GPL-1 Medication for Weight loss
Why Seeing a Dietitian While Taking GLP-1 Medication Leads to Better, Long-Term Results
In recent years, GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro have become much more common. And with that popularity, has come an substantial amount of opinions, confusion and stigma about whether utilising weight loss medications are safe, effective, or ‘right’. These medications belong to a class of drugs that mimic a natural hormone in your body (GLP-1), which helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite. Originally used for diabetes, they’re now also prescribed to support people wanting to make a change to their weight.
These medications work by slowing digestion, increasing satiety (fullness), and reducing hunger signals, helping people feel satisfied with smaller amounts of food. But what they don’t do is teach you how to nourish your body well, eat in a way that feels good, or navigate emotional eating, diet history, or body image - and that’s where support from a dietitian makes a huge difference.
Challenging the Stigma: Medications Are a Tool, Not a Shortcut
There’s often a stigma attached to using medications for weight management, as though choosing medication means you’ve “failed” at lifestyle changes. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Think about it this way: no one questions using antidepressants for depression, even though therapy, sleep, exercise, and connection also matter. GLP-1s are the same - they’re one part of a bigger picture. They can give people the biological support they need to shift gears, create change, and build sustainable habits - but they’re not a standalone solution.
Which is why at Ward Nutrition, we strongly believe that everyone deserves compassionate, evidence-based care without shame or blame. That includes using medical tools when appropriate, alongside personalised support for the real-life stuff: meals, mindset, and movement.
Dietitian Support Brings the Whole Picture Together
GLP-1s can help suppress appetite, which may sound like a simple fix. But when you’re eating less, it becomes even more important to make sure your meals are nutrient-dense and balanced - so you're getting enough protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals to meet the requirements at your stage in life, activity level and personal goals.
Dietitians help personalise your food choices so that they’re not only nutritious, but also enjoyable and realistic for your lifestyle. We also provide practical strategies for managing common side effects of GLP-1 medications like nausea, reflux or constipation – all things that can really affect your day-to-day life.
Rather than handing you a generic meal plan, we work together to build a way of eating that’s satisfying, flexible, and sustainable for you.
More Than Weight Loss: What the Research Shows
Emerging research is showing what many of us see in practice: people who use GLP-1 medications and see a dietitian tend to have better outcomes across the board. That includes:
More overall weight loss
Better maintenance of muscle mass and strength
Fewer medication-related side effects
Less risk of regaining weight after stopping the medication
A more positive, less restrictive relationship with food
Even more importantly, dietitian support helps people stay engaged and confident in their long-term health – not just during the time they’re on the medication, but long after.
Focusing on What Really Matters
As dietitians, our approach is person-centred and weight-neutral. That means we look beyond the number on the scale to focus on what really matters to you - whether that’s improving your energy, reducing joint pain, managing blood sugars, being able to chase after your kids, or feeling more at ease with food. We also recognise the many factors that influence eating and body weight, including biology, psychology, culture, trauma, environment, and we never reduce your health to a single number.
GLP-1s can offer a valuable tool for some people in their health journey. But they work best when paired with compassionate, individualised care that helps you build the skills, confidence, and knowledge to look after your body - without guilt, without extremes, and without going it alone.
Ready for Support That Works With You?
Whether you’ve just started a GLP-1 medication or are thinking about it, having a dietitian in your corner can help you:
Make informed food choices that support your body’s needs
Understand and respond to hunger and fullness in a new way
Stay nourished while eating to meet your goals
Build habits that last long after medication stops
Feel more confident, empowered, and in control of your health
Book a consultation today by calling us at 0253016435, or heading to our online booking portal to learn how we can support you through every stage of your health journey.
