A nutritionist said there are lifestyle changes that need to take place in coordination with GLP-1 usage, but a patient who has tried many different diets says it’s worth it.

“My journey started around July 2024. I had reached almost 300 pounds,” said Jim Navilio.

Navilio said he and his wife decided to try GLP-1 medication. He says he was pre-diabetic and selected Mounjaro.

“I’ve lost 23% body weight, 85 pounds over that time. And the thing that’s nice that Sarah speaks about is you do a gradual increase, not a rapid drop,” he said.

Jim is referring to Sarah Ereio, a registered dietician at Cobleskill Regional Hospital.

“It’s tough. They get a lot of messaging from outside that they’re taking the easy way out, but that’s absolutely not the case,” Ereio said.

She said GLP-1 medications change your metabolic rate.

“It all comes back to the same standard nutrition recommendation, which is small, frequent meals that contain fiber and protein and eating something every two to three hours,” Ereio said.

“I have become like, a guru of protein. Now I’m telling everyone, ‘Try this. This can get you good macros for a protein,’ ” said Navilio.

Ereio said it’s still OK to have a treat as part of this lifestyle, using the example of going to a birthday party and saying yes to a piece of cake.

“Over-restricting can lead to binge-type behaviors and excessive intake, and oftentimes you can throw your arms in the air and say, ‘I’m done with this. If I can’t enjoy the things that I did before at all,” she said.

As for liquids, Ereio said GLP-1 medication suppresses hunger cues and thirst cues. Hydration is key.

“I strive to get at least, try to go for two liters of water a day, but that can be a struggle,” said Navilio.

And of course, exercise is still a necessity.

“During and after GLP-1 medications, you absolutely want to maintain low-impact, tolerable exercise. So again, I always coached a walking exercise as much as possible and light weightlifting as appropriate,” said Ereio.

“I’m still considered diabetic, but my numbers are now down below that and my kidney function has improved as well,” Navilio said.

Ereio said obesity is a chronic illness, so weight gain is expected after stopping GLP-1 medication intake. She said it’s important to be aware of both weight changes and non-scale changes like an improvement in cholesterol.

The dietician also said maintaining a healthy lifestyle is more difficult in rural settings due to a lack of gyms or longer distances to grocery stores.

The cost of recommended foods can also be an obstacle for some people trying to lose weight. She recommends meals with a lean protein, vegetable and basic starch such as brown rice.