Protein during Ozempic treatment: how to organize your diet

During semaglutide treatment, appetite may decrease, and with it, the total amount of food consumed. Therefore, it is advisable to review the overall quality of your diet and speak with a healthcare professional about your protein needs, especially if your intake has been significantly reduced.

Nutritional needs and digestive tolerance during treatment with GLP-1 medications vary from person to person. There is no single dietary guideline suitable for everyone. If you are undergoing treatment, consult with the supervising healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet. Fitóniq is not a substitute for medical monitoring and is not intended to prevent or treat the side effects of the medication.

Why is there so much talk about protein at this stage?

During weight loss, both fat mass and fat-free mass can decrease. The proportion varies depending on the individual, the treatment, diet, sex, and physical activity. Strength training is one of the recommended measures to help limit muscle mass loss during weight loss.

The joint guideline published in 2025 by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society (Mozaffarian et al., 2025) indicates that sufficient protein intake should be a priority to help preserve muscle mass, especially when combined with a structured strength training program. It also notes that low protein intake due to reduced appetite can contribute to muscle mass loss, especially in older individuals, those in perimenopause or menopause, those with sedentary lifestyles, or those without strength training.

In terms of nutrients, the authorized claim in the European Union is simple: protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass. This claim can only be used for foods that are, at a minimum, a source of protein.

How much protein per day?

For healthy adults, EFSA establishes a population reference intake of 0.83 g of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. This is a reference for the healthy population, not an individual guideline for weight loss or during treatment with GLP-1 medications.

During energy restriction, higher intakes have been proposed, frequently within a range of 1.2–1.6 g/kg/day, to help limit the loss of muscle mass. However, there is no single amount established specifically for all individuals treated with GLP-1 medications.

Furthermore, in people who are overweight or obese, applying that range directly to current weight may overestimate needs. Depending on the situation, the professional may use adjusted weight, reference weight, fat-free mass, or an individualized daily goal as a reference.

Age, physical activity, muscle mass, degree of energy restriction, and kidney or liver function can also modify the goal. If you have kidney or liver disease, or any condition that requires protein control, do not increase your intake without consulting the professional overseeing your treatment.

For these reasons, it is not recommended to convert the weight on the scale directly into a universal daily gram chart.

How to distribute it when appetite is low

Distributing protein across several servings is usually more feasible than concentrating it into a single meal, especially when the stomach fills up quickly.

The 2025 guideline cited above points out that when appetite and interest in food are low, small and frequent meals may work better, and that options such as shakes, protein drinks, cottage cheese, or soups are often more palatable than heavier foods like red meat, cold cuts, or aged cheeses. If the problem is forgetting to eat, it suggests something as simple as setting an alarm.

These are approximate amounts of protein in typical servings so you can do your math:

Reference values. These may vary depending on the product, preparation, and drained weight; check the label or an official food composition database.

Where Fitóniq fits in

Fitóniq offers pre-portioned servings and preparations ready in a few minutes, with various flavors including savory dishes, shakes, and sweet options. The amount of protein and energy in each serving is stated on the label and varies depending on the product and the method of preparation (with water or milk), so you can add up what it contributes to your daily total without starting your calculations from scratch.

A single serving does not determine your daily needs on its own: to know if your day is covered, you have to add up everything you eat. You can check the composition of each product in the Fitóniq store.

Frequently asked questions

How much protein should I consume during treatment?

There is no single amount just because you are taking Ozempic. During energy restriction, targets higher than the reference for healthy adults have been proposed, including ranges of 1.2–1.6 g/kg/day. However, the calculation may require using an adjusted or reference weight and should consider age, activity level, muscle mass, kidney or liver function, and overall diet.

Is it better to distribute it or concentrate it in one meal?

When appetite is reduced, it is usually more realistic to distribute it across several small servings throughout the day than to try to concentrate it into a single meal.

Which options are easier when I can't eat anything?

Clinical guidelines point out that when appetite is low, shakes, protein drinks, cottage cheese, or soups are usually more palatable than red meat, cold cuts, or aged cheeses. Tolerance is individual.

Can I use a meal replacement to reach my protein goal?

It is a practical option because the portion is defined and its composition is stated on the label. Review that composition and how it fits into your overall diet with the professional overseeing your treatment.

Is it necessary to train for strength?

The 2025 guideline emphasizes that sufficient protein intake helps preserve muscle mass, especially when combined with a structured strength training program. Consult with a professional about what type of activity is appropriate for you.

In summary

• Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass. During energy restriction, intakes higher than the reference for healthy adults have been proposed, but there is no universal amount for everyone treated with GLP-1 medications.
• When appetite is reduced, distributing protein across several small servings can be more feasible than concentrating it in a single meal.
• When appetite is low, liquid formats and soups are usually easier than heavier foods.
• The appropriate amount and the weight reference to be used must be individualized according to each person's situation.

Do you want to know how much protein each serving provides before deciding? Check the composition of each product in the Fitóniq store. If you are undergoing GLP-1 treatment, discuss it first with the professional who is supervising it.