Newer weight loss drugs, such as semaglutide (Wegovy and Ozempic), tirzepatide (Zepbound and Mounjaro), and the recently FDA-approved orforglipron (Foundayo), are incredibly effective for weight loss . But the appetite suppression that comes with these medications may also increase the risk of nutrient deficiencies.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629654aebcd-b108-4557-8f87-9a41125666ed This raises the question of whether you should add a dietary supplement to your regimen if you’re on a newer weight loss drug . We talked with two registered dietitians to find out.
Do You Need a Supplement? Do You Need to Take a Supplement if You’re on a Weight Loss Drug? It’s certainly possible, and your healthcare team can help you determine the answer based on your individual health. In general, though, anyone taking a GLP-1 should keep some key nutrition considerations in mind. “These medications are well known to decrease the appetite, which itself causes people to take in fewer calories and possibly eat less balanced, nourishing foods,” says Beth Warren , a registered dietitian based in New York City. Research suggests people who take GLP-1s decrease their calorie intake by 16 to 39 percent, and dipping below 1,200 calories per day for women or 1,800 calories per day for men can result in not getting enough vitamins and minerals.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976296339f3f6-89d2-420b-895f-68941edf1c20 One study found that more than 20 percent of adults who started a GLP-1 had nutrition deficiencies within one year.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629b42082d5-dedb-478d-8283-c2b1400fa8a7 Along with a loss of appetite, these drugs can cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting — factors that can certainly affect what and how much you’re eating.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762994c47131-9dd8-4830-bbe8-72231f9afcce “I’ve seen people eating less than 1,000 calories a day, because they felt too sick to eat. Others have no gastrointestinal issues,” says Jess DeGore, RDN, CDCES , owner of the virtual private practice Dietitian Jess in Pittsburgh. The calorie goal for adults ranges from 1,600 to 2,400 per day, depending on age and sex, according to the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans . “I worry about people who have a poor appetite and are not getting enough nutrients, whether they have a great quality of life when they can’t enjoy food and don’t feel great most of the time,” she says. There is also a concern about dietary patterns. Relying on ultra-processed foods, which are typically lower in nutrition than whole or less-processed foods, can also increase your vulnerability to a nutrient deficiency if you don’t alter your eating habits to healthier patterns when on a GLP-1.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629c2a7097a-eb8c-44c2-99be-6a8ba5edda2b What’s more, if you’re losing weight rapidly, that’s another reason you should be on guard for potential nutrient deficiencies and make sure you have your bases covered, says DeGore.
What Supplements Do You Need? What Supplements Do You Need if You’re Taking a GLP-1? Your doctor may recommend you take fiber or other supplements in addition to steps such as: eating smaller, more frequent meals; limiting foods high in added sugar and saturated fats; and prioritizing protein. “Supplement means ‘in addition to.’ These are meant to assist, not replace, nutrients in your diet,” says Warren. The supplements your doctor or registered dietitian might recommend address common deficiencies, particularly those that may arise during weight loss. Talk to your healthcare practitioner for more guidance on exactly how much you need to take. If you’re worried about a deficiency, ask your provider about testing. Vitamin B12 B12 is vital for blood and nerve cell health, and adequate intake prevents a form of anemia, which causes fatigue.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976296c99930e-42ad-4ed4-8874-1e0dcdd5130c “ B12 is a common deficiency that we see in weight loss, so you want to make sure you’re getting enough every day,” says DeGore. Vitamin D DeGore says she recommends vitamin D , also known as the “sunshine vitamin,” to everyone, especially during the winter months, when there’s less sun exposure. Adequate vitamin D is important for strong bones and immune support , and a deficiency is commonly seen in people who are on a restrictive diet, she says.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976290d868635-0d0f-4e10-8640-9c5b28ea80c2 People who have obesity are also more likely to have a D deficiency than those at a healthy body weight. Taking a supplement may be helpful if your blood levels are lower than normal.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629d2459f52-737a-4ce2-90bc-ba83879b0425 Fiber Constipation is a common side effect of GLP-1 drugs. “Fiber is super important for folks on GLP-1s because these drugs can slow down digestion, often leading to constipation. Fiber helps keep things moving regularly,” says DeGore. ”While fiber supplements are available, I generally recommend whole-food sources; they offer a broader spectrum of nutrients and are less likely to cause side effects like belly bloating and gas,” DeGore adds. ”Instead, prioritize foods high in fiber, such as legumes, fruits, and vegetables. To avoid side effects, space these foods throughout the day, increase your intake gradually, and make sure to drink enough water.” For some people, eating more fiber-rich foods may be difficult with a lower calorie intake. If meeting your daily fiber needs is challenging, taking a fiber supplement may be an option.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629d2459f52-737a-4ce2-90bc-ba83879b0425 Probiotics If you’re having gastrointestinal side effects due to the medication, probiotics may help repopulate your gut with good bacteria to ease symptoms, says DeGore. Ask your healthcare provider for their recommendations, but probiotics containing Bifidobacterium or Lactobacillus strains have been shown to improve stool frequency, which can be helpful if you’re struggling with constipation.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629d2459f52-737a-4ce2-90bc-ba83879b0425 Multivitamin A multivitamin won’t overcome poor dietary habits, but you can think of it as a security blanket, says Warren. Remember, though, that vitamins and minerals are more effectively absorbed through food than from a supplement, she adds.
The Takeaway GLP-1 and dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists can help you lose weight by slowing digestion, reducing appetite, and quieting food noise. As a result, you may eat less. These medications may also cause uncomfortable gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Between these symptoms and a reduced appetite, you may not get sufficient nutrients. Eating smaller, more frequent meals; adopting a high-protein, nutrient-dense diet; and taking supplements like a multivitamin, probiotic, vitamin B12, and vitamin D can help you stay healthy. Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting any supplement.