Supporting Employee Health While Taking a GLP-1 Medication

As more people begin using FDA-approved GLP-1 medications for Type 2 diabetes or weight management, employers have an opportunity to support employees throughout their health journey. GLP-1 medications mimic a natural hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite, making them an effective treatment option for many individuals.

While these weight loss medications can help employees feel fuller longer, reduce appetite, and improve blood sugar control, healthy daily habits remain an essential part of successful treatment. Nutrition, hydration, physical activity, and symptom management all play an important role in supporting overall well-being beyond body weight.

This guide explains how GLP-1 medications work, common side effects, when employees should seek medical care, practical ways to manage symptoms, and how healthy lifestyle habits can support long-term wellness.

As an employer, should I be asking employees about their medical conditions?

While you play an important role in supporting workplace wellness, you should respect your employees' privacy and avoid saying anything that might embarrass someone or cross legal boundaries. In most situations, you should not ask employees about their medical conditions, prescription medications, or treatments unless there is a legitimate, job-related reason permitted by applicable law.

Whether an employee is taking a GLP-1 medication is personal health information. However, some employees may choose to share that information when requesting a workplace accommodation or participating in a voluntary wellness program, while others may prefer to keep it private.

Regardless of the circumstance, you can create a workplace that supports healthy habits for everyone. Offering wellness education, providing access to nutritious food options, encouraging hydration and movement, and fostering a supportive culture can benefit all employees, including those who may be taking GLP-1 medications or managing other health conditions.

This article is intended to help employers understand GLP-1 medications and identify ways to support employee well-being through inclusive wellness initiatives. Remember, however, that it is your role to respect employee privacy and individual healthcare decisions.

How GLP-1 Medications Work

GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone made by the small intestine that helps regulate blood sugar by increasing insulin, reducing glucagon, slowing digestion, and making someone feel fuller after eating. People take GLP-1 medications that mimic glucagon-like peptide-1 when they need extra help meeting their goals. As a class of drug, GLP-1 agonists are used for regulating blood sugar and appetite.

These medications are typically prescribed for obesity, and adults 18 and older may qualify with a body mass index of 30 or above, or 27 and above with a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, or a personal or family history with a related condition.

GLP-1s work by:

• Helping the body release enough insulin when needed and making meals less likely to raise blood sugar as sharply
• Slowing how quickly food leaves the stomach
• Reducing glucose production in the liver
• Helping someone feel full sooner and stay satisfied longer

Wellness Tips to Help Employees Feel Their Best

While effective, medication is only one part of a successful wellness journey. The habits employees build each day can help maintain energy, preserve muscle, reduce side effects, and improve overall health.

Focus on Nutrition, Even When Eating Less

One of the biggest changes employees may notice while taking a GLP-1 medication is a reduced appetite.

Although eating less supports weight loss, the body still requires the same vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to function well. Because GLP-1 medications work best alongside healthy dietary changes, it's important to make every bite count.

Employees should eat nutrient-rich foods throughout the day, such as:

• Lean proteins like chicken, fish, eggs and beans
• Healthy fats such as avocado, nuts and olive oil
• Whole grains like oats, brown rice and quinoa
• Fruits and vegetables that provide fiber, vitamins and antioxidants

Eating balanced meals supports overall health and long-term weight management for everyone.

What Employers Can Do to Help Support Nutrition

Employers can make healthy choices for employees easier by:

• Offering nutritious options in vending machines, cafeterias, and catered meetings;
• Stocking break rooms with fresh fruit, nuts, or other healthy snacks;
• Sharing simple nutrition resources through wellness communications; and
• Scheduling meetings at times that allow employees to take regular meal breaks.

Make Protein a Priority

Protein becomes especially important while taking a weight loss drug.

As employees lose weight, preserving lean muscle mass is just as important as losing body fat. Consuming enough protein helps maintain muscle, supports metabolism, and promotes overall strength throughout the weight-loss journey.

If larger meals are difficult, convenient options include:

• Greek yogurt
• Cottage cheese
• Protein smoothies or shakes
• Nut butters
• Hard-boiled eggs

Even smaller amounts consumed throughout the day can make a meaningful difference.

What Employers Can Do to Help Make Protein a Priority

Employers might consider supporting employees by:

• Including protein-rich foods during meetings and wellness events;
• Offering healthy refrigerated snack options when possible;
• Sharing healthy meal and snack ideas through employee wellness programs; and
• Encouraging regular meal and snack breaks during longer shifts.

Stay Hydrated

Many people taking GLP-1 medications drink less fluids simply because they don't feel as thirsty. Unfortunately, dehydration can worsen common side effects such as nausea, headaches, and constipation.

Employees should sip fluids consistently throughout the day rather than waiting until they feel thirsty, even if they are not taking a GLP-1 medication. Water should be the primary choice, although herbal teas and electrolyte beverages are generally safe.

