How GLP-1 Drugs Affect What People with Diabetes Actually Eat | Research

The takeaway

Adults with type 2 diabetes on GLP-1 drugs showed different dietary patterns and Mediterranean diet adherence compared to those on other medications.

103 patients
Dietary patterns compared between GLP-1 RA users and other diabetes medication users in Turin, Italy

What the researchers found

GLP-1 RA users showed differences in dietary intake and Mediterranean diet adherence compared to patients on other diabetes medications.

Why it matters

If GLP-1 drugs change dietary patterns, nutritional counseling may need to be adapted to prevent nutrient deficiencies in long-term users.

The numbers in context

N=103; 50.5% on GLP-1 RAs; fiber ~11 g/1000 kcal; fat ~39-40% of energy; saturated fat <10%.

How the study worked

Cross-sectional study of 103 T2D adults using validated food frequency questionnaires and Mediterranean Diet Score.

Who was studied

Adults with type 2 diabetes attending a clinic in Turin, Italy (mean age 66, 65% male)

What this study cannot tell us

Cross-sectional design cannot determine causation. Single-center Italian cohort may not generalize globally. Self-reported dietary data.

How to read the evidence

Cross-sectional study with validated dietary tools — useful for hypothesis generation but cannot prove GLP-1 drugs cause dietary changes.

When this study was published

Published in 2025 with data collected in 2025 — reflects very current prescribing patterns.

The bigger picture

Understanding the nutritional impact of appetite-suppressing drugs is essential as millions use GLP-1 medications long-term.

Questions still open

Do GLP-1 users need specific nutritional supplementation?
Does dietary quality improve or worsen with prolonged appetite suppression?

Common questions

Do GLP-1 drugs change what you eat, not just how much?

This study found differences in dietary patterns between GLP-1 users and non-users, suggesting these drugs may influence food choices beyond just appetite.

Should I see a dietitian if I start a GLP-1 medication?

Given that appetite suppression can affect nutrient intake, working with a dietitian can help ensure nutritional adequacy while on GLP-1 therapy.

Read the original research

Exploring Dietary Intake in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Using GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Nutrients, 17(21)

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Ponzo, Valentina; Vitale, Marilena; Bo, Simona; Broglio, Fabio; Goitre, Ilaria; Cioffi, Iolanda. (2025). Exploring Dietary Intake in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Using GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.. Nutrients, 17(21). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17213318