With more than 1 billion people currently living with the condition worldwide, obesity has become a global issue in recent years. It’s also causing significant problems throughout the healthcare system, as many services struggle to keep up with the current demand for treatment. Because of the sharp uptick in obesity levels, GLP-1 receptor agonist medications have exploded in popularity, with these therapeutics changing the game for those who are trying to effectively manage their weight and avoid the adverse side effects of the disease.
Although GLP-1-targeting drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy may offer a solution for many, not everybody will be able to obtain a prescription … and some would prefer to avoid taking medications owing to their side effects. Therefore, an opportunity has opened up in the nutraceutical market to cater to the weight management category by providing a natural, clean-label solution that can assist consumers with weight management — while also benefitting those currently taking GLP-1 medications.
A particular group of plant-based functional ingredients gaining notoriety in this sector is polyphenols; these secondary metabolites are commonly found in fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, teas, grains and herbs. An increasing number of studies have backed the efficacy of polyphenols in terms of supporting metabolic health, with more coming out frequently.
To find out how polyphenols can help with metabolic health, weight management and blood glucose control, Annabel Kartal-Allen caught up with Anand Swaroop, founder and President of Cepham.