GLP-1’s: FOR WHO, HOW, AND WHY? WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Written by Allison Providenti, Undergraduate Intern
What started as a new treatment for Type II Diabetes has grown into one of the most prevalent weight management tools in the U.S., with 1 in 8 Americans using or having used GLP-1 medications. It seems like GLP-1s are everywhere, helping people make great strides in their health and weight management goals. However, the rise of GLP-1s also brings rise to complex health implications that need to be properly understood by individuals on or considering GLP-1s.
How do GLP-1s work?
When you hear the term “GLP-1”, your mind likely goes straight to drugs like Ozempic, but the term GLP-1 actually stands for Glucagon-like Peptide-1, a naturally occurring hormone in the human body.
GLP-1 is made in the small intestine, and it has various functions related to satiety. It gets released into the bloodstream within minutes of eating, triggering insulin release from your pancreas and blocking the secretion of the glucagon hormone. Insulin is the hormone in your body that works to lower the amount of glucose in your blood following meals, making its release a critical player in regulating blood sugar levels. Insufficient insulin combined with insulin resistance can lead to increased blood sugar, and over time, Type II Diabetes. Glucagon, on the other hand, is the hormone that the body uses to raise blood sugar at the appropriate times. As such, GLP-1 triggering insulin and blocking glucagon come together to keep blood sugar levels low. GLP-1 also works in the body to slow digestion and increase satiety, signaling to the brain that you are full and satisfied.
GLP-1 agonists (like Ozempic), therefore, mimic the biological GLP-1 hormone by binding to its cell receptor in the body and thus causing the same bodily response of regulating blood sugar, slowing digestion, and increasing satiety. This is why people on GLP-1s report decreased appetite that over time results in weight loss.
When they first became FDA approved, GLP-1 agonists were meant to regulate blood sugar of individuals with Type II Diabetes and were in the form of a weekly needle injection. As they have grown and advanced, they have now expanded as a treatment for obesity, and technology has advanced to include newer oral medications as an alternative to weekly injections. This expansion of GLP-1s has made them more accessible and affordable for people looking to lose weight, contributing to their popularity in the U.S.
Are GLP-1 medications right for you?
Although it may seem like GLP-1s are everywhere, there is a lot to consider when deciding if you are an appropriate candidate. Such medications are best fit for individuals with Type II Diabetes or a BMI of 30 or higher as they have proven to significantly help blood sugar regulation and decrease food intake. Even if you are not yet diabetic, if you are prediabetic or have A1C levels that are above the normal range, you may benefit from taking GLP-1 medication. Additionally, if you have medical conditions or health struggles that would be improved by weight loss, GLP-1 medications would be a good tool to consider.
GLP-1s may not be the right choice for you if you have preexisting nutritional deficiencies or are already sensitive to stomach or GI issues due to the possible side effects and symptoms of the medications. Pregnant people should not take GLP-1s due to the link to developmental abnormalities. Additionally, GLP-1s as a treatment for Type I Diabetes is still being researched and has not been approved by the FDA, so it is best for T1D individuals to stay away for now. Finally, it is always important to look at where you stand in your concerns with blood sugar levels and weight or BMI. If you are just beginning to report high blood sugar or weight gain, lifestyle and diet modifications may be a better approach for you.
At the end of the day, GLP-1s just work as a medication to help–not a definitive solution. Whether or not GLP-1 medications are right for you, such a tool cannot treat T2D or obesity on its own, and it is important to zoom out and look at your overarching health behaviors and what steps you can take to better your nutrition in your day-to-day life.
Symptoms & Nutrition concerns:
Research shows that GLP-1 medication is largely successful in lowering blood sugar levels and reduces body weight by an average of 5-18% in clinical trials. However, these wins also often come with common but unpleasant symptoms.
The main symptoms of GLP-1 agonists are digestive, the most prevalent being nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. They have also shown to cause dizziness, headaches, indigestion, and mild tachycardia (elevated heart rate). Additionally, the suppressed appetite that leads to such weight loss also brings rise to challenges meeting one’s nutrient needs due to caloric reduction. As people on GLP-1 medications start to eat less, their decreased food intake tends to coincide with a decrease in the appropriate nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. This may cause nutrient deficiencies and all the side effects and health issues that come with them, such as fatigue, hair loss, skin flakiness, muscle weakness, easy bruising, and weakened immune system.
Even though GLP-1 agonists help with weight loss, this decreased appetite brings rise to a new set of challenges, and it becomes easy to fall into a pattern of under-nourishment that weakens your body and overall health. GLP-1s thus work best when they are treated as just one tool to go alongside deliberate nutrition and lifestyle choices to keep your body functioning the best it can.
