Nutrition Therapy for Weight Loss Medications
Nutrition Therapy for Weight Loss Medications
94% of Nourish patients pay $0 out of pocket!
We accept hundreds of insurance plans in all 50 states
Our team of dietitians can support all areas of your health
Our team of nutritionists are skilled in numerous specialties. Whether your needs revolve around sports, weight loss, a chronic illness, or navigating a pregnancy, our professionals are prepared to provide the right nutritional guidance.
Personalized Nutrition Planning
Personalized nutrition planning
A dietitian can create tailored meal plans that align with the individual’s dietary preferences, nutritional needs, and weight loss goals, ensuring that the diet complements the effects of GLP-1s while promoting satiety and balanced nutrition.
We offer virtual one-on-one sessions with dietitians to discuss preventative actions that can be taken to address your health concerns. We educate, assess lifestyle changes, help plan your nutrition, and support our clients toward long-lasting success using personalized nutrition counseling.
Behavioral and Lifestyle Support
Convenient, virtual appointments
They can provide counseling on behavioral strategies and lifestyle modifications, such as mindful eating, portion control, and regular physical activity, to enhance the effectiveness of GLP-1 therapy and help maintain long-term weight loss.
Receive the highest quality care wherever you are most comfortable. You get access to your dietitian virtually anytime, anywhere. No more driving to appointments. No more waiting around.
Monitoring and Adjustment
Avoiding future complications
A dietitian can track the progress, assess the effectiveness of the diet plan, and make necessary adjustments based on the individual’s response to the GLP-1 medication, helping to optimize outcomes and address any challenges that arise during the weight loss journey.
The payoff you’ll see for adjusting your lifestyle with nutrition counseling will be tremendous for your health. You’re less likely to suffer from a heart condition, kidney failure, and other serious conditions with the proper discipline and determination that we help provide.
We’ve got answers.
Still deciding if we’re right for you? These frequently asked questions may help.
How do you maximize the benefits of Ozempic?
To maximize the benefits of Ozempic, it is recommended that you follow a healthy diet and engage in regular physical activity alongside your medication regimen. Other lifestyle changes that may also be beneficial include getting adequate sleep, drinking plenty of water, and managing stress.
Can a dietitian prescribe Ozempic?
Only healthcare providers, such as medical doctors or nurse practitioners, can prescribe Ozempic. However, dietitians can collaborate with your healthcare team to ensure your nutritional needs are being addressed alongside your medication therapy.
How can I find a <Name> dietitian who accepts my insurance?
Nourish has <Name> dietitians in-network with major insurers like Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Aetna, Cigna, and Medicare. 95% of Nourish patients pay $0 when using insurance.
What to expect during a visit with a dietitian that specializes in <Name>?
During your first appointment with a dietitian, you can expect to review your medical history, eating habits, and lifestyle. You’ll get to know your dietitian and you’ll have the opportunity to ask them any questions you have.
How can I see a dietitian that can help with <Name>?
Nourish has dietitians that specialize in <Name> that can help. Nourish uses evidence-based, personalized nutrition therapy so you feel your best.
A registered dietitian can also help with the following related <Name> conditions:
How Can a Dietitian Help While Taking GLP-1s?
GLP-1 medications work by slowing down digestion, which may cause uncomfortable digestive side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Nutrition can affect the severity of these side effects and how they are managed.
Nutrition Therapy for Ozempic
Ozempic is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The manufacturer recommends using the medication alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise for the best results in managing blood sugar levels.
Here are some nutrition therapy recommendations for Ozempic:
Foods to Eat:
- Fruits: Berries, apples, citrus fruits.
- Vegetables: Leafy greens, broccoli, bell peppers.
- Lean Proteins: Chicken, turkey, fish, tofu.
- Whole Grains and Legumes: Quinoa, oatmeal, chickpeas, lentils.
- Healthy Fats: Avocado, nuts, olive oil.
