From the Guidelines
Patients taking GLP-1 receptor agonists should aim for adequate protein intake of 1.2-2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily to preserve muscle mass during weight loss, with a focus on complete protein sources and potentially supplemented with liquid protein shakes between meals 1. The recommended protein intake is higher than the general recommendation of 0.8 g/kg for healthy adults, and should be distributed throughout the day, with 20-30 grams per meal.
- Complete protein sources such as lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes, and plant-based alternatives are preferred.
- Liquid protein supplements like whey protein shakes (20-30g protein per serving) can be helpful when appetite is reduced due to GLP-1 medication effects.
- These supplements are best consumed between meals to avoid competing with medication absorption. Higher protein intake is recommended because GLP-1 agonists significantly reduce appetite and caloric intake, which can lead to inadequate protein consumption and subsequent muscle loss, as noted in recent studies 2, 3, 4. Maintaining muscle mass is crucial for metabolic health, physical function, and long-term weight management. Patients should monitor for signs of protein deficiency such as fatigue, weakness, or hair loss, and consult with healthcare providers about individualized protein needs based on age, activity level, and medical conditions.
From the Research
Protein Supplementation Guidelines for Patients on GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
- There are no specific protein supplements recommended for patients on GLP-1 receptor agonists, but research suggests that a high protein diet may help prevent loss of muscle mass during GLP-1 RA usage 5.
- A targeted and individualized nutrition and physical activity regimen should be instituted for each patient, with a focus on optimizing protein intake and performing frequent resistance training to minimize loss of muscle mass while promoting the loss of fat mass 5.
- Plant-based proteins, such as pea protein, may have the potential to improve glycaemic and gastrointestinal hormone responses to foods and beverages 6.
- The consumption of pea protein has been shown to reduce postprandial glycaemia and stimulate insulin release in healthy adults, with a dose-response effect 6.
Considerations for Protein Supplementation
- GLP-1 RAs can result in significant loss of lean body mass, reaching as high as 15-40% of total weight lost, which can place certain patient populations at higher risk for muscle loss and adverse events 5.
- Patients with pre-existing atherosclerotic vascular disease, or those at high risk for sarcopenia, may require closer monitoring and individualized nutrition and physical activity plans to minimize the risk of adverse events 7, 5.
- The effectiveness and risks of GLP-1 RAs have been systematically evaluated, and the results provide insights into the benefits and risks of GLP-1RAs, which may be useful for informing clinical care and guiding research agendas 8.