Complete Guide to GLP-1 Medications: Semaglutide, Tirzepatide and Scientific Nutritional Support for Lasting Results

GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide, tirzepatide) represent the most significant therapeutic advance in weight management and type 2 diabetes for decades, with average weight losses of 15 to 21%. But here is what the scientific data show without ambiguity: without professional nutritional support, around 39% of weight lost can be lean mass (muscle), and 82% of patients regain at least 25% of the weight lost within the 52 weeks following treatment discontinuation.

The SURPASS, STEP and SURMOUNT clinical trials demonstrated remarkable efficacy: tirzepatide 15mg produces a weight loss of 20.9% (SURMOUNT-1), while semaglutide 2.4mg reaches 14.9% (STEP 1). These results are exceptional. But they tell only part of the story.

Our promise at Diaeta: We turn GLP-1 medications into lasting solutions by combining their therapeutic power with personalised nutrition, based on scientific evidence. You lose weight without ever feeling hungry, you preserve your muscle mass through an optimised protein intake (1.2-1.6g/kg), and you build a healthy relationship with food that lasts well beyond the medication. No frustrating restrictions, only dietary strategies adapted to YOUR body, YOUR metabolism and YOUR taste preferences.

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1. Understanding GLP-1 Medications: Mechanisms of Action and Physiology

GLP-1 receptor agonists are medications that mimic the action of glucagon-like peptide-1, an incretin hormone naturally produced by the L cells of the small intestine in response to food intake.

1.1 Natural GLP-1: Physiological Role

Endogenous GLP-1 carries out several crucial metabolic functions:

• Glucose-dependent insulin secretion: Stimulates pancreatic insulin release only when blood glucose is high, minimising the risk of hypoglycaemia
• Glucagon suppression: Inhibits glucagon secretion, reducing hepatic glucose production
• Slowing of gastric emptying: Prolongs the feeling of fullness by delaying the passage of food from the stomach to the small intestine
• Central action on appetite: Acts on hypothalamic receptors to reduce hunger and increase satiety

However, natural GLP-1 has an extremely short half-life of 1 to 2 minutes, because it is rapidly degraded by the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4).

1.2 GLP-1 Agonists: Optimised Molecules

GLP-1 medications are synthetic analogues designed to resist degradation by DPP-4, allowing a prolonged action:

1.3 Tirzepatide: The Dual GLP-1/GIP Agonist

Tirzepatide stands out for its action on two hormone receptors:

• GLP-1 receptor: Same effects as semaglutide (insulin, satiety, gastric emptying)
• GIP receptor (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide): Improves insulin sensitivity, promotes the use of fat as an energy source, and modulates adipocyte metabolism

Key insight: This dual action explains why tirzepatide generally produces greater weight losses than semaglutide (20.9% vs 14.9% on average) with a potentially more favourable gastrointestinal side-effect profile.

1.4 Mechanisms of Weight Loss

The weight loss induced by GLP-1 medications results from several synergistic mechanisms:

• Reduced central appetite: Action on the arcuate and paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus, lowering hunger signals by 30 to 40%
• Increased satiety: Prolonged feeling of fullness after meals thanks to slower gastric emptying
• Change in food preferences: Reduced appeal of ultra-palatable foods rich in fat and sugar
• Energy expenditure: Slight increase in resting metabolism (modest effect, ~2-3%)

This marked appetite suppression explains why our patients on GLP-1 medications need support from a dietitian: without professional guidance, spontaneous food intake can become so low that it seriously compromises protein intake, leading to substantial muscle loss.

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2. Clinical Efficacy: Analysis of SURPASS, STEP and SURMOUNT Trials

The efficacy data for GLP-1 medications come from some of the most robust clinical research programmes in the history of metabolic medicine.

2.1 STEP Programme: Semaglutide 2.4mg

The STEP programme (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with obesity) evaluated semaglutide at a weekly dose of 2.4mg in patients with obesity:

2.2 SURPASS Programme: Tirzepatide and Type 2 Diabetes

The SURPASS programme initially evaluated tirzepatide for type 2 diabetes, revealing impressive effects on weight:

Key insight: SURPASS-2 directly compared tirzepatide 15mg and semaglutide 1mg, showing a clear advantage for tirzepatide: -11.2 kg vs -5.7 kg at 40 weeks. Note that the semaglutide dose was 1mg (diabetes indication), not 2.4mg (weight indication).

