A Registered Dietitian plays a crucial role for patients on GLP-1 weight loss medications
Working with a registered dietitian is crucial when using anti obesity medications because these medications are most effective when combined with healthier eating and lifestyle habits. While weight loss medications can assist with shedding pounds, they don’t address the root causes of unhealthy eating behaviors or nutritional imbalances. This is where a dietitian’s expertise becomes indispensable.
What is a Registered Dietitian?
Registered Dietitians (RDs) have extensive, evidence-based training that sets them apart from nutritionists, health coaches, doctors and nurses. Their education focuses on the science of nutrition, and they are trained to provide personalized, safe, and effective dietary recommendations. They understand the complex interactions between food, metabolism, medications, and health conditions, which is especially important when you’re taking weight loss medications that can affect nutrient absorption and metabolism.
How a Registered Dietitian can help patients being treated with GLP-1 weight loss medications
Weight loss medications—whether newer ones like GLP-1 agonists (e.g., semaglutide) or older oral drugs—can come with side effects like constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, fatigue, or loss of muscle mass. Of course, we attempt to prevent or minimize these side effects by starting you on a low dose. A dietitian can help mitigate side effects by recommending dietary adjustments that ensure you’re still meeting nutritional needs.Weight loss medications can improve health markers like blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels, but they won’t necessarily fix other aspects of your well-being. A dietitian can help you work on overall wellness, including improving your energy levels, mental health, and sleep—other areas that may be impacted by weight, medication, or lifestyle factors.
Losing weight isn’t just about the number on the scale—it’s about developing sustainable, healthy habits that you can maintain for the rest of your life. CNC dietitians work with you one on one to to help you to build a healthier relationship with food, discuss mindful eating, share ideas on how to navigate social situations and recognize emotional eating triggers ensuring that you can still enjoy life while staying on track with your health and weight loss goals.
Finding balance will help you keep the weight off long-term
The journey of losing weight and keeping it off can be challenging. Working with a registered dietitian emphasizes that healthy eating is about balance and encourages making smarter choices without sacrificing the pleasure of eating. If you’re on an anti obesity medication, partnering with a dietitian is one of the best investments you can make in your health and well-being.
