GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro have changed the landscape of weight loss and metabolic health. I’m seeing more and more women in my clinic here in Sydney using these medications with great results—but also facing some unexpected challenges along the way.

As a Sydney naturopath, my role isn’t to replace your GP or specialist. Instead, I work alongside your medical care to support your body through the process—helping you maintain nutrient status, reduce side effects, and protect your long-term health.

If you’re currently on a GLP-1 (or considering one), here’s how I approach supporting my patients at Elyse the Naturopath.

How I Support Your Nutrition While Your Appetite Is Low

One of the biggest shifts I see with GLP-1 medications is a significant drop in appetite. While that can feel like a win initially, it often means my patients are unintentionally under-eating—not just calories, but essential nutrients too.

In clinic, I focus on making sure that what you do eat is doing the heavy lifting. This usually involves:

• Prioritising protein at every meal to protect muscle mass
• Structuring meals so you’re still eating consistently, even without hunger cues
• Increasing nutrient density rather than volume
• Supporting easy-to-digest, simple meals when nausea is present

My goal as a naturopath in Sydney is to help you lose weight in a way that still supports your metabolism, hormones, and energy levels.

Preventing Nutrient Deficiencies Before They Happen

This is one of the biggest gaps I see in standard care. When food intake drops, nutrient intake almost always follows—and over time, this can impact everything from energy and mood to hair, skin, fertility, and thyroid function.

Inside my clinic at Elyse the Naturopath, I proactively assess for common deficiencies associated with GLP-1 use, including:

• Iron
• Protein
• Vitamin B12
• Folate
• Zinc
• Magnesium
• Fat-soluble vitamins
• Choline

Where needed, I use targeted supplementation and pathology testing to keep everything in optimal ranges—not just “normal.”

Reducing Side Effects (Without Guesswork)

If you’ve experienced nausea, reflux, or constipation on a GLP-1, you’re definitely not alone. These medications slow gastric emptying, which can disrupt digestion in ways that feel uncomfortable and sometimes unpredictable.

As a Sydney Naturopath, I take a very individual approach here. Depending on your symptoms, I may support you with:

• Gentle digestive support strategies
• Adjustments to fibre (this is often done incorrectly)
• Herbal medicine to support motility and reduce nausea
• Simple dietary tweaks that make a big difference day-to-day

Most of my patients notice that when their digestion is supported properly, they tolerate their medication much better.

Why I Focus So Heavily on Gut Health

Gut health is at the centre of everything I do at Elyse the Naturopath, and it becomes even more important when you’re on a GLP-1. Changes in appetite, food intake, and digestion can all impact your gut microbiome—which plays a key role in metabolism, inflammation, and even weight regulation. Additionally, GLP-1 is made in the gut – so if we work on optimising gut health and function then we can maximise benefits.

In practice, I support gut health through:

• Increasing plant diversity (within what your body can tolerate)
• Using targeted probiotics when appropriate
• Supporting bowel regularity (especially if constipation is present)
• Repairing and maintaining the gut lining

For many of my patients, improving gut health doesn’t just reduce symptoms—it can actually enhance how their body responds to treatment.

Protecting Your Muscle Mass During Weight Loss

Something that isn’t talked about enough with GLP-1 medications is muscle loss. Rapid weight loss—especially when protein intake is low—can lead to a reduction in lean muscle mass, which can slow your metabolism over time.

As a naturopath in Sydney, I’m always thinking about the long game. That means:

• Setting clear protein targets
• Supporting resistance-based movement where possible
• Ensuring key nutrients for muscle repair are adequate

Because sustainable weight loss isn’t just about the number on the scale—it’s about what that weight loss is made up of.

Creating Results That Actually Last

One of the biggest concerns I hear is: “What happens when I stop the medication?” This is where naturopathic support becomes incredibly valuable. While you’re on a GLP-1, I work with you to build:

• Sustainable eating patterns
• A resilient gut microbiome
• Stable blood sugar regulation
• Lifestyle habits that support long-term metabolic health

So that when the medication is reduced or stopped, your body is in a much stronger position to maintain your results.

Working with Elyse the Naturopath while on a GLP-1 | Sydney Naturopath

If you’re using a GLP-1 medication and want to feel supported—not just in your weight loss, but in your overall health—I can help guide you through it. As a Sydney naturopath, I take an evidence-informed, personalised approach that looks at the full picture: nutrition, gut health, hormones, and long-term wellbeing.

FAQs: GLP-1 Medications and Naturopath Support

Should I see a Sydney naturopath while taking GLP-1 medications?

Yes—working with a Sydney naturopath like Elyse the Naturopath can help you maintain proper nutrition, reduce side effects, and support long-term health while on GLP-1 medications.

What does Elyse the Naturopath focus on during GLP-1 treatment?

At Elyse the Naturopath, I focus on dietary support, preventing nutrient deficiencies, improving gut health, and helping you maintain muscle mass during weight loss.

Can a naturopath help with GLP-1 side effects like bloating, nausea or constipation?

Absolutely. I use personalised nutrition, digestive support, and herbal medicine strategies to help reduce common side effects.

Are nutrient deficiencies common on GLP-1 medications?

They can be—especially due to reduced food intake. This is why I prioritise monitoring patholgy and nutrition to prevent deficiencies in my Sydney naturopath clinic.

Can working with a naturopath improve my results on GLP-1 medications?

Yes. Supporting your nutrition, gut health, and metabolism can improve how your body responds to treatment, help optimise benefits and maintain results long term.