Getting the Nutrition You Need: Tips for People Taking Weight Loss Medicines

Getting good nutrition can help keep up your strength and energy and prevent muscle loss when you’re losing weight. But sometimes eating well when you take weight loss medicines like glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists can be a challenge. You may not feel hungry, or you may not have the desire to eat. You may feel full longer after you eat because food stays in your stomach longer when you take these medicines. And some weight loss medicines can also cause nausea, vomiting, gas, diarrhea, or constipation. All these things can make it hard to eat.

If you have trouble getting the nutrition you need because of low appetite or side effects from the medicines, these tips can help.

• If you don’t feel very hungry, try to eat smaller meals or snacks during the day instead of three large meals. Eating smaller amounts of food at a time may also help you feel less sick to your stomach.
• Eat high-protein foods. This can help prevent muscle loss, which can happen when you lose weight quickly. High-protein foods include lean meat, fish, poultry, eggs, cheese, yogurt, beans, peanut butter, and nuts and seeds. Add powdered milk to other foods (such as pudding or soup) to boost the protein.
• Try meal replacement drinks, such as Ensure, if you’re having trouble eating solid food. Soups or smoothies are also good.
• Eat enough fiber. This can help prevent constipation. Fruits, vegetables, and beans are good sources of fiber, and they’re packed full of nutrients. So are oats and whole-grain breads, pastas, and cereals. Eat fiber-rich foods in small amounts during the day to avoid gas and bloating.
• Avoid eating high-fat, high-sugar, and processed foods. These are foods that have lots of empty calories and very few nutrients like vitamins and minerals. "Convenience foods" like packaged snacks, chips, and sodas are common sources of empty calories.
• If you don’t have the desire to eat, try new foods and recipes to make eating more interesting. Include favorite foods in your meals.
• Take a walk before you eat. It may make you feel hungrier.

To prevent feeling full too fast and having other side effects:

• Don't drink much at mealtime. This may make you feel full too quickly. Drink liquids at least 30 minutes before meals and throughout the day between meals so that you don’t get dehydrated.
• Avoid eating high-fat foods.
• Chew food slowly.
• Don't eat foods or have drinks that cause gas or heartburn. These include cabbage and broccoli, spicy and fried foods, citrus foods, and fizzy drinks, such as beer or soda.

If you find that you still need help with a low appetite or side effects, talk with your doctor. Your doctor may advise you to work with a dietitian to help you find ways to get enough nutrition.