Unified Guidelines for Prescribing GLP-1 Agonists Released by Leading Health Organizations

In a significant development for obesity treatment, several leading nutrition and obesity organizations have issued the first unified guidelines for the prescription of GLP-1 agonists, which are increasingly used to aid weight management. Released in late May 2025, this advisory stems from a collaboration among the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society, marking a pivotal moment in the realm of obesity management. John E. Courtney, PhD, CEO of the American Society for Nutrition, noted, "GLP-1s are reshaping the landscape of obesity treatment, but it’s clear that medication alone is not a complete solution." This statement underlines the necessity for a holistic approach to obesity treatment that includes lifestyle modifications alongside pharmacotherapy.

Historically, GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) agonists have gained traction as effective medications for weight loss, with estimates indicating that between 6% to 12% of the U.S. population has utilized these drugs. However, the lack of cohesive messaging among healthcare professionals regarding their use has prompted this advisory. The guidelines emphasize a comprehensive treatment approach, detailing essential nutritional and lifestyle factors that physicians should prioritize when guiding patients through their weight loss journeys.

The core of the advisory encompasses several critical priorities, including conducting baseline nutritional assessments to understand patients’ dietary habits and preferences. Dariush Mozaffarian, MD, PhD, the director of the Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts University, underscored the importance of evaluating patients' daily food intake before prescribing GLP-1s. "These medications are approved as an adjunct to nutrition and lifestyle therapy, and right now they’re being used as a first line in most cases," he stated, highlighting a common misstep in current medical practices.

Moreover, the advisory warns against the over-reliance on ultra-processed foods, which are associated with various health issues, including obesity-related comorbidities. Dr. Carolynn Francavilla, an obesity physician and owner of Green Mountain Partners for Health, emphasized that patients often experience altered food preferences while on GLP-1s, leading to a natural reduction in cravings for ultra-processed foods. "Many patients not only eat less but their preferences for foods change," she explained, pointing to the potential benefits of enhancing patients' dietary choices.

Additionally, the guidelines address the risk of nutrient deficiencies that can occur as a result of suppressed appetite in patients taking GLP-1s. A study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that these patients often lack sufficient intake of essential nutrients, such as fiber, calcium, iron, and several vitamins. To mitigate these risks, the advisory recommends focusing on minimally processed foods and careful meal planning to ensure adequate nutrient intake.

The importance of physical activity, particularly strength training, is also highlighted in the advisory. Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, an assistant professor at Washington University School of Medicine, noted that without regular strength training, patients risk losing not only fat but also muscle and bone mass, which can lead to frailty. In addition, the advisory advocates for addressing other lifestyle factors, including sleep hygiene and mental health, as part of a comprehensive weight management strategy.

As the medical community adapts to the evolving landscape of obesity treatment, these guidelines serve as a crucial resource for physicians aiming to optimize patient outcomes. The collaborative nature of the advisory reflects a growing recognition that effective obesity treatment requires an integrative approach, combining pharmacotherapy with lifestyle modifications. With obesity rates continuing to rise globally, the implementation of these guidelines may represent a turning point in how healthcare providers address this complex issue.