Emerging research suggests that personalised nutrition strategies could enhance the success of GLP-1-based weight-loss treatments like Wegovy and Ozempic, particularly for patients who struggle with side effects or inadequate response. Experts advocate for integrating biological, genetic, and dietary insights to tailor therapies and improve long-term outcomes.
Researchers are making the case that GLP-1 weight-loss drugs such as Wegovy and Ozempic may work better when paired with precision nutrition, as experts look for ways to improve results for the estimated 1 in 7 patients who do not respond well or struggle with side effects. A review published in Pharmaceuticals says nutrition, body composition, the gut microbiome, inflammation, metabolism and genetics could all help shape more individualised treatment plans.
The paper, led by a multidisciplinary group linked to Italian universities and health institutions as well as the Sbarro Health Research Organisation at Temple University, argues that diet should not be treated as an afterthought in obesity and type 2 diabetes care. Professor Antonio Giordano, president of SHRO, said precision medicine is not only about choosing the right drug, but about combining biological and nutritional knowledge to design truly tailored therapies.
The review adds to a growing body of work suggesting that nutrition guidance may help patients tolerate incretin-based medicines better and keep weight off for longer. Earlier reviews published in Nature and elsewhere have pointed to the need to close the nutrition guidance gap, drawing lessons from bariatric surgery and highlighting the role of genetics, microbiota, body composition and lifestyle in shaping response to treatment. Another recent review said combining precision nutrition with incretin therapies could help reduce adverse effects and weight regain.
The authors also point to possible economic benefits if personalised nutrition improves adherence, cuts adverse events and reduces long-term complications. They call for prospective clinical trials to test the approach directly, while noting that artificial intelligence, nutrigenomics and other multi-omics tools could make metabolic treatment increasingly individualised. Giordano said the full promise of GLP-1 drugs will only be realised through close cooperation among clinicians, nutrition specialists, researchers and other health professionals.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
