Best supplements to combact GLP-1 side effects
GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs have delivered important results in terms of weight loss and metabolic control in obese and diabetic patients. However, with the widespread use of molecules such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, attention towards the side effects associated with the therapy has also increased.
Nausea, gastrointestinal disorders, loss of muscle mass, fatigue and difficulty maintaining results after discontinuing treatment are becoming increasingly central issues. For this reason, nutritional supplementation is now being discussed as a useful support to improve treatment tolerability and the quality of weight loss.
The common side effects of GLP-1 drugs
GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs work by slowing gastric emptying and increasing the feeling of fullness. It is precisely this mechanism that explains many of the side effects experienced by patients during therapy.
The most common issues affect the gastrointestinal system. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, reflux and gastric heaviness tend to appear especially during the first weeks of treatment or when the dosage is gradually increased. In most cases these are temporary symptoms, but they can compromise treatment continuity and lead some patients to stop therapy prematurely.1
Alongside digestive issues, the rapid reduction in calorie intake may also promote loss of muscle mass.2 This aspect is particularly relevant because during GLP-1 therapy a significant proportion of the weight lost may come from muscle loss rather than solely from adipose tissue.
There are also skin-related and aesthetic effects. We are referring to the so-called “Ozempic face”, associated with loss of subcutaneous facial volume and skin laxity, which represents one of the most discussed consequences among aesthetic doctors.3
Beyond immediate tolerability, another key issue is emerging: the long-term sustainability of results. It is no coincidence that many patients are looking for strategies to manage the effects from discontinuing the treatment and limit the risk of rebound effect from discontinuing GLP-1 therapy, especially when treatment is interrupted after significant weight loss.
The best supplements to relieve GLP-1 side effects
As we have seen, managing the side effects associated with GLP-1 drugs requires a broader approach than pharmacological therapy alone. Slower gastric emptying and reduced calorie intake (associated with rapid weight loss) can alter both body composition and nutritional status.
For this reason, nutritional supplementation can be an excellent tool for improving treatment tolerability and supporting metabolism during the weight-loss journey. However, this is not about replacing medication, but about accompanying treatment with strategies aimed at protecting muscle mass and supporting digestion.
Cor.Con. International is working precisely in this area and has developed specific products designed to help counter gastrointestinal disorders and fatigue, protect muscle mass and manage issues associated with treatment discontinuation. This approach fits into the growing interest in metabolic system supplements as part of a more sustainable management of GLP-1 treatment.
Supplements for nausea and gastrointestinal issues
Nausea, heaviness, bloating and constipation are among the most common side effects during GLP-1 therapy. As mentioned earlier, the reason is mainly linked to delayed gastric emptying, which alters digestion timing and may increase discomfort after meals.
In these cases, digestive enzymes may help. Enzyme complexes help break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats more quickly, reducing bloating and post-meal nausea. Their use may be particularly useful during the first weeks of therapy or while increasing the dosage.
Soluble fibres also play an important role. Psyllium, inulin and apple fibre help improve bowel motility and stool consistency, counteracting the constipation often associated with GLP-1 drugs. At the same time, they act as prebiotics, supporting the balance of the intestinal microbiota.
The microbiota itself is becoming one of the most studied elements in the management of GLP-1 therapy. Probiotics such as Lactobacillus gasseri and Lactobacillus rhamnosus are used to promote bowel regularity and improve digestive tolerability.
Cor.Con. International has specifically considered patients beginning therapy through dedicated nutritional support for GLP-1 side effects. EuSide is the supplement designed to improve drug tolerability and facilitate digestive adaptation thanks to a carefully balanced formulation of magnesium, B vitamins, ginger, CoQ10 and prebiotic inulin fibre. In particular, the product works on digestive regulation, helping relieve nausea and reflux while reducing the feeling of fatigue.
Alongside supplementation, some simple nutritional guidelines remain essential:
- eat small and frequent meals;
- consume dry and light foods;
- reduce fried foods, fats and spices during dosage titration phases.
Managing these aspects properly can improve treatment continuity and reduce the risk of early discontinuation, but the issue of metabolic sustainability also involves another increasingly discussed problem: muscle loss during rapid weight reduction.
Support for muscle mass during GLP-1 therapy
During weight loss, the body does not reduce adipose tissue alone: a significant proportion of the weight lost may also come from muscle mass.
This phenomenon becomes particularly relevant when calorie and protein intake drop dramatically due to appetite suppression. Without adequate nutritional support and physical activity, the risk of drug-induced sarcopenia increases, with effects that may impact strength and physical function.4
This is why the primary nutritional goal during GLP-1 therapy is to ensure adequate protein intake. The most commonly used recommendations suggest a target between 1.2 and 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, distributed throughout the day to support muscle protein synthesis.5
Among the most commonly used supplements are whey proteins, especially in lighter and more easily digestible formulations. In many cases they are combined with essential amino acids (EAAs) and BCAAs, used as anti-catabolic support when the daily diet cannot adequately cover protein requirements.
In addition to amino acids, creatine monohydrate is excellent for preserving strength and lean body mass, especially in patients experiencing significant weight reduction who want to reduce the risk of muscle mass loss during therapy.