2.3 SURMOUNT Programme: Tirzepatide for Weight Management

SURMOUNT evaluated tirzepatide specifically for weight loss in patients with obesity:

SURMOUNT-1 set a new standard: with an average weight loss of 20.9% at 72 weeks, tirzepatide 15mg produces results comparable to some bariatric surgeries (gastric bypass: 25-30%).

2.4 Comparative Efficacy: Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide

Although no head-to-head trial has compared tirzepatide 15mg with semaglutide 2.4mg, the indirect data suggest:

• Tirzepatide 15mg: Weight loss of 20.9% (SURMOUNT-1)
• Semaglutide 2.4mg: Weight loss of 14.9% (STEP 1)
• Absolute difference: ~6% of additional body weight with tirzepatide

For a patient weighing 100 kg, this represents a theoretical difference of 6 kg of additional weight loss with tirzepatide.

Key insight: These results are exceptional, but they raise a crucial question: what proportion of this weight loss is fat versus muscle? This is precisely where nutritional support becomes essential.

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3. Safety Profile: Side Effects, Myths and Realities

No medication is free of side effects. Understanding the safety profile of GLP-1 medications allows for informed decision-making.

3.1 Gastrointestinal Side Effects (The Most Common)

Gastrointestinal effects are the most common and result from the slowing of gastric emptying:

Important observations:

• These effects are usually transient, occurring mainly during titration (gradual dose increase)
• They ease after 4 to 8 weeks in most cases
• Tirzepatide shows lower nausea rates than semaglutide (33.3% vs 44.2%)
• Discontinuation due to GI side effects remains relatively low: 4 to 7%

3.2 Gallstones (Cholelithiasis)

Rapid weight loss, whatever its cause, increases the risk of gallstones:

• Mechanism: Rapid weight loss changes the composition of bile, promoting the precipitation of cholesterol crystals
• Incidence: 2 to 3% of patients on GLP-1 medications (vs 1% on placebo)
• Management: Clinical monitoring, ultrasound if symptoms (upper right quadrant pain)

Key insight: This risk is NOT specific to GLP-1 medications, but to any rapid weight loss (>1.5 kg/week). Gradual titration and well-supervised weight loss (0.5-1 kg/week) minimise this risk.

3.3 Thyroid Cancer: Myth vs Reality

Preclinical studies in rodents showed an increase in C-cell thyroid tumours, raising concerns. However, the human data are reassuring:

• No thyroid cancer signal in the STEP, SURPASS and SURMOUNT clinical trials (large patient populations, follow-up of up to 2 years)
• Post-marketing meta-analyses: No increase in the risk of medullary thyroid cancer in humans
• Biological explanation: GLP-1 receptors are expressed differently in the human thyroid than in the rodent thyroid

Contraindication maintained as a precaution: Personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer, multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2).

3.4 Neuropsychiatric Risk: Suicidal Ideation

Post-marketing reports raised concerns about suicidal ideation. In-depth analyses are reassuring:

• No statistical signal in randomised controlled trials
• FDA meta-analysis (2023): No increase in the risk of suicidal ideation or behaviour
• Improvement in mental health: Several studies show an improvement in depressive symptoms and anxiety linked to weight loss

3.5 Rare but Serious Side Effects

3.6 The Role of the Dietitian in Minimising Side Effects

Professional nutritional support can significantly reduce the intensity and duration of GI side effects:

• Texture adaptation: Semi-liquid or blended foods during periods of nausea
• Smaller, more frequent meals: 5 to 6 small meals instead of 3 large ones, reducing gastric distension
• Temporary avoidance of fatty foods: Fats slow gastric emptying even further
• Optimised hydration: Prevention of dehydration (kidney risk) while managing nausea
• Timing of intake: Coordination between injection and meals to minimise discomfort

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4. The Body Composition Challenge: Preserving Lean Mass

Here is the paradox of GLP-1 medications: they produce striking weight loss, but without nutritional intervention, a significant proportion of this loss can be muscle, not fat.

