Supporting Your Body While Using GLP-1 Medication: Why We Offer More

At The Barleycorn Clinic alongside the Calleva Clinic, we believe successful weight loss involves more than medication alone. While GLP-1 therapies can be highly effective, long-term, sustainable results come from supporting the whole body alongside treatment.

GLP-1 medications work by reducing appetite, slowing digestion, and improving blood sugar

regulation. While powerful, these effects also place additional demands on the gut,

metabolism, muscles, and nutrient stores — which is why a whole-body approach is

essential.

We offer alongside our GLP1 weight loss medication clinic; functional health and nutrition expertise, laboratory testing, and individualised support to help your body adapt,

tolerate, and respond optimally throughout your GLP-1 journey.

The Foundations: Nutrition, Movement & Sleep

These three pillars are often underestimated, yet they play a critical role in how well your

body responds to GLP-1 medication.

Nutrition

Adequate protein and nutrient-dense foods help preserve lean muscle mass, support

metabolic health, and reduce common side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and weakness —

particularly when overall food intake is reduced.

Movement

Resistance training and regular movement help minimise muscle loss, a common risk during

rapid weight loss, and support long-term fat loss rather than weight regain.

Sleep

Poor sleep disrupts blood sugar balance, appetite hormones, and gut health, all of which are

essential for sustainable weight-loss results while using GLP-1 therapy.

A Supportive Protocol for GLP-1 Success

Our GLP-1 support protocols are personalised and guided by both clinical insight and testing

where appropriate. Reduced appetite and rapid weight loss can increase the risk of nutrient

deficiencies, muscle loss, and metabolic slowdown if not proactively addressed.

Based on individual needs, support while on GLP-1s may include:

• Gut lining and digestive support, such as digestive enzymes, to improve tolerance

  and reduce gastrointestinal side effects

• Healthy gut bacteria support, including probiotics, to support digestion,

  metabolism, and natural GLP-1 signalling

• Personalised protein guidance to preserve lean muscle mass and metabolic rate

• Creatine support, where appropriate, to support muscle strength and reduce muscle

  loss during weight reduction

• Targeted vitamin and mineral support, including B-vitamins, vitamin B12, vitamin D,

  magnesium, and multivitamins

Nutritional Testing: Identifying Hidden Deficiencies

When using GLP-1 medication, reduced appetite and food intake can increase the risk

of nutrient deficiencies, even in patients who feel they are eating well. These deficiencies

may contribute to fatigue, muscle loss, hair thinning, low energy, stalled progress, and

worsening side effects.

We offer advanced nutritional testing to assess key vitamins, minerals,

and metabolic markers affected during weight loss. This allows us to identify deficiencies

early and provide targeted, personalised support, rather than relying on generic

supplementation or guesswork.

By combining nutritional testing, tailored supplementation, and lifestyle support, many

patients experience fewer side effects, improved energy, better muscle preservation, and

more sustainable weight-loss outcomes while using GLP-1 medication.

Why Gut Health Is Critical on GLP-1s

Some patients who experience side effects such as nausea, bloating, reflux, constipation, or

diarrhoea may already have a disrupted gut microbiome before starting GLP-1 medication.

A healthy gut:

• Supports digestion as gastric emptying slows

• Helps regulate appetite and blood sugar naturally

• Produces beneficial compounds that support metabolic health

• Plays a role in natural GLP-1 production through healthy anaerobic bacteria

When the gut is out of balance, GLP-1 medications can be harder to tolerate — and for

some patients, this leads to reduced adherence or discontinuation. For this reason, gut

health support can be a cornerstone of successful GLP-1 therapy.

Advanced Gut Health Testing

For patients experiencing ongoing digestive symptoms, significant side effects, we also

offer comprehensive gut health testing.

This testing can assess:

• Beneficial and anaerobic bacteria levels

• Digestive capacity

• Inflammation and gut barrier health

• Factors influencing natural GLP-1 signalling

  
  

This personalised insight allows us to address the root causes, not just the symptoms, and

refine support for better long-term outcomes.

A Truly Individualised Approach

GLP-1 medication is a powerful tool — but it works best when your gut, muscles,

metabolism, and nutritional status are supported at the same time.

Our goal is to help you lose weight safely, comfortably, and sustainably, while protecting

your long-term health and reducing the risk of side effects.

If you’d like to explore personalised support, supplement guidance, or advanced testing

alongside your GLP1 weight loss journey tailored to your individual health needs,

please get in touch.