Nutrition and fitness for weight loss remain the foundation of treatment, even with medication: Wegovy®, Zepbound® and the other FDA-approved weight-loss drugs are approved for use alongside a reduced-calorie diet and more physical activity. This section covers what to eat, how to stay active and which everyday products are worth buying.
What you'll find here
- Eating well on a GLP-1, including protein and smaller appetites.
- Exercise guidance from official sources, including strength training.
- Habits that last: sleep, cravings, plateaus and keeping weight off after treatment.
- Questions specific to women (menopause, PCOS) and men (testosterone, sleep apnea), limited to weight.
- Later, product comparisons (protein powders, smart scales, apps) based on labels, specs and published evidence. We never recommend extreme diets or unregulated supplements.
Key facts (as of November 2026)
- Medication is an add-on, not a replacement. The FDA labels for weight-management drugs describe them as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
- Activity baseline. The CDC recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week, plus muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days.
- Supplements are not drugs. Dietary supplements, including those marketed as "GLP-1" boosters, are not approved by the FDA before they are sold, unlike prescription weight-loss medications. The NIH explains how those prescription medications work and who they are for.
Women, men and weight
- No weight-loss drug is approved specifically for menopause or PCOS. FDA-approved weight-loss drugs are approved for chronic weight management in adults who meet label BMI criteria, whatever the cause of weight gain.
- Testosterone is not a weight-loss drug. According to the FDA, testosterone products are approved only for men with low testosterone together with an associated medical condition.
- Sleep apnea. In December 2024, the FDA approved Zepbound® as the first medication for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding and birth-control cautions from the drug labels are in our safety and research section.
Curious about what medication adds on top of lifestyle changes? The GLP-1 weight loss calculator applies average clinical trial results to your weight, and the BMI calculator shows how your BMI compares with label criteria. Products are judged with our published methodology, never on commission.
Talk to your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before major changes to your diet or exercise, especially if you take a weight-loss medication or have a medical condition. See our medical disclaimer.
Coming next
- Protein on GLP-1s: how to protect muscle
- Best protein powders for people on GLP-1s
- Menopause weight gain and GLP-1s
- Testosterone and weight loss in men