The Vital Role of Dietitians in GLP-1 Agonist Use for Weight Loss: Why a Team Approach Matters
When GLP -1 receptor agonists like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and liraglutide (Saxenda) started gaining traction in obesity management, I have to admit I was skeptical. I have always practiced with a food first approach and feel that weight loss can effectively be achieved through diet and exercise. However GLP-1 receptor agonists have emerged as game-changers in the treatment of obesity and related metabolic conditions. There are many conditions that both physically and mentally limits an individual's weight loss attempts. Originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes, these medications have shown significant efficacy in promoting weight loss by suppressing appetite, slowing gastric emptying, and influencing satiety signals in the brain.
But while GLP-1 agonists can be powerful tools, they are not magic bullets and can carry significant side effects. Sustainable weight loss and overall health improvement still require behavioral, nutritional, and lifestyle changes—and that’s where dietitians play a crucial role.
The Dietitian’s Role: Beyond Meal Plans
An accredited practicing dietitian brings expertise in nutrition science and behavior change strategies that are essential for patients on GLP-1 medications. Their role includes:
1. Personalised Nutrition Counseling
GLP-1 agonists can significantly reduce appetite, which over time will lead to inadequate nutrient intake. Dietitians help patients navigate these changes to ensure they are consuming a balanced, nutrient-dense diet that supports long-term health.
2. Managing Side Effects
Common side effects of GLP-1 medications include nausea, constipation, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Dietitians can recommend practical dietary modifications—like smaller, more frequent meals or increased or decreased fiber intake or change the fibre type in the diet —this helps to minimise discomfort and improve adherence. Common longer-term side effects due to decreased intake include lean muscle mass loss and reduced bone density. Addressing these issues at medication onset can improve weight management beyond medication cessation.
3. Supporting Sustainable Lifestyle Change
Weight loss is not just about the number on the scale. Dietitians guide patients in adopting realistic, sustainable habits, including mindful eating, meal planning, and physical activity, which are critical for maintaining weight loss once the medication is stopped or stabilised. Getting your nutrient and calorie intake right from the start can be a game changer for your long term goals.
4. Addressing Disordered Eating and Emotional Health
Some patients may have a history of complex relationships with food. Dietitians are trained to identify these issues and refer to or collaborate with mental health professionals when needed, ensuring care remains safe and holistic.
Why a Team-Based Approach Matters
The success of GLP-1 agonist therapy doesn’t rest on one provider. It requires a multidisciplinary team that may include:
Primary care physicians to monitor overall health, perform diagnostic blood analysis and manage prescriptions
Dietitians to provide ongoing nutrition and lifestyle support and assess for potential nutritional deficiencies
Behavioral health specialists to address the psychological components of eating and weight as well as body image.
Fitness professionals or physical therapists to promote safe and appropriate movement to minimise muscle mass losses
This collaborative model ensures that all aspects of a patient’s health—physical, emotional, and behavioral—are considered. It also allows for consistent messaging, mutual support across disciplines, and the ability to respond quickly to emerging challenges during treatment.
A Smarter Path to Weight Management
GLP-1 agonists represent a promising advancement in obesity treatment, but medication alone is not a solution. Dietitians play a critical role in helping individuals maximise the benefits of these medications while building lifelong healthy habits. By working as part of a comprehensive care team, dietitians ensure that weight loss is not only effective but also safe, personalised, and sustainable.
If you or a loved one is considering or already using a GLP-1 medication for weight loss, consider connecting with an accredited practising dietitian. It could make all the difference in their successful journey toward better health.
