Taking a weight-loss drug? Ramp up your nutrition
About one out of every eight adults in the U.S. has taken a GLP-1 medication, such as Trulicity, Ozempic, Rybelsus or Mounjaro -- and half of them are still on the meds. They use them to lose weight, manage the risk of heart disease, and/or control Type 2 diabetes. GLP-1s do all that by mimicking a hormone that your small intestine makes to stimulate the release of insulin from the pancreas, block blood-sugar-raising glucagon, and slow stomach emptying.
The ability to lose weight, control blood sugar and suppress appetite with these effective medications has been life-changing for many folks. But too often, as people start to eat less -- or contend with gastrointestinal side effects (usually temporary) -- they also get even less of the essential nutrients they need to fully protect themselves from the complications of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity.
It's important to have a healthy, plant-based diet that delivers fiber, phytonutrients, minerals and protein. But new research indicates that folks taking these medications may become deficient in vitamin D, B12, calcium, protein and iron.
If you're on one of the medications, talk to your doctor about monitoring your blood levels of important nutrients. Also, ask about taking a daily multivitamin-mineral (I take half in the morning and half at night to balance nutrients around the clock) and discuss other supplements you may need. And make sure you avoid muscle wasting by doing strength-building exercises regularly. Then, make sure you cook up nutrition-packed, tasty meals using the recipes in my "What to Cook When Cookbook."
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.longevityplaybook.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@longevityplaybook.com.
(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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