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How To Become a GLP-1 Nutrition Specialist as a Dietitian

How To Become a GLP-1 Nutrition Specialist as a Dietitian

The growing popularity of GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, is shaking up the healthcare industry in profound ways, including the field of dietetics. Whether you work in private practice, clinical settings, or community-based programs, these medications are creating both challenges and opportunities for dietitians.

If you’re a registered dietitian, dietetic technician, or nutrition student, understanding GLP-1 medications is now vital for staying relevant in a rapidly evolving industry. This blog explores what GLP-1s are, how they’re transforming healthcare, and what they mean for dietitians in the United States.

What Are GLP-1 Medications?

While these medications might seem brand new due to the expansive buzz, they’ve actually been around since 2005, when Exenatide (Byetta™) first became available (SOURCE).

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medications are a class of prescription medications originally developed for managing type 2 diabetes. They work by mimicking the actions of a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and appetite, making them highly effective for diabetes management.

More recently, GLP-1 drugs have gained attention for their ability to help patients and clients achieve significant weight loss. This benefit has turned medications like Ozempic and Wegovy into highly sought-after tools for obesity management.

In fact, according to a 2024 KFF Health Tracking Poll, 12% of U.S. adults report having used GLP-1 medications, with 6% currently taking them. The drugs are increasingly prescribed not only for diabetes but also for conditions like obesity, heart disease, and more. As dietitians, we need to know that many of our clients may be taking these medications.

“GLP-1s have changed how I approach client care. More individuals are reaching out for nutrition guidance as they begin these medications, which opens the door to meaningful coaching on muscle preservation, protein intake, and managing side effects like nausea or fatigue. However, some clients underestimate the importance of nutrition and exercise while on the medication, so part of my work now involves re-educating and realigning expectations. Nutrition and exercise should continue to be a priority.” - Leonila Campos, MBA, RD, LD, Owner, Fueled by Leo, Inc.

How Common Are GLP-1 Medications?

Public awareness and usage of GLP-1 drugs have skyrocketed. The same KFF poll highlights that 32% of U.S. adults have heard a lot about these medications, a significant increase from 19% in mid-2023.

Despite their popularity, affordability remains a major barrier. Most GLP-1 drugs come with hefty price tags, often exceeding $1,000 per month before insurance coverage. Even among insured users, about half say it’s difficult to afford the cost, with 22% describing it as “very difficult." Efforts by drug manufacturers to introduce lower-cost options, such as self-pay programs and generic versions, are helping, but have not fully addressed the issue.

The soaring demand for GLP-1 medications is also leading to shortages in some cases, further complicating access for patients (SOURCE). Yet their proven efficacy continues to place them at the forefront of weight management in healthcare.

Practice Pearl: For dietitians, understanding the insurance approval process, including weight loss benchmarks for continued medication coverage, helps us to be better advocates for the community we serve.

Amy Shults, RDN, CDN, CDCES, founder of Dietitian Direction, explains that “most insurance companies require a certain amount of weight loss to continue coverage, usually 5% of body weight in the first six months. Dietitians are uniquely positioned to monitor and support this progress. Regular weight tracking, adjusting the diet plan, and timely communication with the prescribing provider, especially if the dose is not being titrated in a timely manner, can make the difference between success and discontinuation of the drug.”

The Role of RDs for Providing GLP-1 Nutrition Support: The Future of Dietetics is Here

GLP-1 medications are reshaping how conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease are managed. Dietitians, with their expertise in nutrition and lifestyle interventions, remain key players in comprehensive care plans but must adapt to the shifting landscape.

Here’s why GLP-1 medications matter in most dietetic settings:

1. Private Practice

For dietitians in private practice, the increasing use of GLP-1s can be both a challenge and an opportunity. How do you recalibrate your approach to weight management for clients on these medications? Understanding drug mechanisms, potential side effects, and how nutrition complements their effects will help you create more tailored and effective meal plans.

Amy Shults shares, “With the growing interest in GLP-1 medications for weight management, I am seeing an uptick in referrals to my private practice. Patients are initiating conversations with their providers about obesity treatment options, including pharmacotherapy, which is forcing providers to go beyond generic advice like “eat less and move more”. In many of these discussions, a dietitian referral is given, with some providers strongly recommending nutrition counseling alongside use of a GLP-1 medication.”

2. Clinical Settings

Dietitians working in hospitals or alongside physicians will encounter patients on GLP-1 medications regularly. These drugs alter appetite and digestion, which may require modified dietary recommendations. Collaborating with medical teams ensures better patient outcomes and positions dietitians as indispensable members of multidisciplinary care teams.

3. Community-Based Programs

For professionals in community or public health roles, the affordability and accessibility of GLP-1s may influence program design and resource allocation. Advocating for the inclusion of these medications in insurance coverage or Medicare prescription plans could be part of your work in addressing health equity.

4. Research and Academia

For dietitians in academic or research roles, GLP-1 medications present intriguing avenues for study. Questions around long-term effects, interactions with dietary patterns, and impacts on population health need answers, and dietitians are well-positioned to contribute.

5. Choose Your Own Adventure

To infinity and beyond! There is no limit to how you can advocate for your clients and earn an income for the care you provide. These days, you can find GLP-1 specific supplements, meal kits, food products, and more. Ana Reisdorf, MS, RD, and founder of the GLP-1 Hub, elaborates.

