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The Hidden Nutrition Gaps of GLP-1 Weight Loss and How to Avoid them, According To A Dietitian

The Collagen Co.

Key Facts:

• GLP-1 medications reduce appetite and overall food intake.

• Rapid weight loss can include loss of muscle mass if protein intake is too low.

• Many people on GLP-1 struggle to meet protein and micronutrient needs due to low appetite.

• Higher protein intake is commonly recommended during weight loss to help preserve lean mass.

• Convenient, nutrient-dense options like The Collagen Co’s Glow Shakes can help support daily nutrition when eating enough is challenging.

Subheading: 
A dietitian explains how to protect muscle, energy, gut health and nutrient intake while appetite is low.

GLP-1 medications have changed the landscape of weight management. 

Drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and similar GLP-1 receptor agonists have moved rapidly from specialist clinics into the mainstream and, for many people, have been life-changing - helping to quiet constant food noise and make weight loss feel more achievable than ever before.

As the use of these medications becomes more widespread, medical experts and dietitians are beginning to notice a quieter, less discussed issue emerging alongside the benefits: many people are not just eating less -they are struggling to eat enough to meet their nutritional requirements. 

GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone that is naturally produced in the body and plays an important role in appetite regulation and blood sugar control. After eating, it is released from the gut and helps signal fullness to the brain, slows gastric emptying, and supports more stable blood glucose levels.

Medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy are designed to mimic and amplify this natural process. They reduce appetite and make it easier to sustain a lower food intake. Over time, this typically leads to a calorie deficit which is the fundamental driver of weight loss. 

Their effectiveness is not in question. 

But for many users, appetite suppression can be so pronounced that meals become small, infrequent or difficult to finish. This introduces a serious nutritional risk: when total intake drops too low, it becomes difficult to consume enough protein, fibre, vitamins, minerals, and energy to support health.

When eating less becomes eating too little

Research on rapid weight loss consistently shows that without adequate protein and resistance exercise, a meaningful proportion of weight lost can come from lean mass, not just body fat. Loss of muscle mass is associated with reduced strength, lower metabolic rate, and increased fatigue. At the same time, very low food intake makes it harder to meet basic micronutrient needs, contributing to low energy, poorer recovery, increased risk of injury and nutritional deficiencies.

What the body still needs during weight loss

Even during active weight loss, the body still requires adequate protein, essential vitamins and minerals, and enough energy to preserve muscle tissue and support normal physiological function. 

Many clinical nutrition guidelines recommend higher protein intakes during weight loss to help protect lean mass. The challenge, of course, is practical - when appetite is low and portions are small, meeting these requirements through meals alone can be difficult.

The role of convenient, nutrient-dense options

For people who struggle to eat full meals, liquid nutrition and ready-to-consume options are frequently recommended by dietitians because they are easier to tolerate and can deliver better nutrition in a smaller volume.

Products such as The Collagen Co’s Glow Shakes can serve as a practical form of nutrition support for those taking GLP-1 medications. Formulated to be easy to consume and nutrient-dense, they offer a convenient way to help maintain protein intake and contribute to overall nutritional adequacy on days when appetite is low or meals are difficult to manage.

Each serve provides 29 grams of protein to support muscle maintenance, 5g of prebiotic fibre to enhance gut health and 24 essential vitamins and minerals, including 40% of daily iron needs and 50% of daily calcium needs. These nutrients support energy levels, digestive function and bone health - particularly relevant as we age when the risk of osteopenia increases. 

A more complete definition of success

GLP-1 medications remain an effective tool for many people, however long-term success should be measured by more than the number on the scale alone. Preserving strength, maintaining energy, and supporting overall health all depend on adequate nutrition throughout the weight loss process - because the goal is not simply weight reduction, but achieving it without depleting the body of what it needs to feel and function at its best. 

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. GLP-1 medications and meal replacement or supplementary nutrition products may not be suitable for everyone. Always consult your GP or qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or combining any medication, supplement, or meal replacement product, and before making significant changes to your diet or treatment plan. 

About us:

The Collagen Co. creates beauty-first nutrition with collagen at the core, combining great taste and science-backed formulas to deliver real, visible results.

Contact details:

Kaitlin Lawler 
PR & Partnerships Coordinator 
[email protected] 
0427131307