Understanding GLP-1 Drugs
- svperformancenutri
- May 17
- 3 min read
On April 29, 2025, I had the honor of presenting at the Annual Mississippi Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics Conference in Cleveland, MS—hosted at the Grammy Museum (worth a visit if you're ever in the Delta!).
My talk, “The Role of Emerging Weight Loss Medications in Dietetic Practice: Understanding GLP-1 Drugs,” focused on a topic I initially knew little about. But having it accepted by the planning committee pushed me to dive deep, and I’m glad it did.
If you weren't able to attend, here are a few key takeaways:
1) Popularity Surge: The use of GLP-1 inhibitors—such as Ozempic and Wegovy—has skyrocketed, with a 700% increase in prescriptions for non-diabetic patients between 2019 and 2023.
2) What are Incretins? Incretins (such as GLP-1 and GIP, or Gastric Inhibitory Peptide) are hormones released by the intestines in response to food intake. They help regulate blood sugar by stimulating insulin release in a glucose-dependent manner, reducing glucagon secretion, slowing gastric emptying, and increasing satiety.
3) Obesity is a Chronic Disease: To fully understand the significance of GLP-1 medications, obesity must be viewed as a chronic disease—not just a result of poor willpower. I recommend reading the research article by Priya Sumithran and colleagues titled “Long-Term Persistence of Hormonal Adaptations to Weight Loss.” It highlights how hunger hormones increase and satiety hormones decrease after weight loss. Other adaptations include reduced energy expenditure and lower leptin levels, a key hormone involved in appetite regulation.
4) Top GLP-1 Medications for Weight Management:
Liraglutide (Saxenda / Victoza)
Semaglutide (Wegovy / Ozempic)
Tirzepatide (Zepbound / Mounjaro)
Liraglutide, Semaglutide, and Tirzepatide are the active ingredients. The brand name differences depend on FDA approval for weight management vs. diabetes, as well as dosage variations.
5) Research Snapshot: Here’s a chart summarizing key studies that highlight the effectiveness of GLP-1 medications.
6) Common & Rare Side Effects: Expected side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, dizziness, and fatigue. Rare but possible: kidney damage, pancreatitis, and thyroid cancer. Despite widespread social media claims, research shows these serious side effects are uncommon. See:
7) Dietitian Concerns: Key concerns include muscle loss, malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and the potential for eating disorders.
8) Nutrition Tips for GLP-1 Users:
Eat smaller portions and chew slowly
Don’t skip meals; eat regularly
Don’t rely solely on hunger cues
Prioritize protein—include it in every meal
Limit high-fat foods, as they digest more slowly and may worsen GI symptoms
9) Warning Against Compounded GLP-1 Medications: Compounded GLP-1s are custom-made versions of drugs like semaglutide or tirzepatide, often promoted online or on TV. These are not FDA-approved and may pose risks due to inconsistent formulation or lack of testing.
What is Compounding? Compounding involves a licensed pharmacist creating a medication tailored to a specific patient, often due to shortages or special needs.
Why are Compounded GLP-1s Risky? They haven’t undergone the rigorous FDA approval process and may have inconsistent safety or quality. While some seek them for affordability or access, the FDA has issued multiple warnings about their use.
Final Thoughts: GLP-1 medications are booming in popularity. Chances are, either you’ve tried them yourself or know a friend or family member who has. These evolving treatments can be highly beneficial when used appropriately—but they’re not magic pills.
As dietitians, our role is more important than ever in supporting safe, evidence-based nutrition care for individuals using these medications. Lifestyle modifications are essential. Without them, there’s a real risk of malnutrition, loss of lean muscle mass, and weight regain once the medication is stopped.
Thanks for reading! If you have any questions or just want to chat more about this topic, feel free to reach out—I’d love to hear from you.
