Beyond the Prescription
Living Well on GLP-1 Medications
Nutrition expert Heidi Skolnik explores the importance of eating well, staying strong and building healthy habits while taking weight-loss medication. N
GLP-1
medications have changed the conversation surrounding weight management, offering new possibilities for people struggling to lose weight. But while these medications can help regulate appetite and support significant weight loss, they also raise an important question: What does it take to stay healthy throughout the process?
For nationally recognized nutritionist and exercise physiologist Heidi Skolnik, MS, CDN, FACSM, the answer extends well beyond the prescription.
In her new book, Your GLP-1 Game Plan: What Your Doctor Didn't Tell You About How to Eat, Move, and Thrive on Weight Loss Medication*, Skolnik examines the nutritional, physical and emotional challenges that can accompany treatment, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strength, energy and overall well-being.
NUTRITION BEYOND APPETITE
One of the challenges associated with GLP-1 medications is their effect on appetite. While eating less may support weight loss, reduced food intake can also make it more difficult to obtain adequate protein, vitamins and other essential nutrients.
Skolnik's approach emphasizes making every meal count. Her book introduces what she calls the "Balanced GLP-1 Plate," a practical framework for meeting nutritional needs while adapting to changes in hunger and eating habits.
The 304-page guide also includes 50 recipes, strategies for meal timing and discussions of supplements and common medication side effects.
PROTECTING STRENGTH AND MUSCLE
Weight loss isn't always limited to body fat. Muscle mass can also decline, making adequate nutrition and physical activity important considerations during treatment.
Skolnik explores how movement, exercise and thoughtful dietary choices can help people maintain strength, stamina and energy. Rather than treating the number on the scale as the sole measure of success, her approach encourages readers to consider their overall physical health.
BUILDING HABITS THAT LAST
Beyond the physical changes, GLP-1 treatment can influence relationships with food, body image and emotional well-being.
Skolnik addresses these issues while emphasizing sustainable habits that support long-term health, recognizing that medication is only one component of a broader wellness strategy.
Her expertise draws on decades of experience working with professional athletes, Olympians and performing artists. She has served as a nutritionist for major New York sports teams and oversees performance nutrition programs at The Juilliard School and the School of American Ballet.
Published by Little, Brown Spark on September 22, 2026, Your GLP-1 Game Plan was celebrated with a launch reception at One Art Space in Tribeca and reached No. 7 on The New York Times Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous bestseller list.
For Skolnik, the underlying message is that successful weight management isn't simply about eating less. It's about nourishing the body, preserving strength and developing a healthier relationship with food.
For more information Visit: www.heidiskolnik.com Photos: PMC / Paul Bruinooge