In today’s fast-paced society, health is often deprioritised in favour of convenience. As a result, many people find themselves caught in cycles of poor diet, sedentary lifestyles, and chronic stress, all of which contribute significantly to the global rise in obesity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), worldwide obesity has nearly tripled since 1975. In the UK alone, figures from the National Health Service (NHS) show that over 64 percent of adults are either overweight or living with obesity, a condition strongly linked to cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and musculoskeletal disorders.

Nutrition, the Cornerstone of Good Health

Nutrition is the foundation of both physical and mental wellbeing. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet supports immune function, energy production, cognitive health, hormonal balance, and metabolic function. Yet, many people struggle with basic nutritional habits, such as skipping meals, over-relying on ultra-processed foods, and lacking awareness of portion sizes and nutrient balance.

Dietary patterns like the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains, have been associated with a reduced risk of chronic disease and improved longevity. However, translating these patterns into everyday practice requires more than simply knowing what to eat, it demands sustainable behaviour change.

The Rise of GLP-1 Medications, A Double-Edged Sword?

In recent years, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, including semaglutide (found in brand names like Ozempic and Wegovy), have emerged as promising tools in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. These medications work by enhancing satiety, reducing appetite, and slowing gastric emptying, which leads to reduced calorie intake and weight loss.

While GLP-1 medications have shown impressive results in clinical trials, often producing weight loss of 10 to 15 percent, they are not without limitations. They are expensive, not universally available, and can cause unpleasant side effects, including nausea, vomiting, constipation, and in some cases, pancreatitis. Long-term data is still emerging, but some studies suggest that weight regain is likely once the medication is stopped, particularly if no lasting lifestyle changes were made alongside it.

There are growing concerns that reliance on medication may shift focus away from long-term habit change and the importance of personal agency. Obesity is a complex condition with behavioural, environmental, psychological, and physiological roots, and medication alone cannot address all of these.

Using behaviour change theory improves both compliance and confidence.

Coaching and Behaviour Change, A Lasting Solution

Behaviour change, supported by personalised coaching, is one of the most effective strategies for improving health in the long term. Working with a registered nutritionist offers the structure, accountability, and expertise needed to make meaningful, lasting lifestyle changes.

Unlike fad diets or quick fixes, coaching helps individuals understand their unique challenges, such as emotional eating, time constraints, lack of nutritional knowledge, or negative body image, and then create strategies to overcome them. Registered nutritionists use evidence-based practice, motivational interviewing, and goal-setting techniques to create a collaborative and empowering experience.

Using behaviour change theory improves both compliance and confidence. For example, the transtheoretical model helps tailor support to a person’s readiness to change, while self-determination theory strengthens motivation by promoting autonomy, competence, and connection.

A Human-Centred Approach

Nutrition coaching doesn’t aim for perfection, but for progress. This might involve introducing a protein-rich breakfast, reducing sugary drinks, planning meals more effectively, or building a consistent exercise routine. Small, manageable changes, supported by regular check-ins and tailored feedback, are what lead to lasting results.

Tools such as food diaries, body composition analysis like InBody scanning, and structured goal tracking can provide valuable insight and help keep individuals motivated. Group programmes, workplace wellness initiatives, and digital coaching platforms can also provide support in accessible, community-focused ways.

The Role of Public Health and Policy

While individuals can take responsibility for their health, larger systems play a huge role in shaping daily choices. The widespread availability of high-calorie, nutrient-poor foods, aggressive marketing, income inequality, and limited access to safe recreational spaces all contribute to rising obesity levels. Nutritionists not only work with individuals, but also advocate for public health policies that make healthy choices more accessible and affordable for everyone.

Conclusion

The health challenges we face today are complex, but there is no magic pill or shortcut that replaces the power of education, empowerment, and sustainable behaviour change. While GLP-1 medications may have a role to play in certain situations, they are not a cure. True, long-lasting health improvements come from developing a better relationship with food, creating supportive routines, and working with professionals who understand the full picture.

A registered nutritionist can play a vital role in supporting individuals as they reduce or come off GLP-1 medications. By helping to build consistent eating habits, address emotional and behavioural triggers, and personalise nutrition plans, they create a strong foundation for weight maintenance. Nutritionists provide education, structure, and accountability to reduce dependence on medication. Most importantly, they empower long-term lifestyle change that supports lasting health beyond the prescription.

References:

World Health Organization. (2024). Obesity and overweight. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight
NHS Digital. (2023). Statistics on Obesity, Physical Activity and Diet. Retrieved from https://digital.nhs.uk
Wilding, J. P. H., Batterham, R. L., Calanna, S., Davies, M., Van Gaal, L. F., Lingvay, I., ... & Kushner, R. F. (2021). Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11), 989–1002. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
Ryan, D. H., & Yockey, S. R. (2017). Weight Loss and Improvement in Comorbidity: Differences at 5%, 10%, 15%, and Over. Current Obesity Reports, 6(2), 187–194. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-017-0262-y
Prochaska, J. O., & Velicer, W. F. (1997). The Transtheoretical Model of Health Behavior Change. American Journal of Health Promotion, 12(1), 38–48. https://doi.org/10.4278/0890-1171-12.1.38

Achieving Lasting Health - does it involve GLP-1 medicines?