Fuente: Tomatowellness Lugar: Uncategorized It’s no secret that GLP-1 obesity management medications are rapidly transforming the landscape of food, health culture, and obesity care. According to JP Morgan Global Research, the number of US adults using a GLP-1 medication was 5 million in 2023, 6 million in 2024, 10 million in 2025, and is projected to rise to 25 million by 2030 as availability of generics and oral pills increases. Health-focused food companies are quickly rising to the challenge, reformulating products to boost protein and fiber, the two macronutrients emphasized for patients on GLP-1s to manage side-effects and hold onto muscle during weight loss. 
 
But what other nutrition considerations should impact food choice for GLP-1 patients? To understand the broader context, we caught up with Nina Crowley, PhD, RDN, LD. Crowley serves as Director of Clinical Thought Leadership and Partnerships at seca, where she works at the intersection of body composition and obesity care. Her perspective: “While protein and fiber are essential anchors, and certainly getting a lot of attention right now, nutrition for patients on a weight health journey with obesity management medications should be approached more holistically. These therapies often reduce appetite and total energy intake, sometimes by as much as 15-40%, which increases the risk of inadequate micronutrient intake if food quality isn’t prioritized.” 
 
Crowley makes an important point. Historically, popular diet culture has focused almost exclusively on calorie restriction with nutrition mentioned as an afterthought, at best. But the increasingly mainstream use of GLP-1 medications and their very effective suppression of appetite is shining a light on the real importance of getting ALL of the nutrients we need. Nutrient deficiencies, in addition to the potential for loss of fat-free mass (with concern for muscle and bone) is possible in patients using GLP-1 therapies for obesity and type 2 diabetes management. Assessment of body composition alongside medications is becoming standard of practice to better monitor individual changes in fat, muscle, and bone.  
 
According to Crowley, “This creates an opportunity to focus on nutrient-dense, high-quality foods that deliver vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds in smaller portions.” 
 
Whole foods that provide protein and/or fiber with vitamins, minerals, and other plant nutrients won’t be going out of fashion anytime soon. Tomato products boost the fiber, vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and iron in any dish. Perhaps more importantly, meals made with canned tomatoes or tomato sauce often feature high-quality protein sources like beef, chicken, eggs, and fish paired with high-fiber beans, peas, lentils, and/or vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, carrots, bell peppers, eggplant, leafy greens, fresh herbs and healthy fats like olive oil.
 
The fewer the calories eaten, the more those calories need to count, so nutrient-rich foods are stepping into the spotlight now more than ever.
 
In addition to her role with seca, Crowley also hosts “In the Know with Nina,” a podcast that focuses on GLP-1 therapies and the real-world challenges faced by patients and clinicians. She emphasizes that while focusing on nutrition quality is critical, it may be equally important for to “consider eating patterns, hydration, cultural preferences, and sensory satisfaction, because long-term success depends not just on what patients eat, but whether that way of eating is sustainable and enjoyable.”
 
In fact, it is estimated that a majority of GLP-1 patients (47-65% according to a recent JAMA publication) discontinue the medication within the first year. So while we see numbers growing, for a majority of patients, therapy is short term or intermittent vs. consistent. 
 
Comfort foods like tomato-based meals that are nutrient-rich, culturally familiar, versatile, and big on flavor hit the sweet spot and may help patients stay the course in their health journey, whether or not they are actively participating in GLP-1 therapies.

 
– Jenny Heap MS, RDN


References:
Rodriguez PJ, Zhang V, Gratzl S, et al. Discontinuation and Reinitiation of Dual-Labeled GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Among US Adults With Overweight or Obesity. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(1):e2457349. Published 2025 Jan 2. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.57349

 


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