3 ways weight management medication will reshape nutrition in 2025
Weight management has become a global health challenge, with obesity rates climbing at alarming rates.
For many, the struggle to lose weight is not just about willpower - it’s influenced by genetics, lifestyle, and underlying health conditions.
In South Africa, where non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, hypertension and obesity are on the rise, new medical interventions are offering hope.
One such breakthrough is GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) medications, which are proving to be a game-changer in weight management.
The most commonly used GLP-1 medication is semaglutide, which is marketed as Ozempic, Wegovy.
These drugs, initially designed for managing type 2 diabetes, are now showing remarkable results in helping people lose significant amounts of weight.
Understanding GLP-1 medications
GLP-1 RAs mimic the action of glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone released in the gut when we eat.
This hormone plays a crucial role in regulating appetite by promoting feelings of fullness (satiety) and slowing down digestion. By mimicking GLP-1, these medications help people feel full for longer, leading to reduced calorie intake and, ultimately, weight loss.
Clinical studies have shown that individuals using GLP-1 RAs can achieve weight reductions of 5-15% of their body weight within a year. This makes them one of the most effective pharmacological tools for weight loss to date.
South Africa faces a dual burden of malnutrition, with both undernutrition and overnutrition affecting the population.
In South Africa, 70 to 80% of adult women are either overweight or obese, while more than 31% of adult men are obese.
This puts millions at risk of developing NCDs like diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.
The high prevalence of obesity in our country is driven by a combination of factors, including:
- Increased access to cheap, high-calorie processed foods.
- Low levels of physical activity due to modern work environments and safety concerns in some areas.
- In some communities, being overweight is associated with prosperity and health.
While GLP-1 drugs have proven effective for weight loss, they also come with new challenges, particularly in nutrition.
According to new research published by the BMJ journal, since these medications suppress appetite, users tend to eat smaller portions, which could put them at risk of nutritional deficiencies.
A lack of essential nutrients can impact energy levels, immunity, metabolism and even long-term bone and muscle health.
To counter this, people using GLP-1 medication need to focus on eating nutrient-dense foods - foods that pack a lot of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients into small portions.
Examples include:
- Lean proteins: Chicken, fish, eggs, and legumes to support muscle health.
- High-fibre foods: Vegetables, whole grains and fruits to promote gut health and satiety.
- Healthy fats: Avocado, nuts, seeds and olive oil for energy and cell function.
- Micronutrient-rich foods: Dark leafy greens, dairy and fortified products to prevent deficiencies.
For many, this means moving away from calorie-dense but nutrient-poor staples like white bread, fried foods, and sugary drinks, which are common in many diets.
As GLP-1 medications become more widely adopted, they are likely to influence food and nutrition trends in several key ways:
1. Rise of satiety-boosting foods
Even for individuals not using GLP-1 drugs, the growing awareness of how satiety (feeling full) works is driving demand for foods that naturally promote fullness.
Foods high in protein and fibre like beans, lentils and oats, are gaining popularity.
Research also shows that food texture and sensory attributes can impact feelings of fullness, opening doors for innovation in food products.
2. Focus on nutrient-dense products
There’s a growing opportunity for the food industry to develop compact, nutrient-rich products tailored to GLP-1 users.
These products could include protein-packed snacks, fortified meal replacements, and concentrated vitamin supplements.
However, taste and acceptance will be key to their success.
3. Managing side effects
GLP-1 medications can cause side effects like nausea, gut discomfort, and fatigue.
The food and beverage industry may innovate products that help mitigate these effects, such as gut-friendly probiotics or energy-boosting snacks.
In South Africa, the adoption of GLP-1 medications significantly impacted how obesity is managed. However, some challenges need to be addressed:
Access and affordability: These medications are expensive, putting them out of reach for many South Africans. Public health programs and medical aids need to explore ways to make them more accessible.
Cultural sensitivity: Weight loss interventions need to account for South Africa’s diverse cultural attitudes toward food and body image.
Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of GLP-1 medications are a lot.
As noted by scientist Alexandra Boelrijk, PhD, VP of Research & Development at ProActive AT Health, explaining to KHI News: “The future of weight management will focus not only on weight loss but also on optimising nutrition.
The demand for nutrient-dense, satiety-boosting foods will grow, driving innovation in the food and beverage industry to support long-term health.”