Broad use of a hormone prescribed for weight loss has spawned a flurry of menu items touted as “GLP-1 friendly,” but it’s phrase that has no strict definition, said nutrition expert Lida Araghi.
“’GLP1 friendly’ is not a standardized or regulated nutrition claim,” said Araghi, who is an assistant professor — extension nutrition and foods specialist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “That is an important consumer takeaway.”
GLP1 stands for glucagonlike peptide1, a hormone the body naturally releases from the gut after eating. It plays several important roles in appetite regulation and blood sugar control.
“In everyday conversation, people often use ‘GLP1s’ as shorthand for a group of newer diabetes and weight loss medications,” Araghi said. “Some work on GLP1 receptors, while others, such as tirzepatide, act on more than one gut hormone receptor.
“The common effect across these medications is improved satiety, appetite regulation, and blood sugar control,” she said.
Look before you eat
A study conducted by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, delved into how food companies have changed their marketing strategies as people on GLP-1s change their eating habits. The Agricultural Experiment Station is the research arm of the Division of Agriculture.
“Unlike defined food labeling terms, there is no universal requirement for protein, fiber, calories, fat, or added sugar that a company must meet to use the ‘GLP-1 friendly label,” Araghi said. “Different restaurants or food brands may apply it in very different, and sometimes inconsistent, ways.
“So, while the phrase may reflect generally sound nutrition principles, it remains a marketing label, not a medical or regulatory designation,” she said.
Araghi said the phrase may be a clue about the nutritional value of the food but is not a guarantee the food is a good fit for the consumer’s diet. She offered a checklist for consumers deciding whether to order the GLP-1 friendly item:
- Is there a meaningful protein source, not just a small amount?
- Is fiber coming from whole foods such as vegetables, beans, or whole grains, and introduced gradually if the consumer has gastrointestinal symptoms are an issue?
- Is the portion size reasonable, or could it be split?
- Is it lower in very highfat, fried, or very sweet components if nausea or reflux is a concern?
- Does it match individual tolerance, which can vary widely?
Popularity of GLP-1s
GLP-1s were originally prescribed to help diabetics but are now seeing wide use among people seeking to lose weight. Trade names include Ozempic and Wegovy, which are semaglutide, Mounjaro and Zepbound, which are both tirzepatide, and Victoza/Saxenda, which is liraglutide.
“These medications are widely prescribed because they can produce clinically meaningful weight loss for many patients, especially when combined with nutrition and physical activity changes,” Araghi said.
She said several factors explain their rapid adoption:
- They significantly reduce appetite and help people eat less without constant hunger
- Some are FDA-approved for chronic weight management in people who meet eligibility criteria
- There is growing recognition in healthcare that obesity is a chronic disease, not simply a willpower issue, and may require long-term medical treatment
Their popularity also reflects strong public awareness and patient demand, though cost, access, and insurance coverage remain major barriers for many people, Araghi said.
Mention of trade names does not imply endorsement by the Division of Agriculture.
PHOTO: GLP-1s are widely prescribed for weight loss. (UADA photo)
