New Drugs on the Block: Dietary Management and Nutritional Considerations During the Use of Anti-Obesity Medication.

Eleni C Pardali, Kalliopi K Gkouskou, Christos Cholevas, Dimitrios Poulimeneas, Kyriaki Tsiroukidou, Dimitrios G Goulis, Maria G Grammatikopoulou

Journal: Nutrients 2026;18(6):

PMID: 41901137

Abstract

Incretin-based pharmacotherapy has rapidly transformed obesity management. However, despite its efficacy, gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events (AEs) are common and represent a major driver of treatment discontinuation. Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, diarrhea, and constipation, not only impair the quality of life, but also compromise adherence, thereby limiting the real-world effectiveness of these agents. Targeted nutritional strategies may play a pivotal role in mitigating these symptoms and supporting sustained treatment. However, most clinical trials have relied on generalized lifestyle advice combined with hypocaloric dietary prescriptions, with limited integration of structured, mechanism-based nutritional counseling tailored to the physiological actions of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)/GLP-1 RAs. Consequently, practical guidance for clinicians and dietitians remains fragmented. The present review synthesizes the available evidence on GI AEs associated with incretin-based therapies and examines whether structured, targeted nutritional management can meaningfully reduce symptom burden. We also outline key monitoring strategies and focus on important clinical aspects for physicians and dietitians, aiming to optimize patient outcomes. In addition, we provide detailed information on the spectrum of GI AEs to guide effective management and limit intolerance. By bridging pharmacology with applied clinical nutrition, we aim to provide a pragmatic framework for improving tolerability, sustaining adherence, and translating trial efficacy into durable real-world effectiveness.

Address: Immunonutrition Unit, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, GR-41223 Larissa, Greece.; Department of Biology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Goudi Campus, GR-10679 Athens, Greece.; GENOSOPHY P.C., GR-10444 Athens, Greece.; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece.; Department of Nutritional Science and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, University of the Peloponnese, GR-24100 Kalamata, Greece.; Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, 70 El. Venizelou Avenue, Kallithea, GR-17671 Athens, Greece.; Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, 3rd Department of Pediatrics, Hippokration General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece.; Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece.
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