Here’s What Experts Say You Need If You’re Taking a GLP-1

Dulaney-Cripe said that while she prefers food over supplements, she also knows that protein is very important. In fact, it appears that side effects such as “Ozempic face” – also atrophy of facial fatty tissue – are less common with slow, steady weight loss, as opposed to rapid, and with consistent protein intake.

“Sometimes that means adding (protein) to the foods we eat or creating a shake,” Dulaney-Cripe said. “The most versatile unflavored collagen and protein product has been Vital Proteins. It may not have as much protein per serving as some other brands, but their products include additional supplements as needed.”

Easy to digest and quick to dissolve in any of your favorite drinks, this protein powder contains hydrolyzed collagen peptides from the hides of grass-fed, pasture-raised cows. You’ve probably seen this unflavored additive all over the internet with its claims offering several benefits, like hydrated skin and stronger nails. If you want your protein to have a little flavor, Vital Proteins comes in several flavor options like lemon, vanilla, and even pumpkin spice, which pair great with your morning coffee.

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jessie Cheung of Cheung Aesthetics & Wellness in Chicago said hair loss is a common concern she sees among GLP-1 patients, especially those who lose weight quickly.

“The most common pattern is telogen effluvium, where physical stress from rapid weight loss or inadequate nutrition pushes more hair toward the shedding phase,” she said. “But we’re also learning that fat plays a more important role in hair biology than we previously thought.”

Cheung said managing hair loss and hair loss in GLP-1 involves more than just supporting scalp health, but also requires proper nutrition. When it comes to products that actually promote hair growth, she suggests Rogaine, which uses 5 percent minoxidil and “remains one of the best over-the-counter options,” she says.

“It helps prolong the hair growth phase and the new formulations are less irritating,” Cheung said.

This once-daily treatment contains a variety of botanical extracts and humectants, which can draw moisture into the hair, and also comes in a foam form that won’t run onto other areas of the face, risking unwanted hair growth.

As Dulaney-Cripe mentioned earlier, bone loss may be a potential side effect of GLP-1 use, and other orthopedic experts have previously suggested using a weighted vest while walking to help improve bone density.

To properly use a weighted vest for walking to combat bone density or osteoporosis, Medical News Today suggests trying a weightless vest first, then adding the smallest amount possible and slowly increasing that amount over time. (It’s generally recommended to start with no more than 10% of your body weight, but always check with your doctor first.)

This vest (which we chose) comes in three sizes and six colors, with six removable weights on each vest. The vest is designed to evenly distribute the load and the neoprene material is strong and comfortable. The vest is also equipped with reflective strips for added visibility and a pocket to store your keys, phone and other essentials.

Medical practitioner and founder of M3 Healthspan, Dr. Molly Maloof, said some people experience slowed gastric motility, which can prevent consistent use and cause nausea.

Maloof did not specifically mention the Allclair nausea inhaler. However, experts previously told HuffPost that the drug-free, all-natural device can reduce nausea through herbal ingredients, like peppermint or ginger, that interact with key receptors involved in the feeling of nausea. For example, the main active component of peppermint, menthol, can modulate certain serotonin receptors in the gut and central nervous system, which are part of the nausea and vomiting pathway.

Conveniently packaged like a lip balm and double-ended to feature the inhaler component on one end and an oil dropper on the other (great for rubbing under the nose), the Allclair inhaler works quickly and won’t make you drowsy like some anti-nausea medications containing sedatives.

Dulaney-Cripe said her favorite brand of anti-nausea aids is Tummy Drops, which can help soothe an upset stomach and support digestion using organic peppermint or ginger extracts. Tummy Drops come in convenient lozenges, lollipops and a few different flavors.

Dr. LaTasha Seliby Perkinsa Washington, D.C.-based family physician who specializes in GLP-1 medicine, said ginger products, such as ginger tea, ginger tea, or ginger ale, can help relieve nausea symptoms.

Perkins didn’t recommend a specific product or brand, but we chose these drug-free edible chews that contain ginger and seem to be a real effective winner for people with nausea. These honey, ginger, and lemon chews can soothe symptoms of morning sickness, motion sickness, upset stomach, and even heartburn using ginger extract and a simple ingredient list.

“When vomiting occurs, the priority is to replace the fluids and electrolytes lost by the body,” Perkins said. “Drinks containing electrolytes can help replenish these losses and promote hydration by helping the body retain the fluids you consume.”

Based on his advice, we chose to include these Liquid IV electrolyte drink additives, which are a popular choice among HuffPost editors and Amazon shoppers. Available in tons of sugar-free flavors, from white peach to rainbow sorbet, these hydration multipliers come in convenient, on-the-go sticks and contain eight vitamins and nutrients.

“For potential constipation, it’s recommended to walk before and after eating, consume enough water throughout the day, and generally take a fiber supplement,” Dulaney-Cripe said. “The most recommended fiber supplements are psyllium husk and methylcellulose.”

Dulaney-Cripe didn’t mention a specific psyllium husk or methylcellulose product, so we chose Metamucil, a sugar-free 4-in-1 fiber supplement with a refreshing orange flavor that claims to support digestive health, maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and lower cholesterol.

“I highly recommend digestive enzymes to aid digestion,” Maloof said. “My favorite brand is Biooptimizers, they make the best digestive enzymes on the market.”

These 100% plant-based pre-meal capsules contain 18 different enzymes that promise to “optimize digestion, reduce bloating, and maximize nutrient absorption for better gut health,” according to the brand.

According to Cheung, when people don’t eat or hydrate as well, their skin can be drier and more sensitive.

“Ceramides help strengthen the skin’s protective barrier and reduce moisture loss. A healthy barrier is the foundation of everything we do to improve skin quality,” she said, suggesting CeraVe ceramide-filled moisturizer.

This thick, ultra-rich moisturizer has been recommended to us by experts more times than we can count. In fact, we’ve already called this versatile formula the highest-rated product we’ve ever seen and perhaps the best moisturizer yet. It’s a rich, non-greasy, fast-absorbing cream that delivers a steady stream of targeted hydrating ingredients in an emollient-rich formula, which can be ideal for managing crepey skin or conditions like eczema.

Cheung, who suggested this anti-aging facial serum from Quicksilver Scientific, explained that rapid weight loss can mean a loss of the fat that supports our skin, especially in the face, leading to more visible hollows, sagging and wrinkles.

“When we lose facial fat, we don’t just lose volume. We change the structural and cellular environment that helps maintain healthy skin. GLP-1-related facial aging is therefore not only due to loss of volume, but also a loss of regenerative capacity,” she said.

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