Inside the boom in ‘GLP-1-friendly’ eating

Weight-loss drugs – Ozempic and Mounjaro – have become talking points, much like Delhi’s heat and politics. Walk into a party, and you are likely to hear about someone who took one of these medications and lost a tremendous amount of weight. Speak to a friend, and they may ask whether they too should consider taking a dose because of how rapidly the drugs seem to work.
Unsurprisingly, restaurants and food delivery apps are quickly adapting. “Size O” menus, high-protein and high-fibre meals, and now even “GLP-1-friendly” bowls and pizzas are appearing across the market. But what does “GLP-1-friendly” actually mean? And is a pizza or pasta labelled this way genuinely healthier – or simply smart marketing?

WHAT IS GLP-1?GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) is a natural gut hormone secreted by the small intestine after we eat food. “It helps the body control blood sugar by increasing insulin secretion from the pancreas and mainly works by slowing down the emptying of the stomach. As a result, a person feels full for a longer time, appetite reduces, and food intake decreases. Because of these effects, GLP-1-based medicines are widely used for diabetes management and weight loss, as they help improve sugar levels while supporting gradual weight reduction,” explains Dr (Prof) Sandeep Aggarwal, Chairman, Manipal Institute of Minimal Access, Bariatric, GI & Robotic Surgery, Manipal Hospitals Dwarka.

‘The meals don’t work the same as the drugs’GLP-1-friendly foods generally refer to meals designed to keep people fuller for longer and avoid sudden hunger spikes. These meals are typically higher in protein and fibre, while being more balanced than standard fast-food options. “For example, a GLP-1 friendly pizza may have a high-protein base, lean chicken toppings, more fibre, or lower sugar sauces. The idea is to create foods that fit better into a weight-management lifestyle. But it is important to understand that the ‘GLP-1 friendly’ foods do not contain weightloss medicines or work the same way as these drugs. The term is mainly being used for meals that are higher in protein, more filling, and designed to support healthier eating habits. It has gained popularity as conversations around GLP-1 weight-loss drugs continue to grow globally,” points out Dr Richa Chaturvedi, Senior Consultant, Endocrinology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi.

Effective shift or attention-grabbing trend?Experts say these meals are often nutritionally improved versions of everyday comfort foods, but the label should not be mistaken for a free pass to overconsume. “Individuals typically are eating more nutritious versions of their everyday foods that are prepared with high protein flour, whole grains, lean meat, vegetables, and fibre rich foods. Although they are healthier than standard fast food, portion control and a healthy balance of diet are still crucial for long term health and weight management,” says Dr Chirag Tandon, director, Internal Medicine, ShardaCare Healthcity.
“In reality, we are still eating regular foods like pizza, pasta, sandwiches, or rice bowls, just with some nutritional modifications,” says Dr Richa Chaturvedi, adding, “Calories, sodium, fat content, and portion sizes still matter.”

The larger shift toward healthier eatingWhile ‘GLP-1-friendly’ may currently be a buzzword driven by the popularity of Ozempic and Mounjaro, experts believe the broader shift towards healthier food is likely to stay. “While the term ‘GLP-1-friendly’ is currently being used heavily for marketing and does not have a medically regulated definition, the concept itself is rooted in genuine nutritional science. Nutrition experts caution against over-relying on the label itself, as companies are largely using it to attract attention around a trending category. In fact, some brands are already moving away from explicitly using ‘GLP-1’ terminology and instead focusing on terms such as: high-protein, fibre-rich foods, portion-controlled and balanced nutrition,” explains Dr Rajiva Gupta, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon. As per Dr (Prof) Sandeep Aggarwal, “Companies are clearly trying to align themselves with the weight-loss and metabolic health conversation.”