How Nutrients Support You While on Your Weight Loss Journey

While choosing to start a weight loss journey may be an exciting experience for some, it can also be overwhelming. Changes in physical activity levels, eating habits, and more can make your daily routine look very different from what you're used to. While new approaches to weight loss, such as GLP-1 agonists and similar medications, are gaining popularity, it's important to remember that nutrition remains key during a healthy weight loss journey. Maintaining intake of essential vitamins and minerals becomes even more critical during dietary changes. Dietary nutrient shortfalls may arise if you change your eating patterns or follow a reduced-calorie diet. Knowledge is power, so having a solid understanding of key nutrients can help you navigate your weight loss journey with confidence. We'll explore how these key nutrients support your body as you adjust your diet and caloric intake.

Why Nutritional Gaps Can Happen During a Weight Loss Journey

There are a variety of reasons why humans eat food. For example, sometimes we eat with others as a way to connect or to celebrate. The main reason humans consume food, however, is to fuel and nourish our bodies with the nutrients they need. This can become even more challenging while on a weight loss journey. In fact, many commercial diets may not provide all the vitamins and minerals you need to keep up your daily nutritional support.^[1] It's vital to include plenty of nutrient-rich foods in your diet, especially when starting a new way of eating, to support your body's well-being.

People taking GLP-1 medications may experience changes in their appetite and in the foods they choose. What is GLP-1? GLP-1s, or more properly known as GLP-1 agonists, are medications that work by slowing the digestion and emptying of your stomach, and increasing how full you feel after you eat, by affecting the parts of your brain that process hunger.^[2] This can increase the chance of under-consuming key sources of essential nutrients, which is why it is important to be mindful of your intake. While it may require a little extra attention, providing your body with nutritional support during weight loss can be easy and convenient when you know what to prioritize.

Key Nutrients That Help Support You During Your Weight Loss Journey

What do vitamins and weight loss have to do with each other? Nutritional support through supplementation can be a consistent, convenient way to help ensure your body is getting the essential nutrients it needs during dietary changes. To make this easy, Nature Made has introduced the GLP-1 Companion Health Pack. This pack provides four daily supplements, helping bridge potential nutrient gaps with scientifically formulated nutritional support for people on weight loss diets, including 22 key nutrients per packet. As always, it's essential to consult your primary healthcare practitioner before starting or changing a supplement routine. They are best equipped with your information to guide you towards your personal wellness goals.^†

#1 Metabolism Support^◆

There's more than one Vitamin B; there are actually eight of them! B Vitamins are essential components in how our bodies produce cellular energy, helping metabolize carbohydrates, protein, and fats. That's why it's important to include sources of B vitamins in your daily diet, such as legumes, green veggies, whole grains, eggs and meat. If your new diet doesn't include a variety of these food sources, you may benefit from including a supplemental source in your daily routine.^†

#2 Energy Support

Cellular energy is what all the millions upon millions of cells in our bodies need to do their daily functions. B vitamins are key in the process of turning the food we eat into Adenosine Triphosphate, or ATP. Think of ATP as the tiny molecular fuel our cells need to function. One of the B vitamins, vitamin B12, is especially important for those who have diets low in animal products, our primary source of B12. Low B12 levels can contribute to fatigue for people with diets low in sources of B12, which may include vegans, vegetarians, and some calorie-restricted diets.^†

#3 Mood Support

Moods, they're not so easy to decode as wearing a magic ring. But one thing we do know about moods is that specific essential nutrients contribute to supporting a healthy mood. That includes folate, along with vitamin B6 and vitamin B12, by supporting the production of neurotransmitters. Adequate B12 status supports a healthy mood. That's one more reason to be mindful of nutrient intake: don't we all want to support our moods if we can?^†

#4 Muscle and Bone Support

Our muscles and bones are the very things that give our bodies literal support, so isn't it fair to support them in turn? That's why it's important to pay attention to your calcium and vitamin D intake. Nature Made offers Calcium with Vitamin D3 Tablets to support healthy bones in a convenient package. This essential mineral-vitamin pair works together to support strong bones. Plus, vitamin D helps with calcium absorption. Magnesium, an essential mineral found in our Extra Strength Magnesium Softgels, supports muscle health, muscle relaxation, heart, nerve and bone health. As your body changes in your weight loss journey, it's essential to consider all aspects of your body. Supporting your muscles and bones through diet, supplementation, and weight-bearing exercise is a great way to bring a well-balanced approach to your health and wellness.^†

#5 Skin and Hair Support

Our GLP-1 companion pack includes the essential nutrients vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc, and copper to support healthy skin. Our skin is a large part of how we present ourselves to the world and providing it with nutritional support is key. Biotin is another skin-support nutrient that also supports healthy hair. That's why these are often called "beauty nutrients."^†

#6 Immune System Support

When your diet changes during weight loss, make sure to support your immune system with sources of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin D, and zinc. Keeping your immune system well-supported is essential to overall wellness at any time, so don't neglect it!^†

Supplements Aren't Meant to Replace Food

The key to proper use of nutritional supplements is in the name: "supplement." Supplements are designed to complement a healthy diet and lifestyle; they are not food and cannot replace meals during your weight loss journey. A nutrient-rich diet supports your body and is the best way to get the essential vitamins and minerals we all need to function. Supplements can be a useful, convenient tool to help bridge potential nutrient gaps in your diet.

Nature Made's GLP-1 Companion Health Pack is designed to support the nutritional needs of people taking GLP-1 medications as part of their weight loss journey.^†

Support Your Health with Nature Made

Explore our supplement collection to find convenient nutritional support if you are making changes to your diet, using a GLP-1 medication, or just looking for ways to supplement your intake of essential daily nutrients. Consult with your primary healthcare practitioner about supplementation for personalized guidance on healthy nutrition for weight loss journeys before starting or changing a supplement routine.

Check out our GLP-1 Companion Health Pack and explore our supplement options today.

◆ Helps convert food into cellular energy

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References

1. G Engel M, J Kern H, Brenna JT, H Mitmesser S. Micronutrient Gaps in Three Commercial Weight-Loss Diet Plans. Nutrients. 2018;10(1):108. Published 2018 Jan 20. doi:10.3390/nu10010108.
2. Cleveland Clinic. GLP-1 agonists. Cleveland Clinic. Published July 3, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/13901-glp-1-agonists