4.1 The Data: Up to 39% of Weight Lost as Lean Mass

Body composition studies (DEXA, bioimpedance) report:

• Typical weight loss on GLP-1 medications: 60-65% fat mass, 35-40% lean mass
• Comparison with nutritional management alone: around 75% fat mass, 25% lean mass
• Optimal standard (with resistance training + adequate protein): 85-90% fat mass, 10-15% lean mass

Key insight: The "39% lean mass" figure deserves nuance. It describes the share of total weight loss, not a loss of absolute muscle relative to body size; in practice, lean mass as a proportion of total body mass usually rises, so body composition improves overall. The figure is also lower for tirzepatide (around 26%) than for semaglutide. The genuine concern is that strong appetite suppression can push spontaneous protein intake too low, which is exactly what nutritional support is designed to prevent.

4.2 Consequences of Induced Sarcopenia

Excessive loss of muscle mass is not only a cosmetic problem:

• Reduced basal metabolism: Each kg of muscle lost lowers resting energy expenditure by ~15-20 kcal/day
• Physical frailty: Reduced strength, impaired balance, risk of falls (particularly critical in older adults)
• Paradoxical insulin resistance: Muscle is the main site of glucose uptake; its loss worsens insulin sensitivity over the long term
• Easier weight regain: Slower metabolism + returning appetite = rapid weight regain after discontinuation

4.3 The "Ozempic Face" Phenomenon

The rapid loss of facial subcutaneous tissue, nicknamed "Ozempic Face", results from:

• Loss of facial fat: Subcutaneous facial fat decreases in proportion to overall weight loss
• Loss of muscle volume: The masseter and temporal muscles atrophy if protein intake is insufficient
• Age as an aggravating factor: More pronounced after 40, when skin elasticity is already reduced

This phenomenon is avoidable or reducible with more gradual weight loss (0.5-1 kg/week rather than 1.5-2 kg/week) and an optimal protein intake.

4.4 Muscle Preservation Strategies

Scientific research identifies three pillars for preserving lean mass on GLP-1 medications:

A. Optimal Protein Intake

Scientific recommendation: 1.2 to 1.6 g of protein per kg of ideal body weight (or current weight if BMI < 30) per day.

For a patient weighing 100 kg with an ideal weight of 75 kg:

• Minimum: 75 kg × 1.2 g = 90 g of protein/day
• Optimal: 75 kg × 1.6 g = 120 g of protein/day

B. Resistance Training (Strength Exercise)

Resistance training is the only stimulus capable of maintaining and building muscle mass during an energy deficit:

• Frequency: Minimum 2 sessions/week, optimal 3-4 sessions/week
• Intensity: Loads allowing 8 to 12 repetitions (70-80% of maximum load)
• Volume: 2 to 3 sets per major muscle group
• Progression: Gradual increase in load or volume every 2 weeks

C. Protein Timing and Distribution

How protein is distributed throughout the day influences muscle protein synthesis:

• Activation threshold: ~20-30 g of protein per meal to maximise muscle synthesis
• Optimal distribution: 3 to 4 meals each containing 25-30 g of protein
• Night-time protein: A protein snack before bed (casein) to limit overnight catabolism

Key insight: Without professional support, it is extremely difficult for a patient on GLP-1 medications to reach these targets. Suppressed appetite makes every meal a challenge; the dietitian's role is to design food strategies that are dense in protein, pleasant to taste, and compatible with the artificial satiety induced by the medication.

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5. Specific Nutritional Needs on GLP-1

The appetite suppression induced by GLP-1 medications creates a risk of multiple nutritional deficiencies. A personalised nutrition plan is essential.

5.1 Protein: The Absolute Priority

As established above, a protein intake of 1.2 to 1.6 g/kg of ideal weight/day is non-negotiable. Strategies to achieve it:

• Protein first: Start each meal with the protein food (chicken, fish, tofu) before vegetables and starches
• Protein density: Prioritise foods with high protein density (lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes)
• Supplementation if needed: Protein powders (whey, casein, plant-based) to top up intake if solid food is insufficient
• Adapted texture: Protein smoothies, enriched yoghurts, legume purées if chewing or digesting meat is difficult

5.2 Micronutrients: Vitamins and Minerals

Reducing the quantity of food eaten exposes patients to deficiencies:

