Healthy Eating
During Your Programme
A comprehensive guide to nutrition during your medicated weight loss programme — covering balanced eating, protein, managing side effects, hydration, and mindful eating. Complete the workbook exercises and save your answers to your device.
How to Use This Guide
This guide combines educational information with personal workbook exercises. Read each section, then complete the exercises in your own words. Your answers are not stored on this website — click "Save to Device" to download a copy of your answers to your computer or phone. To continue where you left off, click "Load Answers" and select your saved file.
This guide is designed to be used alongside your clinical consultations with your nurse consultant. It is not a substitute for personalised medical or dietary advice.
✦ Evidence Base
The NHS Eatwell Guide (Public Health England, 2016) provides the UK's evidence-based framework for a balanced diet. For people on medicated weight loss programmes, the same principles apply — but with a greater emphasis on nutrient density per calorie, given the reduced appetite that GLP-1 receptor agonists produce (Christensen et al., Obesity Pillars, 2024).
The Balanced Plate at a Glance
½ your plate: Non-starchy vegetables and salad — broccoli, spinach, courgette, peppers, cucumber. These provide fibre, micronutrients, and volume with minimal calories.
¼ your plate: Lean protein — chicken, fish, eggs, tofu, legumes, low-fat dairy. Protein is the most satiating macronutrient and is critical for preserving muscle mass during weight loss.
¼ your plate: Complex carbohydrates — brown rice, wholegrain bread, oats, sweet potato. These provide sustained energy and fibre to support gut health.
When appetite is reduced by medication, every meal becomes more important. Focus on choosing foods that deliver the most nutritional value — vitamins, minerals, protein, and fibre — rather than empty calories from ultra-processed foods.
Foods to Prioritise
Vegetables
Aim for 5+ portions daily. Steamed or roasted vegetables are easier to digest than raw when experiencing nausea.
Lean Protein
Include a protein source at every meal to preserve muscle and support satiety.
Wholegrains
Choose brown rice, oats, and wholegrain bread over white refined versions.
Healthy Fats
Small amounts of olive oil, avocado, nuts, and oily fish support heart health.
Legumes
Lentils, chickpeas, and beans provide both protein and fibre in one food.
Low-fat Dairy
Greek yoghurt and cottage cheese are high in protein and easy to digest.
Workbook Exercises
References & Further Reading
Public Health England. (2016). The Eatwell Guide. Department of Health and Social Care.
Christensen, S. et al. (2024). Dietary intake by patients taking GLP-1 and dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists: a narrative review. Obesity Pillars, Elsevier.
Gorgojo-Martínez, J.J. et al. (2022). Clinical recommendations to manage gastrointestinal adverse events in patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 12(1), 145.
Gentinetta, S. et al. (2024). Dietary recommendations for the management of gastrointestinal symptoms in patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists. Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity.
NICE. (2025). Overweight and obesity management (NG246). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
Systematic Review. (2022). Protein intake and muscle mass and function. PMC/NCBI.
Timmerman, G.M. & Brown, A. (2012). The effect of a mindful restaurant eating intervention on weight management in women. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 44(1), 22–28.
Guys and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. Dietary advice for people taking weight loss medicines. NHS.
Important: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalised medical or dietary advice. Always discuss any significant dietary changes with your nurse consultant or a registered dietitian. If you experience severe or persistent side effects, contact your healthcare provider promptly.
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