Experts publish first-of-its-kind nutritional guidelines for people taking anti-obesity drugs

Approximately 42% of U.S. adults suffer from obesity. While a nutritious diet and exercise are the foundations of weight management, some people need extra help to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

Although new anti-obesity drugs have come onto the market, little nutritional guidance is being provided to patients taking these drugs.

Recent research papers provide comprehensive reviews of nutritional recommendations that can suppress appetite and increase satiety for patients with Wegovy or Zepbound. The new guidelines may help clinicians identify and manage patients who are at risk of malnutrition due to reduced food intake, the researchers write.

The authors acknowledge that target nutrient intakes vary from person to person, and there is no one dietary pattern that is considered best or most effective for weight loss.

They recommend a balanced diet of nutritious foods and beverages rich in vitamins and minerals, as well as choosing foods low in added sugars, saturated fats and sodium.

Here’s a general breakdown of nutritional guidelines for Wegovy or Zepbound users:

calorie

Calories provide the body with the energy it needs to perform basic functions like breathing, moving, thinking, etc. A typical energy intake while losing weight is 1,200-1,500 calories per day for women and 1,500-1,800 calories for men.

However, energy needs vary depending on age, sex, weight, physical activity level, and other factors. Your energy intake should be individualized by a dietitian depending on your needs and goals.

While tracking calories may seem convenient, Isabella Ferrari, MCN, RD, CSO, LD, senior clinical manager at Doherty Nutrition, told Verywell that calorie counting can be harmful for some people.

“Getting the help of a nutritionist when you’re trying to lose weight is really important because you don’t want calorie counting or calorie tracking to become an obsessive behavior that stops you from living your life without knowing how many calories you’re tracking,” Ferrari said.

protein

Obese people should consume at least 60 to 75 grams of protein per day, and up to 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day is recommended, especially if they are undergoing bariatric surgery or other weight loss treatment.

The recommended protein intake for most adults with no health concerns is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day.

carbohydrates

A common misconception about weight loss is that you need to cut down on carbs to lose weight, but research shows that severe carb restriction doesn’t lead to long-term weight loss and may even limit the nutrients you get from eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Armandos recommends that those taking the new anti-obesity drugs place emphasis on balanced nutrition. The recommended amount of carbohydrates for healthy adults also works for those trying to lose weight: 135-245 grams per day for a 1200-1500 calorie diet, and 170-290 grams per day for a 1500-1800 calorie diet.

For patients who have been advised to or prefer a low-carb diet, Armandos recommends aiming to drink 2 to 3 liters of fluid per day.

fat

Dietary fat aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K. Although there is little evidence on the recommended range of fat intake, the acceptable macronutrient distribution range (AMDR) for fat for most adults is 20% to 35% of energy intake in a 1,200-1,500 calorie diet.

fiber

About 90% of Americans don’t get enough fiber, a nutrient that’s important for preventing constipation and helping you feel fuller for longer. The appropriate fiber intake is 21 to 25 grams per day for women and 30 to 38 grams for men. To meet your fiber needs, focus on fiber-rich foods such as:

• fruit
• vegetables
• Whole grains

“Unfortunately, many people in the United States eat low-quality diets that are high in ultra-processed foods,” Armandos said. “Without proper nutritional assessment and guidance, there is a risk that people taking these new anti-obesity drugs will simply eat less of a low-quality diet.”

If you don’t eat much fiber, you’ll need to gradually increase your intake to avoid problems like constipation.

You want to avoid the risk of nutritional deficiencies and muscle mass loss, so if you’re considering taking anti-obesity medications, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider or dietitian about your diet.