why is protein so important for GLP-1 users?

by gramms

First off, protein supplementation has been shown to complement the results of GLP-1 agonists as it functions very similarly (albeit less intensely than medications like Ozempic). Let's get a better understanding of the terms before going further: 

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels and appetite. It is released from the gut in response to food intake, especially carbohydrate and fat-rich meals. GLP-1 helps stimulate insulin secretion from the pancreas, which lowers blood glucose levels, and it also promotes feelings of fullness and satiety, which can help regulate food intake.

When people are prescribed GLP-1's, one of the most important dietary shifts they can make is incorporating more protein into their daily diets, particularly when it comes to proper metabolic function.

To back up a bit, protein is important for GLP-1 users for several reasons:

  1. Glucose Regulation: Protein consumption can help stabilize blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates from meals. When consumed alongside carbohydrates, protein can attenuate the postprandial (after-meal) rise in blood glucose levels, which may help improve glycemic control in individuals with conditions like diabetes.

  2. GLP-1 Secretion: Protein-rich foods have been shown to stimulate the secretion of GLP-1 from the gut, similar to carbohydrates and fats. This release of GLP-1 helps enhance insulin secretion, leading to better blood sugar control.

  3. Satiety and Appetite Control: Protein is well-known for its ability to promote feelings of fullness and satiety. When included in meals or snacks, protein can help reduce hunger and curb appetite, which may be particularly beneficial for individuals using GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) to manage weight or diabetes. By prolonging feelings of fullness, protein may help individuals adhere to their prescribed diet and achieve better weight management outcomes.

One of the most important angles of protein supplementation for those on GLP-1 agonists is the correlation between protein and lean muscle support. For these individuals, maintaining muscle mass is important for overall health and metabolic function -- since weight loss drugs can be agnostic to muscle/fat weight, people can easily shed muscle without meaning to during weight loss.

This can have negative effects on resting metabolic rate. Lean muscle tissue is metabolically active, meaning it requires energy (calories) to maintain itself. Resting metabolic rate (RMR), which accounts for the majority of daily energy expenditure, is closely tied to lean muscle mass. Individuals with higher muscle mass tend to have a higher RMR, as muscle tissue consumes more calories at rest compared to fat tissue. Therefore, preserving or increasing lean muscle mass can help support a higher metabolic rate, making it easier to manage body weight and fat levels.