Research Spotlight:

GLP-1 Medications and Diet

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are changing the way millions of people eat. But surprisingly, we still know very little about how diets actually change when someone is taking these drugs— and what people should be eating while on them.

That’s something we’re especially interested in understanding.

We know that people tend to eat less overall when taking GLP-1s. But beyond that, the picture gets fuzzy.

Do people eat fewer carbohydrates? Less fat? Less protein?
Are certain foods easier or harder to tolerate?
Do people naturally avoid ultra-processed foods, or just eat smaller amounts of everything?
Are fruits, vegetables, or fiber unintentionally falling out of the diet?

Right now, most of this is guesswork. We want real data.

Dietary recommendations for people on GLP-1s are still evolving. Clinicians and dietitians are trying to give guidance, but without a clear understanding of what people are actually eating, it’s hard to know what advice works best.

Better data on real-world intake could help answer questions like:
How much protein is enough to protect muscle?
How can people manage gastrointestinal side effects through diet?
Are certain nutrients more likely to fall short?
Do dietary needs change over time on these medications?

DGLP-1s commonly cause nausea, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or food aversions. We’re curious whether detailed dietary measurements could help explain why.

Could certain foods or patterns be linked to worse symptoms?
Could others be protective?
Could tracking diet alongside symptoms help people identify triggers or help clinicians personalize recommendations?

Anecdotally, many people on GLP-1s say they suddenly have to think much more carefully about what they eat:

Muscle loss means protein matters more.
GI side effects mean fiber choices matter.
Reduced intake raises concerns about vitamin and mineral adequacy.

We’re interested in whether tools like FoodSeq could:

Help clinicians better monitor dietary intake
Support dietitians in tailoring recommendations
Empower patients to understand their own eating patterns and symptom triggers

GLP-1s may not just change individual diets—they could reshape the food system itself. Early evidence suggests these medications may already be influencing food purchasing patterns and overall food demand.

Understanding how diets shift at scale could have implications for:
Food manufacturing
Public health nutrition
Agricultural production
Long-term dietary trends

One intriguing possibility: If GLP-1s reduce or stabilize weight, they may help remove weight as a major confounder in nutrition research. That could allow researchers to look more closely at dietary quality, food patterns, and health outcomes in new ways.

What we do know

GLP-1 medications raise more questions than answers about diet… and we think that’s an opportunity. By better characterizing what people actually eat on these medications, we can begin to improve guidance, reduce side effects, and deepen our understanding of nutrition itself.

8 key nutritional priorities

Considerations for researchers, nutritionists, dietitians, healthcare providers, and prospective patients*

*Note: These priorities are based on a joint advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. Find the full article in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

1. Patient-centered initiation of therapy

While healthcare providers might suggest or recommend GLP-1s, it must ultimately be the patient who decides to pursue treatment.

2. Careful baseline nutritional assessment

Before beginning GLP-1 therapy, patients should undergo a thorough medical assessment, such as a comprehensive metabolic panel, blood glucose panel, lipid panel, and thyroid-stimulating hormone test, among others.

3. Management of gastrointestinal side effects

Gastrointestinal symptoms are the most common side effects of GLP-1 medications and can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and general stomach pain. It is important for patients to stay in regular contact with their medical providers to address such symptoms.

4. Consideration of personalized dietary preference intakes

GLP-1s may meaningfully impact not only total dietary intake but also food preferences. Dietary counseling during GLP-1 therapy can help individuals understand and adapt to changes in eating behaviors, in order to maintain food-related quality of life.

5. Prevention of micronutrient deficiencies

It is critical for individuals using GLP-1s to ensure nutrient adequacy within a lower-calorie diet. Registered dietitians can encourage customized dietary and hydration plans during treatment to prevent and/or address any emerging deficiencies.

6. Preservation of muscle and bone mass

Long-term side effects of GLP-1 therapy are still largely unknown, but research suggests these medications could reduce lean muscle mass and potentially decrease bone density. Healthy, lean proteins combined with strength training can offset these risks.

7. Leveraging a good diet to maximize weight reduction

Whether a patient stays on a GLP-1 medication for a brief period or long term, it’s important to prioritize diet rich in minimally processed, nutrient dense foods. Following these guidelines supports weight loss and eventually maintenance while also optimizing overall health.

8. Promoting other lifestyle changes

While the potential of GLP-1 therapy is profound, broader lifestyle changes, such as physical activity, quality sleep, stress reduction, and social connections, will maximize long-term success.