Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy are medications that help with weight loss and diabetes management. But how do they work, and what role does diet play when using these medications?
What are GLP-1 and Dual GLP-1 & GIP Medications?
GLP-1 stands for Glucagon- Like Peptide. GLP-1 is a hormone that's produced in the gut in response to a meal. It plays a role in helping you feel full and regulating your blood glucose after eating.
GLP-1 medications are self injected and mimic the body’s own GLP-1 and GIP to help treat type 2 diabetes and/or people living with obesity.
How do they help with weight loss?
These injections aid weight loss by:
-slowing down your stomach emptying so food stays in your stomach longer, keeping you full
-reducing your appetite so you eat less
-reducing the amount of glucose produced by your liver which can help manage cravings as your blood sugar is kept stable
The medications are most effective alongside lifestyle changes such as healthy, balanced diet and exercise.
How can GLP-1’s affect your nutrition?
Not everyone experiences side effects of GLP-1’s but some may struggle to eat balanced meals and maintain hydration.
Eating 2-3 balanced meals a day should be enough to meet your nutritional needs but see our GLP-1 nutrition guide for more advice and the importance of focusing on the quality of your diet.
How Field Doctor meals can help
Field Doctor meals are a convenient way of making sure you’re getting the right nutrition, whilst the portion control can help managing any potential side effect you might experience on a GLP-1.