Ozempic and Intuitive Eating

Dec 10, 2024

Exploring Weight Loss Medications with an Intuitive Eating Dietitian

Rhonda Krick is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a passion for promoting health and well-being through a non-diet philosophy. Rhonda has been a dietitian for 25 years and currently runs her own virtual private practice out of Los Angeles, CA. She specializes in helping individuals to have a healthier relationship with food and their body by embracing intuitive eating, body positivity, self-acceptance and self-care.

In the last several years, there’s been a lot of hype about a new class of weight loss drugs called GLP-1 agonists. Even as a non-diet, weight inclusive dietitian, the conversations that I’m having with my clients about these drugs are increasing by the week. Sandra and Rob invited me on their podcast to discuss what GLP-1 medications are, how they work, and how to approach them through a non-diet, intuitive eating lens.

Trending Weight Loss Medications: GLP-1 Agonists

GLP-1 agonist medications, also known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, include semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro), dulaglutide (Trulicity), and liraglutide (Saxenda). Originally developed for Type 2 Diabetes management, these medications mimic the body’s naturally occurring glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone.

The GLP-1 hormone plays a critical role in regulating appetite, slowing stomach emptying, and reducing blood glucose levels. These effects make GLP-1 agonists particularly effective at helping individuals feel fuller more quickly and eat less, leading to weight loss.

Potential Side Effects

The most significant effect of these medications that I have seen in my practice is their impact on appetite and digestion. They reduce hunger, slow digestion, and suppress fullness cues, making it easier for people to reduce their food intake. However, this suppression of natural hunger signals can also impair intuitive eating practices and lead to malnutrition if nutritional needs are not carefully monitored.

Other common side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating.

Additionally, clients taking these medications are at risk for developing disordered eating patterns including the potential development of eating disorders as well as pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, intestinal blockages and thyroid tumors. Furthermore, because studies have only followed patients for up to two years, long-term side effects remain unknown.

An Intuitive Eating Approach to Weight Loss Medications

For individuals in the intuitive eating and body-positive space, navigating the rise of GLP-1 medications can be complex. Here are some considerations.

1. Explore Your Motivations

Before considering weight loss medications, reflect on your goals beyond weight loss. Are you seeking reduced cravings, fewer binge eating episodes, or a clearer mental space by thinking about food less? These are important factors to consider.

2. Engage in Open Conversations

Speak with a registered dietitian, therapist, or healthcare provider about your decision. These conversations can help you evaluate the risks, benefits, and emotions involved. Ensure you have informed consent before starting any medication.

3. Maintain Health-Promoting Habits

Regardless of medication use, focus on holistic health practices, including stress management, adequate sleep, regular movement, and a balanced diet.

4. Work With a Dietitian

Collaborating with a dietitian experienced in eating disorders can help you minimize side effects, meet nutritional needs, and navigate the emotional aspects of body changes or eating patterns.

If you are struggling with navigating weight loss medications or have other concerns related to your relationship with food or body, feel free to get in touch with me on my website www.rhondakrick.com or on instagram @rhondakrickrd. You can also download my free guide: “10 steps to stop dieting” on my website: https://rhondakrick.com/ditch-dieting

My Wife the Dietitian

Listen in to Episode

Episode #152 Ozempic and Weight Loss Meds: Get the Skinny – with Rhonda Krick, RD

Podcast – Sandra Gentleman, or on YouTube.

 

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