Joint Advisory establishes nutritional priorities to optimize GLP-1 therapy outcomes in obesity management.

The global health crisis of obesity is increasingly managed with highly effective pharmacotherapies like GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and dual GIP/GLP-1 RAs. While these agents significantly promote weight loss and improve glycemic control, concerns are rising regarding their impact on nutritional status, particularly the preservation of lean muscle mass. Current clinical guidelines often lack specific, evidence-based nutritional recommendations tailored to patients undergoing GLP-1 RA therapy, creating a critical gap in comprehensive patient care and potentially leading to suboptimal long-term health outcomes. This advisory addresses that gap.

A joint advisory panel, comprising experts from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, American Society for Nutrition, Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society, convened to synthesize existing evidence and formulate consensus recommendations. The panel systematically reviewed current literature on the nutritional implications of GLP-1 RA and GIP/GLP-1 RA therapies in obesity management. Their process involved expert discussion and deliberation to establish practical, evidence-informed nutritional priorities designed to complement pharmacological treatment and optimize patient health.

The advisory identified several key nutritional priorities crucial for supporting patients on GLP-1 RA therapy. These recommendations emphasize strategies to mitigate adverse effects, preserve lean body mass, and enhance overall treatment efficacy. Key areas of focus included adequate protein intake to counteract sarcopenia, sufficient fiber consumption for satiety and gut health, and personalized hydration strategies. The panel highlighted the importance of a balanced dietary pattern rich in micronutrients to support metabolic health during rapid weight loss. Further recommendations addressed the timing and composition of meals to manage gastrointestinal side effects and optimize nutrient absorption. The advisory also underscored the need for individualized nutritional counseling, recognizing that a "one-size-fits-all" approach is insufficient for diverse patient populations undergoing GLP-1 RA treatment.