Should I Take a Supplement on a GLP-1 or Dual GIP/GLP-1 Agonist?
Nutrients & SupplementsEveryday Health Special Report: Weight Loss Reframed

I’m on a Newer Weight Loss Drug. Should I Take a Supplement?

I’m on a Newer Weight Loss Drug. Should I Take a Supplement?
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Published on January 28, 2026
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To say the excitement about newer weight loss drugs has reached a fever pitch would be an understatement. These drugs — including semaglutide (Wegovy and Ozempic), which are glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, and tirzepatide (Zepbound and Mounjaro), which are dual GLP-1/GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptor agonists — are incredibly effective for weight loss, so it’s no wonder why.

For example, in a meta-analysis of 41 trials and more than 15,000 participants who had obesity or overweight but not diabetes, GLP-1 receptor agonists were associated with reduced body weight, body mass index, and waist circumference, compared with a control.

 These drugs can result in a greater insulin release, a reduced appetite, and slower stomach emptying. There’s also research suggesting GLP-1s decrease “food noise,” a term that refers to intrusive thoughts about food. When you’re paying less attention to food, it can be easier to reduce the amount you eat, and thus decrease calorie intake.

Along with a loss of appetite, these drugs can cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting — factors that can certainly affect what and how much you’re eating.

 The appetite suppression plus gastrointestinal side effects can also increase the risk of nutrient deficiencies. One study found that more than 20 percent of adults who started a GLP-1 had nutrition deficiencies within one year.

 This raises the question of whether adding a supplement to your regimen is prudent if you’re on a newer weight loss drug.

We talked with two registered dietitians to find out.

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Do You Need to Take a Supplement if You’re on a Weight Loss Drug?

It’s certainly possible, and your healthcare team can help you determine the answer based on your individual health. In general, though, anyone taking a GLP-1 should keep some key nutrition considerations in mind.

“These medications are well known to decrease the appetite, which itself causes people to take in fewer calories and possibly eat less balanced, nourishing foods,” says Beth Warren, a registered dietitian based in New York City.

Research suggests people who take GLP-1s decrease their calorie intake by 16 to 39 percent, and dipping below 1,200 calories per day for women or 1,800 calories per day for men can result in not getting enough vitamins and minerals.

 “I’ve seen people eating less than 1,000 calories a day, because they felt too sick to eat. Others have no gastrointestinal issues,” says Jess DeGore, RDN, CDCES, owner of the virtual private practice Dietitian Jess in Pittsburgh. The calorie goal for adults ranges from 1,600 to 2,400 per day, depending on age and sex, according to the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. “I worry about people who have a poor appetite and are not getting enough nutrients, whether they have a great quality of life when they can’t enjoy food and don’t feel great most of the time,” she says.
There is also a concern about dietary patterns. Relying on ultra-processed foods, which are typically lower in nutrition than whole or less-processed foods, can also increase your vulnerability to a nutrient deficiency if you don’t alter your eating habits to healthier patterns when on a GLP-1.

What’s more, if you’re losing weight rapidly, that’s another reason you should be on guard for potential nutrient deficiencies and make sure you have your bases covered, says DeGore.

What Supplements Do You Need if You’re Taking a GLP-1?

Your doctor may recommend you take supplements in addition to steps such as eating smaller, more frequent meals; limiting foods high in added sugar and saturated fats; and prioritizing protein.

“Supplement means ‘in addition to.’ These are meant to assist, not replace, nutrients in your diet,” says Warren.

The supplements your doctor or registered dietitian might recommend address common deficiencies, particularly those that may arise during weight loss. Talk to your healthcare practitioner for more guidance on exactly how much you need to take. If you’re worried about a deficiency, ask your provider about testing.

Vitamin B12

B12 is vital for blood and nerve cell health, and adequate intake prevents a form of anemia, which causes fatigue.

 “B12 is a common deficiency that we see in weight loss, so you want to make sure you’re getting enough every day,” says DeGore.

Vitamin D

DeGore says she recommends vitamin D, also known as the “sunshine vitamin,” to everyone, especially during the winter months, when there’s less sun exposure. Adequate vitamin D is important for strong bones and immune support, and a deficiency is commonly seen in people who are on a restrictive diet, she says.

