A nurse has revealed exactly what you need to be drinking when you’re taking GLP-1 – and why hydration on the medication is so important.
Over the past few years, GLP-1 medications, which have historically been used to treat type 2 diabetes, have become extremely popularized as a weight-loss aid.
Ozempic contains a compound called semaglutide, which ‘mimics the GLP-1’ hormone, according to UCLA Health, a hormone that can work with your brain to suppress your appetite and make you feel fuller more quickly.
When it’s taken in a high dose, combined with diet and exercise, it can help people lose weight.
The important information was shared in a new clip posted to TikTok by Mercy, a concierge wellness nurse based in Austin, Texas, and co-owner of Connect Mobile Health.
The nurse, who goes by the username @nursey_mercy, often takes to TikTok to share her wisdoms and advice, especially when it comes to wellness trends like NAD+ therapies and GLP-1 injections, like Ozempic and Mounjaro.
This time was no different, as she laid bare four drinks you must consume in order to stay properly hydrated while taking your injections.
‘You’re not gonna be feeling like eating as much, but you’re also not gonna be feeling like drinking as much, so you have to really prioritize and be mindful of what you’re drinking as well as what you’re eating,’ Mercy began.
A nurse has revealed exactly what you need to be drinking when you’re on a GLP-1 medication – and why hydration on the medication is so important
The first drink that Mercy recommended was a staple: water, of course.
‘First and most obvious is water,’ she said.
‘Please, please drink your water.’
Next on her list of recommendations were protein shakes and drinks.
‘I love this one, because not only are you prioritizing your protein, but you’re staying hydrated while you’re doing it,’ Mercy explained.
Many doctors recommend tracking your protein intake and consuming a good bit of it, as it is important for maintaining healthy muscle and satiety, per Shore Physicians Group.
Protein is also important as it is very filling, and patients often lose their appetite on these medications.
‘Pro tip, choose whey over casein if you’re on a GLP-1,’ she added.
‘I love this one, because not only are you prioritizing your protein, but you’re staying hydrated while you’re doing it,’ Mercy explained (stock image)
The third drink that Mercy advised consuming was anything with electrolytes added in.
‘You’re going to be eating less, so getting that extra intake of the minerals while you’re also staying hydrated is so key and easy to do,’ she explained.
Finally, the nurse emphasized the importance of getting those greens in, or anything with a high nutrition content.
‘Focus on your green drink, your simple aminos, ways that you can be drinking in your nutrition, it’s gonna go a long way on GLP,’ she concluded.