GLP-1 pills will widen access but nutrition remains key – Food and Drink Technology
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1 pills will widen access but nutrition remains key
Posted 24 July, 2026
Mark Gilbert, nutritionist for PortionIQ
The launch of a daily GLP-1 tablet is likely to make these medications more accessible and widen their appeal, particularly for people who have been put off by injections
While the tablet offers an alternative way of taking the medication, it is important to remember that it contains the same active ingredient, semaglutide, as the Wegovy injection. It works through the same biological mechanisms to reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness, meaning we can expect similar benefits, side effects and challenges
The main difference is the method of delivery. To ensure the medication is absorbed properly, users need to fast for at least eight hours beforehand, take it with no more than 120ml of plain water and then wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking or taking any other medication. This routine may suit some people, particularly those who do not want to use needles, while others may find a once-weekly injection easier to fit into their lifestyle
What does not change, however, is the importance of nutrition. GLP-1 medications work by significantly reducing appetite, which means many people consume substantially fewer calories. While this supports weight loss, it also increases the risk of nutritional shortfalls if food choices are not carefully considered. When people are eating much smaller portions, every meal and snack needs to deliver maximum nutritional value
Ensuring enough high-quality protein is particularly important to help preserve lean muscle mass, support strength and maintain metabolic health, while fibre-rich foods can support digestion, gut health and help manage side effects such as constipation. A reduced appetite can also make it harder to meet micronutrient needs, which is why prioritising nutrient-dense foods is crucial throughout treatment
It is also important to recognise that these medications are not a permanent solution on their own. We know from a recent review of the research on GLP-1s by the University of Oxford that, on average, people will likely regain all of the weight they have lost within 18 months after stopping GLP-1 treatment, as well as losing all of the health benefits. There is currently no reason to expect the tablet version to produce a different long-term outcome
Looking further ahead, the pace of innovation in this space is accelerating. We are already seeing newer injectable medications that combine GLP-1 with GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), acting on two hormonal pathways involved in appetite regulation and blood sugar control
Future medicines are expected to build on this by targeting a third metabolic pathway, glucagon, with the aim of achieving even greater weight loss – an approach demonstrated by the soon-to-be approved Retatrutide. Future iterations may also incorporate molecules targeting myostatin, a regulator of muscle growth, and follistatin, which helps counteract its effects, potentially reducing muscle loss during weight reduction
While these next-generation therapies may be more effective, they are also likely to be more potent, and we do not yet fully understand their long-term outcomes. As treatments continue to evolve, one principle will remain unchanged: whether someone is using a weekly injection, a daily tablet or future combination therapies, medication should be viewed as one part of a wider approach
Good nutrition is fundamental, not optional. Addressing potential gaps in protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals, preserving muscle mass and helping people develop healthier eating habits will remain essential for achieving successful weight loss while supporting better long-term health
Mark Gilbert, nutritionist at PortionIQ, explains how the new weight loss pills and upcoming innovations will continue to shape the GLP-1 market and why good nutrition will remain essential in helping people meet their weight management goals while supporting long-term health and wellbeing
PortionIQ is a nutrition range developed by Cambridge Nutritional Foods to support people using GLP-1 medications, as well as health-conscious consumers seeking convenient, balanced nutrition
Topics
GLP-1nutrient densityprotein
People
Mark Gilbert
Organisations
Cambridge Nutritional FoodsPortionIQUniversity of Oxford
Food and Drink Technology
