3 Things I’ve Learned from Working with Clients on GLP-1 Medications

When I was earning my nutrition degree, GLP-1 came up briefly in the context of gastrointestinal hormones — not as a weight loss intervention. At the time, it was just one piece of a much bigger physiology puzzle. I didn’t anticipate it becoming the force it is today in both healthcare and culture.

GLP-1’s role in the body is relatively simple: it stimulates insulin release and slows digestion. That’s why these medications are effective in diabetes management and why they also influence appetite and weight.

As GLP-1 medications became more widely used for weight loss, I started seeing more and more clients taking them. Rather than forming opinions from headlines or social media debates, I focused on what I was observing in practice — real people, real experiences, real outcomes.

And what I’ve learned is this: success on these medications is rarely accidental.

While responses vary from person to person, clear patterns tend to show up among clients who feel good, maintain energy, and see sustainable results — and among those who struggle.

Here are three things I’ve consistently seen matter most.

1. Nutrition quality matters more than ever

Because GLP-1 medications often reduce appetite and overall intake, the food you do eat has to pack more of a nutrition punch than before.

Clients who prioritize nutrient-dense foods (i.e. adequate protein, fiber, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats) tend to feel better overall and may tolerate the medication more smoothly. Those who rely mostly on convenience foods or simply “eat less but the same” often report more fatigue, digestive issues, and frustration.

These medications don’t replace nutrition. If anything, they raise the stakes and make it much more important to prioritize.

2. Exercise isn’t optional — especially strength training

No matter how much we want it to, weight loss doesn’t come exclusively from fat stores. The body will pull from muscle tissue first and foremost, because it's easier and more reliable.

Clients who incorporate regular movement are more likely to preserve lean mass, maintain strength, and support long-term metabolic health - especially if that movement involves weight training.

Losing weight without protecting muscle comes at a cost, even if the scale is moving.

3. Emotional and psychological factors still matter

Some clients report feeling mental relief on a GLP-1. This means fewer intrusive food thoughts & less stress around eating. That can be incredibly helpful.

But medication isn’t a substitute for addressing deeper patterns around food, body image, or coping strategies. When those issues go unexamined, they tend to resurface later; sometimes when the medication is stopped, sometimes even while still taking it.

Clients who pair medication with emotional support, therapy, or nutrition counseling often feel more grounded and confident in the long run!

Final thoughts

GLP-1 medications aren’t inherently good or bad. They’re tools. And like any tool, outcomes depend on how they’re used and what support surrounds them.

If you’re taking a GLP-1 (or considering one) and want help navigating nutrition, exercise, or the bigger picture of your health, this shouldn't be something you figure out alone.

👉 If you’re interested in personalized support, you can reach out to me here. We’ll talk through your situation, your goals, and come up with a plan together!