How to boost nutrient intake on GLP-1 medication:
Despite the normal decreased appeal of food caused by GLP-1 medications, your body still needs fuel and nutrition to function properly, and it is important to stay on top of your nutritional needs to keep your body feeling its best.
*Note: Your appetite should not disappear completely on GLP-1s, and if it does you should speak with your doctor about adjusting your dose.
When food may not seem as appealing and what to eat does not come as naturally, there are tons of steps you can take to make fueling your body nice and easy!
Plan for several small meals every few hours instead of three larger ones. They tend to be easier for your body to accept when you don’t have a particularly strong appetite.
Build your meals around protein and fiber. Pair your protein of choice (chicken, fish, eggs, milk, nuts, etc) with a lot of fiber (fruits, vegetables, lentils, beans, etc) to support digestion and GI health. Have fun with it–there are tons of options to pick from!
Focus on the color. Adding a variety of colors to your plate (berries, salads, peppers, leafy greens, etc) is an easy way to rack up the antioxidants and essential vitamins without having to think or plan too hard.
Discover your favorite low-effort but nutrient dense snacks–greek yogurt with berries and chia seeds, hummus and carrots, cottage cheese with fruit, and smoothies are just some delicious and quick options to hit your nutrition goals!
Hydration! Make sure you are drinking sufficient water to keep your body hydrated and minimize the unpleasant side effects.
With all these tips and tricks, don’t forget to be flexible with yourself. It is normal for your appetite and thus your eating habits to fluctuate based on the day and whatever may be going on in your life. On the days you do have a greater appetite, take advantage of that to hit all your nutrient bases, and on the days where you don’t, allow yourself to rest and take it easy. Focus on the big picture and building long-term sustainable habits that help get your body what it needs.
Things to consider when transitioning off of GLP-1 medications:
Like any other medications, going off of GLP-1s is a transition and, in many cases, can cause the issue to return. Research shows that weight regain is a highly prevalent post-treatment challenge for individuals who used GLP-1s, with many people gaining an avergae of ⅔ of the weight back in the following year. To make the transition off of GLP-1 medications as easy and successful as possible, it is important to be aware of and prepare for the changes that you will feel in your body.
To start, it is best to taper off of GLP-1s gradually, working with your doctor to slowly lower the dosage rather than stopping cold turkey. The main thing you will likely notice is your hunger increasing and food noise returning. The stronger hunger signals are not something to be afraid of–they are a biologically driven and expected change as your body returns to natural hormone production. To stop them from undoing your progress, plan for your hunger and focus on eating for fullness and satiety. Prioritize lean protein, abundant fiber to aid digestion, and healthy fats to keep you full for longer. Keep healthy snacks available, and rather than trying to override your body’s cues, plan consistent and reliable meals that you know will make you feel good. Use the new energy from your increased caloric and nutrient intake to fuel your body to move! Stay hydrated, and prioritize your body’s needs.
Takeaways:
There is a lot to understand about GLP-1s, but the most important thing to realize is that they are simply one of many tools in your health tool box. The best effects are seen when GLP-1s work alongside your intentional nutrition choices and lifestyle. Although weight loss and blood sugar regulation are important and appealing, those alone do not make a healthy person. Don’t overlook nutrition and exercise, and remember to fuel and move your body the ways that make you feel good and strong!
References
Bradshaw, R., & Jones, K. (2025, June 27). How to eat well when you're not hungry on a GLP-1. Oxford Online Pharmacy. Retrieved June 18, 2026, from https://www.oxfordonlinepharmacy.co.uk/blog/how-to-eat-well-when-you-re-not-hungry-on-a-glp-1
GLP-1 Agonists: What They Are, How They Work & Side Effects. (2023, July 3). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved June 18, 2026, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/13901-glp-1-agonists
MACMILLAN, C. (2026, April 10). GLP-1 Weight-Loss Pills: What You Need to Know. Yale Medicine. Retrieved June 18, 2026, from https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/glp-1-weight-loss-pills-what-you-need-to-know
Mozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, Alexander L, Apovian CM, Bindlish S, Bonnet J, Butsch WS, Christensen S, Gianos E, Gulati M, Gupta A, Horn D, Kane RM, Saluja J, Sannidhi D, Fatima Cody S, Callahan EA. Nutritional Priorities to Support GLP-1 Therapy for Obesity: A Joint Advisory From the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and the Obesity Society. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2025 May 30:15598276251344827. doi: 10.1177/15598276251344827. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40452753; PMCID: PMC12125019.
Salamon, M., & Salamon, M. (2026, March 16). Weaning off a GLP-1? Tips for the transition. Harvard Health. Retrieved June 18, 2026, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/medications-and-treatments/weaning-off-a-glp-1-tips-for-the-transition