Weight loss injections have emerged as a powerful tool for managing obesity, helping many individuals achieve significant reductions in body weight. However, their effectiveness is often misunderstood. Many people stop following a structured eating plan or believe they no longer need support from a dietitian—simply because the number on the scale is dropping.
But weight loss alone does not equal healthy weight loss.
One of the key concerns with GLP-1 medications like semaglutide (e.g. Ozempic or Wegovy) is that they don’t exclusively lead to fat loss. Without proper nutrition, these medications can also cause a significant loss of skeletal muscle, which plays a vital role in your metabolism and strength.
When muscle mass decreases, so does your resting metabolic rate, making your body more prone to regaining weight once the medication is stopped. This is why preserving muscle during weight loss is crucial—not just for maintaining strength and function, but also for achieving long-term weight maintenance.
To maintain muscle while losing weight, your body needs adequate protein intake, spread strategically throughout the day. During treatment with weight loss injections, protein requirements often increase—sometimes up to 2 grams per kilogram of ideal body weight. Without planning, these needs are unlikely to be met.
Since these medications suppress appetite, there’s a risk of undereating and missing out on essential nutrients such as calcium, iron, B vitamins, and others. Over time, this can lead to:
Professional diet support ensures you maintain nutritional adequacy, even with a reduced appetite.
GLP-1 medications can cause side effects like nausea, reflux, bloating, and constipation. A targeted dietary approach can help:
These simple, evidence-based strategies support medication adherence and comfort.
Working with a dietitian allows for a personalised plan that not only improves treatment tolerability, but also helps you stay engaged and consistent during your weight loss journey.
Whether it’s intermittent fasting, low-carb or ketogenic diets, or structured meal replacement plans, these methods can be powerful—but only when used correctly. A dietitian can tailor these approaches to ensure:
When food intake is limited, supplements or specialised meal replacements may be required. A dietitian will assess your individual needs to support bone health, muscle maintenance, and long-term sustainability.
Relying solely on weight loss injections without professional dietary guidance can limit your progress and harm your health. With expert support, you can:
Partnering with a weight loss or bariatric dietitian ensures your journey is not only effective but also safe, balanced, and sustainable.
