Lean Proteins Complement GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

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Without question, lean sources of both animal and plant-based protein are important anytime GLP-1 weight loss medications like semaglutide or tirzepatide are prescribed. After all, the primary goal using these drugs in a weight treatment plan is because incretin mimetics slow digestion and suppress appetite to lower overall food intake and prevent over-consumption. Prioritizing nutrient-dense protein helps preserve muscle and maximize daily nutritional intake.

Studies suggest that up to 40% of the weight lost on GLP-1Ras can actually come from bone and muscle tissues. But, a personalized protein-forward dietary approach paired with resistance training (weights or bands) helps protect lean body mass and preserves underlying muscle tone to mitigate sagging skin after more rapid fat loss. Moreover, quality sources of lean proteins naturally trigger the release of GLP-1 hormones in the gut to eliminate fatigue and keep you full.

GLP-1 receptor agonists are used to shrink your stomach capacity more quickly compared to a truly holistic approach. In turn, it is critical to maximize smaller food portions by making every bite count without loss of essential nutrients and vitamins. In addition to selecting lean animal protein sources, adding nutrient-dense soy products such as tofu or tempeh with low-glycemic vegetables or fruits (tart berries or cherries) helps to boost energy regulation.

What happens if you don’t eat enough protein?

Whether you qualify and elect to use the latest prescriptive GLP-1 weight loss drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide or are following a more traditional approach to shedding unintended weight gain, your body will start to break down its own muscle tissue to produce the amino acids it needs to function properly. Over time, if you do not get enough protein throughout the day, this can lead to muscle atrophy, feelings of fatigue, hair thinning, weakened immunity, brittle nails, and increased hunger with annoying food cravings. Severe protein deficiency can cause fluid buildup in your hands, feet and ankles due to swelling (edema) related to the lack of balanced proteins in your bloodstream. Fact is antibodies and immune cells depend on protein to fight off bacteria and viruses, so a lack of this powerful macronutrient even lessens wound healing.

BEST SOURCES OF PROTEIN WHEN TAKING GLP-1 MEDS

More than 40 million Americans have diabetes and over 90% of them have type 2 diabetes with the majority categorized as obese or overweight. For those taking prescription GLP-1 receptor agonists to aid with weight control, it is important to personalize daily menus (both meals and snacks) with high-quality proteins that are easily digested to preserve lean muscle mass after reducing daily calorie intake. Protein naturally stimulates insulin and puts it to work repairing and building muscle with amino acids that escort glucose into cells for fuel.

Experts recommend that most people hit a daily goal between 20 to 30 grams of high-quality lean proteins per meal, especially when your appetite is low to ensure adequate intake of the macronutrient throughout the day. In part, that’s due to the fact that your body cannot store excess protein in reserve for later use, so consistent intake throughout the day works best. To start your day, plain Greek yogurt is high in protein and calcium, and pasture-raised eggs are a bioavailable source that’s easy to customize for smaller portions and between meal snacks.

Since gastrointestinal distress (acid reflux, constipation, nausea) are common side effects when starting a weight management treatment plan using glucagon-like peptide-1 incretin mimetics, many users say liquid sources of protein are easier on the stomach, so plant-based smoothies or protein shakes are ideal to keep your body properly fed. Because certain foods make GLP-1 side effects worse, avoid foods with added sugar (fruit juice, soda, desserts), refined carbs, processed foods, packaged snacks, and high-fat fried fast foods.

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Since GLP-1RAs can reduce daily food intake, this can lead to loss of lean muscle mass along with fat, fortunately lean proteins can provide the amino acids needed to maintain and repair muscles. Although adjusting to a GLP-1RA while changing your daily food intake can seem overwhelming, you don’t have to go it alone. After all, both animal and non-starchy plant proteins digest slowly and stabilize blood sugar, which helps to maximize satiety. However, heavily processed foods can actually make GLP-1 gastrointestinal side effects worse. If solid foods are unappealing at times, protein can be included in shakes or as a handful of low-fat cheese sticks. If you’re trying to decide whether a prescription-based weight loss plan or a more holistic metabolic weight loss program is right for you, contact MRC Amelia Island Plaza today. One of our weight loss coaches will be in touch to discuss how hormone imbalances, genetic factors and key lifestyle habits may have slowed your metabolism and led to unintended weight gain. After all, hormonal balance can be restored and disrupted metabolic rates can be reset with a personalized approach.