Atkins revealed it is partnering with the reality TV star Heather Gay in an effort to change the weight management mindset of GLP-1 users, using data collected from a new pioneering pilot clinical trial aiming to answer growing questions about how diet can both influence and support success for those trying to lose weight with help from a GLP-1 product.¹

The partnership is expected to combine Heather's personal journey with new science-backed solutions to reset the conversation surrounding GLP-1 usage by removing taboos while fueling sustainable results.

Gay touched on the partnership, saying, "I've been really vocal about my experiences with my weight and GLP-1s, but one thing I don't think people always realize is how getting the right balance of nutrition is key to reaching and maintaining success. I tell all my friends that Atkins made reaching my goals so much easier, and it's backed by decades of science. Their shakes and protein bars take the guesswork out of meeting my protein and fiber requirements, which is crucial to getting the results I want from GLP-1s."

What are the new study findings?

As the use of GLP-1 medications continues to rise, new research highlights the important role nutrition can play in supporting muscle, metabolism and long-term success.1 Because of this correlation, Atkins is releasing some of the discovery’s from a pioneering pilot clinical trial aiming to help answer growing questions regarding how a patient’s diet can influence and support success for those trying to lose weight with help from a GLP-1.¹

The study highlights how incorporating products high in protein content on a daily basis can help address common challenges reported by GLP-1 users, such as digestive issues and muscle retention, while also finding sustainable ways to supply key nutrients like protein and fiber to help combat against typical GLP-1 user challenges.

The study continued to demonstrate that following a tailored GLP-1 eating approach can provide relief for patients struggling with dietary challenges, making it easier for patients to eat protein and fiber while on GLP-1s while also being easy to tolerate.¹

Key Findings of the study include:

• Tailored eating approaches may offer help to GLP-1 users in improving certain health markers, such as those related to cardiometabolic health.¹
• Following a tailored diet provides an easy solution to getting more protein and fiber in GLP-1 using patients without exacerbating stomach discomfort or distress.¹
• Potential for patients using a tailored diet to lose less muscle while losing weight potentially due to eating more protein, slower weight loss, and or other dietary factors.¹

"Atkins felt it was important to invest in research to determine whether people using a GLP-1 can actually tolerate and benefit from higher protein and fiber diets while cutting back on sugar and carbs. We also wanted to see how these changes may help support secondary health outcomes, like insulin resistance and healthy cholesterol levels, beyond just weight loss. We intend to publish these findings in a nutrition journal so the scientific community can learn and build on this data," said Geoff Tanner, CEO of Simply Good Foods.

Sources

1. Reality TV Star Heather Gay and Atkins Flip the Script on Weight Wellness for GLP-1 Users Simply Good Foods Co. January 5, 2026 https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/reality-tv-star-heather-gay-and-atkins-flip-the-script-on-weight-wellness-for-glp-1-users-302662676.html