 People who have obesity are also more likely to have a D deficiency than those at a healthy body weight. Taking a supplement may be helpful if your blood levels are lower than normal.

Probiotics

If you’re having gastrointestinal side effects due to the medication, probiotics may help repopulate your gut with good bacteria to ease symptoms, says DeGore. Ask your healthcare provider for their recommendations, but probiotics containing Bifidobacterium or Lactobacillus strains have been shown to improve stool frequency, which can be helpful if you’re struggling with constipation.

Multivitamin

A multivitamin won’t overcome poor dietary habits, but you can think of it as a security blanket, says Warren. Remember, though, that vitamins and minerals are more effectively absorbed through food than from a supplement, she adds.

The Bottom Line

The quality of what you eat is incredibly important, especially when your diet is limited by appetite changes or side effects from a weight loss medication. “Use these medications as a tool to refocus on eating a healthy, balanced diet. Learn how to eat every few hours, try new foods, and educate yourself about nutrition,” says Warren. You can create healthier habits when you don’t feel the pressure and angst that comes with trying to lose weight on your own.

The Takeaway

  • GLP-1 and dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists can help you lose weight by slowing digestion, reducing appetite, and quieting food noise. As a result, you may eat less.
  • These medications may also cause uncomfortable gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Between these symptoms and a reduced appetite, you may not get sufficient nutrients.
  • Eating smaller, more frequent meals, adopting a high-protein, nutrient-dense diet, and taking supplements like a multivitamin, probiotic, vitamin B12, and vitamin D can help you stay healthy. Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting any supplement.
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Liu Y et al. The Weight-Loss Effect of GLP-1RAs Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists in Non-Diabetic Individuals With Overweight or Obesity: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials . The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. September 2023.
  2. Hayashi D et al. What Is Food Noise? A Conceptual Model of Food Cue Reactivity. Nutrients. November (II) 2023.
  3. GLP-1 Agonists. Cleveland Clinic. July 3, 2023.
  4. Butsch WS et al. Nutritional Deficiencies and Muscle Loss in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Using GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: A Retrospective Observational Study. Obesity Pillars. September 2025.
  5. Mozaffarian D et al. Nutritional Priorities to Support GLP-1 Therapy for Obesity: A Joint Advisory From the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and the Obesity Society. Obesity Pillars. September 2025.
  6. Vitamin B12 Fact Sheet for Consumers. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. December 15, 2023.
  7. Vitamin D Fact Sheet for Consumers. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. November 8, 2022.
  8. Johnson BVB et al. Dietary Supplement Considerations During Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Treatment: A Narrative Review. Obesity Pillars. December 2025.
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Allison Buttarazzi, MD

Allison Buttarazzi, MD

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Castle Connolly Top Doctor, Member of American College of Lifestyle Medicine

Allison Buttarazzi, MD, is board-certified in internal medicine and lifestyle medicine, and is a certified health and well-being coach. In her primary care practice, Dr. Buttarazzi focuses on lifestyle medicine to help her patients improve their health and longevity, and her passion is helping patients prevent and reverse chronic diseases (like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes) by improving their lifestyle habits.

She is a graduate of Tufts University School of Medicine and completed a residency at Maine Medical Center. Diagnosed with celiac disease during medical school, she realized the power of improving one's health through diet and lifestyle habits, which she later incorporated into her practice.

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Jessica Migala is a freelance writer with over 15 years of experience, specializing in health, nutrition, fitness, and beauty. She has written extensively about vision care, diabetes, dermatology, gastrointestinal health, cardiovascular health, cancer, pregnancy, and gynecology. She was previously an assistant editor at Prevention where she wrote monthly science-based beauty news items and feature stories.

She has contributed to more than 40 print and digital publications, including Cosmopolitan, O:The Oprah Magazine, Real Simple, Woman’s Day, Women’s Health, Fitness, Family Circle, Health, Prevention, Self, VICE, and more. Migala lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, two young boys, rescue beagle, and 15 fish. When not reporting, she likes running, bike rides, and a glass of wine (in moderation, of course).

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