GLP-1 Medications: A Powerful Tool – But Not the Whole Picture

In recent years, GLP-1 medications have entered the mainstream conversation with a surge of interest—and plenty of mixed feelings. For some, they’ve been life-changing. For others, they raise questions about long-term health, sustainability, and the deeper emotional relationship with food and body.

As a clinical dietician with a holistic approach, I believe in meeting people where they are. That means recognizing that there is a place for medical support when needed—but also that no injection or pill can replace the power of understanding your body, healing your relationship with and building a positive relationship with food, and cultivating lasting, compassionate change.

I am often asked whether I recommend and support clients who want to go the route of medical assisted weight loss. It is not a simple yes or no answer, rather a deeper understanding and consideration is needed.

Let’s take a closer look at the role of GLP-1s, when they’re warranted, and how I support those who are using them—so they can make the most of this tool without losing themselves in the process.

What Are GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1s (short for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) are medications that help regulate appetite, blood sugar, and weight. They mimic the action of a natural hormone in your body that slows digestion and increases satiety, helping reduce hunger and “food noise.” For people struggling with obesity, insulin resistance, or conditions like PCOS and prediabetes, they can provide a critical shift—particularly when other interventions haven’t worked.

When Are They Warranted?

GLP-1s are not about vanity or quick fixes. They are medically indicated when someone is experiencing:

• Obesity or significant overweight with related health risks
• Insulin resistance or prediabetes
• PCOS or metabolic syndrome
• Difficulty managing appetite and satiety, even with behavioral support

They are not a substitute for “willpower”—they are a valid medical tool to support the underlying biology that can make weight regulation feel impossible for some people.

The Benefits—And the Bigger Picture

There’s no doubt these medications can offer real, evidence-based benefits:

• Significant and sustained weight loss
• Reduced hunger and cravings
• Improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, and cardiovascular risk
• Better focus and less mental distraction from food

But here’s where I come in.

Weight loss alone doesn’t equal health. And if someone is using a GLP-1 medication without nutritional guidance, emotional support, and long-term planning, the results can be short-lived—or even harmful.

My Role As a Dietician in Supporting GLP-1 Use

As a registered clinical dietician, I work with clients using GLP-1s to ensure:

✅ Nutrient sufficiency – Rapid appetite reduction can lead to poor intake. I help clients stay nourished, prevent deficiencies, and maintain energy.
✅ Digestive support – Nausea, constipation, or early fullness can be managed with the right foods and timing.
✅ Mindful eating habits – GLP-1s reduce appetite, but they don’t heal emotional eating or disconnection from hunger/fullness cues. I guide clients back to body awareness.
✅ Sustainable strategies – If or when someone stops medication, we need a plan for maintaining their progress with food, movement, and mindset.
✅ Compassion and clarity – No shame. No extremes. Just ongoing support tailored to you.

Important Considerations

Despite the benefits, GLP-1s are not without downsides:

• Side effects (nausea, fatigue, digestive upset)
• Micronutrient deficiencies if intake is too low
• Psychological stress around weight expectations and reliance on medication
• Cost and accessibility can be significant barriers
• Risk of over-reliance without behavior change or lifestyle foundations

This is why a collaborative approach matters so much. The medication can shift your physiology—but it’s the habits, beliefs, and nutrition that anchor long-term wellbeing.

You Are More Than a Number on the Scale

If you’re considering GLP-1s or already taking one, know this: You deserve personalized care. You deserve to feel heard, nourished, and supported—not judged or rushed into solutions that don’t fit your body or values.

There is no shame in using medical support when it’s right for you. And there is so much strength in building a sustainable lifestyle around it, with expert guidance, emotional resilience, and self-compassion.

Let’s Work Together

If you're on a GLP-1 journey and want support with nutrition, side effect management, or simply staying connected to your body and wellbeing—I’m here. My approach integrates evidence-based nutrition with the emotional and mindset support that’s so often missing.

You don’t have to do this alone. You can feel empowered, grounded, and in control—no matter what path you’re on.

Reach out to book a free discovery call or learn more about my 1:1 coaching support.

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Together, we’ll create a plan that nourishes your body and your mind—on or off medication.

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