The following sentence may earn an eye-roll if you’re on a GLP-1 medication, but it’s true: your protein intake matters more than ever. As Beverly Hills, CA weight-loss specialist Adrienne Youdim, MD, explains, losing muscle is a natural byproduct of weight loss—and it can have real health implications if it isn’t addressed. “Consuming adequate protein is one way to minimize the loss of muscle during active weight loss,” she says. Easier said than done, of course. A dulled appetite, food aversions and early fullness can make hitting daily protein goals a struggle.
Why Appetite Shifts on GLP-1s
GLP-1 medications mimic a natural fullness hormone released after meals, which signals the brain to slow down appetite. They also slow gastric motility—meaning food stays in the stomach longer—so fullness sets in faster and lasts longer. “Taken together, loss of appetite reduces the desire and ability to consume food, including protein,” adds Dr. Youdim. She tells us that sometimes, people also develop new food aversions, which can make eating enough even more challenging.
To To make things easier, we asked Dr. Youdim to share the most tolerable ways to work more of it into your day. Here are her suggestions:
The Best Ways to Work Protein Into Your Day on a GLP-1
