In recent years, there has been a sharp and steady incline in global obesity, with as many as one billion people currently being affected.1 As a result of this worldwide epidemic, many are turning to
prescribed weight loss drugs such as Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy. These drugs have revolutionised the way people approach weight management and now offer many who
struggled before the opportunity to lose weight.
Although these drugs can be highly beneficial, a significant proportion of those taking GLP-1-targeting drugs such as Wegovy find themselves experiencing unpleasant side-effects. These can include nausea and gastrointestinal (GI) issues such as vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation.2,3 As these types of symptoms can reduce an individual’s quality of life, an unmet
need remains to combat the unpleasant feelings associated with GLP-1-targeting medications.
This is where the nutraceutical industry comes in, as consumers are increasingly looking for natural ways to promote their health and wellness. Annabel Kartal-Allen spoke to Dr Alexandra Sowa,
Dual Board-Certified Obesity & Internal Medicine Physician and SoWell Founder, to find out more.
50% of those taking GLP-1 medications report feeling nauseous
Combating symptoms the natural way
Dr Sowa has experienced first-hand the difficulties that patients endure when taking therapeutics for weight management; she therefore wanted to create a solution that could curb these negative
feelings and assist them in their weight management journey: “GLP-1 medications are life-changing for many people struggling with diabetes, heart conditions and excess weight, but they can come with side-effects without the correct lifestyle changes.”
“One of the reasons GLP-1 medications work for weight management is because they slow down the activity of the digestive tract — leading to users feeling fuller for longer. However, this delayed
gastric emptying can cause some problems.”
According to Alexandra, 50% of those taking GLP-1 medications report feeling nauseous, whereas 30% complain of constipation. A significant proportion of users will also experience diarrhoea and
vomiting. “Those are only the common symptoms though … there are other challenges that come along with major weight loss, such as loose skin, muscle loss and thinning hair.” 
Thankfully, according to Dr Sowa, these side-effects are generally manageable with suitable mitigation strategies in place. “In the 10 year period I’ve been prescribing GLP-1 medications in my
medical practice, I have seen phenomenal outcomes for patients who were taking targeted supplements during their weight loss journey. Unsurprisingly, people who feel good get better results from their medication.”
The best ingredients to target side-effects
There are thousands of natural extracts that have been proven to exhibit health benefits in the human body, but the key to creating quality ingredients and supplements is personalisation, Alexandra explains: “Using the right functional ingredients can allow users to get the most out of their GLP-1 medication while helping them to feel their best. Giving consumers access to the right natural extracts that are tailored to the symptoms they’re facing is paramount when formulating a successful weight management product.” The top eight nutraceuticals that Dr Sowa would recommend for those taking GLP-1-targeting medications are as follows:
- Electrolytes: As well as being involved in suppressing appetite, GLP-1 medications can also reduce the thirst levels of users. Dehydration can both exacerbate nausea and worsen fatigue; so, addressing this with electrolytes can help GLP-1 users to stay hydrated while reducing the prevalence of nausea symptoms.
- Vitamin B6: This crucial vitamin has been proven to help with feelings of nausea — especially when taken consistently, says Dr Sowa. It’s also safe to consume and can support a user’s cardiovascular health and positive mood.
- Whey protein: Alexandra believes that prioritising protein intake is crucial for the well-being of people taking GLP-1 medications. This is to help them maintain muscle mass, which can be compromised during the weight loss period if the right precautions aren’t taken. “It’s the macronutrient that will help GLP-1 users to feel their best on these medications, as too many carbohydrates — or a combination of carbs and fats — can make side-effects and fatigue worse.” Dr Sowa prioritises whey protein as she believes it’s best for muscular maintenance and growth, as well as being a satiating form of protein.
- Collagen: Collagen supplementation not only improves hair health but also has the potential to boost skin elasticity and enhance a user’s complexion. “When an individual is losing a large amount of weight, it’s worth considering the impact that this will have on their overall appearance. Accounting for their hair, skin and nails can help them to look and feel amazing during their weight loss journey.”
- Digestive enzymes: When food remains undigested in the stomach, people on GLP-1s can get something Alexandra refers to as “sulphur burps.” This buildup of gas can be unpleasant, so supplementing with a digestive enzyme can help to break down food in the gut and ease any abdominal discomfort that may be associated with it.
- Fibre: Taking GLP-1-activating medications will slow the process of digestion, which often leads to either constipation or diarrhoea. A great way for a user to combat IBS-like symptoms is by increasing their dietary fibre intake. Dr Sowa swears by psyllium husk fibre, which can help individuals to have regular bowel movements while also maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and assisting them further in weight management.
- Probiotics: Probiotics can support the health of our gut microbiome, which acts as an essential component in the digestive process; improving gut health can help significantly with the gastrointestinal side-effects of taking GLP-1 drugs. Alexandra recommends “Bacillus subtilis, a “good” bacterial strain that has been shown to have real benefits on the gut and the immune system.”
- Magnesium glycinate: Dr Sowa recommends this nutraceutical ingredient for a range of reasons: “Magnesium can support the gut by allowing the digestive muscles to relax while also helping with a user’s general mood and relaxation. Who doesn’t need that?”
Although there are many nutraceuticals that can help to enhance an individual’s overall well-being, it has become more important than ever to cater solutions to specific consumer subgroups — such as those looking to manage their weight. This often involves the creation of synergistic combinations that act on similar processes in the body.
As the cost of living crisis continues in many regions globally, consumers are increasingly gravitating to products that offer great value for money. By creating personalised “all-purpose” formations that combine the best ingredients for the job, nutraceutical developers can stay ahead of the curve while also offering consumers the best product for their specific needs.
“I formulated the GLP-1 Support System to include all the powerhouse ingredients that can help users to feel well during their weight loss journey. Consumers should no longer have to trawl the Internet to decipher what supplements are best for their situation. The industry needs to educate the public about what their body would benefit from and provide solutions accordingly. Making supplementation as simple, convenient and tasty as possible is paramount.” Dr Sowa concludes.
References
1 www.worldobesity.org/about/about-obesity/prevalence-of-obesity.
2 www.ozempic.com/how-to-take/side-effects.html.
3 www.wegovy.com/taking-wegovy/side-effects.html.