Plant-Based High-Protein Nutrition Shake alleviates acute GI symptoms and boosts nutrient intake during GLP-1 therapy.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA), such as semaglutide, are highly effective for weight management but frequently induce significant gastrointestinal (GI) side effects like nausea, constipation, and bloating. These adverse effects can compromise overall nutritional intake, leading to inadequate protein and fiber consumption. This nutritional deficit, combined with weight loss, raises concerns about potential muscle loss and overall nutrient inadequacy, posing a challenge to the long-term health and adherence of individuals on GLP-1RA therapy.

This single-arm, open-label pilot study enrolled 20 adults (BMI >27 kg/m2) who had been on GLP-1RA therapy for at least 4 weeks. Participants consumed 1 to 2 servings of a Plant-Based High-Protein Nutrition Shake (PBHPNS) daily for 7 days. The study assessed acceptance, likability, and GI symptoms at baseline, acutely 2 hours post-consumption of the first shake, and at the end of the intervention. Two 24-hour dietary recalls were collected to evaluate changes in nutrient intake.

All 20 participants completed the study without dropouts (13 on Ozempic, 7 on Wegovy). Acute GI symptoms, particularly abdominal bloating and constipation, significantly improved 2 hours after the first PBHPNS consumption (P < 0.05). While no statistically significant changes in overall GI symptoms were observed over the full 7-day treatment period, participants consistently ranked the shakes as likable on a standard scale. During the intervention, participants averaged 1.7 shakes/day, leading to a significant increase in both protein and fiber intake. > The Plant-Based High-Protein Nutrition Shake effectively addressed nutritional gaps by significantly increasing protein and fiber intake without exacerbating existing GI symptoms, showing notable trends in symptom improvement over the week.