The truth about GLP-1 medications: benefits, risks & nutritional strategies

GLP-1 medications have become one of the biggest trends in health and wellness, and for good reason. Originally developed to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar, these drugs are now widely used for weight loss and even heart health.

What are GLP-1’s?

GLP-1 medications are lab-made versions of a natural hormone in your body called GLP-1 (short for glucagon-like peptide-1). Your body makes this hormone in your gut shortly after you eat. It plays a significant role in helping you feel full and managing your blood sugar levels by stimulating the release of insulin. However, for people with certain health conditions, or even those trying to lose weight, these natural levels may not be sufficient.

Primary uses of GLP-1’s

Between 2019 and 2023, the number of people using GLP-1 medications skyrocketed, increasing by 700%.  And it’s not just people with diabetes. More and more people are turning to these medications to help with weight management, even if they don’t have a diabetes diagnosis. In fact, a national poll from last year found that about 1 in 8 U.S. adults, that’s millions of people, have tried a GLP-1 medication.

When it comes to why people are using GLP-1 medications, the split is pretty clear: About 62% are taking them to manage chronic health issues like diabetes or heart disease, while 38% are using them mainly for weight loss.

Who is leading this trend?

Women are using GLP-1s more than men. 

From 2020 to 2023, young adult women aged 18-25 saw a 659% increase in the use of GLP-1 medications for weight management, while young adult men had a 481% increase.

Beyond weight loss: the broader health benefits of GLP-1’s

While GLP-1 medications are best known for managing blood sugar and supporting weight loss, emerging research shows they may offer a range of other health benefits too:

• Metabolic health: These medications help regulate blood sugar and support healthy weight management, two key pillars of overall metabolic well-being. 4, 5, 7, 15, 19
  
  
• Hormonal balance, PCOS, and fertility: Studies are starting to show that GLP-1s may improve hormone levels, especially in people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). They’ve been linked to improvements in the circulating testosterone-free androgen index and other markers tied to both metabolic and reproductive health. For some, this could mean better fertility outcomes.4, 5, 6, 7
  
  
• Male fertility: Early research also points to potential benefits for men, including improvements in testosterone levels, sperm health, and issues related to metabolic syndrome.8, 9
  
  
• Heart health: They’ve been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attacks, and strokes in people who are overweight or have existing heart disease. 19

As exciting as these findings are, it’s important to note that the science is still evolving. More long-term studies are needed to fully understand the safety and effectiveness of GLP-1s when it comes to reproductive health and beyond.

Common nutritional deficiencies associated with GLP-1 Use

As more people start using GLP-1 medications, it’s not just the benefits we need to think about. We also need to consider their impacts and side effects, too, and this is where nutrition comes into play.

Most people are advised to stay on these meds for at least 12 weeks to really see results. But in the early weeks, it’s super common to deal with side effects like nausea, vomiting, or a big drop in appetite, which can mean you’re not getting all the nutrients your body needs.

So, if you're on a GLP-1 or considering it, be sure to monitor your nutrition and consult with your doctor about maintaining a balanced diet. If you’re looking for a practitioner to help along the way, check out our Practitioner Directory. 

Nutrients at risk

Because GLP-1 medications suppress appetite and reduce overall food intake, they can unintentionally lead to lower intake or absorption of key nutrients. Below are some of the nutrients most at risk, all of which play important roles in metabolic, hormonal, and reproductive health.

Calcium: Lower stomach acid from GLP-1s can reduce calcium absorption, increasing the risk of deficiency. This may impact bone health and fertility.

B Vitamins (folate, B12, B6): Lower food intake can lead to deficiencies in B vitamins, which support hormone balance, energy metabolism, and reproductive health.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins (A, D, E, K): Reduced fat intake can impair the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, which are vital for reproductive health and fertility.

Iodine and Selenium: Inadequate intake of these nutrients may affect thyroid function, which plays a key role in metabolism and reproductive health.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Less appetite may mean eating fewer healthy fats like fish, nuts, and seeds, which can reduce Omega-3 intake. These fats are critical for inflammation regulation and fertility.

Protein: Reduced hunger can lead to undereating protein, which may affect muscle mass, immune function, and energy.

Iron: Extended GLP-1 use may increase the risk of iron deficiency, which is important for healthy blood, oxygen transport, and thyroid support.

Fiber: Eating less overall often means less fiber, which impacts digestion and gut health, where your body naturally produces GLP-1.

GLP-1 use and fertility: considerations for conception

If you’re on a GLP-1 medication and planning to get pregnant, timing is everything. The FDA recommends stopping these meds at least 2 months before trying to conceive to make sure they’re fully out of your system.

That said, we recommend giving your body a bit more time (around 3 to 6 months after stopping) to rebuild any nutrient stores and support healthy egg and/or sperm development.

To help your body get enough of the good stuff like iron, vitamins A, D, E, and K, B vitamins (like folate, B12, and B6), plus calcium, iodine, selenium, omega-3s, and protein (including collagen), try these simple strategies:

Small, frequent, high-protein, high-energy meals and snacks. Instead of relying on large meals, aim for 6 small meals or snacks per day, spaced every 2-3 hours. 

Don't rely on appetite/hunger cues. Make a conscious effort to eat regularly, even if you don't feel hungry, to ensure consistent and adequate nutrition. 

Snack smart. Include high-protein, high-energy snacks between meals, such as nuts, seeds, yogurt, bone broth added to soups, and smoothies with nut butters and Collagen Peptides. 

Boost your meals. Add high-energy and protein-rich ingredients like butter, oil, cream, cheese, sauces, nut butters, eggs, nuts and seeds.

Nourish your gut.  Adding prebiotics and probiotics can help support your gut, which helps with hormonal balance, supports a healthy inflammatory response, and nutrient absorption—all key factors for reproductive health.

Supplement, as needed. Protect and nourish your reproductive health while using GLP-1 medications with the Women’s Nutrition Support Bundle for GLP-1 Users or Men’s Nutrition Support Bundle for GLP-1 Users. Both bundles feature either Women’s Multivitamin or Men’s Multivitamin, plus our Balanced Omegas, and Unflavored Collagen Peptides. This trio provides targeted nutritional support to replenish key hormone and fertility-supporting nutrients potentially depleted by GLP-1 medications to promote reproductive and overall health.*