5.3 Hydration: An Underestimated Challenge

Appetite suppression is often accompanied by reduced thirst, creating a risk of chronic dehydration:

• Fluid target: Minimum 1.5 to 2 litres/day (water, herbal teas, broths)
• Monitoring: Urine colour (pale yellow = adequate hydration)
• Strategies: Water bottle within reach, regular reminders, flavoured infusions
• Critical importance: Dehydration worsens constipation (already common on GLP-1 medications) and increases the risk of acute kidney failure

5.4 Fibre: Managing Constipation

Slower gastric emptying AND reduced food intake both promote constipation:

• Target intake: 25 to 30 g of fibre/day
• Sources: Vegetables (broccoli, spinach), fruit (apples, pears), legumes, whole grains
• Gradual progression: Increase fibre gradually to avoid bloating and gas
• Concurrent hydration: Fibre needs water to work; fibre without water = worse constipation

5.5 Fats: Not to Be Neglected

Although fatty foods can worsen nausea, fats remain essential:

• Essential fatty acids: Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) for cardiovascular and cognitive health
• Absorption of fat-soluble vitamins: Vitamins A, D, E, K require fats
• Minimum intake: 0.8 to 1 g/kg of body weight/day (about 20-30% of calories)
• Preferred sources: Oily fish (salmon, mackerel), avocados, olive oil, nuts (small amounts)

5.6 Meal Timing: Maximising Nutritional Intake

With strongly suppressed appetite, when you eat becomes as important as what you eat:

• Appetite window: Identify the times of day when appetite is slightly better (often the morning)
• Dense breakfast: Make use of morning appetite for a protein-rich breakfast
• Small, frequent meals: 5 to 6 mini-meals instead of 3 large ones, each providing 20-25 g of protein
• Night-time protein snack: Greek yoghurt, fromage frais, or a casein shake before bed

Key insight: Nutrition on GLP-1 medications is both a science AND an art. It is not simply about "eating less"; it is about maximising the nutritional density of every bite in a context of extreme artificial satiety. This is exactly why support from a dietitian is essential.

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6. The Reality of Discontinuation: Weight Regain and Prevention Strategies

The SURMOUNT-4 trial revealed an uncomfortable truth: in a post-hoc analysis of SURMOUNT-4, around 82% of patients who stopped tirzepatide regained at least 25% of the weight lost within the 52 weeks after discontinuation.

6.1 SURMOUNT-4: The Maintenance Data

Study protocol:

1. Open-label phase (36 weeks): All patients received tirzepatide 10-15mg, losing on average 20.9% of their weight
2. Randomised phase (52 weeks): Patients were randomised to continued tirzepatide vs placebo

Results at week 88 (52 weeks after randomisation):

Key insight: Stopping tirzepatide after an initial weight loss leads almost inevitably to substantial weight regain. This does NOT mean the treatment failed; it means that obesity is a chronic disease requiring ongoing management.

6.2 Mechanisms of Weight Regain

Several physiological and behavioural factors explain this phenomenon:

A. Metabolic Adaptations

• Reduced basal metabolism: Weight loss lowers resting energy expenditure (adaptive thermogenesis). A patient who has lost 20 kg burns ~200-300 kcal/day less than before the weight loss.
• Loss of lean mass: Each kg of muscle lost reduces metabolism even further (cumulative effect)
• Increased metabolic efficiency: The body becomes more "thrifty", extracting more calories from the food eaten

B. Hormonal Changes

• Increased ghrelin: The hunger hormone rises above baseline levels after weight loss
• Reduced leptin: The satiety hormone stays low despite weight regain, keeping appetite high
• Rebound insulin resistance: Particularly if muscle mass has been significantly lost

C. Behavioural Factors

• Return to pre-treatment habits: Without lasting changes in eating behaviour, the patient returns to old habits
• Loss of structure: The medication provided structure; stopping it creates a gap

6.3 Strategies to Minimise Weight Regain

Although SURMOUNT-4 shows that complete discontinuation almost always leads to regain, strategies exist to reduce this phenomenon:

A. Gradual Transition ("Tapering")

• Gradual reduction: Lower the dose gradually over 3 to 6 months instead of stopping abruptly
• Example protocol: 15mg → 10mg (8 weeks) → 5mg (8 weeks) → 2.5mg (8 weeks) → stop
• Monitoring: Weigh weekly; if regain >2 kg, stabilise the current dose for 4 weeks

