Use of blockbuster anti-obesity drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound is growing, with about 1 in 8 adults in the U.S. saying they currently take the medications. But experts say the drugs alone aren't the answer. It takes lifestyle changes, too, including a healthy diet, physical exercise, adequate sleep and stress management to reap the biggest benefits from GLP-1s. The clinical trials of the drugs included structured lifestyle changes, which are advised along with every prescription. Experts say users should eat protein, drink water and exercise for about an hour each day.
Meals and snacks with "GLP-1 Friendly" labels on the packaging are becoming more common as a growing number of Americans try obesity drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound to lose weight. Nestle and Conagra have put the labels on some of their frozen meals. Food chains like Smoothie King and Chipotle are introducing menu items targeting GLP-1 users. Dietitians say the nutritional needs of people taking the medications aren't that different from the general population's. They need to get enough protein to maintain muscle mass as they lose weight. Fiber is important to prevent constipation. Dietitians recommend reading food labels carefully. Some products marketed to GLP-1 users contain high amounts of saturated fat and sodium.
New guidelines for healthy eating say Americans should eat more whole foods and protein, fewer highly processed foods and less added sugar. Federal health officials released the 2025-30 U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans on Wednesday. The guidelines are required by law to be updated every five years. They offer advice for healthy eating and provide the foundation for federal nutrition programs and policies. The guidance offers new advice to avoid prepared or packaged highly processed foods, to limit saturated fats and added sugars and to eat more protein. Research shows most Americans don't follow the dietary guidance.
