As a science-focused organization, IAFNS supports science and evidence-based decision-making across sectors. The impact of GLP-1 based medications can be understood with cross-disciplinary dialogue.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists were originally developed to control glucose levels in people with Type 2 diabetes but have more recently become popular as weight-loss medications. Their increasing usage has implications for nutrient adequacy, changes in food demand, team approaches to nutrition and medicine, and what will be needed to successfully treat growing numbers of long-term patients.
As noted in this IAFNS article, the growing adoption of these medications is an opportunity to link food, nutrition and the medical community together to advance public health in unique ways. To help address this emerging topic, IAFNS hosted three webinars on aspects of GLP-1 medications featuring leading health experts, physicians and economic researchers.
Our most recent webinar in September 2024 addressed nutritional recommendations and featured Dr. Jaime Almandoz of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Dr. Almandoz presented recent work translating the clinical experience with obesity medications into practical nutritional considerations and guidance that can support effective use. Because these obesity medications work by impacting appetite through a number of mechanisms, there is increased attention to the energy and nutrient intake of patients both to support weight management success and ensure nutrient adequacy. At present, there exists no official medical practice guidance on nutritional assessment, management and monitoring of patients. A recording of the Sept. 12 webinar “Nutritional Considerations for Anti-Obesity Medications: Evidence-Based Guidance” is available.
IAFNS also hosted a May webinar “Consumer Food Decisions and GLP-1-Based Medications” featuring economist Dr. Brandon McFadden of the University of Arkansas. Dr. McFadden presented information addressing the following questions: What is the impact of GLP-1 medications on food and beverage purchasing habits? Are there reductions in the size of shopping baskets when there are household members on a GLP-1 medication? Or, are GLP-1 households making shifts in their food and beverage choices? Is this an opportunity for food and beverage companies to continue innovating with healthier recipes and premium ingredients?
IAFNS started the three-part webinar series in April. Johns Hopkins University scholar Dr. Ariana Chao presented the webinar “A New Era in Obesity Treatment: GLP-1-Based Medications and Beyond.” Dr. Chao reviewed how GLP-1-based medications offer novel strategies to address the decades-long, population-wide struggles with overweight and obesity. However, with speculation about use and impacts, she cited an expanding amount of research completed or underway. Dr. Chao reviewed the benefits and risks of these medications including information on their mechanisms of actions, efficacy, side effects, impact on dietary intake and long-term use implications.
These webinars and other IAFNS programming illustrate an ongoing focus on emerging topics that have impacts across the food and beverage ecosystem. GLP-1 agonists are just one of many pieces re-shaping the food sector. Evidence-based clinical guidance, consumer food choices and innovation opportunities form important pieces of this emerging puzzle. Visit IAFNS “Upcoming Events” page to register for new webinars and events that address emerging topics.