GLP-1s, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro are injectable or oral medications that replicate the natural gut hormones of GLP-1 and GIP. The hormone of GLP-1 found in the gut is responsible for regulating appetite, satiety, or the feeling of fullness, and maintaining normal blood sugar levels when a meal is consumed.
In individuals with obesity or overweight, the natural hormone of GLP-1 is released in a smaller quantity and there is a decrease in signaling for appetite. With GLP-1 medications, the hormone levels are increased, therefore individuals have a slower digestion, feel less hungry, and are full for a longer period of time.
According to the research¹, individuals on a GLP-1 can experience a weight loss of 8% to 17% of their total body weight. However, with these beneficial effects and the rise in demand, insurance companies have reduced their coverage for the main purpose of treating Type 2 Diabetes. Over 20% to 50% of GLP-1 users choose to discontinue the medication within a year due to the high costs, low or no insurance coverage, and the side effects it can cause (Hollis-Hansen et al., 2026).
Individuals who choose to discontinue GLP-1s find themselves regaining the weight they lost on the medication. Questions and hopelessness can arise and individuals can wonder if this cycle of weight gain and loss will ever be maintained.
The article researched the beneficial effects of Medically Tailored Meals (MTM) which are meals created and approved by Registered Dietitian Nutritionists for the purpose of chronic conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes, Chronic Kidney Disease, and Heart Disease¹. These MTM offer nutrient-dense and portion-controlled meals that focus on eating a variety of fruits and vegetables and lowering saturated fats, sugar, and sodium.
After the discontinuation of GLP-1s, individuals who didn’t change their diet and lifestyle gained approximately 10.75% of their body weight back in 4 months. However, individuals consuming the dietitian-approved MTM regained only a 3.58% of their body weight¹. This is important to consider because these results provide a way to maintain body weight without the usage of medications.
The article used MTM as a method of controlling nutrition and diet intake, however there are some limitations to the regular usage of MTM. The article stated that a one month supply of MTM was averaged around $400 which can be costly and not efficient for a long period of time. In addition, MTM can act as an external crutch because after the meals are delivered, individuals are still left without the knowledge to listen to hunger cues, prepare meals themselves, and eat balanced, nutritious foods.
Working with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) directly provides a solution to the limitations of the MTM. RDNs educate on how to build nutrient-dense meals that are personalized to the individual's needs. RDNs help their patients listen to their hunger and satiety cues which have been suppressed through GLP-1 medications. Individuals can grow their knowledge on nutrition and have the tools and skills to be the driver in their health journey. Additionally, RDNs are a source of guidance and accountability during and after the discontinuation of GLP-1s or other medications. Research shows that working with a RDN for weight management improves blood pressure, blood sugar, waist circumference, and weight loss². While more studies are needed, RDNs play a significant role in weight management, dietary guidance, and education for long-term health.
Reference:
K. Hollis-Hansen, A. Vonderschmidt, C. Haskins, R. M. Kane, J. P. Almandoz, and I. Lingvay, “ Preventing Weight Regain After Glucagon-Like Peptide‑1 Therapy Discontinuation: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial,” Obesity Science & Practice (2026): e70194, https://doi.org/10.1002/osp4.70194
Morgan-Bathke, M., Baxter, S. D., Halliday, T. M., Lynch, A., Malik, N., Raynor, H. A., Garay, J. L., & Rozga, M. (2023). Weight management interventions provided by a dietitian for adults with overweight or obesity: An Evidence Analysis Center systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 123(11), 1621–1661.e25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2022.03.014
Morgan-Bathke, M., Raynor, H. A., Baxter, S. D., Halliday, T. M., Lynch, A., Malik, N., Garay, J. L., & Rozga, M. (2023). Medical nutrition therapy interventions provided by dietitians for adult overweight and obesity management: An Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics evidence-based practice guideline. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 123(3), 520–545.e10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2022.11.014
Raynor, H. A., Morgan-Bathke, M., Baxter, S. D., Halliday, T. M., Lynch, A., Malik, N., Garay, J. L., & Rozga, M. (2024). Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Medical nutrition therapy behavioral interventions provided by dietitians for adults with overweight or obesity. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2023.11.013
Liana Matosian, Dietetic Intern, CSUN
Alicia Calvo, MPH, RDN, CDCES, CEDS