Yes, You Can Out-Eat Your GLP-1

Here’s a little something you don’t often hear about for the folks on GLP-1 receptor agonist medications.

It is 100% possible to consume food in a surplus when you’re on them.

Let’s start with one aspect: response rate.

Some people can start the medication at the lowest dose and start seeing positive benefits.

You might hear the term “hyper” or “super” responders and this can signify not only people who lose a considerable amount of weight on the medications but those who can do so at lower dosages.

So, on the flipside, you have slow responders, people who either lose slowly or need higher doses to be able to get the intended effects of the medication.

There is some data to support that roughly 20% of people on the medications do not lose 5% of their starting weight within the first several months of treatment being categorized as non-responders. However, this could change as new medications come down the pipeline to the public.

But one thing to note, and it’s frustrating when it happens is that the medication does not guarantee you’ll be in an energy deficit, which is how fat loss will ultimately occur.

I’ve written at lengths about considerations for those on the medications on this site but the same slippery areas that can affect people who aren’t on the medication are essentially the same as those who are currently taking them.

So, let’s take inventory:

-Be mindful of condiments like mayonnaise, dressings and bottled sauces.

-Keep an eye on liquid calories and that could be juices, milk variations, energy drinks, carbonated beverages, coffee and tea that have any additives (creams, sugars, syrups) and alcohol.

-Look out for candies, chips, crackers, and even organic, whole food snacks.

-Be cognizant of nuts, nut butters, trail mix, and granola. All of which are easy to overconsume and can pack in more calories than you may recognize.

-Have a strategy for meals out, from fast food to luxury restaurants. Chains might have calories posted but many restaurants do not. The average entree can be upwards of 1200 calories not including appetizers, drinks or a dessert.

Yes, the medications, when at the appropriate dosages, can truly help work wonders. They can reduce food noise, they can dampen dopamine receptors and they can delay gastric emptying. All of which can work together to help you consume less and to do so consistently.

But there are still myriad ways to sneak in extra calories which might not be considered or factored in to your tracking methods (if you’re tracking).

There is the chance that at some point, you may choose to get off of the medications. If so, having more awareness of total food intake can be helpful. A smaller body requires fewer calories and that can make maintenance a challenge if you’re not in the right headspace to live there.

I remain an advocate of the medications for many people. They can be life-changing and tremendously effective. But they’re not for everyone and, sadly, they are being abused.

Talk to your doctor if you have questions about the right medication and dosage appropriate for you.

It’s now estimated that 1 in 8 people are currently taking them.

And if you need support on the nutrition side or the training side, the number of clients I currently work with on the medications continues to grow.

I’m happy to help along the way.

(Photo courtesy of Joshua Hoehne)