logo
Ozempic Reshapes The Kinds of Food People Eat. Here's What Happens.

Ozempic Reshapes The Kinds of Food People Eat. Here's What Happens.

Yahoo14-04-2025
We've heard how the use of drugs like Ozempic can drive weight loss, as well as potentially boost heart health and cut out alcohol cravings; now a new study reveals fresh insights into how the medication can change eating habits, too.
Along with other semaglutide drugs like Mounjaro and Wegovy, Ozempic is what's known as a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA), which means it mimics the body's natural response to food to reduce appetite and slow digestion.
Led by the US Department of Agricultural Economics & Agribusiness, the study analyzed the eating habits of 1,955 participants, split into four groups: those currently taking GLP-1RAs, those who had taken them in the past, those who were planning to take them, and those who had never taken them and weren't planning to.
"Results show that consumers currently taking a GLP-1RA consume significantly fewer calories than the other groups surveyed, and calorie reduction while taking a GLP-1RA for weight loss could be around 720 to 990 calories," write the researchers in their published paper.
As well as cutting down on the calories, those taking GLP-1RAs were most likely to reduce the amount of processed foods, sugary drinks, refined grains (such as white bread), and beef in their diet. Consumption of fruits, leafy greens, and water all went up, however.
There was a twist in the data story: people taking GLP-1RAs reported that they still wanted to eat high-calorie foods like processed foods and sugary drinks as much as before, they just chose not to, for whatever reason. Those effects could be the subject of future studies, the researchers suggest.
With tens of thousands of people starting a course of a GLP-1RA drug every week in the US, this shift in eating habits could have a major impact on food and drink production. We might even see foods specifically marketed towards people taking these drugs.
"Our study shows that adoption of GLP-1 agonists changes both the amount and types of food people eat," says agricultural economist Jayson Lusk of Oklahoma State University.
"These results have important implications for the food industry."
It's worth bearing in mind that Ozempic and drugs like it are still relatively new, and there's still a lot more to discover about them and how they work, beyond the average 15-20 percent weight loss they can lead to.
Originally developed to treat diabetes, these drugs are not without their side effects, and can trigger digestive problems in some people. One of the ways in which this new research might help is by pointing to dietary routines that could help boost the positives of GLP-1RAs while minimizing the risks.
"These findings underscore the need for further research into the specific physiological and metabolic pathways affected by GLP-1RAs, particularly regarding how they reshape dietary behaviors," write the researchers.
The research has been published in Food Quality and Preference.
'Landmark Moment': New Breast Cancer Treatment Approved in UK
Researchers Identify New Blood Group After 50 Year Mystery
Screen Time In Bed May Increase Insomnia Odds, Study Suggests
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Gym bros are taking these 'natural' injections to build muscle
Gym bros are taking these 'natural' injections to build muscle

