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- The first comprehensive evidence-based review of nutritional recommendations for people taking anti-obesity medications has been published, providing guidance on calorie and nutrient intake.
- About 40 percent of American adults live with obesity. Some of them will need to take these new drugs to achieve and maintain a weight that better supports their health.
- For those looking to lose weight, not eating enough food can lead to nutritional deficiencies and loss of muscle mass.
About 42% of American adults are obese. Eating a nutritious diet and exercising are the cornerstones of weight management, but some people need more help to gain and maintain a healthy weight.
As new obesity treatments came onto the market, there were few nutritional guidelines for patients taking them.
A recent research paper provides a comprehensive review of nutritional recommendations for patients using Wegovy or Zepbound, which may reduce appetite and increase satiety. The new guidelines could help clinicians identify and manage patients at risk for nutritional deficiencies due to reduced food intake, the researchers wrote.
The study authors acknowledged that target nutrient intakes vary from person to person, and that there is no single dietary pattern that is considered best or most effective for weight loss.
They recommend a balanced diet of nutrient-rich foods and drinks that provide adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals. They also recommend choosing foods that are low in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium.
Here's a general breakdown of the nutritional intake guidelines for those using Wegovy or Zepbound:
calorie
Calories provide the body with the energy it needs to perform basic functions such as breathing, moving, and thinking. A typical energy intake during weight loss is 1,200 to 1,500 calories per day for women and 1,500 to 1,800 calories per day for men.
That is, your energy needs will vary depending on your age, gender, weight, level of physical activity, and other factors. Your energy intake should be individualized to your needs and goals under the guidance of a nutritionist.
While tracking calories can be useful, Isabella Ferrari, MCN, RD, CSO, LD, senior clinical manager at Doherty Nutrition, tells Verywell that counting calories can be harmful for some people.
“It’s really important to get help from a nutritionist when you’re trying to lose weight,” Ferrari says. “You don’t want calorie counting or calorie tracking to become such an obsessive behavior that people can’t go through life without knowing how many calories they’re tracking.”
protein
Obese patients should consume at least 60-75 g of protein per day, and up to 1.5 g per kg of body weight, especially if they are undergoing bariatric surgery or other weight loss treatments.
The recommended protein intake for most adults without health problems is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight.
carbohydrate
A common misconception about weight loss is that you need to cut out carbs to lose weight. However, research shows that severe carb restriction does not lead to long-term weight loss and may even limit the nutrients you would normally get from eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
If you are taking a new anti-obesity drug, Almandose recommends focusing on a balanced diet. The recommended amount of carbohydrates for healthy adults can be effective for those trying to lose weight: 135 to 245 grams per day for a 1200 to 1500 calorie diet, and 170 to 290 grams per day for a 1500 to 1800 calorie diet.
For patients who are recommended or prefer a low-carbohydrate diet, Almandoz suggests drinking two to three liters of fluids per day.
province
Dietary fat helps the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K. There is little evidence on recommended ranges for fat intake, but the tolerable macronutrient distribution range (AMDR) for fat for most adults is 20% to 35% of energy intake from a 1,200- to 1,500-calorie diet.
fiber
About 90 percent of Americans don't get enough fiber, an important nutrient that helps prevent constipation and keep you feeling fuller longer. For women, the recommended daily intake of fiber is 21–25 g, and for men, 30–38 g. To meet your fiber needs, focus on fiber-rich foods such as:
- fruit
- vegetable
- Whole grains
“Unfortunately, many people in the United States are eating low-quality diets that are high in ultra-processed foods,” Almandoz said. “Without proper nutritional assessment and guidance, there is a risk that people taking these new anti-obesity drugs will eat less of that low-quality diet.”
If you don't eat a lot of fiber, you should increase your fiber intake slowly to avoid problems like constipation.
If you do not want to risk nutritional deficiencies and muscle loss, talk to your healthcare provider and nutritionist about your diet if you are considering taking obesity medications.
What this means to you
If you are considering an obesity medication, talk to your doctor and a nutritionist about how to get enough nutrients while taking the medication.