Leading health organisations release nutrition guidance for GLP-1 obesity therapies

Key Takeaways:

• Four major U.S. health organisations have released a joint clinical advisory detailing nutrition and lifestyle strategies to support people receiving GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) therapy for obesity.
• The guidance addresses both the therapeutic potential and risks of GLP-1 drugs, such as micronutrient deficiencies, muscle loss, and long-term adherence challenges.
• Eight evidence-based nutritional priorities are outlined, including personalised dietary planning, adequate protein intake, and integrated lifestyle support to improve outcomes and sustain benefits.
  

Introduction

In an unprecedented collaboration, four prominent American health organisations—the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM), the American Society for Nutrition (ASN), the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA), and The Obesity Society (TOS)—have released a joint clinical advisory titled “Nutritional Priorities to Support GLP-1 Therapy for Obesity.” Published across four leading peer-reviewed journals, the document presents consensus-driven guidance aimed at equipping clinicians with the tools to support people receiving GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) treatment with comprehensive, evidence-informed nutrition and behaviour strategies.

The Therapeutic Promise and Challenge of GLP-1RAs

GLP-1 therapies—comprising both mono- and combination agents—have become pivotal in modern obesity care. Clinical trials have demonstrated substantial placebo-adjusted weight loss outcomes, ranging from 5% to 18%, alongside significant metabolic, functional, and cardiovascular improvements.

Yet, experts caution that these results cannot be sustained through medication alone. As lead author Dr Dariush Mozaffarian of Tufts University noted:

“GLP-1s represent an important advancement in obesity care. But these medications can present challenges, including gastrointestinal side effects, risk of micronutrient deficiencies, muscle and bone loss, poor long-term adherence with subsequent weight regain, and high costs; and, on their own, are not enough. Nutrition therapy and lifestyle support are essential components to address these challenges, help patients maximise and maintain health gains over time, and ensure we are using these drugs wisely, effectively, and without bankrupting the healthcare system.”

Eight Nutritional Priorities to Support GLP-1 Therapy

The advisory sets out eight core nutritional priorities for clinicians managing people on GLP-1RA therapy:

1. Patient-Centred Therapy Initiation – Considering individual goals, preferences, and medical history before prescribing.
2. Baseline Nutritional Assessment – Evaluating dietary intake and nutritional status to identify existing deficiencies.
3. Gastrointestinal Side Effect Management – Addressing common symptoms such as nausea or constipation that may deter adherence.
4. Personalised, Nutrient-Dense Diets – Emphasising minimally processed foods tailored to the individual’s needs.
5. Micronutrient Deficiency Prevention – Monitoring and supplementing as necessary to avoid complications.
6. Adequate Protein Intake and Strength Training – Preserving lean body mass and preventing sarcopenia.
7. Maximising Weight Loss via Diet Quality – Leveraging dietary composition to enhance the efficacy of pharmacotherapy.
8. Supporting Broader Lifestyle Change – Integrating physical activity, sleep, mental health, substance use reduction, and social connection.

Evidence for Integrated Care

Several recent studies have reinforced the importance of combined treatment strategies. In research comparing pharmacological treatment alone with integrated care models—including structured nutrition support—people receiving both GLP-1 therapy and nutrition counselling achieved superior weight loss outcomes, greater adherence, and improved weight maintenance post-treatment (Wadden et al., 2021; Kushner et al., 2022).

Despite these promising findings, a significant implementation gap remains. Many individuals prescribed GLP-1RAs do not receive adequate dietary or behavioural guidance, leaving them vulnerable to avoidable adverse outcomes and reduced therapeutic benefit.

Addressing the Care Gap

John E. Courtney, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of the American Society for Nutrition, commented:

“GLP-1s are reshaping the landscape of obesity treatment, but it’s clear that medication alone is not a complete solution. This consensus-based guidance highlights the critical role of nutrition in supporting patients on GLP-1 therapy, with clear recommendations for health care providers to optimise outcomes, reduce risks, and fill urgent gaps in care through practical, evidence-informed nutrition strategies.”

The advisory encourages clinicians to implement a proactive, lifestyle-oriented approach. By prioritising nutrition and behaviour change alongside pharmacotherapy, clinicians can reduce risks such as gastrointestinal intolerance or micronutrient depletion, while enhancing patient outcomes and the cost-effectiveness of care.

A Scalable Strategy Amid a Growing Obesity Crisis

With obesity prevalence continuing to climb globally, the advisory positions integrated nutrition support as a scalable solution for improving the reach and sustainability of GLP-1-based therapies. The authors urge healthcare professionals to consider nutrition therapy and behavioural interventions as integral to every obesity care plan involving GLP-1RAs.

“Clinicians are encouraged to use the advisory’s tools and frameworks to help patients translate nutrition guidance into sustainable behaviours, making lifestyle medicine an active ingredient in every ‘prescription’ for obesity care.”

Publication and Upcoming Discussions

The joint advisory has been published concurrently in the following journals:

• American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM)
• The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (ASN)
• Obesity Pillars® (OMA)
• Obesity (TOS)

Further discussion will take place during the American Society for Nutrition’s annual meeting, NUTRITION 2025, held from 31 May to 3 June in Orlando, Florida:

• Fatima Cody Stanford, MD, will speak on Nutrition Considerations with Long-term Use of GLP-1RA on Saturday, 31 May (07:45–08:15 EDT).
• Monica Agarwal, MD, will present on Nutritional Priorities to Support GLP-1 Therapy for Weight Loss during the Energy and Macronutrient Metabolism (EMM) GEM Forum on Sunday, 1 June (15:05–15:20 EDT).

Conclusion

This advisory marks a critical step toward more holistic, patient-centred obesity care. By embedding evidence-based nutrition and behavioural support within GLP-1 therapy plans, clinicians can better safeguard against side effects, support long-term success, and elevate the standard of care for people living with obesity.

CCH Insight:

These guidelines are very important. They remind us that GLP-1 medications are not just about weight loss, but also about providing lasting health benefits for people living with obesity. This can only really be accomplished by combining the drugs with sustainable changes to diet and lifestyle, and most patients will need help to achieve this. The guidelines also remind us of the potential drawbacks of GLP-1 therapy, like nutrient deficiencies and muscle loss, and the importance of taking steps to minimise the risk of these through an integrated/multidisciplinary approach to obesity care.