Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications can be effective for weight management, but the rapid weight loss they can produce often makes the body work overtime to keep up. As a result, many women see progress on the scale but also experience frustrating side effects like sagging skin, low energy and digestive issues.
If you’re dealing with or worried about these effects from Ozempic (semaglutide) or other GLP-1 weight loss drugs, you’re definitely not alone—and the good news is, you don’t have to just accept these changes. With the right nutrients, you can boost your skin’s elasticity, keep your energy levels steady, and support smooth digestion—all while continuing to lose weight.
Boost skin elasticity with collagen
Your skin relies on collagen for firmness and elasticity, but as you age, collagen production begins to decline. If you’re on a GLP-1 medication, your skin may not have enough collagen available to help it adjust to rapid weight loss, leading to loose or crepey skin and premature aging (“Ozempic face”).
To increase your skin’s collagen levels while taking a GLP-1:
Take a collagen supplement. Research has shown that supplementing with collagen can significantly improve skin elasticity, hydration and overall skin health — in very little time. In one study published in the Journal of Medical Nutrition & Nutraceuticals, concentrations of collagen in the skin increased and the structure of the collagen network became stronger and more intact after only four weeks of collagen supplementation.
Get more Vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, so be sure to get enough through foods like citrus, broccoli and bell peppers, or take a multivitamin supplement with Vitamin C to naturally support your body’s ability to produce and maintain collagen.
Stay hydrated. Collagen fibers help provide skin with elasticity and firmness, but they need moisture to maintain their strength and flexibility. By drinking enough water during the day, collagen fibers remain intact longer and work more effectively, helping your skin stay resilient.
How to avoid micronutrient deficiencies
GLP-1 medications help with weight loss by slowing digestion and reducing appetite so you eat less. But eating less can also mean missing out on essential micronutrients your body needs for optimal functioning. Micronutrients—vitamins, minerals and other trace compounds—play critical roles in metabolism, hormonal balance, muscle function, skin and hair health, and energy production. Without adequate amounts, your body may struggle in these areas.
Here are some of the most important micronutrients to support your body during weight loss:
- Vitamin A & Zinc – Promote skin renewal, elasticity, and immune function
- B Vitamins (B6, B12, and Folate) – Support metabolism and aid in energy production
- Biotin – Another B vitamin that supports healthy skin, hair and eyes.
- Magnesium – Reduces muscle cramps, supports relaxation, and helps maintain blood sugar balance
- Calcium & Vitamin D – Support strong bones and muscle function
- Selenium & Iodine – Essential for thyroid health and metabolism regulation
- Choline – Supports brain health, liver function, and fat metabolism
Weight loss isn’t just about how much you eat, but also what you eat. Many doctors prescribing GLP-1 medications don’t provide detailed nutrition plans, so it’s up to you to ensure you’re meeting your body’s nutrient needs. A high-quality multivitamin can help fill nutritional gaps and protect your health as you lose weight.
Ease digestive distress symptoms
GLP-1 medications can impact gut health by lowering stomach acid and slowing digestion. Stomach acid helps eliminate harmful bacteria, so when acid levels drop, more bacteria can survive and upset the balance in your gut. Slower digestion means food stays in your stomach longer, leading to digestive issues like bloating, constipation, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Probiotics help manage common gastrointestinal side effects of GLP-1 medications by promoting healthy gut flora balance. For optimal results, choose a probiotic supplement with multiple strains of beneficial bacteria, particularly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which studies show support digestive function by improving gut barrier function, promoting healthy gut flora and reducing inflammation.
Super Biotic
Our exclusive research-backed 8 strain formula delivers 15 billion CFU for superior probiotic support.
Also remember: a healthy gut plays a crucial role in digestion and absorption, helping your body to effectively absorb and use nutrients from both the foods you eat and the supplements you take.
Prebiotics fuel good gut health and naturally boost GLP-1
Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that act as food for the beneficial bacteria in your gut. When these good bacteria ferment (aka eat) prebiotics, they produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like acetate, propionate, and butyrate. These SCFAs play a key role in naturally stimulating the release of GLP-1, a hormone that helps regulate appetite, promote fullness and reduce cravings. If you’re already taking a GLP-1 medication like Ozempic, prebiotics can give an extra boost to support appetite control and may even enhance the effects of the drugs.
Foods like onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus, and bananas (especially ones still a little green) are great sources of prebiotics. If your appetite is lower because of your medication (or you’re just not into eating green bananas), a prebiotic supplement can offer therapeutic support.
And pssst…here’s another idea, and it’s one we love: if prebiotics are strong enough to increase GLP-1 production naturally, maybe there is hope that we can harness the power of these natural mechanisms in the body and not even need a weight loss drug in the first place.
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