New Drugs on the Block: Dietary Management and Nutritional Considerations During the Use of Anti-Obesity Medication

Abstract

Incretin-based pharmacotherapy has rapidly transformed obesity management. However, despite its efficacy, gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events (AEs) are common and represent a major driver of treatment discontinuation. Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, diarrhea, and constipation, not only impair the quality of life, but also compromise adherence, thereby limiting the real-world effectiveness of these agents. Targeted nutritional strategies may play a pivotal role in mitigating these symptoms and supporting sustained treatment. However, most clinical trials have relied on generalized lifestyle advice combined with hypocaloric dietary prescriptions, with limited integration of structured, mechanism-based nutritional counseling tailored to the physiological actions of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)/GLP-1 RAs. Consequently, practical guidance for clinicians and dietitians remains fragmented. The present review synthesizes the available evidence on GI AEs associated with incretin-based therapies and examines whether structured, targeted nutritional management can meaningfully reduce symptom burden. We also outline key monitoring strategies and focus on important clinical aspects for physicians and dietitians, aiming to optimize patient outcomes. In addition, we provide detailed information on the spectrum of GI AEs to guide effective management and limit intolerance. By bridging pharmacology with applied clinical nutrition, we aim to provide a pragmatic framework for improving tolerability, sustaining adherence, and translating trial efficacy into durable real-world effectiveness.