Business Insider

time5 hours ago

  • Business Insider

Gym bros are taking these 'natural' injections to build muscle

Hello! I'm Mia de Graaf. I run health coverage at Business Insider, and I'm stepping in for Joi-Marie this week while she's on vacation. Physically, I will be at home in New York City this summer. Mentally? Not so. This weekend, I am attempting to transport myself from my kitchen to Florence, Italy, with a zesty homemade agnolotti. Garlic, chiles, dill, and lime? Sign me up. On the agenda: Colonoscopies aren't fun. These new at-home colon cancer screenings offer a shortcut. Eight successful women in different industries told BI how they start their days. Here's one trick to escape huge crowds in Japan during peak season. Moms love this Yeti tote bag — and it's catching Wall Street's attention. But first: Let's check in on gym bros. If this was forwarded to you, sign up here. Download Business Insider's app here. This week's dispatch Hot peptide summer Earlier this week, I fell down a truly epic TikTok rabbit hole. It started with one video: a guy with cartoonish muscles bulging out of a tank top, sitting at his kitchen counter with six vials and a syringe. "It's time for me to get back in shape," he said. "So this is my new peptide stack." A whole hour later, I was deep in the bro wellness multiverse, where peptides rule. Peptides are short-chain amino acids, the building blocks of protein. In theory, you can use different peptides to stimulate different hormones for all kinds of results. You may have heard of peptide serums promising to boost collagen in your cheeks, or the weight-loss drug Ozempic, a peptide that suppresses hunger. Then, there are peptide shots that you can inject for muscle growth. The chiseled men on my phone screen told me that the idea is to "stack" various peptide shots because each one has slightly different effects. One may stimulate lean muscle, or melt fat for muscle definition, or heal your gym injuries, or slow aging. They rattled off laundry lists of technical names: BPC-157, CJC-1295, ipamorelin, follastatin 344, IGF-1… it goes on. There is a catch. As my colleague Hilary Brueck reports, the science behind muscle-building peptides is scant. Still, the trend is booming. Doctors say they are increasingly fielding questions from patients about which peptides they should use to retain muscle mass. The Vitamin Shoppe has seen a huge uptick in searches for peptides. Why? We're in our "natural gains" era. These days, quiet glow-ups are the hottest thing in cosmetic surgery. Similarly, drugs like steroids, which replace growth hormones, are seen as old-fashioned and toxic. Peptides stimulate your body's natural processes, so they're seen as more natural. This summer, beach bods are in — with a little help from a fridge full of syringes. Check your risk (at home) Colon cancer is the second-deadliest cancer in the US, in large part because people aren't getting their colon checked often enough. While colonoscopies are the most reliable tool, a new suite of at-home tests is rapidly expanding. One recently approved screening tool checks your blood for signs that something is awry. Another highly anticipated test, which isn't out yet, may require nothing more than your breath. Four colonoscopy alternatives. She wakes up like this There's no one-size-fits-all approach to optimizing your morning routine. However, there are a lot of options to try out and many recipes for success. BI spoke to eight successful women across different industries, from professional dancers to bankers and CEOs. Most said they wake up around 6 a.m., but their routines diverge from there. Some hit the gym, while others do affirmations. Also read: Seven men told us how they start their days. Fancy alarm clocks and morning runs are key to their success. Sakura season, without the crowds BI's Anneta Konstantinides visited Japan for its famed cherry blossom season in March, right as the country was experiencing record tourism. While the most popular attractions in Tokyo and Kyoto felt crowded, Konstantinides quickly figured out an easy, affordable, and crowd-free way to enjoy the sights in peak bloom. The secret was in Japan's gardens. The holy grail mom bag The Yeti Camino 35 Caryall Tote Bag has a chokehold on moms on TikTok. They tout it as the sleekest, most durable bag for carrying an array of items while also ferrying their children from place to place. It's even got Wall Street's attention. In a recent note, Jefferies analysts said the Camino 35's virality is boosting confidence in Yeti Holdings' stock. Check it out. What we're watching this weekend "Happy Gilmore 2": Nearly three decades after Adam Sandler's comedy about an unlikely golf hero hit theaters, the comedian's star-studded sequel is coming to Netflix. "The Phoenician Scheme": Wes Anderson's latest film, a surprisingly comedic crime caper starring Benicio del Toro, makes its streaming debut on Peacock. "Hitmakers": Netflix's new reality docuseries about the glamorously cutthroat world of professional songwriting is an entertaining peek behind the curtain at how some of your favorite pop songs get made. What to shop New Yorker must-haves: Discover editor Gabrielle Chase's guide to NYC essentials — packed with smart recommendations on what to pack, where to shop, and how to blend in like a local. One ring to track it all: We put the Oura Ring 4 to the test. It packs powerful health tracking into a sleek, screen-free design. It's discreet, durable, and lasts a week on a charge, but its high price keeps it in luxury territory. Small desk, big upgrade: This sit‑stand desk blends space‑saving design with effortless electric height adjustment — perfect for tight spaces. We tried it, and loved its customizable finishes, sleek design, and smart features. More of this week's top reads: The hidden dilemma of Ozempic: eating disorder recovery. Drew Brees says he's a "very common-sense dieter." Here are five simple wellness rules he lives by. Seven things you should never do when traveling by train, according to an etiquette coach. I've lived in the Hamptons for most of my life. Here are five mistakes I see visitors make every summer. The Coldplay "kiss cam" situation underlines a lesson I learned as a 15-year-old cheerleader. I went to a medical clinic in Portugal — thousands of miles from my NYC home. I saved $500 and found an answer for my back pain. I was born and raised in Italy. There are seven things I wish tourists would stop doing when they come here. The millennial case against having baby number three.

