Published 17 Dec 2025
Glucagon-like-peptide-1 - AKA “GLP-1” – is a hormone naturally produced in your small intestine after eating. It’s roles are to:
If one’s body doesn’t produce enough insulin, their blood sugar increases which can lead to type 2 diabetes.
The enzyme DPP-4 degrades the GLP-1 we naturally produce in under 2 minutes. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists(GLP-1 RAs) are the drugs developed to draw out the breakdown and keep GLP-1 active for longer.
This results in steadier blood sugar and reduced food intake, two major factors in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity.
GLP-1 RAs are typically for adult use - data for paediatric use is still limited.
GLP-1 RAs control blood sugar levels by
These mechanisms are particularly important for users with diabetes, but more recently GLP-1 RAs have been introduced as a weight management drug. Slow gastric emptying coupled with the effect on the hypothalamus reduce appetite and prolong feeling full, with some users claiming they crave sweet/high-fat foods less often.
GLP-1 (the natural hormone)was first fully identified in the 1980s, following research into insulin and blood glucose regulation in the 1960s and 70s.
The breakthrough for the creation of GLP-1 RAs occurred in the 90’s. Scientists studying the venomous saliva of the Gila monster found a peptide (extendin-4) that mimicked the effects of GLP-1 but was harder for DPP-4 to break down.
This allowed drug developers to create a synthetic version of extendin-4 in labs - safe for human consumption - and called it extenatide.
The US FDA approved extenatide in 2005, under the brand name Byetta – the first GLP-1 RA available for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Since then, several other GLP-1 RAs emerged, marketed for diabetes treatment and later for obesity - more potent, convenient, and longer lasting.
A 2025 study examined the trends in GLP-1 RA prescribing patterns, finding that the use of the drug has increased rapidly in the US – nearly fivefold between 2018 and 2023.
A major inflection point occurred in 2021 with the FDA’s approval of semaglutide (Wegovy)specifically for weight management. Until then the users of GLP-1 RAs were predominantly individuals with diabetes, but the approval of Wegovy opened the door to a brand new market segment: individuals with obesity or overweight, but without diabetes.
As a result, the proportion of GLP-1 RA users without diabetes tripled from 11% in 2018 to 34% in 2023.
Relevant reading:
A 2024 report from the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health outlines GLP-1 patent end dates. However patent protection in this space is typically quite complex.
According to JAMA, about 54% of GLP-1-related patents cover delivery devices such as injection pens, rather than the active pharmaceuticals themselves.
Taken together, these findings highlight several implications for market competition. Generic firms must either wait for these device and formulation patents to expire before attempting market entry, or undertake a number of complex and expensive patent challenges to invalidate or work around them.
Follow-on patents may also push out exclusivity by many years. For example, in the case of semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy), analyses identified large patent portfolios covering synthesis methods, delivery devices, formulations, and dosing regimens. This potentially extends the monopoly well beyond the original “compound” patent expiry date.
Because of this extended patent protection, list prices remain high and generic competitors have been effectively blocked — which may exacerbate access inequities. High ongoing prices may particularly disadvantage lower-income or underinsured populations.
Further reading on social implications:
GLP-1 RAs suppress appetite and emerging data suggests this is translating into changes in consumer behaviour.
Major changes in consumer behaviour among GLP-1 RA users include:
A 2024 KPMG study found sharper effects, suggesting a 31% decline in grocery spending and a 21% caloric intake decrease among GLP-1 users.
Interestingly — the reduction seems to be driven by buying fewer items, rather than a full shift toward “healthier” alternatives across the board. A Purdue University study found that among weight loss users, changes in food purchasing were not statistically significant, only seeing an initial decline in calorie dense ultra processed foods.
However, some industry reporters, like FoodNavigator, have suggested a climb in demand for “healthier’ consumption among GLP-1 RA users. Plus, Purdue also suggested that if the current trend turns out not to be a fad, food business will need to shift from UPFs (often a large portion of their revenue) to more nutrient dense, low-calorie options.
Some confectionery and snack brands are already developing “GLP-1–friendly” products: e.g. treats that are lower calorie, higher in protein or fibre, and portion-controlled. Companies including General Mills, Nestle, Conagra and Danone have begun adjusting their portfolios as a response.
If GLP-1 usage continues to scale, the cumulative effect could be a structural reduction in demand for high-calorie, ultra processed foods and snacks.
We may see a shift in how food is packaged and portioned. Smaller portions or “mini-meals,” protein-rich snacks, fibre-rich products, and products designed for satiety (not indulgence) could become more dominant.
Over time, this could influence food-waste patterns, supply-chain planning, and even agricultural production
Relevant reading:
For the food and beverage industry, the rise of GLP-1 RAs points to a shift in consumption patterns, particularly reduced demand for calorie-dense snacks, alcohol, and ultra-processed foods. As appetite suppression becomes more common, brands may need to rethink portion sizes, formulations, and product positioning, with greater emphasis on protein, fibre, and satiety. The impact, however, is unlikely to be uniform: high costs, unequal access, and uncertain long-term adherence mean companies should prepare for gradual change rather than an immediate industry-wide reset.
