GLP-1 Success Starts with Dietitian Leadership
It should come as no surprise that a large part of the success with incretin-based therapies— like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound—stems from the effective integration of lifestyle modifications, particularly nutrition. This success occurs at both the individual and programmatic levels. But it’s not always for the reasons you might expect.
By the time most people begin incretin-based therapy, especially for weight management, they’ve often already tried a range of diets: calorie counting, commercial weight loss programs like Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers, and more. This time, they’re looking for something different—something that addresses the deeper pathophysiology and root causes of obesity as a chronic, biologically influenced condition.
Nutrition becomes a tool that works in tandem with GLP-1 therapy, enhancing its effects through a synergistic approach. Who better to guide these evidence-based strategies than a registered dietitian nutritionist?
Whether you’re exploring this therapy for yourself or considering launching a program in your practice or clinic, here’s why having a dietitian on your team is essential.
The Rise of Incretin-Based Therapy
Ozempic and other incretin-based therapies continue to make headlines—and for good reason. Their remarkable efficacy is transforming the landscape of obesity and metabolic health care.
A recent white paper report published by the virtual nutrition counseling platform Nourish highlights emerging trends, suggesting that:
“GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) have emerged as a groundbreaking treatment for obesity and related chronic conditions. Originally developed for treatment of type 2 diabetes in 2004, and later approved for weight loss in 2014, GLP-1s have demonstrated clinically meaningful reductions in A1c as well as unprecedented weight loss, with patients losing up to 20% of t heir body weight.”
There has been rapid adoption and a surge in demand for incretin-based therapies. Some estimates suggest that nearly 6% of Americans are currently using one, with millions more considering it as part of their weight loss strategy.
Supporting GLP-1 Adherence
Issues with adherence such as obtaining, starting, titrating, and managing the side effects of incretin-based therapy pose significant barriers to success with this class of medication. Guided support from a registered dietitian trained in incretin-based therapy can make all the difference.
In the aforementioned Nourish report, more than 65% of clients enrolled in nutrition counseling expressed concerns about potential side effects associated with GLP-1 medications. However, 32% still indicated an interest in trying these medications in the future.
Among those who started GLP-1 therapy, Nourish found that after six months, patients working with a registered dietitian achieved a significantly greater average reduction in body weight compared to those not working with Nourish (–2.7% vs. –0.9%, p < 0.001). Dietitians play a key role in helping clients initiate and maintain incretin-based therapy.
Preventing Rebound Weight Gain
Second only to concerns about medication-related side effects is the fear of weight regain after discontinuing therapy. While decisions around stopping incretin-based treatment are highly individualized, those who adopt sustainable lifestyle habits are significantly more likely to maintain their weight loss.
The Nourish report found that in just six months, 64% of patients who combined GLP-1 therapy with nutrition counseling lost at least 5% of their body weight, and 30% lost 10% or more. Additionally, 58% of past GLP-1 patients reported that working with their Nourish registered dietitian was helpful in maintaining weight loss after stopping GLP-1 therapy.
Dietitians working on the front lines of incretin-based therapy are well positioned to identify clients who may need to restart therapy, adjust their lifestyle habits, or simply benefit from additional accountability and support.
Expanding Your Care Team
In an article titled “Medications Alone Will Not Solve Obesity in America,” Academy President Livleen Gill writes:
“Medical nutrition therapy, provided by registered dietitian nutritionists, is a proven, cost-effective intervention that improves health outcomes for individuals managing chronic conditions, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.”
Access to comprehensive, evidence-based obesity treatment should include guidance from a registered dietitian.
This success also extends to the development of GLP-1–based programs. In my professional experience implementing a GLP-1 program at a local community clinic, we observed significant improvements in clinical outcomes, including metabolic markers, medication adherence, and program completion rates.
Much of this progress was driven by the inclusion of insights and strategies provided by professionals trained in lifestyle medicine and therapeutic behavior change—such as registered dietitians. Major professional organizations, like the American Diabetes Association, are recognizing this value as well.
Interested in Starting a GLP-1 Program?
Interested in starting a GLP-1 program at your clinic or practice? Let me help!
Together, we can evaluate your population’s needs, identify opportunities for care integration, and design a sustainable, evidence-based program tailored to your clinical setting. From protocol development and workflow design to staff training and patient education, I’ll support you in building a GLP-1–based model that prioritizes both metabolic outcomes and patient-centered care.
- Nourish research on glp-1s | nourish. https://www.usenourish.com/blog/nourish-research-on-glp-1s. Accessed May 16, 2025.
- Khan SS, Ndumele CE, Kazi DS. Discontinuation of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists. JAMA. 2025;333(2):113-114. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.22284
- Gigliotti L, Warshaw H, Evert A, et al. Incretin-based therapies and lifestyle interventions: the evolving role of registered dietitian nutritionists in obesity care. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 2025;125(3):408-421. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2024.10.023
- McGinnis A. Dietitians explore how a CDCES can help optimize outcomes with GLP-1-based therapies. ADA Meeting News. https://www.adameetingnews.org/dietitians-explore-how-a-cdces-can-help-optimize-outcomes-with-glp-1-based-therapies/. Published June 24, 2024. Accessed May 16, 202
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