With increased use of incretin-based therapies for diabetes and weight management there are important implications for diet and nutrition. Medications like glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) impact feelings of hunger, taste perception, nutrient absorption, and food access. A recent research review identified those using GLP-1 RAs ate 16%–39% fewer calories compared to placebo, but found few studies specifically focused on diet quality with reduced intake.
Adequate protein and micronutrients are particular concerns. One investigation modeling a 30% calorie reduction (using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data) showed 25%–40% of individuals would have had intakes below the estimated average requirement for protein, vitamin B6, and zinc. Consulting a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) can help patients taking GLP-1 RAs improve their diet quality. Yet emerging evidence documents only a little over 8% of patients saw an RDN within 180 days of starting a GLP-1 RA medication.
To learn more, check out the blog Prioritizing Nutrition Health for Older Adults in the Age of GLP-1s and the 3-part web series What’s New in Obesity and Diabetes: Addressing Nutrient Gaps with Incretin-Based Therapies.
For free, evidence-based nutrition courses on other topics across the age spectrum, browse the latest Abbott Nutrition Health Institute course catalog.