Supporting the GLP-1 Journey with Nutrition Solutions

What is GLP-1 and why is it gaining attention?

GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide 1, is a hormone produced by cells in the gastrointestinal tract after eating. Its main role is to stimulate insulin secretion in response to rising blood glucose levels.¹

This property led to the development of GLP-1-based medications, originally approved for the management of type 2 diabetes. These drugs help regulate blood sugar, support heart and kidney health, and, as observed during clinical trials, promote weight loss—largely through reduced appetite and slower gastric emptying.

As a result, GLP-1 therapies have also become important in addressing obesity, now recognized as a second major indication for these treatments.²

Obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or greater, remains a significant health concern across the world and is associated with increased risk of death, disability, and multiple types of cancer.

GLP-1 medications are now available in markets such as France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and the UK. Usage has grown rapidly—user households in the UK almost doubled in one year, and in Germany, approximately 8% of consumers have used prescription weight-loss drugs, while 15% are interested in doing so.³

The impact of GLP-1 is extending beyond clinical settings. Many users shift their eating habits toward diets higher in protein and fiber, and more whole-food options, while lowering intake of more indulgent foods.⁴

This changing behavior is prompting the food and beverage sector to innovate and offer choices that align with new consumer preferences.

The Science Behind: How Protein and Fiber Support the GLP-1 Journey

Managing GLP-1 therapy is about more than medication; it is complemented by balanced nutrition.  Protein and fiber intake support gut and muscle health, help manage side effects, and sustain satiety and weight control.⁵

GLP-1 levels are influenced by diet

In everyday conditions, each meal or snack will induce the release of glucose in the intestine that will lead to the secretion of the satiety hormone GLP-1.⁶

In addition to this secretion linked to the liberation of glucose by the food digestion, other nutrients can promote GLP-1 release, such as proteins⁷ and fibers⁸.

Our clinically backed ingredients, such as NUTRIOSE^® soluble fiber and NUTRALYS^® pea protein, are developed to support high-nutrition, portion-conscious diets.

During Treatment

Studies show that NUTRIOSE^® soluble fiber helps maintain a balanced gut microbiome by stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria⁹ and enabling SCFA production¹⁰, contributing to gut health. Its non-viscous, well-tolerated fiber¹¹ suits those with sensitive digestion.

Studies show that NUTRALYS^® pea protein delivers a high nutritionnal quality for optimal muscle maintenance¹², particularly important as GLP-1 therapy may reduce food intake and make muscle preservation essential¹³.

Post-treatment

Studies show that NUTRIOSE^® continues to help control appetite and support weight management¹⁴, while NUTRALYS^® assists in maintaining satiety and supports sustained lifestyle changes¹⁵.

A Complementary Approach for Lasting Results

Balanced nutrition is key to achieving and sustaining the benefits of GLP-1 therapies. Roquette’s NUTRIOSE^® and NUTRALYS^® provide consistent support for satiety, metabolic health, and the unique dietary needs of individuals using GLP-1 medications.

^{1 Baggio LL, Drucker DJ. Gastroenterology. 2007, Tanday N, Flatt PR, Irwin N. Br J Pharmacol. 2022}

^{2 The Grocer; Food Business; GLP-1 halo effect explained; Extra post; WHO; Le Monde}

^{3 EU map obesity; FoodNavigator_GLP1 affects food consumption}

^{4 Innova Ozempic & UPF Survey 2025 (US)}

^{5 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12304835/}

^{6 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28257936/}

^{7 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23666746/}

^{8 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22190648/}

^{9 Thirion F, Da Silva K, Plaza Oñate F, et al. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2022. and Lefranc-Millot C, Guérin-Deremaux L, Wils D, Neut C, Miller L, Saniez-Degrave M. J Int Med Res. 2012}

^{10 Hobden MR, Martin-Morales A, Guérin-Deremaux L, et al. PLOS ONE. 2013}

^{11 Vermorel M, Coudray C, Wils D, et al. Eur J Nutr. 2004 and Pasman W, Wils D, Saniez MH, Kardinaal A. Eur. J. Clin. Nutr. 2006}

^{12 McKendry J, Lowisz CV, Nanthakumar A, et al. AJCN. 2024}

^{13 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28257936/}  

^{14 Guérin-Deremaux L, Pochat M, Reifer C, Wils D, Cho S, Miller LE. Dose-response impact of a soluble fiber, NUTRIOSE®, on energy intake, body weight and body fat in humans. Glob Epidemi Obes. 2013;1(1):2. doi:10.7243/2052-5966-1-2, and Hobden MR, Commane DM, Guérin-Deremaux L, et al. Impact of dietary supplementation with resistant dextrin (NUTRIOSE®) on satiety, glycaemia, and related endpoints, in healthy adults. Eur J Nutr. 2021;60(8):4635-4643. doi:10.1007/s00394-021-02618-9}

^{15 The Satiating Effect of NUTRALYS® Pea Protein Leads to Reduced Energy intake in Healthy Humans. JNHFS. 2016;4(3):1-10. doi:10.15226/jnhfs.2016.00165}

^{This informative and technical document is provided for food business operators or healthcare professionals, including prospective customers for Roquette, and is not intended to be delivered as such to final consumers. Legal, regulatory, policies, and requirements are subject to change and jurisdictional variation. This scientific information is provided to food operators for awareness only. It is not intended to be communicated to or shared with consumers. ​NUTRALYS® and NUTRIOSE® health benefits are supported by at least one clinical study and do not constitute a regulatory validation for health claims. Food manufacturers who would like to use NUTRIOSE® and/or NUTRALYS® for these benefits will have to run their own studies based on their own formulation and respect the regulatory claims validation process where appropriate.​}