Experts stress that individuals taking glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications—such as Ozempic—for weight loss should maintain healthy eating and regular exercise to maximize benefits, according to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers.
A study published July 14 in JAMA Internal Medicine, co-authored by Farhad Mehrtash, MPH ’25, JoAnn Manson, professor of epidemiology, and Jody Dushay of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, outlines practical guidance for patients using GLP-1 drugs.
These medications, designed to treat obesity, help reduce food cravings, increase feelings of fullness, slow digestion, and support blood glucose control. However, they may also cause gastrointestinal side effects and make it difficult to maintain muscle mass and energy.
To mitigate these issues, researchers recommend eating adequate protein, consuming smaller meals and snacks, avoiding foods that worsen constipation, nausea, or heartburn, staying hydrated, and combining aerobic and strength-training exercises.
In a related paper, the authors also offered strategies for clinicians to help patients integrate lifestyle changes while on GLP-1 therapy, a topic highlighted in a Mass General Brigham story.
“Many patients lose muscle mass along with fat and experience GI symptoms that lead to stopping medication,” Manson said. “We propose an approach to improve outcomes by preserving lean body mass, ensuring good nutrition, and managing side effects that can otherwise lead patients to discontinue treatment.”
