Why You Need a Dietitian When Using Weight Loss Medications
Weight loss medications can be powerful tools for improving health, but they’re not magic pills. While they often support weight loss, they can also come with unexpected nutritional side effects. One of the most overlooked? Loss of muscle mass.
Weight Loss Doesn’t Always Mean Fat Loss
When you lose weight, you're not just losing fat; you’re also likely losing muscle. That matters because fat loss is the true goal for improving health, while muscle loss can do more harm than good. Muscle plays a critical role in regulating blood sugar, supporting metabolic health, and maintaining strength, especially as we age. Losing muscle can slow your metabolism, increase your risk of chronic disease, and make it harder to keep the weight off long-term. Without the right support, much of the weight lost can come from the wrong places.
Appetite Suppression Can Lead to Nutrient Deficiencies
Many weight loss medications work by suppressing appetite, which means people often eat far less than usual. While this can support weight loss, it also increases the risk of not getting enough essential nutrients, like fibre, iron, calcium, and B12, especially if you're skipping meals or eating smaller portions without a plan. Over time, this can lead to fatigue, muscle cramps, hair thinning, bone loss and other signs of nutritional deficiencies, which may slow down your progress or even increase your risk of osteoporosis in the long term.
A Dietitian Can Help You Lose the Right Weight
This is where working with a dietitian is essential. We help you:
Protect your muscle mass by ensuring adequate protein intake and guiding you on appropriate exercise.
Avoid deficiencies with a food-first approach and supplements when needed.
Support long-term success by helping you build sustainable habits, not just shrink your plate.
Weight loss medications can reduce your appetite, but a dietitian helps make sure what you do eat is high-quality, well-balanced, and tailored to your needs.
Your Health Is More Than a Number
At the end of the day, the goal isn't just to lose weight, it’s to feel stronger, move better, and improve your overall health. Dietitians translate the science into practical, personalised advice that helps you get the most out of your treatment, without sacrificing your muscle, energy, or quality of life.
If you're thinking about starting weight loss medication or are already taking it, please consider talking to a dietitian. To book an appointment, visit the link below or call us on 07 4566 0765.