GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy help people lose weight quickly, but they can cause side effects and nutrient deficiencies. This review looked at research on supplements that might help people taking these drugs stay healthy. Scientists found that multivitamins, protein powder, and certain other supplements may help prevent muscle loss, improve digestion, and fill nutritional gaps. The goal is to help doctors guide patients on what supplements might work best alongside these popular weight loss medications.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: What supplements and vitamins people taking GLP-1 weight loss drugs should consider taking to stay healthy and avoid side effects
  • Who participated: This was a review of existing research studies on people with obesity and those taking GLP-1 medications, not a new study with participants
  • Key finding: Multiple supplements appear helpful for people on GLP-1 drugs: multivitamins for nutrient gaps, protein powder to keep muscle, and fiber/probiotics for digestion problems
  • What it means for you: If you’re taking a GLP-1 drug, talking to your doctor about adding supplements might help you feel better and preserve muscle while losing weight, but individual needs vary

The Research Details

This is a narrative review, meaning researchers read through many published studies about supplements, weight loss, and GLP-1 medications to summarize what the evidence shows. They looked at research on multivitamins, protein supplements, creatine, antioxidants, fiber, and probiotics in people losing weight or managing obesity. The researchers focused on finding evidence-based recommendations that doctors could use to guide their patients.

The review examined both the benefits of GLP-1 drugs (which cause significant weight loss) and their potential downsides (like nutrient deficiencies and digestive issues). By looking at existing research on supplements, the authors identified which ones have strong evidence supporting their use alongside these medications.

This approach allows researchers to synthesize information from many studies without conducting a new experiment themselves, making it useful for creating practical guidelines for healthcare providers.

GLP-1 drugs are very popular for weight loss, but doctors need guidance on how to help patients stay healthy while using them. A narrative review can quickly summarize what research shows about supplements, helping doctors make informed recommendations. This matters because people on these drugs may lose muscle, develop nutrient deficiencies, or experience digestive problems—all things supplements might help prevent.

This review synthesizes information from multiple research studies, which is stronger than a single study. However, it’s not a systematic review (which follows strict rules for selecting studies), so there’s some room for researcher bias in which studies were included. The recommendations are based on ‘robust data from meta-analyses,’ meaning multiple studies were combined to reach conclusions, which increases confidence. Readers should know this is a summary of existing evidence, not new research, and individual results may vary.

What the Results Show

The review identified several supplements with evidence supporting their use during GLP-1 treatment. Multivitamins appear important because GLP-1 drugs can reduce food intake, leading to insufficient vitamins and minerals. The researchers recommend choosing multivitamins based on individual deficiencies rather than giving everyone the same product.

Protein supplements emerged as particularly valuable. People taking GLP-1 drugs should aim for 1.2 to 2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily (roughly 0.5 to 0.9 grams per pound). Whey protein specifically can help preserve muscle mass during weight loss, especially when combined with resistance training (strength exercises). This matters because rapid weight loss can mean losing muscle along with fat.

The review also found evidence for creatine monohydrate and β-Hydroxy β-Methylbutyrate (HMB), which may help maintain strength and muscle when combined with exercise. For digestive issues common with GLP-1 drugs, fiber supplements and probiotics showed promise for improving bowel regularity and reducing side effects like constipation or nausea.

Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory supplements may help reduce oxidative stress (cellular damage) and inflammation that can occur during rapid weight loss. While the review mentions these as potentially beneficial, the evidence appears less robust than for protein and multivitamins. The researchers emphasize that supplements work best as part of comprehensive obesity treatment, not as standalone solutions.

Current guidelines for GLP-1 users focus mainly on managing side effects and basic dietary advice. This review goes further by recommending specific supplements with evidence behind them. It builds on existing research showing that rapid weight loss can cause nutrient deficiencies and muscle loss, problems that supplements may help address. The recommendations align with general sports nutrition research showing protein and creatine benefits during weight loss with exercise.

This is a narrative review rather than a systematic review, meaning the researchers selected studies based on their judgment rather than following strict predetermined criteria. This could introduce bias. The review doesn’t provide specific dosage recommendations for all supplements, leaving some questions unanswered. Additionally, most research on GLP-1 drugs is relatively new, so long-term data on supplement combinations is limited. Individual responses to supplements vary, and what works for one person may not work for another. The review also notes that more research is needed on specific nutritional concerns with GLP-1 treatment.

The Bottom Line

If you’re taking a GLP-1 drug, consider discussing these supplements with your doctor: (1) A multivitamin tailored to your individual deficiencies—moderate confidence; (2) Protein powder to reach 1.2-2.0 g/kg daily, especially with strength training—moderate to strong confidence; (3) Fiber supplements or probiotics if experiencing digestive issues—moderate confidence; (4) Creatine and HMB if doing resistance training—moderate confidence. These recommendations assume you’re also eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly.

Anyone taking GLP-1 medications (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, etc.) should consider these recommendations, especially if experiencing muscle loss, nutrient deficiencies, or digestive problems. People doing strength training while on GLP-1 drugs may benefit most from protein and creatine supplements. Pregnant women, people with kidney disease, and those on certain medications should consult their doctor before starting supplements. This review is less relevant for people not taking GLP-1 drugs.

Protein and strength benefits from supplements typically appear within 4-8 weeks of consistent use combined with exercise. Digestive improvements from fiber and probiotics may occur within 1-2 weeks. Nutrient status improvements depend on baseline deficiencies but generally take 4-12 weeks to show in blood tests. Long-term benefits for muscle preservation and overall health develop over months of consistent use.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily protein intake (target: your body weight in pounds × 0.5 to 0.9 grams) and log which supplements you’re taking and when. Also monitor muscle-related metrics like strength exercises completed or how clothes fit, since preserving muscle is a key goal.
  • Set a daily reminder to take your multivitamin with breakfast and protein supplement with a meal or post-workout. If experiencing digestive issues, add a probiotic at a consistent time daily. Use the app to log resistance training sessions (which maximize supplement benefits) and track protein intake at each meal.
  • Weekly: Track protein intake and supplement adherence. Monthly: Assess digestive symptoms and energy levels. Every 3 months: Evaluate how clothes fit and strength improvements (can you do more reps or lift heavier?). Every 6 months: Discuss blood work with your doctor to check nutrient levels and adjust supplements as needed.

This review summarizes research on supplements for people taking GLP-1 medications, but it is not personalized medical advice. Before starting any supplement, especially if you have kidney disease, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or take other medications, consult your doctor or registered dietitian. Supplements can interact with medications and may not be appropriate for everyone. This information should complement, not replace, guidance from your healthcare provider. Individual results vary, and supplements work best alongside healthy eating and exercise.