People using GLP-1RA drugs are being urged to check their diets
People using weight loss injections, specifically GLP-1RA drugs, are being urged to take a good look at their diet. These medications can enhance weight loss efforts, which might mislead people into believing they’re living more healthily than they were before.
Recent research published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that people on these medications are likely to be missing a broad array of nutrients. Protein consumption in particular was “significantly under daily needs” but people were still eating more than their recommended calories.
The authors of the study have called upon healthcare practitioners to refine their dietary advice for patients on these drugs in order to avoid “unintended health consequences”. They recommended nutritionists and other specialists play a part in managing a patient’s journey with weight loss medications.
The study spanned September to October 2024 and involved 69 participants who had been on GLP-1RA drugs for a minimum of one month. It specifically targeted people who didn’t have formal meal plans or nutritional guidance programmes. The participants self-reported their food intake and interactions with healthcare providers.
The results noted the average caloric intake was 1,700kcal for women and 1,933kcal for men. This is actually higher than standard advice for people on these pharmaceuticals, which typically calls for a daily intake of 1,200-1,500kcal for women and no more than 1,800kcal for men.
Participants were consuming excessive amounts of fats, particularly saturated fats. On the other hand, they were significantly lacking in major nutrients like:
- Fibre
- Calcium
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Choline
- Vitamins A, C, D and E
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The lack of protein in their diet is a particular worry. This essential food group helps maintain your lean muscle mass during weight loss and plays a key role in metabolic health and weight management.
Less than half of the respondents were meeting the minimum daily requirements for protein intake. The experts cautioned that such a lack of vital nutrients in someone’s diet can lead to severe long-term effects, including deterioration of cardiovascular health and bone density.
One major issue researchers identified was a lack of awareness. They discovered people often overestimate their fruit and vegetable consumption, indicating a need for better education on portion sizes.
Interestingly, the study revealed no difference in dietary intake based on the duration of GLP-1RA use. A total of 39% had been using it for over a year and nearly half intended to continue its use indefinitely.
This is despite the reported side effects, which included nausea, diarrhoea and fatigue. It’s also suggested that these medications could influence food preferences.
This might result in people eating less of certain foods. A total of 80% reported experiencing greater weight loss with these medications compared to traditional weight loss methods.