What diet works best for Medicated Weight Loss?
15 May 2024
Before we talk about what an ideal diet looks like while on weight-loss medication, let’s refresh on how GLP-1 medication (such as Semaglutide and Tirzepatide) work
How do GLP-1 Agonists work?
GLP-1 Agonists are a class of medications that mimic the effects of a naturally occurring hormone of the same name. This hormone is released naturally after eating and works to stimulate insulin production, suppress glucagon production, and reduce appetite. Its essentially the backbone behind the satiation feeling we feel after a good meal!
However, not everyone has the same level of satiation or sensitivity to GLP-1. Eating disorders and ‘food noise’ are prevalent in today’s world, and unfortunately this partially explains why more than 42% of the adult population in the United States is obese. GLP-1 agonists do work in the same fashion as naturally occurring GLP-1, however they are not as susceptible to proteolytic degradation and can remain active for much longer. And, unlike their natural counterparts, they aren’t quickly inactivated by proteases within minutes. This is why GLP-1 agonists follow a weekly protocol, and are so effective at hunger suppression.
So Which Diet should you Follow?
The answer isn’t as simple as following one strict diet such as a Mediterranean or keto-based diet. Instead, you should aim to eat a diet filled with non-starch rich vegetables (spinach, mushrooms, leafy greens), lean protein (turkey, chicken breast, fish, eggs), and whole grains (rice, quinoa, millet). Remember, GLP-1 agonists aim to slow down the digestion process. This is great for nutrient absorption, but terrible for overeating or eating foods that take longer times to digest fully. Greasy high-fat fried food, alcohol, and processed carbohydrates are likely to exacerbate problems such as bloating, nausea, GI problems, and just generally make day-to-day activities less comfortable while medicated. Building a successful diet is about avoiding bad foods as much as it is picking healthy ones.
While its sound advice to avoid starchy vegetables, there are plenty of other foods in this category that will help in any weight-loss journey. Research shows that legumes are an excellent choice, as they naturally stabilize blood sugar levels. The fiber and protein found in legumes will also boost satiation, and help you make better usage of your calories while also fulfilling macro nutrient goals! Nuts are another great choice for a snack or addition to a meal. They’re a natural healthy fat, and are linked to a decreased risk of heart disease. Nuts might also improve blood sugar levels in patients with Type II Diabetes!
What Kinds of Foods Help Reduce Side Effects?
Gastrointestinal symptoms can make it hard to follow a strict diet and reach daily nutrition goals. Side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are especially harsh for any diet plan. Along with avoid aforementioned hazardous foods, its important to acknowledge that it may be more beneficial to incorporate other lifestyle changes before resorting to adding or removing certain foods from a diet plan. Adding in light exercise or spreading a traditional 3 meal plan out into several small meals are great habits to build to manage side effects.
If lifestyle changes don’t work, there are a couple foods that might help with side effects. Among them are crackers, toast, rice, and yogurt. These bland and easy-t0-digest foods are soft on the stomach and can help reduce the symptoms of an upset one. Eating slow, or staying upright after a meal can also help with stomach pain.
