In recent years, the GLP-1 analogs were highlighted as an effective alternative to combat obesity. Medications such as Semaglutide and Liraglutide, popularly known as “slimming pens”, have become widely sought after by people who want to lose weight quickly.

However, this increase in usage, many times without adequate nutritional monitoring, has raised serious clinical concerns. In this article, we will explore how these medications work, what are the risks associated with poor therapeutic conduction and, especially, what is the fundamental role of the nutritionist in the prevention of complications and optimization of results.

What are GLP-1 analogs?

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) analogs are medications that “mimic” the intestinal hormone responsible for increasing satiety, delaying gastric emptying, and modulating insulin secretion.

They were initially developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes but have demonstrated promising results in body weight reduction, which boosted its use for obesity control.

The problem: lack of nutritional monitoring

Despite the proven efficacy, the indiscriminate use of GLP-1 analogs has revealed a worrying scenario in clinical practice:

5 risks of using GLP-1 analogs without nutritional monitoring:

1. Protein and calorie deficit — Reduced appetite hinders the adequate intake of essential macronutrients;

2. Loss of muscle mass — Fast weight reduction without nutritional support compromises lean mass;

3. Micronutrient deficiencies — Low dietary intake can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies;

4. More intense side effects — Nausea, constipation, and malaise increase without individualized dietary support;

5. Risk of rebound effect — Absence of dietary reeducation compromises weight maintenance after treatment.

These effects are often seen in patients who They do not receive advice from a nutritionist during treatment.

The nutritionist's role in the use of GLP-1 analogs

Nutritional monitoring is essential so that the use of GLP-1 analogs is safe, sustainable and truly beneficial. See how the nutritionist can work:

• Ensure minimum protein intake, adjusting the diet plan to the new reality of reduced appetite;

• Prescribe strategic supplements, such as whey protein, creatine, leucine, B vitamins, and magnesium;

• Monitor for signs of hidden malnutrition, which may go unnoticed in the initial phase of losing weight;

• Avoid rebound effect, re-educating the patient to maintain healthy habits after the end of the medication;

• Act in partnership with the doctor, adjusting the dietary plan to the clinical and medication evolution.

Why is the loss of lean mass so worrisome?

Studies show that even 40% of weight loss promoted by GLP-1 analogs may come from muscle mass, especially when there is no adequate nutritional protocol. This compromises the basal metabolism, increases the risk of sarcopenia and makes it difficult to maintain weight in the long term.

Keeping lean mass preserved must be a clinical priority, and this is only possible with strategic nutritional adjustments, intelligent supplementation and encouragement to physical activity.

Supplementation as an ally in the GLP-1 protocol

Supplementation can be a fundamental tool in the conduct of these cases. Among the most recommended assets, the following stand out:

• Isolated or hydrolyzed protein, to maintain adequate protein intake with a smaller food volume;

• Creatine, to preserve strength and lean mass;

• Leucine or essential amino acid blends, to stimulate protein synthesis;

• Multivitamins with high bioavailability, to prevent deficiencies due to low dietary intake.

The Vitafor supplement line offers ideal options for this type of clinical management, with formulations designed to optimize functional nutrition in contexts of accelerated weight loss.

Conclusion

Os GLP-1 analogs represent an important innovation in the treatment of obesity, but they should not be seen as an isolated solution. Without the clinical eye of a nutritionist, the risks outweigh the benefits.

A nutritionist is a professional qualified to prevent muscle loss, modulate side effects, and ensure the intake of essential nutrients, making patient treatment much safer and more effective.

More than ever, therapeutic success depends on interdisciplinarity and strategic nutritional action. Learn more about it in this exclusive Vitafor Science protocol.