By Lisa Mathis MSN, FNP-BC
As winter fades and flowers begin to bloom, spring brings a renewed sense of energy and optimism. Warmer days lift our mood, and with that seasonal shift often comes a renewed commitment to health and wellness.
Swimsuits come out of storage, outdoor exercise increases, and many patients feel motivated to prioritize their health. National trends reflect this shift. Recent polling shows younger adults are drinking less alcohol than previous generations, signaling a broader cultural move toward wellness and healthier lifestyle choices. (1) At the same time, the widespread use of GLP-1 and dual GLP-1/GIP medications has led to significant weight loss across the country.
In many ways, this is encouraging. Patients are exercising more, reducing alcohol intake, and focusing on metabolic health. Wellness-centered practices are expanding rapidly, offering services such as IV vitamin therapy, peptide treatments, and targeted supplementation.
While GLP-1 medications do not directly cause vitamin deficiencies, reduced appetite and lower overall intake can increase the risk of: Vitamin B12 deficiency, iron deficiency, vitamin D insufficiency, hair shedding and lean muscle mass loss
Rapid weight loss can also result in loss of lean mass if protein intake and resistance training are not emphasized.
As advanced practice providers, when we prescribe weight loss medications or recommend supplements, patient education becomes critical. Many patients take a “handful of vitamins” daily without understanding that how and when supplements are taken significantly impacts absorption and effectiveness.
Providing simple, clear guidance can dramatically improve outcomes.
Small adjustments can prevent common deficiencies and improve therapeutic benefit.
Key Counseling Points
Lean mass loss is common with weight loss, but adequate protein + strength training significantly reduces the risk.
With GLP-1 therapy, lean mass loss can account for up to 25–40% of total weight lost if preventive measures are not taken.
To reduce risk: Encourage adequate protein intake (1.2–1.6 g/kg/day), recommend resistance training 2–4 times weekly, consider referral to a registered dietitian- maybe hire one for the office one day a week for better compliance. Also remember to monitor labs when clinically appropriate
Weight loss without muscle preservation can slow metabolism, increase fatigue, and reduce long-term sustainability.
Try a similar chart to help simplify for your patients:
|
Supplement |
Take With Food? |
Separate From? |
Best Time |
|
Vitamin D |
Yes (fat) |
— |
Morning/midday |
|
Iron |
Empty stomach if possible |
Calcium, caffeine |
Morning |
|
Calcium |
Yes (carbonate) |
Iron |
Split doses |
|
Magnesium |
With food |
— |
Evening often helpful |
|
B complex |
Optional |
— |
Morning |
|
Multivitamin |
Yes |
Coffee |
With largest meal |
Spring represents renewal — and our patients are embracing it. Reduced alcohol consumption, improved metabolic awareness, and weight loss advancements are all positive developments.
But as healthcare providers, we must ensure that rapid progress does not come at the expense of nutritional adequacy or muscle preservation.
Wellness is more than weight loss.
It is strength, balance, and informed care.
By incorporating brief supplement education and nutritional counseling into our practice, we can help patients not just slim down — but truly thrive and be ready for summer fun!
“It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.”
— Mahatma Gandhi
References:
1-US Alcohol at all time low: https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/wine/article/drink-alcohol-americans-poll-20812180.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2- National Institutes of Health – Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS).
Vitamin Fact Sheets (A, B12, D, Iron, Calcium, Magnesium, etc.)
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/list-all/
Comprehensive evidence-based guidance on absorption, dosing, interactions, and deficiency.