The under-the-radar injections people are taking to build muscle this summer — including the 'Wolverine' shot
The under-the-radar injections people are taking to build muscle this summer — including the 'Wolverine' shot

Business Insider

time6 hours ago

  • Business Insider

The under-the-radar injections people are taking to build muscle this summer — including the 'Wolverine' shot

Peptide injections are soaring in popularity for fitness and longevity. They're marketed as a "natural" supplement for muscle-building, fat loss, recovery, and more. The FDA has been cracking down on peptide sellers, and experts say some caution is warranted. People who want to feel younger, look fitter, or perhaps slough off a little layer of belly fat have been turning to an increasingly popular kind of treatment — one you can get without a prescription. They've got obscure names like BPC-157, tesamorelin, and cerebrolysin. All it takes is a tiny needle and a little clear vial filled with injectable molecules. Welcome to the world of peptides. "Absolutely everybody's asking for it, the field is popping," Dr. Florence Comite, a longevity doctor who serves concierge medicine clients in New York City, told Business Insider. The peptide landscape is so large that it almost defies definition. The prescription drugs Ozempic and Mounjaro, often used for weight loss, are peptides. So is insulin. There are peptides in skin creams, hair products, and high-end serums marketed to women to reduce fine lines and stimulate collagen. The wildly popular fitness supplement creatine? Also a peptide. Then, there are the gym bro shots, said to boost muscle, burn fat, stimulate testosterone, and aid recovery. Demand for peptide injections — something that biohackers and longevity-seekers have already been quietly using in the shadows for decades — is booming. Patients in pockets of the country saturated with peptides, like Beverly Hills, San Diego, Silicon Valley, and Manhattan are increasingly asking their doctors: "should I try peptides?" Many physicians aren't sure what to say because there isn't a ton of great evidence around about how much peptides can really do. Plus, the FDA has been cracking down on peptide compounders in recent years. They worry that the hype is outpacing good evidence. How peptides boost your body Unlike most pills that doctors prescribe, peptides live in a more slippery area, between drug and bodily substance. A peptide is a chain of organic compounds — specifically, amino acids — that stimulate natural processes. Depending on which amino acids a peptide is made of, and how it is used, the molecule can have all kinds of impacts on how our hormones operate. Peptides can improve fertility in both men and women, tamp down inflammation, remove dangerous visceral belly fat, or help build muscle. Others are thought to help improve sleep quality, even possibly improve brain health. "What's great about peptides is that they mimic the body," said Comite, who has been working with peptides since she was a research fellow at the National Institutes of Health over 30 years ago. Since most peptides are too fragile to be formulated as pills, they are often packaged as a clear liquid in a little vial. Users learn to inject their peptides using a very fine, short needle, right at home. The popularity of peptides has soared on their reputation as ostensibly "natural" products. The idea being that, unlike other drugs or steroids, peptides are a safer choice because they're just stimulating your body to do its own thing. Taking growth hormones, for example, comes with a suite of undesirable potential side effects, like an increased risk of cancer and type 2 diabetes. What if you could just take a peptide that would stimulate your own growth hormone to make you stronger, leaner, and more energetic? "The theory is that even if you use a growth hormone stimulating peptide, your body's only going to be able to make so much growth hormone," Dr. Sajad Zalzala, a longevity physician and one of the cofounders of AgelessRx, said. "Kind of like a check valve already in place. Again, that's the theory." The peptides gym bros take to get chiseled muscles One darling peptide of gym bros and longevity fiends alike is a substance called BPC-157. It's known as the "Wolverine" shot for its perceived ability to heal you up and regenerate your body real fast like the Marvel character, Logan, after a big fight. B-P-C stands for "body protection compound." BPC-157 was first derived from stomach juices. It's being investigated to treat inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. But the reason that athletes like it is because it's thought to reduce inflammation and improve blood flow — and perhaps do even more. There are a few other super popular peptides: Tesamorelin, an injectable peptide, is prescribed to HIV patients