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GLP-1 medications are more accessible than ever. Even so, starting one requires serious consideration. While weight loss may be the goal, it\u2019s difficult to achieve\u2014or manage common side effects\u2014without making some dietary adjustments beforehand. To help guide you, we spoke with two medical experts who shared the habits to ditch before starting your GLP-1 journey.<\/p>\n
An honest conversation with yourself and your doctor is essential for success. \u201cThink about why you\u2019re interested in this medication, what you hope to achieve and your complete health picture,\u201d says New York endocrinologist and senior medical advisor for Found, Rekha Kumar, MD. Registered dietitian and founder of Inner Health and Wellness, Sahar Berjis, agrees, noting that these early conversations often begin with one question: \u201cIs your body ready for this?\u201d<\/p>\n
Every GLP-1 journey is different, and your experience largely depends on your medical history. \u201cIf your gut is already dealing with issues, such as bloating, constipation, nausea, reflux or unpredictable bathroom behavior, adding GLP-1 can feel like inviting chaos to dinner,\u201d says Berjis. Crafting a plan with your provider ahead of the journey can set you up for long-term success.<\/p>\n
GLP-1s are designed to slow digestion to help control appetite and curb eating habits. \u201cIf you stack that on top of skipping meals, your body gets confused,\u201d says Berjis. Many people experience decreased cravings and less desire to eat, but it\u2019s still important to plan meals throughout the day. Missing meals doesn\u2019t just affect gut health, Berjis adds, but it can also lead to fatigue, dizziness, hair loss and muscle loss.<\/p>\n
This may seem like a no-brainer when working toward a weight-loss goal, but diets that swing to extremes\u2014whether that means cutting entire food groups or relying heavily on very high-fat foods\u2014can backfire when taking GLP-1 medications. \u201cExtreme dieting habits won\u2019t work with GLP-1 medications,\u201d says Dr. Kumar. \u201cYou have to make the necessary lifestyle changes along with taking them.\u201d Balanced nutrition and professional guidance can also help minimize side effects as your body adjusts.<\/p>\n
Building a healthy diet means balancing portions and daily nutrient intake. Taking a moment to assess what\u2019s on your plate goes a long way. Are you eating enough protein? Are you getting enough fiber? \u201cThose are crucial questions I ask patients before they begin and along the way,\u201d says Berjis.<\/p>\n
Increasing water intake is another habit worth prioritizing. \u201cIgnoring hydration amplifies GLP-1 side effects,\u201d says Berjis. Constipation, nausea and headaches can worsen without adequate water intake, and according to Dr. Kumar, those effects can persist even after stopping the medication.<\/p>\n
Letting go of this mindset is very important. GLP-1s aren\u2019t a quick fix and shouldn\u2019t be used that way. \u201cThey work best when they\u2019re part of a sustainable, long-term approach\u2014not paired with all-or-nothing thinking,\u201d says Dr. Kumar. It\u2019s more helpful to view them as an asset on your weight-loss journey. \u201cYes, they will help you lose weight, but ask yourself: Is your body supported enough to handle it? GLP-1s are a tool, not a personality trait, and should be treated as such,\u201d says Berjis.<\/p>\n
All of the habits above can worsen GLP-1 side effects, so it\u2019s in your best interest to curb them ahead of time. As Dr. Kumar explains, gastrointestinal issues and changes in digestion are common as the body adjusts to the medication, and the longer you\u2019re on it, the more noticeable the changes tend to be. \u201cThat\u2019s why guidance from a metabolic health provider makes such a difference.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n