Commenting on the list, Stanford said that she agreed with the emphasis on “nutrient-dense, protein-rich foods,” which she said was “exactly the right approach when appetite is reduced.”
“Foods like edamame, fish, yogurt, seeds, and legumes are excellent because they deliver a high nutritional return in small portions,” she said.
Dr John Batsis, a professor of medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, told Newsweek that he also agreed with the list, and said that he would also add “eggs, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, milk or fortified soy milk, fish, poultry, lean meats, beans and nut butters.”
“The best choices will depend on dietary preferences, medical conditions and gastrointestinal tolerance. Working with a dietitian is of paramount importance,” he said.
Everyday Food Substitutions Pharmacists Recommend For GLP-1 Users
The pharmacists at Curely also put together a list of everyday substitutions they advise GLP-1 users to make to ensure they are getting as many nutrients as possible in their diet.
Qasim said that “weight-loss medication should be viewed as part of a wider lifestyle approach rather than a standalone solution.”
“Eating a varied, nutrient-rich diet and staying physically active will help patients get the greatest long-term benefit from treatment,” she added.
Broader Dietary Advice
Stanford said that patients should also look beyond specific superfoods and consider overall dietary patterns while taking GLP-1s.
She said that they should ensure they have a lean protein source, like fish, poultry, eggs, dairy, or plant proteins, at every meal, and that they eat a variety of fruits and vegetables for fiber, vitamins, and minerals,
Whole grains and legumes provide sustained energy and gut health, she said, adding that healthy fats like nuts, seeds, and olive oil are good for satiety and nutrient absorption.
“Rather than focusing on a fixed list of foods, I encourage patients to build balanced, sustainable eating patterns that consistently meet protein and micronutrient needs,” she said.
Batsis offered the same guidance, recommending that patients focus on wider dietary patterns than just eating specific foods.
He said: “Smaller meals may be better tolerated than large portions, particularly when nausea or early fullness is present. Patients should avoid filling up on foods and drinks with little nutritional value and should combine good nutrition with resistance exercise to help preserve muscle.”
