May 2026 · JMIR Study

Clinical Evidence

This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you — see full disclosure below.

The JMIR Clinical Support Gap Study: What Doctors Should Be Doing Differently

GLP-1 Doc Clinical Editorial Team

A May 2026 JMIR study identified a specific, documented gap in telehealth GLP-1 support: patients losing up to 40% lean mass without dietitian involvement. Here's what the data actually shows and what prescribers should be doing differently.

What the study found

Patients on GLP-1 therapy without structured nutritional support showed meaningfully higher rates of lean mass loss alongside their fat loss, compared to patients who had access to dietitian guidance during treatment. This matters clinically — the goal of GLP-1 treatment is fat loss, not indiscriminate mass loss, and losing significant muscle undermines long-term metabolic health and physical function.

Why this gap exists

Many telehealth GLP-1 platforms are structured around medication delivery and basic monitoring, without built-in nutritional counseling as a standard component — not necessarily due to neglect, but because it adds cost and complexity many platforms haven't prioritized.

Clinical takeaway: Adequate protein intake and resistance training during GLP-1 treatment are the two interventions most consistently associated with preserving lean mass in the literature — both are things patients can act on directly, with or without formal dietitian access.

Embody GLP1 From $149

Includes a metabolic report and 1:1 guidance as part of standard treatment.

Visit Embody GLP1 →Paid link

Sesame Care From $29

FDA-approved brand-name medications with access to licensed physicians who can discuss nutritional strategy.

Prescribes FDA-approved brand-name medication only. Not a compounded provider.

Visit Sesame Care →Paid link

What patients should actually ask their provider

If your platform doesn't include structured nutritional guidance, ask directly whether protein targets and resistance training are being discussed as part of your care plan — this is a reasonable, evidence-based request, not an unusual one.

Important: GLP-1 Doc earns affiliate commissions when you visit a provider through our links. This does not affect pricing or your care. Provider mentions are editorial. We are not a healthcare provider and do not prescribe medications. Always verify a provider's licensing in your state before starting treatment. Medical Disclaimer: Content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. Compounded GLP-1 medications are not FDA-approved.