People who take GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic to lose weight or manage Type 2 diabetes often reap real benefits in the form of improved health measures and slimmer bodies. But because the meds can greatly reduce appetite and slow digestion, eating enough food that’s both nutritious and hydrating can become an issue.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 is a hormone that naturally occurs in the gut and tips off the digestive process, explained registered dietitian Andrew Wade of Case Specific Nutrition, a consulting firm with nine Pittsburgh offices that provides tailored counseling with a team of registered dietitians. The hormone acts as a brake on the stomach, slowing down how long it takes to empty its contents into the small intestine.
