GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) therapies can be powerful tools in managing obesity, with patients taking these weight reductions of 5–18% in clinical trials, along with increased metabolism and benefits to their overall heart health. However, GLP-1s can come with challenges, including gastrointestinal side effects, risk of micronutrient deficiencies, muscle and bone loss, poor long-term follow through with weight regain if stopped, and high costs. A thoughtful and comprehensive nutrition and lifestyle program can help address these challenges and increase the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of GLP-1s. 

Dariush Mozaffarian, cardiologist and director of the , recently served as lead chair and author of a clinical advisory titled “Nutritional Priorities to Support GLP-1 Therapy for Obesity,” published across four peer-reviewed journals and issued by four leading organizations in lifestyle medicine, obesity medicine, and nutrition—the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM), the American Society for Nutrition (ASN), the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA), and The Obesity Society (TOS). 

This consensus-based guidance, which includes an outline of eight key nutritional priorities to support patients on GLP-1 medications, reflects the top interdisciplinary recommendations to help clinicians support patients receiving GLP-1 receptor agonists for obesity care with evidence-based nutritional and behavioral strategies.  

Mozaffarian took time to answer questions about the new clinical advisory and how individuals and clinicians can integrate nutrition and lifestyle interventions into GLP-1 treatment to increase their chances for success.