On Ozempic or Wegovy? Supplements That May Help With Common Side Effects

Physician Reviewed | Last reviewed: May 2026

Important — read first. GLP-1 medications (semaglutide / Ozempic / Wegovy, tirzepatide / Mounjaro / Zepbound) are prescription drugs that must only be taken under physician supervision. This article does not suggest supplements replace GLP-1 therapy. It addresses nutritional gaps and side effects that commonly occur during GLP-1 treatment, and evidence-based approaches to managing them. Any new side effect should be discussed with your prescribing physician.

GLP-1 medications are highly effective, but the rapid changes they drive in appetite and weight create predictable nutritional challenges. This article covers those challenges and what the evidence says about addressing them.

Common Issues During GLP-1 Therapy

  1. Severe appetite suppression leading to insufficient protein, vitamin, and mineral intake.
  2. Nausea and GI disturbance — the most common side effect, affecting 30–40% of users.
  3. Muscle mass loss — approximately 38–40% of the weight lost during GLP-1 therapy is lean mass, a clinically significant concern.
  4. Bone-density concerns associated with rapid weight loss.
  5. Nutrient deficiencies — B12, iron, folate, calcium, and vitamin D are the most common.

Protein — The First Priority

Protein is the single most important nutritional intervention during GLP-1 therapy. Aim for at least 1.2–1.6g of protein per kilogram of body weight daily. Most GLP-1 users struggle to reach this target because of appetite suppression, and a protein-tracking app can help. Protein is technically food rather than a supplement, but it belongs at the top of this list.

Creatine Monohydrate — Muscle Preservation

A Cochrane systematic review and multiple meta-analyses support creatine combined with resistance training for preserving lean mass — particularly relevant for GLP-1 users, who are at elevated risk of muscle loss. The dose is 3–5g daily. Creatine is the most extensively studied supplement in existence and has an excellent safety profile. Note that serum creatinine rises modestly with creatine use; this is a metabolic byproduct, not a sign of kidney damage.

Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)

GLP-1 drugs do not directly deplete B12, but severely reduced food intake can lead to deficiency. 1,000mcg daily of sublingual or oral methylcobalamin is reasonable. Monitor serum B12 with your physician.

Magnesium Glycinate

Magnesium is frequently low in the general population, and reduced food intake during GLP-1 therapy compounds the gap. 300–400mg of elemental magnesium as glycinate daily is a reasonable target. See our full magnesium article for details on forms and dosing.

Vitamin D3 + K2

Because rapid weight loss affects bone density, vitamin D status matters. 2,000–4,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily, paired with K2 (MK-7 form) at 100mcg to support calcium utilization, is a common evidence-based approach.

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Creatine monohydrate combined with resistance training is the gold standard evidence-based approach for muscle preservation during GLP-1 therapy:

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Sources

  1. SELECT Trial (2023). New England Journal of Medicine. Semaglutide cardiovascular outcomes.
  2. SURMOUNT-1 Trial. Tirzepatide weight loss and body-composition data.
  3. Heymsfield et al. Lean-mass loss data in GLP-1 trials.
  4. Cochrane Review: creatine supplementation and lean mass.
This article is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any supplement, particularly if you have a medical condition or take medications. Individual results vary. Supplements are not FDA-approved to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.