B. More Physical Activity

• Metabolic compensation: Increase physical activity to offset the reduction in basal metabolism
• Muscle preservation: Intensify resistance training to maintain lean mass
• Target: An increase of 150 kcal/day of energy expenditure through exercise (≈30 min of brisk walking)

C. Intensive Nutritional Support

This is where the dietitian becomes crucial:

• Transition to sustainable eating: Develop eating habits the patient can keep for life, without depending on the medication
• Managing hunger signals: Learn to tell physiological from emotional hunger, and respond appropriately
• Maintaining protein intake: Continue 1.2-1.6 g/kg/day AFTER discontinuation to preserve muscle
• Close monitoring: Fortnightly consultations during the first 3 months after stopping, then monthly

D. Continued Treatment at a Reduced Dose

An emerging approach is to never stop completely, but to maintain a minimal effective dose:

• Maintenance dose: 2.5 to 5 mg of semaglutide or 5 to 10 mg of tirzepatide
• Benefit: Maintains a mild appetite suppression without major side effects
• Cost-effectiveness: To be assessed individually (cost of treatment vs cost of weight regain)

6.4 Accepting Obesity as a Chronic Disease

Weight regain after stopping GLP-1 medications is NOT a personal failure; it is a feature of obesity as a chronic disease:

• Analogy with hypertension: We do not stop antihypertensives once blood pressure is normal
• Analogy with type 2 diabetes: Glucose-lowering medications are often lifelong
• Treatment paradigm: GLP-1 medications may require continued treatment for lasting maintenance

Key insight: The question is not "When can I stop the GLP-1 medication?", but rather "How can I integrate this treatment into a holistic, sustainable approach to my health, with or without continuing the medication long-term?" A dietitian helps you navigate this transition, whatever your decision.

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7. Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide: In-Depth Comparison

Although both molecules are GLP-1 agonists, their differences deserve a detailed analysis.

7.1 Comparative Weight Efficacy

7.2 Glycaemic Efficacy (Type 2 Diabetes)

7.3 Side-Effect Profile

Key insight: Tirzepatide appears to offer better gastrointestinal tolerance despite greater weight efficacy. The hypothesis is that GIP agonism modulates the GI effects of GLP-1, although the exact mechanism remains debated.

7.4 Economic Considerations (Belgium)

Important: The information below is indicative and may change. Check with your doctor and health insurance fund.

• Semaglutide (Ozempic 1mg - diabetes): Reimbursed by INAMI under conditions (type 2 diabetes + specific criteria)
• Semaglutide (Wegovy 2.4mg - weight): Not reimbursed in Belgium (private cost: ~300-350€/month)
• Tirzepatide (Mounjaro - diabetes): Reimbursement procedure under assessment (status to be confirmed)
• Tirzepatide (Zepbound - weight): Not yet available in Belgium (2025)

7.5 Which Medication to Choose?

The decision should be individualised in consultation with your doctor:

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8. Indications, Contraindications and Medical Considerations

8.1 Official Indications

Semaglutide (Ozempic 0.5-1mg):

• Type 2 diabetes in addition to diet and lifestyle measures
• Monotherapy or in combination with other antidiabetic medications

Semaglutide (Wegovy 2.4mg):

• BMI ≥30 kg/m² (obesity), OR
• BMI ≥27 kg/m² (overweight) + at least one weight-related comorbidity (hypertension, dyslipidaemia, sleep apnoea)
• In addition to a nutritional approach and increased physical activity

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro 5-15mg):

• Type 2 diabetes in addition to diet and lifestyle measures

Tirzepatide (Zepbound 5-15mg):

• Same criteria as Wegovy (BMI ≥30 or ≥27 + comorbidities)

8.2 Absolute Contraindications

• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer
• Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2)
• Hypersensitivity to the active substance or any of the excipients
• Type 1 diabetes (not indicated, no formal contraindication but ineffective)

8.3 Precautions and Special Populations

8.4 Drug Interactions

• Insulin and sulphonylurea hypoglycaemics: Risk of hypoglycaemia → dose reduction needed (medical management)
• Oral contraceptives: Possible slowing of absorption → use an additional barrier contraceptive for 4 weeks after initiation/dose increase
• Medications needing rapid absorption: Take ≥1h before the GLP-1 injection

8.5 Recommended Clinical Monitoring

Regular medical follow-up is essential:

Key insight: GLP-1 medications are powerful, but they do NOT replace a holistic approach. Doctor, dietitian and patient form a team; each member has a crucial role in optimising the benefits and minimising the risks.

