Many athletes are not good candidates for GLP-1s. But for some, these medications can be a useful tool.

In episode 141 of The Eat for Endurance Podcast, I'm joined by fellow Sports Dietitian and endurance athlete Jennifer O'Donnell-Giles, MS, RDN for the final installment of my GLP-1 mini-series. Jenn brings 27 years of clinical experience to this conversation, along with a perspective that's evolved a lot over the past few years.

Jenn and I discuss:

• How natural GLP-1 production can decline with age
• Why under-fueling is still the primary issue for many athletes
• Who should (and shouldn't) consider these medications
• Potential risks of GLP-1 use, including lean body mass loss and GI distress
• Potential benefits to inflammation, autoimmune conditions, gut health, and mood
• Nutrition and supplement strategies when appetite is lower
• Dosing and microdosing for therapeutic use, not just weight loss
• Why athletes cycle on and off GLP-1s, including around race training
• Jenn's own story: early menopause, a cardiovascular family history, and how a short course of GLP-1s changed her health and performance

Jenn's biggest takeaway: in the athlete population, a GLP-1 is just one piece of the puzzle, and works best alongside solid nutrition and lifestyle habits. Weight loss can be part of why someone uses one, but there are other potential benefits as well.

Whether a GLP-1 is right for an athlete depends on who they are, why they want it, and whether the foundation is already in place. It's not appropriate for everyone, especially anyone with a history of disordered eating or a complicated relationship with food.

Tune in for a nuanced, experience-based look at where these medications can genuinely help endurance athletes, and where they can do real harm.

Links & Resources

• Follow Jenn on Instagram and visit her website
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• Check out my free nutrition downloads
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• Have a topic you'd like to request? Email me at claire@eatforendurance.com

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Disclaimer: All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical or nutrition recommendations.

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