A Gentle Letter to Those Considering GLP-1 Medications for Weight Loss from an Eating Disorder Dietitian (and a Mom!)
- Dana Snook, RD
- Apr 21
- 4 min read
Updated: May 12
Dear Friends,
I want to start by making one thing clear: at Beyond Therapy and Nutrition Center, we believe in body autonomy. You have the right to make informed choices about your health and your body, including whether to take GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro. Our goal is not to make that decision for you—but to ensure you have full informed consent and to support you in whatever choice you make!
What You Need to Know About GLP-1 Medications
GLP-1 medications were originally developed to help manage type 2 diabetes. During clinical trials, researchers noticed weight loss as a side effect, leading to their widespread promotion for weight loss—even for people without diabetes. However, the original studies were conducted on individuals with diabetes using much lower doses than those now prescribed for weight loss.
Here’s what we know so far:
Long-term safety is unknown. Studies on higher doses and prolonged use are limited.
Weight regain is common. Research shows a plateau or weight regain after 2–3 years, even with continued use—similar to patterns seen in dieting.
Is this another distraction? Just like past diet trends and weight-loss drugs, these medications promise a solution but may only reinforce body dissatisfaction.
Believe me, I understand. Throughout my career, I’ve supported clients in navigating the challenges of a fatphobic world. As a dietitian who remembers the Phen-Fen era, I know that even serious health risks aren’t always enough to dissuade someone from trying a medication for weight loss. My goal isn’t to tell you what to do, but to ensure you have all the information—including the risks—so you can make the most informed decision for yourself.
Potential Physical Risks to Consider
We understand the desire to quiet the constant food noise you may experience or to change your body size, but we also understand the importance to knowing the risks:
Common side effects: Nausea, vomiting, and digestive issues
Serious risks: Gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying), pancreatitis, and a black box warning for thyroid cancer
Mental health concerns: Reports of increased suicidal ideation
As a practice that specializes in eating disorders, we are particularly concerned about the risks for those with active eating disorders, histories of eating disorders, or disordered eating behaviors/patterns. Appetite suppression may lead to unintentional restriction, reinforce disordered thoughts, and even trigger relapse—concerns that remain understudied at this point.
Other Risks to Consider
I’m both a mom and pediatric registered dietitian, so it would be remiss for me not to talk about the potential impact your weight loss and appetite suppression may have on your children if you are a parent, caretaker, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher…you get the idea: anyone who sees children on a regular basis.
A lesser-known complication of intentional weight loss that we often process with clients—especially through appetite suppression—is how it may affect the children in your life.
Let’s dive in! Kids learn how to relate to their own bodies by watching the adults in their lives. If they see you eating less, talking about weight loss, or changing your body, they may begin to question their own bodies—even if you've always reassured them they are perfect just as they are!
It can feel conflicting to advocate against weight bias for your child while actively pursuing weight loss yourself. Children notice these inconsistencies and may internalize the message that their bodies are only acceptable if they stay small or get smaller. This can increase their risk of disordered eating and/or body dissatisfaction and create a strained relationship with food.
Your relationship with food and your body builds the foundation for theirs. If you are considering GLP-1 medications, it may help to reflect on how these choices might indirectly impact your child’s self-image and relationship with food. At Beyond, your provider can help you navigate these tricky dynamics and support you navigating this, whether you are on a GLP-1 or not!
How We Can Support You at Beyond Therapy & Nutrition Center
If you have a history of an eating disorder or disordered eating, it’s crucial to have ongoing support while taking GLP-1 medications. We’ve seen clients experience:
Increased food-related anxiety
Heightened urges to restrict
Frequent vomiting
Worsening mental health
None of these outcomes support long-term well-being. While these medications may suppress hunger, restriction leads to malnutrition and increases the likelihood of binging over time.
We will continue to prioritize your well-being beyond weight loss. Our focus is on helping you nourish your body, honor your hunger and fullness cues, and find peace with food. We support joyful movement rather than exercise as punishment, provide mental health care free from weight stigma, and encourage self-care, including adequate sleep and overall well-being.
If you’re navigating GLP-1 medications and need support, we’re here for you. Our team of eating disorder dietitians and eating disorder therapists can help you maintain balanced nutrition, manage side effects, and protect your relationship with food.
Your health is about more than weight. You deserve care that supports your whole self.
With care,
Dana Snook, RD (A registered dietitian and a mom)
P.S. If you want more details about taking a GLP-1, you can refer to our full informed consent here!
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Looking for more support? Beyond therapy and Nutrition Center offers HAES-aligned eating disorder therapy and eating disorder nutrition services in Newtown, PA!
Beyond also offers virtual eating disorder therapy and virtual eating disorder nutrition services!
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