The expert stresses: “GLP-1s can help you lose fat, but without a plan, you can also lose muscle, micronutrients and skin support. The goal isn’t just weight loss – it’s fat loss with muscle preservation, stable energy, and a sustainable maintenance phase.” Consultant trichologist Anabel Kingsley also emphasises that while hair loss is not a side effect of GLP-1s specifically, it may be a common result, as hair is not an essential tissue. “The body goes into survival mode and cuts off feeding hair cells to focus on essential tissue, which is why three months later you’ll often experience additional hair shedding.” In the first instance, food should be used to redress the aforementioned, but when challenging, supplements can help. Blood tests are always advised to identify any deficiencies.
The supplement market is a minefield – there are hundreds upon thousands of different brands and formulas all making wild claims, and the question as to their purity and third-party testing is an additional can of worms. But it becomes all the more complicated when you are on GLP-1s. Before you add supplements to your diet, it is crucial to know which formulas can actually mitigate negative side effects, and which are to be avoided.
To find out, we consulted an army of doctors, dietitians, nutritionists and trichologists. It is worth noting that there is no universal supplement protocol and anyone considering exploring GLP-1-based medication should always consult a medical professional. Dr Manning put it best when she told us: “The real success metric isn’t just weight loss. It’s fat loss with muscle preservation, stable energy, and a maintenance plan that keeps the results.”
Flagged by every single expert that we reached out to for this article, protein is the non-negotiable nutrient that can prove most challenging when it comes to hitting your daily requirement, but it’s all the more important when embarking on any weight loss. “Protein needs to increase during weight loss to help preserve lean muscle mass, support metabolic health and promote fullness,” says registered dietitian Zoe Griffiths. “Many people on GLP-1s struggle to meet protein needs through food alone due to reduced appetite. Choosing protein- and fibre-rich foods, such as beans and pulses, helps support both muscle health and appetite regulation.” This is also important for hair strength.
