 medications can:
Improve HbA1c and blood glucose control
Support appeitite regulation
Improve cardiovascular risk markers in some populations
Support improvements in cholesterol and triglycerides
Lower blood pressure (modestly)
Reduce risk of major cardiovascular events in higher-risk individuals
For many people, these changes occur independently of weight reduction and are linked to improved metabolic functioning.
Considering GLP-1 medications?
Whether you’re exploring options or already taking medication like Ozempic®, Wegovy® and Mounjaro®, personalised nutrition support can help to support your health alongside treatment.
Important things to consider when taking GLP-1s
Reduced appetite does not reduce your body’s nutritional requirements. Without adequate nutrition support, some people may experience:
Reduced energy intake
Smaller portions, skipped meals or prolonged low intake may make it difficult to meet baseline energy needs.
Reduced protein intake
Lower food intake can make it harder to preserve lean muscle mass—particularly during periods of rapid body composition change.
Lower micronutrient intake
If food variety becomes limited, intake of nutrients such as iron, calcium, B vitamins, vitamin D and zinc may be affected.
Gastrointestinal side effects
Some people experience nausea, reflux, constipation, diarrhoea, vomiting or food aversions, which can further impact intake.
Hydration challenges
Reduced thirst, nausea or lower fluid intake may increase dehydration risk.
Why Nutrition Support Matters (Even More on GLP-1s)
GLP-1 medications may change how much you feel like eating — but your body’s nutritional requirements do not decrease proportionally.
This means intentional nourishment becomes essential.
Each eating occasion needs to work a little harder to provide:
“If you are taking (or considering) a GLP-1 medication, the goal isn’t to eat less — it’s to make each eating occasion counts.”
Adequate protein (to protect muscle mass)
Sufficient energy (to support metabolic processes)
A range of vitamins and minerals
Fibre for gut and cardiovascular health
Nutrition support can help you:
✔ Maintain adequate protein and energy intake
✔ Support muscle and bone health through nutrition, but also alongside regular resistance training
✔ Manage gastrointestinal side effects
✔ Reduce risk of nutrient inadequacy
✔ Support sustainable cardiometabolic health
✔ Build eating patterns that remain realistic long term
Building sustainable health behaviours alongside GLP-1 medications
GLP-1 medications can support appetite regulation and metabolic health, but they do not teach nutrition skills or behaviour change on their own.
Working with a Registered Dietitian can help people build practical, sustainable habits that support long-term health both during and after medication use.
This may include support with:
Establishing regular eating patterns
Improving confidence with food choices
Meal planning and food preparation
Managing emotional or stress-related eating
Building awareness of hunger, fullness and satisfaction cues
Increasing dietary variety and nutritional adequacy
Supporting movement and lifestyle behaviours - incorporating regular movement, which supports strength and resistance, is crucial in maintaining lean muscle mass.
Navigating social situations, routines and barriers to change
For many people, developing sustainable behaviours alongside medication may help support ongoing health improvements if medication is reduced or stopped in the future.
Why Working With a Dietitian is recommended if taking GLP1-s
The New Zealand Dietitians Association urges all New Zealanders considering or currently using GLP-1 medications to seek nutrition support from a Registered Dietitian.
Working with a dietitian can help support you, especially if you notice:
Ongoing low appetite
Difficulty meeting nutrition needs
Fatigue, dizziness or reduced strength
Persistent nausea, reflux or constipation
Limited food variety or food aversions
Questions about maintaining nutrition alongside medication
The goal isn’t perfection or rigid food rules—it’s practical, personalised nutrition support that protects your health.
Need personalised support while taking GLP-1 medication?
At ABC Nutrition, we provide evidence-based nutrition care to help you support your health while navigating GLP-1 treatment.