Hello everyone, I'm Kushal Chandak, VP of R&D at PURIS. If you've been paying attention to the buzz around weight loss meds like Ozempic or Wegovy, you know we're in the middle of a massive shift. These GLP-1 agonists aren't just helping people shed pounds; they're rewriting how we eat, shop, and even think about food. As someone who has spent over a decade designing plant proteins, such as those from peas and soy, for various applications, I have a front-row seat to this "disruption." And trust me, it's not just hype; it's a game-changer for the food industry. Let me break it down, drawing on studies, my own interviews with individuals on these medications, and what we're doing at PURIS to stay current.
Picture this: You're at a family dinner, but suddenly, half the table isn't hungry. That's the reality for millions on GLP-1 drugs. These meds mimic a hormone that curbs appetite, slows digestion, and changes taste preferences, often making fatty or sugary foods less appealing. From my interviews with GLP-1 users, one guy told me he used to crave chicken but couldn't stomach it for the first six months: it triggered nausea. Now, he shops daily because his taste is flip-flop, and leftovers? Ultimately, his family eats them, changing everyone's habits.
This isn't anecdotal fluff. A 2025 study analyzed nutrient intake in GLP-1 users and found that they often slash calories but miss key macronutrients and micronutrients. Another study from GNC's real-world trial with 69 participants showed that users consumed around 2,000 calories daily but fell short by nearly 40 grams of protein, as well as deficits in fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, choline, and vitamins A, C, D, and E. For the food industry, this means rethinking everything. Households with GLP-1 users cut grocery spending by about 5.3% within six months, with broader impacts on sales of sugary drinks and alcohol. Companies are scrambling to create smaller portions, nutrient-dense snacks, and products that combat side effects like nausea. At PURIS, we're seeing demand skyrocket for ingredients that pack a punch in tiny servings—think high-protein shots instead of bulky shakes.
But here's the kicker: This aligns food profits with health. As one sales rep from a pharma company told me in an interview, "We're just scratching the surface." With obesity rates hitting 70% in some countries and over 100 clinical trials underway in 2025, GLP-1s are evolving from diabetes treatments to lifestyle tools—much like Botox went from medical to mainstream. Projections? By adopting healthier diets alongside these meds, we could dent massive obesity-related healthcare spending. Food pros, if you're not adapting, you're getting left behind.
With reduced appetite comes a big risk: nutrient gaps. Protein is crucial here—it's the building block for muscle, helps regulate blood sugar, and keeps you feeling full longer. But GLP-1 users often skimp on it, leading to muscle loss, fatigue, and stalled weight loss. That GNC study nailed it: Users miss out on essential protein, exacerbating issues like chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction. A 2019 Cell Metabolism piece by Sue Tsai showed how T cells "feast" on GLP-1, disrupting natural pathways for blood sugar and heart health if nutrition falters.
Short-chain fatty acids from fiber-rich proteins can help—butyrate for gut barriers, acetate for appetite control, and propionate for insulin sensitivity. Yet, no one's talking about texture and viscosity enough. A 2023 study by Julia Roelofs found that semi-solid pea protein gels slow gastric emptying compared to liquids, thereby aiding tolerance in individuals who experience nausea. For similar effects, a study on pea protein hydrolysates showed delayed emptying, reduced ghrelin, and increased satiety (note: while a 2025 study by Katrin Köhnke wasn't directly cited, related research supports this finding). At PURIS, we're launching pea peptides—hydrolyzed into di- and tri-peptides with a molecular weight of under 1,000 Da, 90% protein, and low in fats/sugars/heavy metals. These let you cram 20 g of protein into a 3-4oz shot, perfect for shrinking portion sizes.
From chats with users, better protein intake has been shown to improve sleep, cholesterol levels, fatty liver disease, and A1C levels. One even cuts alcohol cravings. However, insurance gaps loom—companies cover these medications; healthier employees mean better performance.
The notion that plant proteins are “inferior” is outdated. Advances in nutrition science show that many plant proteins are highly digestible and can effectively support muscle maintenance and growth when consumed in sufficient amounts and complemented with other foods to maintain amino acid balance. Dr. Stuart Phillips, a leading researcher in protein, has noted that total protein intake is more important than the source when dietary needs are met. Similarly, in a 2025 Huberman Lab podcast, Andrew Huberman and nutrition expert Alan Aragon discussed that plant proteins can yield comparable outcomes to animal proteins when overall intake and amino acid composition are optimized.
In a 2015 trial, pea matched whey for muscle gains over 12 weeks of training. Victoria Hevia-Larraín's 2021 study: Plant-based vs. omnivore diets with soy/whey showed no difference in muscle size/strength. Alistair Monteyne's 2023 work on mycoprotein echoed this—equal to animal protein in terms of nutritional value.
Advantages over dairy? Plants like peas are allergen-friendly, easier on digestion (especially with GLP-1 nausea), free of anti-nutritional factors when purified (80%+ protein), and provide hydration products without clumping—something that's challenging with traditional plants.
Imagine a GLP-1 user grabbing a pea-based bar that tastes great, doesn't bloat, and sustains energy. That's what we're building at PURIS.
This isn't just about health—it's planetary. The Lancet's Planetary Health Diet could avert up to 15 million deaths yearly by slashing red/processed meats, linked to heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Food systems account for 25-30% of global greenhouse gas emissions; shifting to plant-based diets can reduce that quickly. By 2050, we could sustainably feed billions with more vegetables, nuts, and plant-based proteins.
A 2024 Nature study: Plant-rich diets slash GHGs by up to 17% with global adoption. Pea protein? Low water footprint, nitrogen-fixing (no fertilizers), and versatile. At PURIS, our supply chain scales quickly—we've got the technology to meet surging demand for GLP-1 nutrition without harming the environment.
From my vantage at PURIS, GLP-1 is no fad; it's the future. With multi-agonists like Tirzepatide and Retatrutide on the horizon (triple agonist showing promise in trials), adoption will soar. Food industry, embrace nutrient-dense, plant-forward innovation. Pea protein fills gaps—nutritionally, palatably, sustainably.
Consumers and doctors: Understand supplementation during therapy. It's not just weight loss; it's lifelong health. Hit me up with questions—let's chat!