“I am totally leveraging this to create a whole new platform! I am so excited! It is such an opportunity for RDs. It is SHOCKING to me how many of the major accounts on socials are just random people talking about their success. Why are we letting these people with zero credentials take our opportunities away? I saw a random couple who lost weight on GLP-1 are hosting a ‘GLP-1 Cruise,’ fully sponsored by multiple brands. RDs should be the ones leading that!”

Myths and Facts

With any new medication, there is bound to be misinformation. Let’s explore a few myths about GLP-1 medications and learn the truth.

Myth: GLP-1 medications are a “quick fix”

Fact: These medications are a tool in the toolbox, in addition to lifestyle modifications.

Melissa Mitri, MS, RD, Nutrition Writer and Owner of Melissa Mitri Nutrition, busts this myth for us: “Many people mistakenly think they are a ‘magic pill’ and don't have to incorporate healthy diet and lifestyle strategies along with it. It's also a misconception that they cause very fast or immediate weight loss, as in practice, this is not the case for many people.

Because it takes time for the medication to build up in the system and the dose is increased gradually every 4-8 weeks, it can take one or two months for some to start seeing weight loss. I always tell clients that just because they haven't seen significant weight loss (or any weight loss) in the first month, it doesn't mean it's not going to work. We often see more consistent changes on the scale in month two or three once the body acclimates and the lifestyle habits are more in place.”

Myth: GLP-1 medications are only needed during the weight loss phase.

Fact: GLP-1 medications are long-term medications.

Melissa Mitri, MS, RD, elaborates, “ Because they are treating the disease of obesity, similarly to someone taking insulin for diabetes, the intention is that they will be taken forever. However, the goal is to try to find the minimum effective dose (which may eventually be a lower dose) that maintains weight loss with the least risk of side effects.”

Myth: GLP-1 Medications cause rapid weight loss…the more the better!

Fact: GLP-1 medications will NOT change your body overnight (nor is that the goal).

Ana Reisdorf explains, “Many people have extremely unrealistic expectations about how quickly they should be losing weight. Many are not considering or aware that thinner does not = healthier. They are losing too quickly and losing a significant amount of muscle, OR simply becoming malnourished. I think many have forgotten that malnutrition is a real thing, since we have been so focused on obesity for so long.”

Myth: Exercise doesn’t matter

Fact: Exercise, especially strength training, is incredibly important for preserving muscle mass.

“A big misconception is that because someone is losing weight on these medications, they don’t need to exercise, especially strength train. In reality, weight training is essential to preserve lean muscle mass and support long-term metabolism and strength. I see this one often, and it concerns me because already as we age, we lose muscle mass.” - Leonila Campos, MBA, RD, LD, Owner, Fueled by Leo, Inc.

Barriers to Access and What They Mean for Dietitians

Despite their benefits, GLP-1 medications face significant barriers that dietitians need to consider in patient care and advocacy:

  • Cost: With prices exceeding $1,000 per month, these drugs are out of reach for many, especially those without insurance. Dietitians in underserved communities may need to explore alternative options for weight and diabetes management.
  • Insurance Limitations: Medicare and some private plans do not cover GLP-1s when prescribed for weight loss, though coverage is growing for diabetes and heart disease indications. Dietitians can play a role in advocating for broader insurance policies to improve patient access.

Melissa Mitri, MS, RD, explains: “Unfortunately, insurance coverage for GLP-1s is sort of like the wild, wild west right now. About half of insurance plans cover it, but I've often seen a client have coverage, and then all of a sudden, they get a note from their insurance that they are no longer going to pay for it. This can happen seemingly out of nowhere, and it can be difficult to navigate. As one example, only 11 states currently cover GLP-1s under Medicaid.

Fortunately, there is a lot of advocacy going on pushing for better and more consistent coverage. Generally, those with diabetes are more likely to get coverage, since many of these medications are diabetes medications in nature. Additionally, some insurance plans limit coverage to two years. As we navigate these uncertain waters, it's even more essential to have these patients work with an RD to implement healthy lifestyle habits as soon as possible to reduce the risk of rebound weight regain if they need to come off the medication.”

Resources for Dietitians to Learn More About GLP-1 Medications

Staying informed about GLP-1 medications is essential for dietitians. Here are a few resources to help you deepen your understanding:

Be Part of the Future of Dietetics

It's clear that GLP-1 medications are here to stay - they’re not a trend. Whether you're helping patients manage side effects, collaborating on comprehensive care plans, or conducting groundbreaking research, these drugs are likely to play a part in your dietetic career. Staying informed and adaptable will allow you to continue making a difference in the lives of your clients and patients.

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About the Author

Stacey Dunn-Emke, MS, RDN, is the Founder Owner of NutritionJobs and DietitianSalaries.com and is an established dietetic career expert. She helps steer dietetic and nutrition professionals to a successful job search process with the top-ranked dietetic job board platform, NutritionJobs.com. Stacey is the author of The Dietetic Resume Guide and numerous dietetic career action-ables. She gives the tools to create a modern standout dietetic resume to land that job interview, help with job interview prep, and with creating Compelling LinkedIn profiles. Stacey has interviewed and hired many dietitians. Since running NutritionJobs in 2000, she has reviewed thousands of dietetic resumes. She works closely with dietetic hiring managers and recruiters to know the standout elements on a resume that land a job interview. Stacey speaks on successful compensation negotiation at professional conferences and frequently consults with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at FNCE and co-created the webinar series, Dietetic Career Hack: The Complete Networking and Resume Guide and Dietetic Career Hack Part II: Interviewing Tips and Tricks. Her previous dietitian jobs have been in clinical, nutrition support, and research.

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