LANSING, Mich. – As public interest in prescription weight-loss medications like Wegovy continues to surge, the Nutrition Counseling Center at University of Michigan Health-Sparrow discussed the importance of structured diet planning and the expertise of a clinical registered dietitian for successful weight management.
While GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy can produce significant weight reduction, challenges such as nutrient inadequacies and loss of muscle and bone mass highlight the need for comprehensive nutritional counseling before, during and after treatment. Alexandra Thompson, Clinical Nutrition Manager at UM Health-Sparrow, said the center’s dietitians are seeing an increasing number of patients who are already taking GLP-1 medications and need guidance on how to eat properly while on and off the drugs.
“These medications are powerful tools, but they are not a substitute for a well-balanced diet,” Thompson said. “Patients who work with a registered dietitian while taking GLP-1s are far more likely to learn how to preserve lean muscle mass and maintain their weight loss.”
Thompson also emphasized that individualized nutrition counseling goes far beyond calorie counting and is critical for overall wellness, regardless of whether a patient is using medication.
“At the Nutrition Counseling Center, we don’t just hand out meal plans,” Thompson said. “We take a deep dive into each patient’s medical history, lifestyle, food preferences and barriers to healthy eating, and we build a structured, realistic nutrition framework that supports their unique needs. Nutrition is not one-size-fits-all, and that personalized approach is what makes our center so effective for chronic disease management and long-term health.”
Working with a registered dietitian provides patients with ongoing accountability, continuous education and real-time adjustments to their dietary plans as their bodies change. This professional oversight helps prevent common weight-loss pitfalls such as nutrient deficiencies, loss of energy and metabolic slowdown. The center’s dietitians empower patients to make informed food choices that fit their daily lives, making healthy eating sustainable rather than temporary.
For more information about the Nutrition Counseling Center visit
