Soy Foods Complement GLP-1 Agonist Drugs
Demand is surging for a newer class of prescription drugs that manage type 2 diabetes (T2D) and promote weight loss (WL).1,2 This article will review the basic function of these drugs, their common side effects, and how soy foods may complement their use.
These drugs can be classified as “mono” agonists, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 agonists), or “dual” agonists, combining a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) with a GLP-1 agonist (GIP/GLP-1). They mimic naturally occurring hormones released by the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in response to eating. When injected or taken orally, they stimulate the release of insulin, improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control, slow digestion, reduce appetite, increase satiety, and promote weight loss.3
Generically referred to as “semaglutide” and “tirzepatide,” popular brand names include Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic® (for T2D) and Wegovy® (for WL), Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro® (for T2D) and Zepbound® (for WL).1,2 The WL variety of each drug typically involves higher dosages of the version one would take to manage diabetes. As a testament to their popularity, even WL companies focused on diet, such as WeightWatchers, have embraced these drugs as a tool to help clients improve WL outcomes.
Research supports the efficacy of GLP-1 agonists For example, in one study, more than half of the participants on 10mg or 15mg doses of Zepbound® (tirzepatide) lost more than 20% of their body weight over 72 weeks.4 Similarly, in another placebo-controlled trial of adults without diabetes, those who received Wegovy® (semaglutide) lost an average of 15% of their initial body weight.5
More than 38 million U.S. adults have T2D and more than 70% are classified as obese/ overweight, therefore it is not surprising that demand for these drugs is so enormous.6,7 However, taking GLP-1 agonists can come with challenging side effects. Because side effects vary, individuals should consult with their healthcare provider to tailor their diet to their specific symptoms and medical needs.
Below are some dietary strategies highlighting how soy foods may support individuals taking GLP-1 agonists.
Add fiber-filled foods and stay hydrated to help with constipation
Staying well-hydrated and adding fiber-filled foods such as soy nuts, fresh edamame, soy nut butter, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains may help normalize constipation. Both insoluble and soluble fiber are good for regularity and it is best to eat both types.8
Try dry, bland, and protein-rich foods to minimize nausea.
If experiencing nausea, eating dry foods such as crackers, pretzels, and toast and bland protein-rich foods like tofu, plain soymilk, eggs, and lean meats may ease symptoms. Avoid spicy, fatty, greasy, or fried foods.
Eat nutrient-dense foods to meet daily needs
With appetite suppressed and food intake likely reduced, every bite needs to count toward meeting one’s daily macro- and micronutrient needs. Adding nutrient-dense soy foods such as tofu, tempeh, fortified soymilk, soy protein-fortified meal replacement drinks and bars, and lean animal protein sources, along with whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, and nuts will help meet daily dietary requirements.
Prioritize protein to preserve lean body mass.
increasing daily protein intake above the current recommendation of 0.8g/kg body weight helps preserve lean body mass during WL9,10 Soy foods such as tofu, edamame, soy-based meat alternatives, and soy protein-fortified energy bars and meal replacement drinks are good sources of protein
To learn about the benefits and types of soy foods, download the 2024 Soy Foods Guide here.
References
1)U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2024, January 10) Medications containing semaglutide marketed for type 2 diabetes or weight loss. Retrieved June 6, 2024, from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/medications-containing-semaglutide-marketed-type-2-diabetes-or-weight-loss
2) U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023, November 8). FDA Approves New Medication for Chronic Weight Management. Retrieved June 6, 2024, from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-medication-chronic-weight-management
3) Hayes MR, Borner T, De Jonghe BC. The Role of GIP in the Regulation of GLP-1 Satiety and Nausea. Diabetes. 2021 Sep;70(9):1956-1961. doi: 10.2337/dbi21-0004. Epub 2021 Jun 27. PMID: 34176783; PMCID: PMC8576421.
4) Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, et al.: Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity. https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038 N Engl J Med. 2022, 387:205-16. 10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
5) Wilding JP, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al.: Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183 N Engl J Med. 2021, 384:989-1002. 10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
6) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (May 15, 2024). Diabetes Data & Statistics. Retrieved June 6, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/php/data-research/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/statistics-report/index.html
7) Fryar CD, Carroll MD, Afful J. Prevalence of overweight, obesity, and severe obesity among adults aged 20 and over: United States, 1960–1962 through 2017–2018. NCHS Health E-Stats. 2020.
8) Dietary Fiber. MedlinePlus. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved June 6, 2024, from https://medlineplus.gov/dietaryfiber.html
9) Bikou A, Dermiki-Gkana F, Penteris M, Constantinides TK, Kontogiorgis C. A systematic review of the effect of semaglutide on lean mass: insights from clinical trials. Expert Opin https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38629387/ Pharmacother. 2024 Apr 18:1-9. doi:
10) McCarthy D, Berg A. Weight Loss Strategies and the Risk of Skeletal Muscle Mass Loss. Nutrients. 2021 Jul 20;13(7):2473. doi: 10.3390/nu13072473. PMID: 34371981; PMCID: PMC8308821.
This blog is supported by SNI Global and U.S. Soy.