Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, or GLP-1 drugs, have quickly risen to popularity. They are already shaping food trends in major ways. But this could be only the beginning.
The drugs work by activating GLP-1 receptors, thus producing more of the GLP-1 hormone, which makes one feel satiated.
Traditionally, they have been used as a treatment for type-2 diabetes, but are increasingly being utilised to help consumers with weight loss. This is because they can radically reduce a consumer’s desire to eat certain foods.
Due to the success of GLP-1s, the company that develops popular brands Ozempic and Wegovy, Novo Nordisk, is now the most valuable country in Europe by market cap.
We explore the ways in which these drugs are changing the industry.
12 August 2025: Sweet speculation: GLP-1s could already be nibbling at confectionery sales
As enthusiasm for the confectionery sector declines, could weight-loss drugs have a role to play?
11 August 2025: How is GLP-1 changing eating habits in Europe?
As GLP-1s begin to make themselves known on the continent, consumers’ habits are starting to change.
22 July 2025: How food brands can stay ahead of GLP-1 craze
Don’t underestimate the GLP-1 trend. It’s going to hit, hard.
9 July 2025: GLP-1 is changing taste: How can food makers reignite flavour?
When GLP-1 drugs make food taste dull, exciting taste buds will be the aim of the game.
27 June 2025: GLP-1s linked to cases of illness and death
Widespread cases of acute pancreatitis have been linked to the drugs.
20 June 2025: 4 natural ingredients that boost GLP-1
It’s not only drugs that induce the satiety-causing hormone.
13 June 2025: How GLP-1 is transforming the future of food and beverage
GLP-1 is changing weight loss one injection at a time. But what do GLP-1 consumers want to eat and what’s behind their decision to ditch old fashioned diets?
29 May 2025: Could protein bars be the next GLP-1?
Eat protein chocolate bars and lose weight? Scientists turn to food for a side effect-free alternative to GLP-1
2 April 2025: ‘GLP-1-boosting’ supplement launched as drug alternative
New supplement claims to be ‘natural alternative’ to GLP-1 drugs
21 March 2025: GLP-1 success market creates major F&B NPD opportunities
Early adopters of GLP-1 drugs have lost the weight and are beginning to transition off them. How can F&B support the shift?
24 February 2025: Is this GLP-1.2? New generation of weight-loss drugs moving in
Weight-loss drugs currently being researched are exploring new territory.
24 January 2025: GLP-1: Chasing the food industry satiety Holy Grail
Satiety is the Holy Grail of many health trends, promised by both GLP-1 drugs and some foods alike. How is it achieved?
9 January 2025: GLP-1 – diet food killer or new opportunity?
Use of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss is expected to soar Europe in the coming years, but what does that mean for diet food brands?
8 January 2025: Which GLP-1 drugs are on the market?
The drugs have taken the world by storm. Which ones are available now?
7 January 2025: What do GLP-1-taking consumers really want from food and drink?
Consumers taking GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic will need to adapt their shopping habits and diets, opening opportunities for food and drink makers to cash in.
6 January 2025: How do GLP-1 drugs work?
There may be more to the landmark drugs than just supressing appetite.
2 January 2025: GLP-1 compatible food labels launched by giant as ‘industry first’
Highlighting that a product is compatible with the diets of consumers using GLP-1 drugs, like Ozempic, will become a bigger need, according to this food giant.
11 December 2024: Could GLP-1 drugs curb alcohol consumption?
The weight-loss properties of GLP-1 drugs, including Ozempic and Wegovy, have dominated headlines. But could they also cut alcohol consumption? And what would this mean for beverage manufacturers?
6 December 2024: Are GLP-1 drugs driving the fortification trend?
Users of weight loss drugs like Ozempic often need more nutritionally dense food as a result. Is the market supplying it?
4 November 2024: Ozempic, nutri-scores and junk food bans would ‘halve obesity’
Obesity could be halved by the end of the decade if there was better access to weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and junk food businesses faced tighter advertising and nutritional reporting controls.
31 October 2024: GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic set to shake the global food industry
Originally intended as a treatment for diabetes, GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic could be set to turn the food and drink industry upside down.
25 July 2024: Weight-loss drugs beyond weight-loss: The potential of GLP-1 to mitigate cardiovascular disease and other conditions
The weight loss drug boom has taken the world by storm. But could GLP-1 have potential to mitigate other health conditions liked to food, such as cardiovascular disease?
24 July 2024: How can the food industry innovate for GLP-1 drug users?
The use of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic for weight loss is expected to boom in coming years. What’s the opportunity for the food industry?