Foods to Limit:
- High-Fat Foods: Fried foods, fatty meats, creamy sauces.
- Sugary Snacks: Candy, sweetened breakfast cereals, sugary beverages.
- Ultra-Processed Foods: Chips, cookies, bakery pastries.
Nutrition Therapy for Saxenda
Saxenda is another GLP-1 medication. It is approved by the FDA for weight management and prescribed to people with obesity to help them lose weight.
Like Ozempic, Saxenda's manufacturer recommends adopting a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity to achieve the best weight loss results.
Nutrition therapy recommendations for Saxenda are similar to other GLP-1 medications. They include:
Foods to Eat:
- Fruits: Berries, pears, grapefruit.
- Vegetables: Kale, spinach, Brussels sprouts.
- Lean Proteins: Chicken breast, eggs, shrimp, tofu.
- Whole Grains and Legumes: Whole wheat bread, brown rice, black beans.
- Healthy Fats: Avocado, nuts, olive oil.
Foods to Limit:
- High-Calorie Foods: Fast food, sugar-sweetened beverages, fried foods.
- Ultra-Processed Foods: Chips, cookies, packaged snacks.
- Fatty Meats: Bacon, sausage, fatty cuts of beef.
Nutrition Therapy for Wegovy
Wegovy is also approved by the FDA for the treatment of obesity in adults and children aged 12 and older. According to the manufacturer, making healthy food choices and getting enough physical activity can improve your results on Wegovy.
Here are a few nutrition recommendations for Wegovy:
Foods to Eat:
- Fruits: Berries, peaches, pears, cherries.
- Vegetables: Salad greens, cucumbers, zucchini, eggplant.
- Lean Proteins: Chicken breast, turkey breast, salmon, low-fat dairy.
- Whole Grains and Legumes: Brown rice, quinoa, barley, kidney beans.
- Healthy Fats: Avocado, nuts, seeds, olive oil.
Foods to Limit:
- High-Fat Foods: Fried foods, fatty cuts of meat, creamy sauces.
- Sugary Snacks: Candy, pastries, sugar-sweetened beverages.
- Ultra-Processed Foods: Chips, crackers, processed meats, packaged snacks.
Following a dietitian's GLP-1 medical nutrition therapy recommendations can help increase the medication's effectiveness for both blood sugar management and weight loss. It may also help reduce common gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and stomach pain.
With guidance from a registered dietitian, you can develop healthy eating and exercise habits that support your health goals while on Ozempic, Saxenda, or Wegovy.
Does Nutrition Impact GLP-1 Side Effects?
GLP-1 medications work by slowing down digestion, which may cause uncomfortable digestive side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Nutrition can affect the severity of these side effects and how they are managed.
To reduce the chance of experiencing GLP-1 side effects, limit foods that can trigger nausea.
These include fried foods, fatty meats, sugary snacks, ultra-processed foods, and alcohol. Additionally, you may consider opting to eat smaller, more frequent meals to prevent feeling too full. Instead, choose more whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, lean proteins, and healthy fats. If you're already dealing with nausea or other unpleasant side effects, sip water slowly and eat bland foods like toast or crackers until symptoms subside. Ginger tea or chews can also help.
Are GLP-1s More Effective with Medical Nutrition Therapy?
When paired with medical nutrition therapy provided by a registered dietitian, GLP-1 medications may work even more effectively. A dietitian’s support can also help you stay motivated and committed to your health journey over the long term.
For those using GLP-1 medications for type 2 diabetes, a dietitian can work with you to achieve your blood sugar goals. They can provide personalized guidance on meal planning, portion control, carbohydrate management, and lifestyle adjustments.
Similarly, for weight management, a registered dietitian can tailor your nutrition plan to complement the weight loss effects of GLP-1 medications. Focusing on nutrient-dense foods, portion control, and lifestyle modifications can help you maximize the weight loss benefits of these medications.