This is big! The clinical journal “Obesity” has recently published the first comprehensive evidence-based review addressing nutrition recommendations for individuals taking the newly available antiobesity medications, including Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro. We will summarize the key findings here, but if you would like to receive personalized nutrition guidance on this subject, please reach out to us. One of our dietitians will be more than happy to develop a long-term plan for YOU. 

If you would like to read the entire review article, click here.

Calories

• Personalize calorie goals based on age, sex, weight, and activity level.
• General calorie targets during weight loss:
  • Women: 1200–1500 kcal/day
  • Men: 1500–1800 kcal/day
• Avoid very low-calorie diets (<800 kcal/day) unless supervised by a specialist—these can cause dehydration, gallstones, and electrolyte imbalances.
• Adjust calorie intake once weight-loss goals are met to maintain weight.

 Protein

• Minimum target for weight loss: 60–75 g/day
• Can go up to 1.5 g/kg of body weight/day depending on individual needs.
• Higher needs in:
  • Older adults
  • Patients post-bariatric surgery
  • Those with malabsorptive conditions
• Protein sources:
  • Lean meats, poultry, seafood
  • Eggs, dairy or fortified dairy alternatives
  • Legumes, soy products, nuts, seeds
  • Meal replacements with 15–25 g protein/serving if appetite is low
• Tip: Eat high-protein foods first at each meal to meet needs.

Hydration

• Aim for 2–3 liters/day.
• Best choices: Water, unsweetened tea/coffee, low-fat milk or fortified plant milks.
• Limit: Sugary drinks, excessive caffeine, alcohol.
• Extra care: Older adults and those on ketogenic diets are at higher dehydration risk.

Fiber

• Daily goals:
  • Women: 21–25 g/day
  • Men: 30–38 g/day
• Good sources:
  • Whole grains, fruits, vegetables
  • Beans, lentils, peas
  • Nuts and seeds
• Consider a fiber supplement if whole-food intake is too low.

Carbohydrates

• Make up 45%–65% of total calories
  • Roughly 135–245 g/day for most calorie-reduced diets
• Minimum recommended intake: 130 g/day
• Limit added sugars to <10% of total energy.
• Preferred sources:
  • Fruits, vegetables, whole grains
  • Dairy and dairy alternatives
• Avoid strict low-carb diets (like keto) unless medically necessary—these can cause dehydration and micronutrient gaps.

Fats

• Should be 20%–35% of total calories
  • ~27–58 g/day for a 1200–1500 kcal/day diet
• Limit saturated fat to <10% of total calories.
• Best sources:
  • Olive oil, canola oil, nuts, seeds, avocados
  • Fatty fish like salmon, sardines
• Avoid fried and greasy foods—they may cause GI side effects, especially with AOMs.

Micronutrient Considerations

Patients on antiobesity medications — especially older adults or those post-bariatric surgery — may be at risk for vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

Key nutrients to monitor:

• Vitamin A, D, E, K (fat-soluble): Crucial for skin, bone, vision, and immune health.
• B vitamins (Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, B6, B12, Folate, Biotin, Pantothenic acid): Support nerve health, energy production, and red blood cell formation.
• Common deficiency symptoms include fatigue, hair loss, muscle weakness, dizziness, skin issues.

Tips:

• Ensure regular intake of colorful vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and fortified foods.
• A daily multivitamin may be helpful for some.
• Work with a dietitian or healthcare provider to monitor nutrient levels if you’re taking antiobesity medications long-term.