GLP-1 Medications: Saxenda, Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro. What They Do, Their Limits, and How Nutrition Still Matters

Metabolic Health & Weight Management

You’ve probably heard names like Ozempic, Saxenda, Wegovy, or Mounjaro pop up more and more recently. These medications are part of a class called GLP-1 receptor agonists, and they’ve been making headlines for their role in weight loss and metabolic health.

As a Clinical Nutritionist, I think it’s incredibly important to understand how these medications work, why they’re not a long-term fix on their own, and how nutrition still plays a key role, especially when you're on them.

What Are GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, which is a hormone your body naturally produces in response to food. It plays a role in:

• Helping you feel full (satiety)

• Stimulating insulin release

• Slowing stomach emptying

• Regulating blood sugar after meals

GLP-1 medications mimic this hormone to help reduce appetite, lower blood sugar, and promote weight loss — originally for people with type 2 diabetes, but now commonly prescribed for weight management.

GLP-1 RAs Approved for Type 2 Diabetes in Australia:

• Liraglutide (Saxenda): A daily injection.

• Semaglutide (Ozempic): A once-weekly injection.

• Tirzepatide (Mounjaro): A once-weekly injection 

• Dulaglutide (Trulicity): A once-weekly injection.

GLP-1 RAs Approved for Weight Loss in Australia:

• Liraglutide (Saxenda): A daily injection.

• Semaglutide (Wegovy): A once-weekly injection 

Why They Don’t Work Long Term (On Their Own)

While these medications are effective at reducing appetite and promoting weight loss, there are a few things to be aware of:

❌ They don’t teach you how to eat — You may feel less hungry, but that doesn’t guarantee you're meeting your nutrient needs.

❌ You can lose lean muscle — Without enough protein or resistance training, fast weight loss can strip away muscle.

❌ Digestive side effects are common — Nausea, constipation, reflux, and bloating can all occur.

❌ Weight often returns when the medication stops — Especially if long-term habits and metabolism haven’t been supported.

In short, these meds work best with guidance, not in isolation.

How I Can Support You as a Nutritionist

If you’re currently taking a GLP-1 medication or are considering one, I can work with you to make sure your food and lifestyle habits support the medication.

Here’s what that might look like:

• Meal planning to support your smaller appetite (think nutrient-rich, high-protein meals in small portions)

• Gut-friendly strategies to ease nausea or sluggish digestion

• Blood sugar balance to avoid dips in energy or mood

• Muscle-preserving food strategies to support your metabolism

• Mindful eating and behaviour support to build long-term success—whether you stay on the medication or eventually come off it

So… Is Nutrition Still Important on These Meds?

Absolutely. Possibly more important than ever.

These medications change your appetite, not your nutritional needs. That’s where I come in—to help you fill the gaps, protect your health, and feel confident about what you’re putting on your plate.

If you’d like to learn more, I offer a GLP-1 Nutrition Support Package here in Dongara, Port Denison and Geraldton, with both initial consults and follow-up support to help you get the most from your journey.

Have questions? I’m always happy to chat so send me a message to find out more about how I can help you with your metabolic health & weight management.