Cor.Con. International has also developed a dedicated supplement in this area: EuPower Maintenance with HMB, creatine and vitamin D3. EuPower helps preserve muscle strength and optimises energy production during periods of calorie deficit. It is therefore ideal for preventing muscle loss and fatigue caused by appetite suppression.
However, supplementation cannot be separated from physical activity. Resistance exercises, with weights or bodyweight training, are essential for stimulating the maintenance of lean mass and limiting the metabolic slowdown associated with muscle loss.6
Supplements to counteract the rebound effect
One of the most discussed issues after discontinuing GLP-1 drugs concerns regaining lost weight. In many cases, the appetite suppression achieved during therapy gradually diminishes once treatment is stopped, encouraging the return of hunger and previous metabolic alterations.
It is precisely this mechanism that makes the rebound effect after stopping GLP-1 therapy one of the most delicate aspects in the long-term management of obesity. The risk does not only concern weight regain, but also the difficulty in maintaining the dietary and metabolic changes achieved during treatment.7
In this context, some supplements are used as metabolic support during the post-drug transition phase. Among the most studied are omega-3 EPA and DHA, appreciated for their ability to improve insulin sensitivity and contribute to controlling metabolic inflammation.
Omega-3s are also associated with modulation of cortisol, the stress hormone involved in fat accumulation mechanisms and appetite dysregulation. This aspect may become particularly relevant in patients who, after discontinuing therapy, experience a return of hunger and greater difficulty controlling portion sizes.
Berberine, a natural substance mainly known for its role in blood glucose regulation, is also indicated for follow-up because some preliminary studies suggest a possible effect on endogenous GLP-1 stimulation and maintenance of satiety.
EuStabil is Cor.Con.’s supplement specifically formulated to counteract the rebound effect typical of GLP-1 agonists. It helps stabilise weight and metabolism after discontinuation of medication thanks to a mix of specific nutrients and compounds, including berberine, artichoke extract, fructo-oligosaccharides and butyric acid. It works particularly on satiety and appetite control, as well as metabolic balance.
Naturally, work on nutritional education remains essential. GLP-1 therapy can significantly reduce appetite, but the sustainability of results also depends on the ability to transform this phase into a stable change in eating habits and lifestyle. This is precisely why there is increasing discussion today about integrated approaches aimed not only at rapid weight loss, but also at managing the effects resulting from discontinuing treatment.
Supplementation to improve skin quality during GLP-1 therapy
It should also be remembered that the weight loss associated with GLP-1 drugs can affect skin elasticity and firmness, especially on the face.
In these cases, nutritional support focuses on nutrients involved in collagen synthesis. Vitamin C, zinc, copper, glycine, proline and lysine contribute to skin regeneration processes, while squalene helps maintain hydration and the skin’s protective function.
The Esilen line was created precisely with this logic in mind, as it acts on oxidative stress and skin quality. Esilen Emulsion, formulated with squalene and antioxidant oils, promotes hydration and skin elasticity.
Esilen Vials, on the other hand, support the skin from within. The formulation includes squalene from Olea europaea, vitamin C, coenzyme Q10, zinc, selenium, beta-carotene and bioflavonoids from Citrus sinensis, all nutrients involved in skin protection and tissue maintenance processes.
References
- Xie, Y., Choi, T., & Al-Aly, Z. (2025). “Mapping the effectiveness and risks of GLP-1 receptor agonists”, Nature Medicine, 31, 951–962 ↩︎
- Fernández-Soto ML et al. Changes in lean mass and body composition with GLP-1 receptor agonists: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Diabetes Obes Metab 2024; 26(8):2121–2134. DOI: 10.1111/dom.15568. ↩︎
- Tay JQ. Ozempic face: A new challenge for facial plastic surgeons. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2023 Jun;81:97-98. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2023.04.057. Epub 2023 Apr 20. PMID: 37126934. DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2023.04.057 ↩︎
- Dimitrios Pantazopoulos, Evanthia Gouveri, Dimitrios Papazoglou, Nikolaos Papanas, GLP-1 receptor agonists and sarcopenia: Weight loss at a cost? A brief narrative review, Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, Volume 229, 2025, 112924, ISSN 0168-8227, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diabres.2025.112924 ↩︎
- Zagaria T., Gestione nutrizionale degli effetti collaterali durante il trattamento con GLP1 Agonisti: qual è il ruolo del nutrizionista. ↩︎
- Grant M Tinsley, Steven B Heymsfield, Fundamental Body Composition Principles Provide Context for Fat-Free and Skeletal Muscle Loss With GLP-1 RA Treatments, Journal of the Endocrine Society, Volume 8, Issue 11, November 2024, bvae164, https://doi.org/10.1210/jendso/bvae164 ↩︎
- Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Davies M, Van Gaal LF, Kandler K, Konakli K, Lingvay I, McGowan BM, Oral TK, Rosenstock J, Wadden TA, Wharton S, Yokote K, Kushner RF; STEP 1 Study Group. Weight regain and cardiometabolic effects after withdrawal of semaglutide: The STEP 1 trial extension. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2022 Aug;24(8):1553-1564. doi: 10.1111/dom.14725. Epub 2022 May 19. PMID: 35441470; PMCID: PMC9542252. ↩︎