GLP-1 medications and the future of nutrition

Part One

What are GLP-1 medications?

GLP‑1 (Glucagon‑Like Peptide‑1) is a naturally occurring hormone released by the gut in response to food. GLP‑1 medications mimic the action of the body’s own GLP‑1 hormone.

Although GLP-1 medications were originally developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, medications such as semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic), liraglutide (Saxenda/Victoza), and tirzepatide (Zepbound/Mounjaro) are now widely used to support weight management.

GLP-1 medications work through several mechanisms, including slowing gastric emptying (the speed at which food is released from the stomach), improving blood glucose control, and acting on appetite-regulating areas of the brain. These combined effects increase satiety (the feeling of fullness after eating), reduce appetite, and ultimately lower calorie intake, often leading to significant weight loss (1, 2).

GLP-1 medications are intended to be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes dietary change, physical activity, and behavioural support.

Read part two Read part three

Who is eligible for GLP-1 medications?

Globally, GLP-1 medications for weight loss are generally prescribed for individuals who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of: BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with a weight-related health condition

In some countries, the BMI criteria are more restrictive.

Availability and access

The availability and pricing of GLP-1 medications differ considerably between countries. Costs are generally highest in the United States, while countries such as Germany, Japan, Canada, and Australia typically have lower prices due to tighter regulatory and pricing controls.

In some countries, GLP-1 medications are available on prescription through publicly funded healthcare systems or health insurance schemes.

Why are they so popular?

GLP 1 medications have surged in popularity because they deliver much greater short term weight loss results than previously developed drugs, such as orlistat (reduces the absorption of dietary fat), or lifestyle changes alone. No previous treatment has matched the scale or speed of weight loss now seen with GLP 1 medication use.

GLP‑1 medications have surged in popularity because they deliver much greater short‑term weight‑loss results than previously developed drugs, such as orlistat (reduces the absorption of dietary fat), or lifestyle changes alone. No previous treatment has matched the scale or speed of weight loss now seen with GLP‑1 medication use.

Globally, an estimated 2.5 billion adults are living with overweight or obesity, helping drive rapidly growing demand for these medications. Public interest has also accelerated due to the levels of weight loss that can result from their use, amplified by celebrity use, endorsements, and social‑media influencers (3).

In a 2024 health tracking poll conducted in the US, approximately 82% of adults said they had heard of GLP-1 medications (4).

Globally, the GLP‑1 market was valued at around USD 14 billion in 2024, and is expected to grow to approximately USD 49 billion by 2030 (5).

In 2024, 6% of US adults reported they were currently using a GLP-1 medication, while 12% reported having used one at some point. Among those who had been clinically diagnosed with overweight or obesity, this increased to 22% (6). In the US, GLP-1 medications have seen a 700% increase in use from 2019 to 2023 (7).

Regional market trends

In 2024, North America held the largest market share (around 70%) for GLP-1 medications, especially for weight loss. Europe represents a smaller but steadily growing market share at 12%. Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region (currently led by China, with India catching up). Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa are seen as future growth opportunities as both obesity and diabetes rates and affluence rise (8, 5).

See part 2, where we cover their effect on weight loss, weight regain and discontinuation, health benefits and nutritional implications associated with their use.

References

1. Almandoz JP, Wadden TA, Tewksbury C, Apovian CM, Fitch A, Ard JD, et al. Nutritional considerations with antiobesity medications. Obesity. 2024;32(9):1613–31.

2. Blundell J, Finlayson G, Axelsen M, Flint A, Gibbons C, Kvist T, et al. Effects of once-weekly semaglutide on appetite, energy intake, control of eating, food preference and body weight in subjects with obesity. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism. 2017;19(9):1242–51.

3. Khan R, Doty RL. GLP-1 receptor agonists significantly impair taste function. Physiology & Behavior. 2025;15;291:114793.

4. KFF Health Tracking Poll May 2024: The Public’s Use and Views of GLP-1 Drugs. Available from: https://www.kff.org/health-costs/kff-health-tracking-poll-may-2024-the-publics-use-and-views-of-glp-1-drugs/

5. GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Market Size Industry Report, Available from: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/glp-1-receptor-agonist-market

6. Mozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, Alexander L, Apovian CM, Bindlish S, et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: A joint advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and 7. the Obesity Society. Obesity Pillars. 2025;15:100181.

7. Mahase E. GLP-1 agonists: US sees 700% increase over four years in number of patients without diabetes starting treatment. BMJ 2024; 386.

8. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Market Report, Industry Overview, Revenue, Market Size Dynamics, Share Insights, 2024–2030 Forecast. Available from: https://www.strategicmarketresearch.com/market-report/glp-1-receptor-agonists-market