When GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide or tirzepatide bind to these receptors, one of their effects is slowing the rate at which food moves from the stomach to the small intestine
Caution should be used in patients with long-standing diabetes with neuropathy and gastroparesis, as well as incompletely treated diabetic retinopathy
To date, these GLP-1 drugs have been approved to treat three adult populations: individuals with type 2 diabetes, individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater (obesity), and individuals with a BMI between 27 and 30 (overweight) with at least one weight-related health condition, such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, prior stroke, prior heart attack, and chest pain (angina)
As the drugs proliferate and come in easier-to-use pill forms, food companies are starting to target this broadening demographic group