A dietitian shares the 3 things she wishes people taking a GLP-1 knew

Dietitian Sophie Medlin says GLP-1 medicines, including Ozempic and Mounjaro, may support long-term health but are not a substitute for healthy routines.

She recommends regular exercise and a balanced diet with protein to help preserve muscle and bone. Medlin says neglecting these can undermine mobility and metabolic health as people age.

Some patients she has seen in their 40s and 50s had unusually low muscle mass after overlooking nutrition and exercise. She also reports that people who stop treatment without changing their lifestyle may regain weight.

Medlin says a dietitian can help patients develop habits to maintain weight loss, including after treatment ends. People in her experience often stop because of cost or after reaching their target weight.

She says the medicine should ease persistent thoughts about food, not make eating feel impossible. Patients should discuss side effects and dose with their provider; Medlin notes that lifestyle changes may sometimes reduce the need for a higher dose. The article cites the American Diabetes Association’s view that dosing should balance benefits and effectiveness against side effects.