Registered dietitians and weight loss medications – a perfect pair

By Barbara Broggelwirth, MS, RDN, CDN

Weight loss medications are on top of everyone’s minds these days, and with good reason.  These medications are revolutionizing the patient’s experience by controlling hunger, cravings and enhancing satiety.  Studies continue to show significant weight loss.  Depending on the type of medication prescribed, weight loss can range from 5-15% of a person body weight. For someone who weighs 235lbs, that can equate to 35lbs in a relatively short period of time.

There are several types of weight loss medications being prescribed today.  The GLP-1 agonists (i.e.: Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Zepbound) are the most recognizable to people but there are other medications such as phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia) and naltrexone/bupropion (Contrave) that are also often prescribed.  While these medications can be highly effective, they may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, decreased appetite, and loss of lean muscle mass. Proper nutrition can help mitigate these side effects and enhance the effectiveness of medications.

These medications work best when used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle, consisting of balanced meals and appropriate physical activity levels. Unfortunately, our toxic diet culture defines successful weight management based on appearance, not health.  When food intake is reduced, it is even more important to provide the body with the nutrients it needs for optimal functioning. Working with a registered dietitian can help to support weight loss goals, develop diet and lifestyle habits that will be sustainable for the long term, prevent weight re-gain and ensure a person is meeting their unique nutritional needs.

Registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) are food and nutrition experts with a minimum of a graduate degree from an accredited dietetics program, who completed a supervised practice requirement, passed a national exam and continue professional development throughout their careers. RDNs are trained to deliver intensive behavioral counseling through interventions on diet and exercise. Studies consistently demonstrate that individuals working with RDNs achieve greater weight loss and maintain it, compared to those managing weight without professional guidance. Keeping weight off long term means liking the lifestyle that helped you lose the excess weight in the first place.  According to the National Weight Control Registry, people who are successful at maintaining weight loss for the long term continue to practice the behavioral changes that helped them to lose weight in the first place. RDNs provide accountability, reinforcement and support as well as help individuals develop a healthy relationship with food.

Comprehensive Medical Weight Management programs run by RDNs emphasize that weight loss and maintenance is more complex than just what we eat. Weight loss medications are an effective tool, but their effectiveness is enhanced when combined with expert guidance.

 

Resources:

  1. Weight Management Interventions Provided by a Dietitian for Adults with Overweight or Obesity: An Evidence Analysis Center Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Morgan-Bathke, Maria et al. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Volume 123, Issue 11, 1621 – 1661.e25

Barbara Broggelwirth, MS, RDN, CDN is a registered dietitian nutritionist who works with Bariatric and Medical Weight Management patients to help them achieve their health and weight loss goals.