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Medscape
6 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
Advisory: Nutrition Priorities for GLP-1 Use in Obesity
Four clinical organizations jointly released a clinical advisory with evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle interventions to enhance glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) treatment outcomes for obesity. METHODOLOGY: An expert group comprised of multiple clinical and research disciplines assessed the literature to identify pragmatic priorities for nutrition and other lifestyle interventions relevant to GLP-1 treatment for obesity. Based on the group's findings, The Obesity Society, American College of Lifestyle Medicine, American Society for Nutrition, and the Obesity Medicine Association simultaneously published 'Nutritional Priorities to Support GLP-1 Therapy for Obesity' in their own peer-reviewed journals. The consensus-based clinical advisory reflects an interdisciplinary collaboration to help clinicians support patients receiving GLP-1 treatment with evidence-based nutritional and behavioral strategies. TAKEAWAY: The expert group found that GLP-1s reduced body weight by 5%-18% in trials, with modestly lower effects in real-world analyses, and multiple clinical benefits. Challenges included side effects, especially gastrointestinal (GI); nutritional deficiencies due to calorie reduction; muscle and bone loss; low long-term adherence and subsequent weight regain; as well as high costs resulting in low cost-effectiveness. The group recommended eight priorities to address the challenges: (1) Patient-centered initiation of therapy; (2) careful baseline nutritional assessment; (3) management of GI side effects, (4) personalized, nutrient-dense, minimally processed diets; (5) prevention of micronutrient deficiencies; (6) adequate protein intake and strength training to preserve lean mass; (7) leveraging a good diet to maximize weight reduction; and (8) promoting other lifestyle changes around activity, sleep, mental stress, substance use, and social connections to maximize long-term success. IN PRACTICE: 'Medical therapy for obesity and lifestyle changes go and-in-hand,' Marc-Andre Cornier, MD, The Obesity Society president, said in an accompanying press release. 'This guidance lays a nutrition roadmap to help providers support their patients on sustainable and lasting weight reduction journeys. It underscores the importance of nutrition on quality of life and is an important contribution to the literature about incorporating lifestyle interventions into obesity care.' SOURCE: The clinical advisory, led by Advisory Chair Dariush Mozaffarian, MD, DrPH, of Tufts University, Boston, was published simultaneously in Obesity , American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine , The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition , and Obesity Pillars . LIMITATIONS: Recommendations are based on a literature review and a consensus among expert group members. DISCLOSURES: Mozaffarian reported research funding from the National Institutes of Health, Kaiser Permanente Fund at the East Bay Community Foundation, National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation, Google Health, and The Rockefeller Foundation; scientific advisory board, Beren Therapeutics, Brightseed, Calibrate, Elysium Health, Filtricine, HumanCo, Instacart Health, January Inc., WndrHLTH; scientific consulting, Amazon Health; equity in Calibrate and HumanCo; and chapter royalties from UpToDate.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Food and fitness make or break success on weight loss meds, report finds
Drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound -- GLP-1 medications typically used to treat obesity -- can lead to impressive weight loss. But a new joint advisory from four major medical groups warns that without proper nutrition and lifestyle support, people may face muscle loss, weight regain, and high long-term costs once they take themselves off GLP-1 medications. Experts from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association and The Obesity Society contributed to the report, which noted that only about half of users continue taking their GLP-1 medication after one year and only about 15% remain on treatment after two years. Many people stop taking GLP-1 medications due to side effects, cost or disappointing results -- and when they do, they often regain weight, making long-term success depend on consistent use and a healthy diet, the report stated. The report aims to guide both clinicians and patients on nutrition and lifestyle changes to improve long-term outcomes while taking a GLP-1. "We really wanted to bring in four major societies together that focus on nutrition, lifestyle, [and] obesity and come with a consensus statement on how nutrition should be thought about when prescribing these drugs," Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, a cardiologist, director of the Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts University, and the report's lead author, told ABC News. Mozaffarian explained that for someone to achieve success on a GLP-1, they need to commit to comprehensive lifestyle changes. "The FDA says these drugs are approved for use as an adjunct to lifestyle therapy," he said. "In fact, they are prescribed the other way around with lifestyle therapy being the adjunct if being thought about at all. Doctors are not following either society guidelines or FDA guidelines if they are prescribing [GLP-1s] without lifestyle therapy." Understanding diet, nutritional needs while on weight loss drugs Before starting GLP-1 medications, the report recommended that patients work with their doctors to set goals that focus on overall health, not just weight loss. It's also important to check for any stomach or bone issues that could lead to side effects like nausea, vomiting, or muscle and bone loss, the report stated. "Registered dietitians can play really key roles in comprehensive obesity care by providing medical nutrition therapy to support GLP-1 therapy," said Emily A. Callahan, registered dietitian nutritionist and director of policy strategy for the Food is Medicine Institute. "The evidence space is growing that shows when registered dietitians deliver medical nutrition therapy, it has been associated with improvements in body weight, waist circumference, blood pressure and glycemic control." People should usually start GLP-1 medications at the lowest dose and slowly increase as needed, the report said. Patients should also be aware that nausea is common when taking these drugs and this may trigger cravings for sugary, high-calorie comfort foods that work against weight loss. To stay on track, the report recommended eating small, frequent meals and focusing on minimally processed, nutrient-rich foods. The report called for exercising special caution for anyone following an intermittent fasting diet or a low-carbohydrate "keto diet" that limits foods like breads, pastas and fruit to put the body into a state called ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel instead of carbs. These individuals might be especially vulnerable to gastrointestinal side effects, the report said. The report also advised people who may not be getting enough nutrients to consider taking supplements