to reduce excess belly fat. Sermorelin is supposed to help with sleep and recovery. CJC-1295 binds to growth hormone receptors in the body, and people often take it alongside impamorelin, which stimulates the hypothalamus. The two in tandem are said to deliver better muscle gains. On Reddit and YouTube people share how they "stack" different peptides like this, taking multiple different kinds with the goal of boosting the effects of each. Peptide fans get their shots at clinics and med spas — or, for less money, online. Increasingly, people are ordering peptides that are labeled "for research only," meaning they are supposed to be used by lab workers for experimentation, and were never meant to be put into human bodies. That's partly because the FDA crackdown on peptides has intensified in recent years, just as pharmaceutical compounding (a sort of acceptable way to get knock off medications) has surged in popularity, with people seeking cheaper versions of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro. At the beginning of 2022, the FDA had a list of four peptides that they said "may present significant safety risks" and should not be compounded. By the end of 2023, there were 26. Comite thinks the FDA crackdown is a shame. She is finding it harder and harder to source compounded liquid BPC-157. She often uses a patch form of BPC-157 on herself, placing it over sore areas or injuries. Recently, she tore a calf muscle, so she's been using it there, but she also just likes how taking a little bit of it keeps her active and moving. "I use it almost every day," she said. "It's amazing for joints and everything — at a very tiny dose." Zalzala, who doesn't usually prescribe peptides, ordered some topical BPC-157 recently when his wife had a knee injury. "My wife says it works," he said, though he cautioned that it's hard to really know if that's true without more proper research. Bracken Darrell, the CEO of VF Corporation and one of Comite's patients, is also a BPC-157 convert. A self-proclaimed "basketball nut," he's on the court about three days a week. On the days when he doesn't pick up a ball, he's out cross-training on a bike or lifting weights. So when he tore his meniscus about four months ago, he was worried. Under Comite's supervision, he started taking liquid BPC-157 about three to four times a week. He told BI it was "weird" at first, learning to inject the needle into an area of skin near his knee. But, pretty soon, it was just part of his routine. "I believe it helped a lot, but it's hard to know for sure," he said. "There are people with a severely torn meniscus who don't ever play basketball again, and I'm back — I certainly wouldn't conclude that's because I'm taking BPC-157, but at a minimum it didn't hurt. And it sure seems like it helps." Proceed with caution, doctors say Even longevity doctors who prescribe and use peptides regularly agree that some folks are overdoing it, and that could be dangerous. "Proceed with caution, because you have to know the source and you have to know it's active," Comite said. "It's not like Lowe's or Home Depot where you can get stuff and you can fix the plumbing." In reality, the evidence for peptides is still murky. There are no big, randomized clinical trials like what we have for prescription drugs or vaccines. The current hype is based on anecdotal evidence, a few small human studies from decades ago, and rodent studies. "People wanna take the peptides because they're not from big pharma, they're not mainstream medicine, they gotta be better than those cockamamie doctors," Dr. Eric Topol, a cardiologist and longevity expert, said recently on the Dax Shepard podcast. "Where's the data?" For people who are using peptides, experts shared two pieces of advice: Comite urges patients to start slow. A common mistake people who are dosing themselves make is thinking that "if a little bit is good, then a lot must be better," she said. That's not the case. "Taking mega doses of tesmorelin along with testosterone causes your organs to overgrow," Comite said. Sometimes she'll see a toned gymgoer with a potbelly, and wonder whether that's due to an enlarged liver or spleen. Darrell recommends testing your peptides with an independent lab so you know what you're getting is both real and uncontaminated. Zalzala says his company started thinking about offering peptides a few years back, due to consumer demand, but they haven't yet. There are just so many peptides out there, and it's hard to tell which might be the very best. Some of the most research-backed ways to have an impact on your longevity and fitness are still the simplest anyway: eat decent amounts of fiber and protein regularly, work out — at least a couple sessions with weights each week, and cut back (or ideally, eliminate) liquid sugar in your diet like juice and soda.