What Employers Can Do to Help Employees Stay Hydrated

To encourage employees to prioritize hydration, employers can:

• Ensure drinking water is easily accessible throughout the worksite;
• Encourage employees to keep reusable water bottles at their workstations;
• Provide hydration reminders through wellness campaigns or digital communications; and
• Offer water or low-sugar beverage options during meetings and events.

Exercise: Keep Moving

Regular physical activity remains one of the best ways to support overall health while taking a GLP-1 medication. According to the National Library of Medicine, exercise helps preserve muscle mass, improve heart health, boost mood and support metabolism.

Employees don't need an intense workout routine to experience benefits. Activities such as walking, strength training, cycling, swimming and yoga can all contribute to improved health. Even 20 to 30 minutes of activity on most days can make a meaningful difference.

What Employers Can Do to Help Encourage Exercise

Creating opportunities for movement during the workday can improve employee well-being. Employers might consider:

• Organizing walking or step challenges or other workplace wellness initiatives;
• Providing standing desks or encouraging standing meetings when appropriate;
• Promoting stretch breaks during long periods of sitting;
• Offering fitness or wellness benefits, such as gym discounts or onsite exercise classes; and
• Encouraging employees to take short walking breaks throughout the day.

Listen to Your Body

Like most prescription medications, one person's experience with GLP-1 medications might vary from the next. Employees should pay attention to how they feel over time, as medical history and other health conditions may influence how treatment is adjusted.

Tracking changes regarding appetite, energy level, hydration, side effects, and foods consumed will help those taking GLP-1 medications to have more productive conversations with their healthcare provider.

What Employers Can Do to Help Encourage Employees to Listen to Their Bodies

A supportive workplace encourages employees to prioritize their health while respecting their privacy, such as:

• Fostering a culture that supports overall wellness without singling out employees taking medications;
• Promoting the company’s Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and other wellness resources;
• Encouraging employees to use preventive healthcare benefits and maintaining regular medical appointments;
• Offering flexible scheduling, when feasible, to accommodate healthcare visits; and
• Reinforcing that personal health information is private and should be handled confidentially.

Do Weight Loss Medications Work?

There are many weight loss medications in the market, with common names such as Foundayo, Wegovy, Ozempic, Saxenda, Zepbound, and more. Although these GLP-1 receptor agonists have different active ingredients (Wegovy and Ozempic use semaglutide, a once-weekly injection, whereas Saxenda uses liraglutide, which is a daily injection), many options have demonstrated weight loss of 5-21%. Some medications in this class have demonstrated up to 15-21% weight loss over 68 weeks in clinical studies, but every individual's experience is different.

Simple Ways Employees Can Manage Everyday Side Effects

Many people experience mild side effects when they first begin taking a GLP-1 medication or after their dosage increases, and patients often notice the most common side effects shortly after starting the drug or moving to higher doses. Fortunately, these symptoms are often temporary and improve as the body adjusts.

The most common side effects include:

• Nausea (affects about 50% of patients using GLP-1 medications)
• Vomiting (affects about 25% of patients using GLP-1 medications)
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Stomach pain or discomfort
• Bloating, gas, or upset stomach
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Decreased appetite

In many cases, the most common side effects can be managed with a few practical strategies, such as:

• Following their healthcare provider's dosing schedule and avoid taking higher doses than recommended.
• Eating smaller meals throughout the day.
• Stopping their eating when comfortably full.
• Avoiding greasy, fried or spicy foods if they worsen nausea.
• Sipping water regularly throughout the day.
• Allowing time for the body to adjust, as many side effects improve during the first several weeks of treatment.
• Knowing when to call their healthcare provider immediately (severe pain, persistent vomiting or signs of dehydration, rapid heart rate, kidney problems, etc.)

Can employees request an accommodation when taking a GLP-1 medication?

Taking a GLP-1 medication alone does not automatically entitle an employee to a reasonable accommodation. However, if there is an underlying medical condition for the prescription that is considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (such as diabetes or high blood pressure), this might qualify the accommodation request.

Examples of reasonable accommodations may include:

• Flexible break schedules to manage side effects or to eat small meals.
• Easy access to drinking water and restroom facilities.
• Temporary schedule adjustments to attend medical appointments.
• A private area, when feasible, to administer medication (if needed).
• Temporary modifications to certain job duties if side effects significantly affect work performance.

Evaluate requests on a case-by-case basis, maintain the confidentiality of the employee’s medical information, and contact your Stratus HR expert for guidance.

Supporting Employees Beyond the Number on the Scale

Supporting employees who take GLP-1 medications means recognizing that long-term wellness extends beyond weight loss alone and includes positive mental health. Nutritious foods, hydration, regular movement, and ongoing communication with a health care provider all contribute to better health outcomes.

By providing education and encouraging healthy habits for all employees, employers can help their team make informed decisions and feel supported throughout their wellness journey - regardless of whether they are taking any GLP-1 medications.

For more information, please contact your certified HR expert. Not a current Stratus HR client? Book a free consultation and our team will contact you shortly.

Sources:
goodrx.com
clevelandclinic.org
fitonhealth.com
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov