Show Notes
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro are now firmly inside the triathlon conversation. Athletes are seeing dramatic weight loss results and wondering whether these drugs could help them perform better too. But what actually happens when you combine appetite-suppressing medications with the demands of swimming, riding and running for hours every week? In this episode, Advanced Sports Dietitian Taryn Richardson breaks down the science and practical realities of GLP-1 medications for endurance athletes. From muscle loss and gut issues to RED-S and race day fuelling disasters, this is the conversation triathletes need to hear before considering these medications. In this episode, you’ll learn: What GLP-1 medications actually do in the body
Why delayed gastric emptying can become a major issue for endurance athletes
The surprising amount of muscle mass that can be lost during rapid weight loss
How GLP-1 medications may increase the risk of RED-S in triathletes
Why hunger and thirst cues become unreliable on these medications
The key nutrition strategies to protect your performance if you’re taking a GLP-1
How protein and resistance training can help preserve lean muscle mass
Which foods give you the biggest micronutrient bang for buck when appetite is low
Why fuelling to a schedule becomes critical during long training sessions and racing
What WADA’s monitoring of GLP-1 medications means for athletes moving forward
Key Takeaways Rapid weight loss can come with significant lean muscle loss if nutrition and strength training aren’t prioritised
Slower gastric emptying may increase the risk of gut distress during training and racing
Suppressed appetite can make chronic under-fuelling and RED-S much harder to detect
Triathletes taking GLP-1 medications need a very deliberate fuelling plan to maintain health and performance
Timestamps 00:00 – Why GLP-1 medications are suddenly everywhere in triathlon
01:47 – What GLP-1 medications actually do
03:00 – WADA monitoring and anti-doping implications
04:09 – The muscle mass problem triathletes need to understand
06:34 – Gut function, gastric emptying and fuelling challenges
08:50 – The hidden risk of RED-S and chronic under-fuelling
11:13 – Practical strategies for athletes using GLP-1 medications
12:35 – The most nutrient-dense foods when appetite is low
14:00 – Why fuelling to a schedule matters
16:00 – Final takeaways for triathletes
If you know a triathlete currently taking Ozempic or another GLP-1 medication, send them this episode. These conversations are happening quietly in squads all over the world, and athletes deserve practical, evidence-based guidance to protect both their health and performance. Links & Resources Triathlon Nutrition Kickstart Course
Join the waitlist for the Triathlon Nutrition Academy
Free Triathlon Nutrition Checklist
Download the FREE audio series The 5 Biggest Nutrition Mistakes Costing You Time on Race Day SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE CONNECT WITH TARYN Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube The Triathlon Nutrition Academy® is a podcast by Dietitian Approved®. All rights reserved. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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