How do GLP-1 drugs impact gut health?

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GLP-1 Drugs and Gut Health: What You Need to Know – Summary

• GLP-1 weight loss drugs market projected to reach $156.71bn globally
• Gut health market is larger, expected to hit $270.32bn by 2034
• GLP-1 drugs reduce appetite and may lower fibre consumption risks
• Users report fewer cravings for processed foods, aiding gut microbiome
• Food brands must support gut health with clean label, fibre-rich options

Love them or loathe them, GLP-1 drugs are fast gaining attention in the slimming space.

From Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic to Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro, the trend towards injections for weight loss is growing at an extraordinary pace.

In fact, the market now boasts a global value of $53.46bn (€45.76bn), and is projected to hit $156.71bn by the end of the decade (market analysts Grand View Research).

But, questions have been raised over the impact of these drugs on another powertrend in the wellness space – gut health.

Gut health continues to dominate the consumer wellness conversation. So much so, the global digestive health products market dwarfs GLP-1, with a colossal worth of $116.92bn (€100.85bn). What’s more, that number is expected to shoot up to $270.32bn by 2034 (market intelligence firm Precedence Research).

So, how do GLP-1 drugs impact gut health? And what opportunities does this create for food and beverage?

How do GLP-1 drugs impact gut health?

“There’s a lot we don’t know about GLP-1s,” says Lucie Hayter, founder of gut health app The Gut Feeling. “But we do know that they certainly are not disconnected to the gut microbiome.”

For starters, says Hayter, they reduce appetite, targeting neuron receptors that work with the vagal nerve, which is the umbilical cord of the gut-brain axis.

She highlights that as a result, those taking GLP-1 drugs are eating substantially less, meaning people may not be consuming enough to get vital macronutrients and fibre – both of which are essential to the gut microbiome.

“On the plus side, we know that people taking these drugs report a reduction in cravings for processed and fatty foods, which is a positive for the gut microbiome,” she adds.

GLP-1 drugs: The unknown

The biggest concern surrounding the rising adoption of GLP-1 drugs is that we’re really only at the beginning of understanding their potential impact on the body. This is particularly true when it comes to the gut.

“There’s so much we don’t know,” says Hayter. “For example, we don’t yet understand how somebody’s microbiome may influence how well they respond to GLP-1 drugs or the degree to which they suffer from side effects.”

Added to this, research hasn’t yet determined how a user’s gut microbiome changes when they take these drugs and what impact that could have.

Though this lack in understanding about the relationship between drugs and the gut microbiome is not exclusive to GLP-1s. It’s true of most, if not all, pharmaceuticals.

“We have a lot more to learn about the gut microbiome which can unlock a lot of learning for our health and so much more,” says Hayter.

What foods can support GLP-1 users’ gut health?

One of the biggest challenges facing GLP-1 users is the risk of not getting enough macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats, or enough fibre from foods such as vegetables, fruits, legumes and pulses.

“It’s worth calling out that protein consumption is particularly important given muscle loss experienced by many when taking these drugs,” says Hayter.

She advises consumers to, if possible, consult a nutritionist or dietitian for guidance on a suitable diet to nourish, cater for dietary requirements, and guard against malnutrition related disease.

Hayter also warns consumers against choosing processed foods with a GLP-1 marketing stamp.

“Given these drugs are fairly new to the mainstream weight loss market, there is little regulation around putting ‘GLP-1′ on packaging.”

She goes on to explain that these meals are often marked as ‘high protein’, which may be the case, but they may also contain a long lists of ingredients which are gut microbiome destabilisers.

This is an important message for food and beverage manufacturers, as the clean label trend gathers momentum. But it’s a big opportunity too.

Finally, says Hayter, GLP-1 users should be aware of the potential side effects.

“Constipation is one of the most common side effects. We know that, in general, to reduce constipation, making sure you eat enough fibre (building up to 30g per day) and staying hydrated can be helpful.”

She also suggests eating kiwis, linseeds, or taking psyllium husk, and building up slowly.

The future of GLP-1 and gut health

Research into the impact of GLP-1 drugs on the gut is growing all the time.

“There have been many researchers looking into how the microbiome relates to our composition – especially the firmicutes/bacteroidetes ratio,” says Hayter. “I think it’s only a matter of time before we better understand the relationship between GLP-1s and the microbiome.”

As the GLP-1 revolution continues to reshape the weight loss landscape, its intersection with gut health presents both challenges and opportunities.

While these drugs offer promising results in appetite control and metabolic regulation, their long-term impact on the gut microbiome remains largely uncharted territory.

For food and beverage brands, this is a pivotal moment. The convergence of two mega-trends – pharmaceutical weight loss and digestive wellness – calls for innovation that is both science-led and consumer-conscious.

Products that support nutrient density, fibre intake, and microbiome stability will be key to meeting the evolving needs of GLP-1 users.