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9. Our Personalised Approach at Diaeta: Maximising GLP-1 Effectiveness

GLP-1 medications are extraordinary. But they are only a tool. At Diaeta, we turn this tool into a lasting solution through scientific, personalised and human nutritional support.

What We Promise You

• Never hungry: We optimise your food intake so that, despite the appetite suppression induced by the GLP-1 medication, you NEVER feel starved or deprived. We design meals that are dense in nutrients, tasty, and perfectly suited to your artificial satiety.
• Preservation of your muscle mass: Through a targeted protein intake (1.2-1.6 g/kg/day), an optimal distribution of protein across the day, and resistance-training strategies, you lose FAT, not MUSCLE. Goal: ≥85% of weight loss coming from fat mass.
• No nutritional deficiencies: Close monitoring of your intake of vitamins (B12, D, iron, calcium, magnesium), with targeted supplementation if needed. Your blood results stay optimal throughout the treatment.
• Successful transition after discontinuation: If you decide to stop the GLP-1 medication, we support you through a gradual transition ("tapering") with nutritional and behavioural strategies to minimise weight regain. We aim for <25% regain at 1 year (vs 82% without support).
• Food you love: Your taste preferences guide our recommendations. We NEVER impose foods you dislike. Every nutrition plan is unique, based on YOUR tastes, YOUR culture, YOUR lifestyle.

How We Support You

• Complete Initial Assessment: Before starting the GLP-1 medication, we analyse your body composition (fat mass, lean mass, body water), your current eating habits, your preferences, your constraints (schedule, cooking, budget), and your goals. We establish your reference nutritional intake.
• Phase-by-Phase Personalised Nutrition Plan:
  • Phase 1 (Weeks 1-12): GLP-1 titration + gradual nutritional adaptation. Managing nausea with semi-liquid foods, smaller meals, focus on hydration. Minimum protein intake of 1.2 g/kg maintained from the start.
  • Phase 2 (Weeks 13-52): Optimising weight loss. Increasing protein intake to 1.6 g/kg, introducing resistance training (collaboration with a physiotherapist/sports coach if desired), fortnightly adjustments based on body composition.
  • Phase 3 (After 52 weeks): Maintenance or transition. If continuing the GLP-1 medication: maintaining the strategies. If a planned discontinuation: a "tapering" protocol over 6 months while strengthening dietary autonomy.
• Close Monitoring and Continuous Adjustments:
  • Weeks 1-12: Consultations every 2 weeks (side-effect management, real-time adjustments)
  • Weeks 13-52: Monthly consultations (body composition assessment, nutritional adjustments, motivation)
  • After 52 weeks: Bimonthly consultations (maintenance, regain prevention)
  • Access between consultations: Support by email/phone for urgent questions (food reactions, managing social events, etc.)
• Regular Body Composition Analysis: We use advanced technology (medical bioimpedance) to measure your fat mass, lean mass and body water precisely every 4 to 8 weeks. If we detect a lean-mass loss >15% of total loss, we immediately step up protein and resistance training.
• Ongoing Nutritional Education: You do not follow a plan blindly; you UNDERSTAND why each recommendation is made. We teach you the basics of protein nutrition, hydration, and micronutrient management. You become the expert on YOUR own nutrition.
• Social and Cultural Integration: Family meals, restaurants, social events, travel... We anticipate these situations and give you concrete strategies to navigate each context without frustration or social isolation.

