PRESS RELEASE
1 JULY 2025
Dietitians NZ Urges Nutrition Support for Kiwis Using Ozempic and Wegovy
Dietitians NZ is calling for greater awareness of the nutritional risks and the support needed alongside the GLP-1 agonist medications (Trulicity, Victoza, Saxenda, Wegovy, Ozempic) as they become more available in New Zealand. From 1 July, general practitioners can prescribe Wegovy for weight loss, expanding access to a medication originally developed for type 2 diabetes. While effective for appetite suppression and weight reduction, use of Wegovy can lead to serious nutrition-related side effects if used without proper dietary oversight.
“These medications change how people eat – but they don’t change what the body needs,” says Lily Henderson, Registered Dietitian and spokesperson for Dietitians NZ. “From the research we’re seeing people experience nutrient deficiencies, muscle loss, and reduced bone density because these medications reduce calories from food by around 19-39%. That’s where a dietitian comes in – to help protect long-term health.”
Wegovy works by slowing digestion and reducing appetite. However, common side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, further reducing reduced food intake, which can result in inadequate nutrition.
Dietitians NZ advises those using GLP-1 medications to seek individualised support from a registered dietitian, who can guide patients on a dietary intake to:
- Maintain muscle mass
- Support gut health
- Prevent micronutrient deficiencies
- Manage side effects
- Optimise nutrient intake or use supplements to support nutritional needs
“GLP-1 medications are a powerful tool, but they’re not a magic fix,” says Henderson. “True, sustainable health comes from daily habits – how we eat, move, sleep, and manage stress.” Dietitians NZ warns against the growing trend of purchasing these medications online, Online sales are unregulated, and the medication obtained may not be what is being paid for. Prescriptions from a doctor who has your full clinical history reduces the risk of serious adverse events from these medications. Dietitians NZ urges all New Zealanders considering or currently GLP-1 medications, like Wegovy to seek medical and nutritional supervision.
ENDS
For media enquiries or interview requests, contact:
Julia Sekula
Dietitians NZ
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 02102746814
Website: www.dietitians.org.nz
About Dietitians NZ
Dietitians NZ is the professional body representing dietitians across Aotearoa. Our mission is to promote safe, evidence-based nutritional care and advocate for the health and wellbeing of all New Zealanders