All About GLP-1 and its Supplements : Trends You Can't Ignore

In this article, we discuss the Ws of GLP-1 and the need for its supplements. We will also analyze graphs, look at trends, and analyze historical trends.

 

Why?


According to KFF Health Tracking Poll 2024,

  • A large and increasing share of the public say they have heard about GLP-1 drugs, with about eight in ten (82%) adults saying they have heard at least “a little” and about three in ten (32%) saying they have heard “a lot” about these drugs

  • About one in eight adults (12%) say they have taken a GLP-1 drug, including 6% of adults who are currently taking one of these medications.

  • Most adults who have taken GLP-1 drugs say they took them to treat a chronic condition including diabetes or heart disease (62%), while about four in ten say they took them primarily to lose weight.

  • Most insured adults who have taken GLP-1 drugs say their insurance covered at least part of the cost, but fewer say their insurance covered all the cost. About half of adults who have taken GLP-1s say it was difficult to afford the cost of these drugs.


What?


GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1, is a natural hormone that helps regulate blood sugar, appetite, and digestion

GLP-1 agonists are synthetic versions of this hormone that are used to manage type 2 diabetes and some cases of obesity

They work by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, which includes: 

  • Boosting metabolism and promoting satiety

  • Slowing digestion and stomach emptying 

  • Helping the body produce more insulin 

  • Reducing the amount of glucagon released

  • Reducing appetite and blood sugar level


How?


There are different types of GLP-1 medications currently available,

  1. GLP-1 agonists, or GLP-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1 analogs, or GLP-1 analogues, or incretin mimetics

  2. GLP-1 Supplements

 

While multiple GLP-1 agonists on the market are FDA-approved, there is an exceptional rising demand for GLP-related supplements. This could be because of the huge cost difference between the available options and also because of the surging interests of consumers in the natural products industry. Supplements are also taken alongside approved GLP-1 medications to support with the efficacy and side-effects.


Target Market


Using Google Trends, I analyzed multiple search terms related to GLP-1 supplements to understand the trending markets. These are analyzed based on the percentage of popularity between a scale of 0 to 100. We found similar results for all terms, with very less variations. 


The demand for GLP-1 supplements is seen to be the highest in the United States, followed by Canada, United Kingdom and Australia. I also found China, India and Mexico ranking in few graphs. For further analysis, we will be looking deeper into the USA.







Historical Data


I have analyzed the website search for the terms GLP-1, GLP-1 supplement and GLP supplements in the United States, over different periods of time. 


In the past 5 years, it can be seen that even though the term GLP-1 itself has been consistently searched for, the demand in search for its supplements has very recently skyrocketed.


Search Term: GLP-1


Past 5 Years 

This Year 

 

Search Term: GLP-1 Supplement


Past 5 Years


This Year 


Search Term: GLP Supplements


Past 5 Years 


This Year 


The Future of GLP-1 Supplements


With 2024 Hulu-famous films like “Weight of the World” and shows like “An Oprah Special: Shame, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution”, it is clear that weight management has been a very sensitive and complex topic for years, affecting individuals in many ways including their body image. NBC News mentions that Medicare in the US is currently barred from paying for weight management drugs, unless they're used to treat conditions like diabetes or to manage an increased risk of heart disease. 


According to a report by Future Market Insights, the GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Market projected to be valued at USD 23,854.53 million in 2024 is expected to rise to USD 72,127.79 million by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 11.7%. This shows a huge market opportunity for supplement manufacturers and other players in the nutraceutical industry.


With such groundbreaking advancements in healthcare and the rapid availability of multiple options, it is now more than ever important to understand the effects of the choices you make. Not everyone living with type 2 diabetes or obesity needs to take a GLP-1 receptor agonist or a related supplement. Consumers should consult a doctor or a qualified health care professional before taking any prescription drug or supplement. 


It will be really interesting and exciting to see how things play out across multiple industries like pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and the food & beverage industry. As a consumer, few natural ways that can boost your GLP-1 levels are eating protein-rich breakfast, pairing fiber with fats, exercising, and prioritizing restful sleep. If you are looking for a contract manufacturer for your supplement manufacturing and packaging needs, please request a quote today!