About one out in eight adults in the U.S. has taken a GLP-1 drug such as Trulicity, Ozempic, Rybelsus, or Mounjaro — and half of them are still on the meds. They use them to lose weight, manage the risk of heart disease, and/or control Type 2 diabetes.

GLP-1s do all that by mimicking a hormone that your small intestine makes to stimulate the release of insulin from the pancreas, block glucagon (which increases blood sugar), and slow stomach emptying.

The ability to lose weight, control blood sugar, and suppress appetite with these medications has been life-changing for many people.

But too often, as people start to eat less — or contend with (usually temporary) gastrointestinal side effects — they also get less of the essential nutrients they need to fully protect themselves from complications of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.

It's important to have a healthy, plant-based diet that delivers fiber, phytonutrients, minerals, and protein. But new research indicates that people taking GLP-1 medications may become deficient in vitamins D and B12, calcium, protein, and iron.

If you're on one of these medications, talk to your doctor about monitoring your blood levels of important nutrients. Also ask about taking a daily multivitamin/mineral (I take half in the morning and half at night to balance nutrients around the clock), and discuss other supplements you may need.

And make sure you avoid muscle wasting by doing strength-building exercises regularly.

Then make sure you cook up nutrition-packed, tasty meals by using the recipes in my "What to Cook When Cookbook."