GLP-1 drugs and gut health: what you need to know – summary
- Global market for GLP-1-weight loss drugs projected at $156.71bn
- The gut health market will be larger and expected to reach $270.32bn in 2034
- GLP-1 medications reduce appetite, and could lower fiber consumption risk
- Gut microbiome helps users report less craving for processed food
- Clean label and fibre-rich food brands are essential to gut health
GLP-1 medications are gaining popularity in the weight loss space, whether you like them or not.
The trend for injections to help with weight loss has grown at a rapid pace.
The market is now valued at $53.46bn ($45.76bn) and will reach $156.71bn in the next decade, according to Grand View Research.
However, there are questions about the effect of these drugs on gut health, another trend in wellness.
The topic of gut health is still at the forefront of consumer conversations about wellness. The global market for digestive health products dwarfs GLP-1 with an enormous value of $116.92bn ($100.85bn). This number will rise to a staggering $270.32bn in 2034, according to market intelligence company Precedence Research.
What impact do GLP-1 drugs have on gut health? What opportunities do these drugs create in the food and beverage industry?
(Image: Getty/Image Source) Gut health is still the most important topic in health and wellbeing. (Image: Getty/Image Source)
What is the impact of GLP-1 on gut health?
Lucie Hayter is the founder of The Gut Feeling, an app that promotes gut health. We do know, however, that GLP-1s are connected to the microbiome of the gut.
Hayter says that they first reduce hunger by targeting the neuron receptors of the vagal cord, the umbilical chord of the gut brain axis.
She explains that those who take GLP-1 medications eat less. This means they may be eating too little to obtain essential macronutrients, and fibre, which is important for the microbiome in our gut.
She adds, “On the positive side, people who take these drugs have reported a decrease in their cravings for processed foods and fats, which has a beneficial effect on the microbiome of the gut.”
GLP-1 users report less cravings for fatty and processed foods. This is good for their gut microbiome. (Image: Getty/PeopleImages)
GLP-1 Drugs: the unknown
We’re only just beginning to understand the potential effects of GLP-1 on the human body. This is the biggest worry surrounding the increasing adoption of GLP-1 medications. It is especially true for the gut.
Hayter says, “There is so much that we do not know.” We don’t know, for example, how someone’s microbiome can influence the way they react to GLP-1 medications or how much they experience side effects.
The research also hasn’t determined what effect these drugs could have on the gut microbiome of a person who takes them.
This lack of understanding regarding the relationship between drug and gut microbiome does not apply exclusively to GLP-1s. This is true for most pharmaceuticals, if they are not all.
Hayter says, “There is still a great deal to be learned about gut microbiome. It can provide a wealth of information for health care and much more.”
(Image: Getty/Nataliya Dmytrenko) One of the greatest challenges for GLP-1 patients is not eating enough carbohydrates, protein, and fats. Or, they may be consuming too little fibre, which can come from foods such as vegetables, fruit, beans, and pulses. (Image: Getty/Nataliya Dmytrenko)
What foods can help GLP-1 users maintain gut health?
GLP-1 users face the challenge of getting sufficient macronutrients like carbohydrates, protein and fats or fibres from fruits, vegetables and legumes.
Hayter says that it’s important to note the importance of protein intake, given muscle loss many people experience when they take these drugs.
She recommends that consumers consult with a dietitian or nutritionist for advice on how to eat well, meet dietary needs, and avoid malnutrition-related diseases.
Hayter warns that consumers should avoid processed food with the GLP-1 stamp.
There is no regulation on putting GLP-1 on the packaging of these weight-loss drugs, as they are relatively new in mainstream markets.
She continues to say that while these meals may have been marked ‘high in protein’ they could also include a list of ingredients known as gut microbiome disruptors.
As the trend towards clean labels gains momentum, this is a message that food and beverage producers should take to heart. It’s also a huge opportunity.
Hayter concludes by saying that GLP-1 users need to be alerted to the possible side effects.
Constipation is a common side effect. In general, we know that staying hydrated and eating enough fibre (30g per day is recommended) can help reduce constipation.
You can also take psyllium, linseeds or kiwi.
(Image: Getty/Yuri_Arcurs) The popularity of GLP-1 drugs opens up huge possibilities for the food and beverage industry. (Image: Getty/Yuri_Arcurs)
GLP-1: the future of gut health
The research into GLP-1 drug effects on the gut continues to grow.
“There have been many researchers looking into how the microbiome relates to our composition – especially the firmicutes/bacteroidetes ratio,” says Hayter. Hayter says, “I believe it is only a question of time until we understand better the relationship between GLP-1s (glucose-like peptides) and the microbiome.”
The intersection of GLP-1 and gut health is both a challenge and an opportunity as the GLP-1 Revolution continues to transform the landscape for weight loss.
These drugs are promising in terms of appetite regulation and metabolism, but their impact on the microbiome is still largely unknown.
This is an important moment for food and beverage companies. Two megatrends, pharmaceutical weight loss as well as digestive wellness, are converging. This calls for innovative products that are both consumer-focused and science-led.
GLP-1 users will increasingly require products that promote fibre, nutrient density and microbiome stability.
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