According to a renowned nutrition expert, consuming eggs can help people trying to stop taking weight loss injections like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro.
Adam Collins, Associate Professor of Nutrition at the University of Surrey, says this protein-rich and affordable food can ease the main symptom of withdrawal from these appetite-suppressing drugs – weight regain.
Writing for The Conversation, he explains:
“People stop using GLP-1 drugs for many reasons – cost, side effects or because they have reached a weight they are happy with. The number of those looking for ways to gradually reduce injections or replace some of their effects with food is growing.”
The main problem with almost all weight-loss methods is weight regain. Long-term studies of GLP-1 drugs show that once people stop taking them, they regain more than half of the weight they lost. This regain can be even stronger than with other diet methods, because of the way these drugs affect appetite hormones.
But, he added, “a surprisingly simple option worth considering – whether you’re still using GLP-1 drugs, tapering them off, or stopping them altogether – is plain eggs.”
This is because “they are naturally nutritious, providing high-quality protein containing all the essential amino acids [the building blocks of protein for muscle], as well as vitamin D and a wide range of micronutrients.”
“They are also the most sustainable form of animal protein and among the most affordable,” he added.
One reason why eggs are important is related to their impact on appetite.
“Egg consumption has consistently been shown to help people feel fuller for longer and eat less at subsequent meals, including in people who are overweight or obese. This is partly because the protein in eggs stimulates the body’s release of GLP-1, while also suppressing the hunger hormone, ghrelin.”
Injections offered by the NHS to patients with type 2 diabetes have won praise as "miracle injections" for weight loss, suppressing appetite and helping to shed pounds.
Dr. Collins added that “in this sense, eggs act as a natural GLP-1 agonist, not a drug,” and thus may reduce the likelihood of weight regain.
Eggs can also help people who use weight loss injections and often lose muscle as a result of insufficient protein intake. Research shows that a protein intake of about 1g per kilogram of body weight or more is associated with better muscle preservation.
"Eggs offer a practical and controlled way to reach these levels when larger meals are not appealing."
The average person consumes about 200 eggs a year – roughly one every two days – including those used in cooking and desserts.
However, despite their popularity, eggs have been accused of being harmful to health, being blamed for high cholesterol, increased risk of heart disease and salmonella.
However, according to the latest data, Harvard Health says that for most people, one egg a day is safe, and what matters most is what is consumed with the egg.
And, promisingly, Dr. Collins says that combining eggs with other foods can amplify the effect.
“The effect is amplified when eggs are combined with high-fiber foods, such as wholemeal bread, which further increases the release of GLP-1 and provides additional health benefits. In addition to protein, eggs provide nutrients that many people may struggle to get enough of. The British population is particularly at risk of low vitamin D intake, especially during the winter.”
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that the body usually gets from the sun, but can also be obtained from food; its deficiency can cause problems such as seasonal depression.
Dr. Collins also pointed to a 2025 study that found that people taking weight loss medications were deficient in vitamin D and other nutrients such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins A, C, E, and K.
Obese people may already be deficient in vitamin E, selenium, and zinc, exacerbating the problem.
He admitted that eggs "are not nature's Wegovy or Mounjaro," but their effects should not be underestimated.
"Eggs may be an economical way to address nutritional deficiencies, especially for those using GLP-1 drugs," he said.
"Whether you are considering starting GLP-1, are currently using it, or are planning to stop, eggs can prove to be a silent ally." /GazetaExpress/
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