The GLP-1 train: How dietary supplements can aid GLP-1 drug users

When it comes to weight management, GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) drugs have changed the game, offering a highly effective means to lose weight without the need for specialized diets or rigid exercise regimens. While the drug does produce impressive results, GLP-1 RAs are not without their side effects or downsides. This creates an opportunity for dietary supplements, which may offer some nutritional support to GLP-1 RA patients during and after treatment. As a result, dietary ingredient manufacturers are taking a closer look at these consumers, and what the industry can offer them.

For example, Kerry Group (Tralee, Ireland) recently published insights into the diverse needs and motivations of GLP-1 RA users. While the research divides these consumers into five distinct segments, a common thread is that weight loss is part of a broader health goal. “We found that a lot of the consumers that are on these drugs are focused holistically on their health, so weight loss is maybe the ticket for them into broader health, and they are focused on broader needs beyond weight loss, such as digestive health, immune health, cognitive health, [and] women’s health,” explains Vivien Sheehan, vice president of business development for Kerry. As a result, these consumers are receptive to means with which they can support a wide range of health outcomes.

In many cases, the GLP-1 RA drug protocol may even increase the need for supplement products, as GLP-1 RA users benefit from nutritionally dense meals, and suffer from side effects like nausea and constipation, dehydration, as well as loss in muscle mass.

“Looking at that consumer and what they need from a lifestyle perspective, we’re addressing what they need during the phase when they’re taking the product, as well as when they’re titrating or going off the product, because not everyone wants to be on a GLP-1 product throughout their life,” says June Lin, ADM’s (Chicago) vice president of global marketing and innovation, identifying the need-states the brand is targeting with its portfolio. “So, it’s really looking at those needs, [such as] muscle retention, because as consumers are losing a lot of weight rapidly, they’re also losing muscle. With that, they’re also not drinking as much, and we’ve got hydration solutions there too. So, it’s important that we retain the muscle, help them with hydration, and then about 80% of consumers on the product have [gastrointestinal] issues, whether it’s digestive, constipation, vomiting.”

One study that evaluated adverse events reports from GLP-1 RA users found that dehydration was one of the most frequently reported adverse events for a number of GLP-1 RA drugs in addition to gastrointestinal events such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, all of which contribute to dehydration.¹ Constipation is another frequent adverse event that may result from a decrease in fluid consumption in addition to slower gastric emptying that takes place when taking the drug.² In these events, GLP-1 RA users can turn to dietary supplement products such as dispersible drink mixes for hydration, ginger for nausea, and fiber for constipation.

In the case of muscle retention, results can vary depending on a number of factors, with some studies reporting lean mass reductions of 40-60% of total weight lost, while others show reductions of 15% or less.³ That said, exercise and protein supplementation may help GLP-1 RA users retain muscle while they take the medication so that they can remain active and maintain their weight loss long-term.

Some animal research even suggests that protein supplementation may enhance the effectiveness of GLP-1 RA drugs by augmenting GLP-1 signaling and improving glycemic control.⁴ To a lesser extent than drugs, foods have their own GLP-1 stimulating effects with the potential to support healthy blood sugar and manage weight. A slow digestion-oriented dietary approach with the use of viscous dietary fibers may reduce the rate of digestion and sustain the secretion of GLP-1.⁵ Research has also shown that dietary proteins, amino acids, peptides, and phytochemicals such as quercetin have been shown to stimulate GLP-1 secretion.⁶As a result, dietary supplements can both complement GLP-1 RA treatment and potentially even sustain its effects post-treatment. The rise of GLP-1 RA drugs also gives recognition of the GLP-1 pathway, which can be naturally stimulated by foods, with GLP-1 being a short-hand consumers will understand to mean weight management and blood sugar support. Just take care to responsibly market products.

References

1. He, L.; Li, Q.; Yang, Y.; Li, J.; Luo, W.; Huang, Y.; & Zhong, X. Pharmacovigilance study of GLP-1 receptor agonists for metabolic and nutritional adverse events. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2024, 15. DOI:10.3389/fphar.2024.1416985 
2. Gorgojo-Martínez, J.; Mezquita-Raya, P.; Carretero-Gómez, J.; Castro, A.; Cebrián-Cuenca, A.; De Torres-Sánchez, A.; García-De-Lucas, M.; Núñez, J.; Obaya, J.; Soler, M.; Górriz, J.; Rubio-Herrera, M. Clinical Recommendations to Manage Gastrointestinal Adverse Events in Patients Treated with Glp-1 Receptor Agonists: A Multidisciplinary Expert Consensus. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2022, 12, 145. DOI: 10.3390/jcm12010145. 
3. Neeland, I.; Linge, J.;Birkenfeld, A. Changes in lean body mass with glucagon-like peptide-1-based therapies and mitigation strategies. Diabetes, obesity & metabolism. 2024, 26 (S4), 16-27. DOI: 10.1111/dom.15728
4. Mietlicki-Baase, E.; Koch-Laskowski, K.; Mcgrath, L.; Krawczyk, J.; Pham, T.; Lhamo, R.l; Reiner, D.; Hayes, M. Daily supplementation of dietary protein improves the metabolic effects of GLP-1-based pharmacotherapy in lean and obese rats. Physiology & Behavior. 2017, 177, 122-128. DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.04.017
5. Qin, W.; Ying, W.; Hamaker, B.; Zhang, G.Slow digestion-oriented dietary strategy to sustain the secretion of GLP-1 for improved glucose homeostasis. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety. 2021, 20 (5), 5173-5196. DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.12808
6. Hira, T.; Trakooncharoenvit, A.; Taguchi, H.; Hara, H. Improvement of Glucose Tolerance by Food Factors Having Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Releasing Activity. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2021, 22, 6623. DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126623