By Dr. Jefferson Vaughan, MD, FACS — Board-Certified General Surgeon, Founder of WLSVitamins
Of all the nutrients we discuss with bariatric and GLP-1 patients, protein and essential fatty acids (EFAs) are the two most likely to be underestimated — not because patients don't know they matter, but because it's genuinely hard to get enough of either when food volume drops sharply.
Protein: what happens when you don't get enough
Most of the body's protein is stored in skeletal muscle, the heart, liver, and kidneys — not in a dedicated reserve the way fat is. When dietary protein intake is insufficient, the body breaks down its own muscle tissue to meet its needs, a process called catabolism. Over time, this leads to muscle loss, slower healing, and reduced strength — the opposite of what most patients are working toward.
We cover specific protein targets and practical strategies for hitting them in our weight loss nutrition fundamentals guide — the short version is 60–80 grams daily, prioritized at every meal.
Essential fatty acids: the nutrient most patients forget
Essential fatty acids (omega-3s and omega-6s) are called "essential" because the body cannot produce them — they must come from diet or supplementation. They play a meaningful role in regulating inflammation and supporting immune function. Because dietary fat intake often drops substantially after bariatric surgery or on a GLP-1 medication, EFA intake tends to fall right along with it.
The most visible signs of EFA deficiency are:
- Dry, flaky, or itchy skin
- Brittle hair or increased shedding — overlapping with the hair loss patterns we describe in our hair loss guide
- Slower recovery from minor skin irritation or inflammation
What we recommend
Prioritizing protein at every meal is step one and can't be substituted with a supplement alone. Alongside that, our Essential Fatty Acids supplement is formulated to fill the gap left by reduced dietary fat intake, supporting skin, hair, and normal inflammatory balance. Both nutrients work best as part of a complete regimen built on a solid Daily Multi-Vitamin foundation.
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning any supplement regimen. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.