Gut & MicrobiomeHow to Eat on Ozempic to Protect Muscle and Make Results Last
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are reshaping weight loss, but ZOE's Head Nutritionist Dr. Federica Amati warns that up to 40% of weight lost may not be fat. Reduced appetite can trigger muscle loss, nutrient deficiencies, and dehydration — risks that are rarely discussed. Amati outlines four practical nutritional principles: prioritizing protein to protect lean mass, eating fiber-rich foods to support natural GLP-1 production, timing meals to reduce nausea, and building diet quality habits that sustain results after stopping the drugs. The episode also covers why ultra-processed foods blunt fullness signals, how gut microbiome health influences appetite, and what dietary steps to take before ever starting a GLP-1 drug. The core message is that these medications are tools, not cures — and nutrition determines whether the outcomes truly improve long-term health.