Even if you’re already losing weight, working with a dietitian nutritionist still has important benefits for you and your health.

Last week, someone asked me, “So why should I see you if I am already losing weight?”

I’ve gotten many questions similar to this in the past few years, especially as more people are taking weight loss medications such as Ozempic, Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Tirzepatide, or similar “GLP-1” medications.

If your body had a voice, it would be begging you to work with a dietitian nutritionist who is an expert in weight loss! In this article, I’m going to explain why.

Do you need to work with a dietitian or a nutritionist?

Before I get into the reasons why you need a dietitian, it’s essential to explain the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist.  All dietitians are considered “nutritionists,” but not all nutritionists are “dietitians.”  In most states, anyone can call themselves a “nutritionist” even if they have no training or nutrition degree.

However, becoming a registered dietitian requires years of extensive training and supervised practice.  Students must complete college courses human anatomy, biochemistry, food science, medical nutrition therapy, and counseling skills before completing a rigorous supervised internship that usually takes about a year to complete if you’re doing it full time. Then, you need to pass a comprehensive national exam and, in many states, obtain a license to practice.  Additional ongoing training is required to maintain certifications and licenses; some dietitians, including myself, have gone on to obtain specialized training.

To sum it up, a dietitian (or dietitian nutritionist) has a lot more training and specialized knowledge than a “nutritionist” who isn’t a dietitian.

Now that the difference is clear, here are three reasons you should absolutely work with a dietitian nutritionist specializing in weight management, even if you are already losing weight.  This is especially true if you are either considering weight loss medications or are already on them.

Reason #1: Weight loss can cause muscle loss

Any time you lose weight, there is a risk of losing muscle.  That’s why what you eat, when you eat, and what you do for physical activity are critically important, even if you are not using weight loss medications.

Muscle loss not only lowers your metabolism but can make it harder to do everyday things and put you at increased risk of falls and other injuries.  The risk of muscle loss increases for both men and women as we age.

With some weight loss medications, the risk of muscle loss is about the same as with weight loss through diets or bariatric surgery.  With some of the weight loss medications, the risk can be higher.

When working with a person who wants to lose weight, I do a complete personalized assessment of risk factors for muscle loss.  We then have an extensive discussion about the person’s risk factors and what they can do to minimize muscle loss as they lose weight.

Reason #2:  Weight gain happens when you stop taking the medication, so changing habits now is key!

Today’s weight loss medications work in several ways to reduce your hunger and quiet the “food noise” that so many people struggle with.   That’s great news!

The bad news is the research has been very clear: When you stop taking medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or others, those effects disappear.  The weight comes back on …  sometimes quickly!

So while you are on the medications, now is the time to work on building new habits and routines.  This includes many things, including what you buy when grocery shopping, timing and portions, your relationship with food, and so much more.

People stop taking their weight loss medications for many reasons.  I can tell you from several years of working with people on these medications that the people who focus on making changes now, while the temptation to snack and overeat is suppressed, regain less weight than people who have just relied on the medication.

Don’t waste the tremendous opportunity to make changes while it’s easier to ignore the “food noise” and temptations!

Reason #3: Weight loss without good nutrition works against you!

It’s possible to lose weight and have excellent nutrition, meaning you are getting all of the macronutrients, micronutrients, and phytonutrients.

But you have to know what you are doing … or have an expert to guide you.

As a dietitian nutritionist specializing in helping people lose weight and keep it off, as well as being an expert in gut health issues, I’ve seen hundreds of people over the years who either were at a “good weight” or had lost weight, and their bodies weren’t getting what they needed to be healthy.

Your body is a wonderful and amazingly intricate system.  For you to feel your best and have all the energy you need and want, you need to make sure your body is getting what it needs from the food you eat.

You also want to be sure you’re eating in a way that supports a healthy gut microbiome.  After all, your gut microbiome affects your overall health in nine important ways!

Working with an expert can help you lose weight, keep it off, and be healthier.

Hopefully, now you see that when losing weight, with or without weight loss medications, getting smaller and losing weight is not the only thing that needs to be considered.   Making changes and good choices about how you eat is very important, too!

So, how do you start with these changes?  Instantly download my free guide on how to be successful changing how you eat.  You’ll find tips that definitely will help you.

Then, book your free discovery call with me.  We’ll discuss what you’re trying to accomplish and how I can assist you.  We’ll also talk about how your insurance plan may cover all or most of the cost of working with me.