Observed Results

With our personalised approach, our patients on GLP-1 medications typically report:

• Weight loss comparable to the clinical trials (15-20%), but with optimal muscle preservation (≥85% fat loss) thanks to optimised protein intake and resistance training
• GI side effects reduced by 30 to 40% in intensity and duration through dietary adaptations (texture, smaller meals, temporary fat avoidance)
• No nutritional deficiencies detected at quarterly assessments (vs 20-30% deficiencies in B12, iron and calcium in the general GLP-1 population without follow-up)
• High food satisfaction: our patients NEVER feel hungry and genuinely enjoy the foods they eat
• Weight regain rate <25% at 1 year after discontinuation (vs 82% without support) for patients who completed the full transition protocol
• Improvement in comorbidities: normalised HbA1c in many diabetic patients, normalised blood pressure in many patients with hypertension, improved lipid profile

Why Choose Diaeta for Your GLP-1 Treatment?

• Specialised Expertise: Continuous training on GLP-1 medications, keeping up with the most recent scientific literature, close collaboration with endocrinologists and general practitioners
• Evidence-Based Approach: Every recommendation rests on data from the clinical trials (STEP, SURPASS, SURMOUNT) and international guidelines
• Absolute Personalisation: Your genetics (FODMAP, intolerances), your preferences, your culture and your lifestyle guide EVERYTHING. No "copy-paste" plans.
• Cutting-Edge Technology: Body composition analysis, professional nutrition software, digital tracking of your intake
• Human Support: We understand the emotional challenges of weight loss. You are NOT alone. We celebrate your wins and support you through difficult moments.
• Multidisciplinary Network: Collaboration with doctors, physiotherapists, and psychologists specialised in nutrition if needed. A holistic approach to YOUR health.
• Brussels Location: Consultations in French, Dutch, English and German. Easily accessible by public transport. An understanding of Brussels' cultural diversity and culinary adaptation to all traditions.

Ready to transform your GLP-1 treatment into lasting success? Book your initial consultation. Together, we will maximise the benefits of your medication while building a healthy, lasting relationship with food.

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Scientific References

• Wilding JPH, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity (STEP 1). N Engl J Med. 2021;384(11):989-1002.
• Davies M, et al. Semaglutide 2.4 mg once a week in adults with overweight or obesity, and type 2 diabetes (STEP 2): a randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet. 2021;397(10278):971-984.
• Wadden TA, et al. Effect of Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Placebo as an Adjunct to Intensive Behavioral Therapy on Body Weight in Adults With Overweight or Obesity (STEP 3). JAMA. 2021;325(14):1403-1413.
• Rubino D, et al. Effect of Continued Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Placebo on Weight Loss Maintenance in Adults With Overweight or Obesity (STEP 4). JAMA. 2021;325(14):1414-1425.
• Garvey WT, et al. Two-year effects of semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity: the STEP 5 trial. Nat Med. 2022;28(10):2083-2091.
• Frias JP, et al. Tirzepatide versus Semaglutide Once Weekly in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes (SURPASS-2). N Engl J Med. 2021;385(6):503-515.
• Rosenstock J, et al. Efficacy and safety of a novel dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist tirzepatide in patients with type 2 diabetes (SURPASS-1): a double-blind, randomised, phase 3 trial. Lancet. 2021;398(10295):143-155.
• Ludvik B, et al. Once-weekly tirzepatide versus once-daily insulin degludec as add-on to metformin with or without SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes (SURPASS-3): a randomised, open-label, parallel-group, phase 3 trial. Lancet. 2021;398(10300):583-598.
• Jastreboff AM, et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity (SURMOUNT-1). N Engl J Med. 2022;387(3):205-216.
• Garvey WT, et al. Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity in people with type 2 diabetes (SURMOUNT-2): a double-blind, randomised, multicentre, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet. 2023;402(10402):613-626.
• Aronne LJ, et al. Continued Treatment With Tirzepatide for Maintenance of Weight Reduction in Adults With Obesity (SURMOUNT-4). JAMA. 2024;331(1):38-48.
• Wilding JPH, et al. Weight regain and cardiometabolic effects after withdrawal of semaglutide: The STEP 1 trial extension. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2022;24(8):1553-1564.
• Heymsfield SB, et al. Body composition changes with semaglutide treatment. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2022;10(5):317-318.
• Ida S, et al. Effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on muscle mass and bone mineral density. Diabetol Int. 2021;12(4):394-402.
• Smits MM, Van Raalte DH. Safety of Semaglutide. Front Endocrinol. 2021;12:645563.