GLP-1 and weight loss: Potential to reduce cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other conditions.
July 25, 2024
Wegovy, a weight-loss drug, is gaining popularity. This has boosted the share price of companies like Novo Nordisk, which manufacture and sell it.
A new perspective published in Science suggests they may have other benefits.
"What impact could this have on the food industry? GLP-1 drugs offer the potential for weight loss and improved diabetes control while reducing rates of heart disease. This raises new questions about whether people using these drugs are also changing their diet and lifestyle. The answer to this intriguing question is not yet available," Daniel Drucker told FoodNavigator.
What are the benefits of GLP-1 drugs in treating obesity and type 2 diabetes?
Glucagon, like peptide-1, is a hormone secreted by cells in the intestine. It promotes the release of insulin when blood sugar levels are high.
It is primarily used to treat type 2 diabetics. This is done by slowing gastric emptying, the rate at which food passes from the stomach to the small intestine. It also slows the release of the hormone glucagon, which increases blood sugar.
The drug is used in the treatment of obesity, so that people are less likely than usual to overeat and develop obesity. This is done by activating GLP-1R (GLP-1 receptors). In the brain
They have many benefits that go beyond type 2 diabetes and obesity
How effective are GLP-1 drugs in cardiovascular health?
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Diet is often linked to poor cardiovascular health.
One perspective suggests that GLP-1 may protect the heart and maintain its health after injury. This isn't necessarily related to weight loss, but rather to reducing inflammation.
These first approved GLP-1 drugs were tested in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes. In these studies, GLP-1 drugs were found to reduce cardiovascular death and non-fatal cardiac events in the test subjects. Albiglutide, a long-acting GLP-1 therapy, has been shown to reduce the risk of adverse cardiovascular events by 22%.
From this perspective, the link between GLP-1 and the reduction of atherosclerosis (when plaque builds up in the arteries) is currently not well understood. This suggests that they may be related to inflammation and not to GLP-1's ability to promote weight loss.
What has been the response of food manufacturers to weight-loss drugs?
GLP-1 weight loss drugs are in high demand. Food industry Responded in kind. Nestlé, for example, recently introduced a new "supplemental range" called Vital Pursuit, high in fiber and protein, aimed specifically at GLP-1 users. This range has been "portion-aligned," so that it reflects the smaller portions desired by those taking weight-loss medications.
What can food manufacturers do to respond? Suketu Patel is the global chief medical officer at Havas. The company has launched a consultation on GLP-1. According to Patel, food manufacturers should offer smaller packaging and lower-calorie alternatives. They should also consider research suggesting that GLP-1 patients are less likely to consume high-fat or sugary foods. He suggested that products be developed to encourage mindful eating.
What are the benefits of GLP-1 for treating liver disease?
Drugs containing GLP-1 have been used to treat metabolic liver diseases in some studies. Researchers have found that liver cells expressing GLP-1R may provide therapeutic benefits for metabolic liver diseases.
How effective are GLP-1 drugs in treating mental illness?
Researchers examined the potential of GLP-1 inhibitors, including semaglutide, to reduce central nervous system disorders such as depression and excessive alcohol or drug use. They also examined compulsive behaviors and suicidal thoughts.
In one study, people taking semaglutide had fewer suicidal thoughts than those using other weight-loss or blood sugar-lowering agents. One dataset showed that those using GLP-1 medications were less likely to use cannabinoids than those who did not. So far, research on the effects of GLP-1 medications on alcohol consumption has been inconclusive.
In conclusion, the perspective speculates that GLP-1 drugs could be developed over the next decade to treat more than just type 2 diabetes or obesity.
High-fat foods linked to obesity
According to the World Health Organization, high-fat foods are the leading cause of obesity. New research suggests they may be responsible. In addition, anxiety increases.
This is done by disrupting gut bacteria, which then affects brain function and causes anxiety. The discovery was made by feeding saturated fat to rats.
Source: Science
Benefits of GLP-1 drugs extend beyond weight loss
Published on: July 18, 2024
Doi: DOI: 10.1126/science.adn4128
Author: D. Drucker
English 
French