like vitamin D, calcium and multivitamins, while increasing protein intake by 50-100% from foods such as fish, eggs, nuts and seeds. This is especially important for those eating less while on GLP-1s, since lower food intake can make it harder to get all the nutrients the body needs. The report also underscored the importance of maintaining muscle mass and bone density while losing weight. Since weight loss can also lead to muscle loss -- especially in older adults -- the report advised doing a full body strength training routine at least three times a week and getting 150 minutes of moderate cardio each week. Josh Gad opens up for 1st time about taking weight loss drug: 'It is life-changing' Focusing on nutrition, physical activity and other healthy lifestyle habits should give GLP-1 users a greater chance of achieving their goals, the report concluded. "GLP-1s have the best chance of helping people achieve and sustain lasting weight reduction when they are paired with strong nutrition guidance and lifestyle support," said Callahan. Dr. Brendan Huang serves as the chief resident physician in adult neurology at Northwell Health and is also a member of the ABC News Medical Unit. Food and fitness make or break success on weight loss meds, report finds originally appeared on
30-05-2025
- Health
Food and fitness make or break success on weight loss meds, report finds
Drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound -- GLP-1 medications typically used to treat obesity -- can lead to impressive weight loss. But a new joint advisory from four major medical groups warns that without proper nutrition and lifestyle support, people may face muscle loss, weight regain, and high long-term costs once they take themselves off GLP-1 medications. Experts from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association and The Obesity Society contributed to the report, which noted that only about half of users continue taking their GLP-1 medication after one year and only about 15% remain on treatment after two years. Many people stop taking GLP-1 medications due to side effects, cost or disappointing results -- and when they do, they often regain weight, making long-term success depend on consistent use and a healthy diet, the report stated. The report aims to guide both clinicians and patients on nutrition and lifestyle changes to improve long-term outcomes while taking a GLP-1. "We really wanted to bring in four major societies together that focus on nutrition, lifestyle, [and] obesity and come with a consensus statement on how nutrition should be thought about when prescribing these drugs," Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, a cardiologist, director of the Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts University, and the report's lead author, told ABC News. Mozaffarian explained that for someone to achieve success on a GLP-1, they need to commit to comprehensive lifestyle changes. "The FDA says these drugs are approved for use as an adjunct to lifestyle therapy," he said. "In fact, they are prescribed the other way around with lifestyle therapy being the adjunct if being thought about at all. Doctors are not following either society guidelines or FDA guidelines if they are prescribing [GLP-1s] without lifestyle therapy." Before starting GLP-1 medications, the report recommended that patients work with their doctors to set goals that focus on overall health, not just weight loss. It's also important to check for any stomach or bone issues that could lead to side effects like nausea, vomiting, or muscle and bone loss, the report stated. "Registered dietitians can play really key roles in comprehensive obesity care by providing medical nutrition therapy to support GLP-1 therapy," said Emily A. Callahan, registered dietitian nutritionist and director of policy strategy for the Food is Medicine Institute. "The evidence space is growing that shows when registered dietitians deliver medical nutrition therapy, it has been associated with improvements in body weight, waist circumference, blood pressure and glycemic control." People should usually start GLP-1 medications at the lowest dose and slowly increase as needed, the report said. Patients should also be aware that nausea is common when taking these drugs and this may trigger cravings for sugary, high-calorie comfort foods that work against weight loss. To stay on track, the report recommended eating small, frequent meals and focusing on minimally processed, nutrient-rich foods. The report called for exercising special caution for anyone following an intermittent fasting diet or a low-carbohydrate "keto diet" that limits foods like breads, pastas and fruit to put the body into a state called ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel instead of carbs. These individuals might be especially vulnerable to gastrointestinal side effects, the report said. The report also advised people who may not be getting enough nutrients to consider taking supplements like vitamin D, calcium and multivitamins, while increasing protein intake by 50-100% from foods such as fish, eggs, nuts and seeds. This is especially important for those eating less while on GLP-1s, since lower food intake can make it harder to get all the nutrients the body needs. The report also underscored the importance of maintaining muscle mass and bone density while losing weight. Since weight loss can also lead to muscle loss -- especially in older adults -- the report advised doing a full body strength training routine at least three times a week and getting 150 minutes of moderate cardio each week. Focusing on nutrition, physical activity and other healthy lifestyle habits should give GLP-1 users a greater chance of achieving their goals, the report concluded. "GLP-1s have the best chance of helping people achieve and sustain lasting weight reduction when they are paired with strong nutrition guidance and lifestyle support," said Callahan.
National Geographic
21-03-2025
- Health
- National Geographic
The Mediterranean diet has stood the test of time for a reason: It works
Even if you're not a fan of hummus, tabouli, or olives, it's worth giving the Mediterranean diet a chance. Why? Because when it comes to the hierarchy of healthy eating patterns, the Mediterranean diet consistently comes out on top. In 2025, U.S. News and World Report ranked it #1 overall, as well as giving it first place as the best diet for mental health, for healthy eating, for inflammation, for gut health and for being the easiest diet to follow. It's delicious and nutritious, and consuming it is associated with a variety of health benefits. It is also easy to follow and sustainable for the long haul. And you don't need to live in a Mediterranean country or even leave home to adhere to the eponymous diet or reap its benefits. (What foods you really need to eat to reduce inflammation.) 'It seems to be the universal love donor—it has real foods, predominantly plants, and it offers pleasure,' says David Katz, a preventive medicine specialist, past president of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, and co-author of How to Eat. 'It captures the fundamentals of whole nutrition—it takes us out of the realm of quick fixes and into the realm of lifestyle. The Mediterranean diet has worked for generations and it works for lifetimes.'