Lawmakers press FDA to target knockoff weight-loss drug
Lawmakers press FDA to target knockoff weight-loss drug

Los Angeles Times

time17 hours ago

  • Los Angeles Times

Lawmakers press FDA to target knockoff weight-loss drug

Dozens of lawmakers are urging US health regulators to crack down on the booming market for knockoff weight-loss drugs amid mounting concerns over their potential safety risks. On Friday, a group of more than 80 bipartis an lawmakers asked the US Food and Drug Administration to stop counterfeit and copycat versions of GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound from flooding the market — a problem that emerged over the last year. 'We are concerned about recent reports revealing a surge in illegal and counterfeit anti-obesity medications,' they wrote in a letter to FDA Commissioner Marty Makary. 'Undoubtedly, illegal counterfeit medications pose an increased risk to patient safety with sometimes fatal consequences.' The group — spearheaded by Representatives Richard Hudson of North Carolina and Herb Conaway of New Jersey — asked the agency to ramp up enforcement over illegally imported weight-loss drugs. They suggested issuing warning letters and better monitoring non-compliant online retailers and so-called compounding pharmacies that sell the medicines. The lawmakers also said the FDA should work in tandem with US Customs and Border Patrol agents to stop Chinese entities from shipping unsafe weight-loss drugs into the US. They requested an update on the FDA's efforts by July 30, given the 'urgency' of the situation. A spokesperson for the FDA said the agency will work with the US Department of Health and Human Services to provide a 'complete and thorough' response to the issues raised in the lawmakers' letter. 'Any effort to undermine America's supply of safe medicines is an issue that FDA takes seriously,' the spokesperson said. 'And we are deeply committed to strengthening the oversight of imported products at US ports of entry.' In recent years, the popularity of GLP-1 drugs has led to an explosion of copycats and counterfeits made by companies seeking to capitalize on the hype. State-licensed pharmacies were temporarily allowed to make copies of the drugs during a supply shortage, but are no longer permitted to do so after Novo Nordisk A/S and Eli Lilly & Co. boosted production. Still, some pharmacies have refused to wind down their operations while others have pivoted to selling the drugs in lower doses in order to avoid regulatory scrutiny. Counterfeit drugs are made by unregistered entities typically using illegally imported ingredients. As recently as April, there continue to be instances when counterfeit Ozempic pens covertly enter the drug supply chain undetected. Some patients are also purchasing ingredients directly from online sellers in an attempt to make the drugs themselves at home. In both cases, the medications don't go through the same rigorous approval process as brand-name drugs made by Novo and Lilly. Experts worry the lack of oversight is putting patients at risk. The FDA has said it's aware of hospitalizations potentially linked to the copycat drugs, but that adverse events are likely being underreported. 'We support the bi-partisan call for the FDA to crack down on counterfeit and illegally sold weight-loss drugs,' said a spokesperson for Hims & Hers Health Inc., one of the telehealth firms that sells compounded GLP-1s. 'We appreciate lawmakers' recognition that legitimate compounded medications dispensed by state-regulated pharmacies are not counterfeit. Patient safety must always come first.' Novo and Lilly have discouraged consumers from using compounded and counterfeit products, including suing telehealth firms that sell the copycat versions and working with border agents to seize illegal shipments. Under the Biden administration, the companies repeatedly urged the FDA to take action, but the agency mostly limited its actions to issuing consumer warnings — even as its top drug official publicly acknowledged safety concerns. Under the Trump administration, the HHS has also focused more heavily on other issues, such as banning food dyes and examining vaccine schedules. Meanwhile, lawmakers are ramping up their calls for action. State attorneys and other lawmakers have sent letters to the FDA and Federal Trade Commission advocating for greater transparency around the treatments and more scrutiny around marketing practices. Muller writes for Bloomberg.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store