GLP-1 101

In 2024, nearly 1 in 8 adults had used a GLP-1.

What are GLP-1s and what are nutrient-dense foods?

These newly approved, groundbreaking medications have quickly emerged as a key tool for those on weight-management journeys. Those taking GLP-1s generally experience a reduced appetite, which makes prioritizing nutrient-dense foods crucial.

Nutrient-dense foods are those that provide vitamins, minerals, and other health-promoting components with little added sugars, saturated fats and sodium — focusing on fluids, protein, fiber, and other key micronutrients.

Protein is a key nutrient

and is especially important for those using GLP-1s.

When thinking about how much protein is the right amount, experts recommend a daily minimum of 0.8 g per kg of body weight1 (65g of protein per day for someone weighing 180 pounds). However, daily protein intakes up to 1.5 g per kg of body weight may help support lifestyle goals by maintaining and building muscle during physical activity and preserving muscle mass during weight loss2-4.

Dairy protein, like what’s found in :ratio’s yogurt-cultured dairy snacks, are complete proteins – meaning they include all of the 9 essential amino acids. Often called the building blocks of life, amino acids help with normal body functions like breaking down food and repairing body tissue (like muscle)!

Since it supports our bodies in many ways, not getting enough protein can lead to your body breaking down things like hair and muscle tissue to get the protein it needs. Other side effects of low protein are skin changes, weakness and edema.

With 25g and 15g of protein respectively,

:ratio’s High Protein and Trio yogurt-cultured dairy snacks offer delicious, nutrient-dense options that make keeping up with your protein goals a snap.

Looking for more ways to maximize your protein intake?

Sources:

1Institute of Medicine. 2006. Dietary Reference Intakes: The Essential Guide to Nutrient Requirements. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/11537.

2Jäger, Ralf et al. “International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: protein and exercise.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition vol. 14 20. 20 Jun. 2017, doi:10.1186/s12970-017-0177-8

3Almandoz, Jaime P., et al. "Nutritional considerations with antiobesity medications." Obesity 32.9 (2024): 1613-1631.

4EFSA NDA Panel (EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies), 2015. Scientific Opinion on the essential composition of total diet replacements for weight control. EFSA Journal 2015; 13 (1):3957, 52 pp. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2015.3957

https://www.kff.org/health-costs/poll-finding/kff-health-tracking-poll-may-2024-the-publics-use-and-views-of-glp-1-drugs/

“Nutritional considerations with antiobesity medications.” Almandoz JP, Wadden TA, Tewksbury C, et al. Obesity (Silver Spring), Volume 32, 2004. Pages 1613-1631

Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025