PortionIQ health benefits and nutrition terms explained  

The world of weight loss medication and nutrition can feel confusing, but your weight loss journey should not. Balancing medication and your body’s nutritional needs can be challenging, particularly if you are unsure where to begin.

That’s where PortionIQ comes in. We believe understanding health and nutrition terminology can help you make more informed choices about your wellbeing. That’s why our expert nutritionist, Mark Gilbert, has created this useful glossary for people taking weight loss medication or simply looking for smarter nutrition.

Print this page, save it to your favourites or screenshot the terms most relevant to you. Whatever works best, this glossary can help take some of the guesswork out of nutrition while you work towards your weight loss goals.

 Weight loss medication

Weight loss medications are changing how many people approach weight management. Let’s explore the key terms. 

GLP-1

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a natural hormone that some weight loss medications mimic. It tells the pancreas to release insulin when needed, slows down how quickly food leaves the stomach and helps reduce appetite by sending fullness signals to the brain. 

GLP-1 medication is a type of weight loss medication available in different forms and under various brand names, including Wegovy. Mounjaro works in a similar way but targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, while Ozempic is licensed in the UK to treat type 2 diabetes.

Weight loss injection 

A weight loss injection, sometimes called a weight loss jab, is a prescription-only medication used to support eligible people with weight management. Depending on the medication, it may be injected weekly into the abdomen, thigh or upper arm. 

Some weight loss injections work by reducing appetite, helping people feel fuller for longer and slowing digestion. They should only be used as prescribed and under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.

Weight loss pill

A weight loss pill is an oral medication prescribed to support weight management. Different tablets work in different ways, so they do not necessarily act in the same way as weight loss injections. 

The instructions also vary between medications. Some oral GLP-1 medicines must be taken on an empty stomach with a limited amount of water, followed by a waiting period before eating, drinking or taking other medication. Always follow the instructions provided by your prescriber and the patient information leaflet.

Ingredients, vitamins and minerals

Meeting your nutritional needs is particularly important when navigating a reduced appetite. If you are eating smaller portions, choosing foods that provide protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals can help you make each meal or snack count. 

Here are some of the key ingredients and nutrients to understand while taking weight loss medication.

Protein

Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass and the maintenance of normal bones. Eating enough protein can be particularly important during weight loss, when the body may lose both fat and lean tissue.  

Protein can be found in Very Berry Bites, Mixed Berry Shake and Vegetable Soup.    

Fibre

Fibre supports normal digestion and can help meals and snacks feel more satisfying. Some types of fibre also act as prebiotics, providing nourishment for beneficial bacteria in the gut.  

Fibre can be found in Very Berry Bites, Mixed Berry Shake and Vegetable Soup.

Creatine

Creatine monohydrate helps support muscle strength, energy production and performance, ideal for active days or low-energy moments.  

Creatine can be found in St. Clements Electrolytes.  

Electrolytes

Electrolytes are minerals, including sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium, that support functions such as fluid balance, muscle function and nerve signalling.

Some GLP-1 medications can cause nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea, which increases fluid and electrolyte loss and the risk of dehydration. Maintaining an appropriate intake of fluids and electrolytes is therefore important throughout treatment.   

Electrolytes can be found in St. Clements Electrolytes. 

Iron

Iron contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, normal oxygen transport and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.  

Iron can be found in Very Berry Bites, Mixed Berry Shake, Vegetable Soup and St. Clements Electrolytes.

Biotin

Biotin contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism and the maintenance of normal hair and skin.  

Biotin can be found in Very Berry Bites, Mixed Berry Shake, Vegetable Soup and St. Clements Electrolytes.

Magnesium

Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function, normal energy-yielding metabolism and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.  

Magnesium can be found in Mixed Berry Shake, Vegetable Soup and St. Clements Electrolytes.

Calcium

Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal bones and teeth and contributes to normal muscle function.  

Calcium can be found in Mixed Berry Shake, Vegetable Soup and St. Clements Electrolytes.

Vitamins

Vitamins are micronutrients that the body needs in small amounts to support a range of normal bodily functions.  

Vitamins can be found in Very Berry Bites, Mixed Berry Shake, Vegetable Soup and St. Clements Electrolytes.  

Vitamin A

Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal vision and skin and the normal function of the immune system.  

Vitamin A can be found in Very Berry Bites, Mixed Berry Shake, Vegetable Soup and St. Clements Electrolytes.

Vitamin B

Several B vitamins, including vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7 and B12, contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism.  

B vitamins can be found in Very Berry Bites, Mixed Berry Shake, Vegetable Soup and St. Clements Electrolytes.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system, normal collagen formation and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.  

Vitamin C can be found in Very Berry Bites, Mixed Berry Shake, Vegetable Soup and St. Clements Electrolytes.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and teeth and supports normal muscle and immune system function.  

Vitamin D can be found in Very Berry Bites, Mixed Berry Shake, Vegetable Soup and St. Clements Electrolytes.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.  

Vitamin E can be found in Very Berry Bites, Mixed Berry Shake, Vegetable Soup and St. Clements Electrolytes.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K contributes to normal blood clotting and the maintenance of normal bones.  

Vitamin K can be found in Very Berry Bites, Mixed Berry Shake, Vegetable Soup and St. Clements Electrolytes.

General health and nutritional terms

Looking after your wider health and nutrition is an important part of any weight loss journey. Here are some of the key terms you may encounter and how they can relate to GLP-1 use.

Hydration

Hydration means providing your body with enough fluid to function properly. Some people taking GLP-1 medication may face a greater risk of dehydration if side effects such as vomiting or diarrhoea cause them to lose fluid. 

A reduced appetite may also mean consuming less fluid through food. Drinking regularly is therefore important, even when you do not feel particularly thirsty.

Digestion

Digestion is the process through which the body breaks down food, absorbs nutrients and removes waste. Some weight loss medications slow the rate at which food leaves the stomach, helping people feel fuller for longer. 

This delayed digestion can also contribute to gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, constipation, diarrhoea or abdominal discomfort. Speak to a healthcare professional if these symptoms are severe, persistent or difficult to manage. 

Malnutrition

Malnutrition occurs when the body does not receive the right amount or balance of energy and nutrients. It can affect people at any body weight and may result from an insufficient intake of protein, vitamins, fats, minerals or calories. 

A reduced appetite can make it more difficult to meet your nutritional needs. Possible signs include persistent tiredness, weakness, low mood, frequent illness or changes to the hair and nails, although these symptoms can have many causes and should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Muscle mass loss

Muscle mass loss refers to a reduction in the amount of muscle tissue in the body. Weight loss can involve the loss of both body fat and lean tissue, particularly during rapid weight loss or a significant calorie deficit. 

Maintaining an appropriate protein intake and including resistance-based exercise, where suitable, can support muscle mass and physical function. Older adults and people going through menopause may need to pay particular attention to their muscle health during weight loss.

Vitamin deficiency

A vitamin deficiency occurs when the body does not receive or absorb enough of a particular vitamin. A reduced appetite or restricted diet can make it more difficult to consume the range of nutrients the body needs. 

The effects depend on the vitamin involved and may include tiredness, weakness or changes to the skin and hair. As these symptoms can have several causes, speak to a healthcare professional if you think you may have a deficiency. 

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