GLP-1 receptor agonists have transformed how the public approaches weight management. However, their use is also associated with unintended muscle loss and gastrointestinal side effects. As these medications become more accessible, a growing population is searching for options on how to protect lean body mass and manage gastrointestinal symptoms throughout treatment. A new pilot study from the INQUIS team investigated whether a plant-based nutrition shake that was high in protein and fiber can optimize protein intakes while mitigating GI symptoms in new users of semaglutide. A 2-hour feeding study following the first shake showed significant improvements in abdominal bloating and constipation. Over one week of consuming the shake daily, 20 participants significantly increased their protein (66 to 110g/day) and fiber (12 to 22g/day) intakes without any worsening of GI symptoms. These findings suggest that plant-based meal replacement shakes provide a well-tolerated strategy to increasing protein intake and may be a suitable partner to GLP-1 receptor agonists therapy.

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