Global taste and nutrition company, Kerry Group, has released a new consumer perception study suggesting its scientifically-backed BC30 probiotic contributed to a positive experience among users of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medications – a class of drugs growing rapidly for weight management and type 2 diabetes.
Recognising that GLP-1 users are rethinking their eating habits, looking to maintain a balanced diet to support preservation of lean muscle mass, and manage digestive comfort, Kerry set out to support users in continuing their GLP-1 journey.
To do this, the company conducted a four-week, open-label, uncontrolled consumer perception study, testing its BC30 probiotic among GLP-1 medication users. Supported by over 45 research publications demonstrating its survivability, safety, and efficacy – including improvements in digestive symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, constipation, diarrhoea, and bloating through multiple randomised clinical trials – BC30 has emerged as a promising probiotic.
Beyond clinical evidence, the recently released consumer perception study explores the perceived benefits of BC30 in a real-world context, further reinforcing its potential to support digestive health and enhance overall quality of life, making it a probiotic GLP-1 users can feel confident about.
After four weeks using BC30, participants in the study self-reported improvements across key, known GLP-1 medication use issues, including:
- 77 per cent of participants perceived a moderate to significant improvement in their overall daily quality of life, previously impacted by GI symptoms.
- 60 per cent of participants found BC30 to be moderately to very useful in improving their digestive health, while 12 per cent perceived it as even a “game changer.”
- Over 80 per cent of participants noticed an improvement in their GI symptoms compared to baseline, with symptoms either completely disappearing or at least feeling better.
- 69 per cent of participants indicated they would continue using GLP-1 medications due to BC30’s positive effect on GI discomfort and overall health.
- 66 per cent indicated they would purchase BC30, 91 per cent indicated they would recommend it to other GLP-1 medication users, and 41 per cent rated it as “fantastic.”
Globally, 2.5 billion adults are overweight or obese, including 73.6 per cent of U.S. adults, driving consumer demand in GLP-1 medications as a weight management tool. While 30 to 35 per cent of Americans are interested in using GLP-1 medications, 50 to 75 per cent of users discontinue use of the drug within a year before meeting their weight management goals, often due to gastrointestinal discomfort and additional side effects impacting their daily lives.
Even when treatment continues, these side effects can meaningfully reduce quality of life – with issues like fatigue reported by one in five users, and the majority of those saying it disrupts their daily lives.
Kerry global RD&A vice president, Alexandra Boelrijik, said gastrointestinal issues are among the main drivers of a reduced quality of life and one of the key reasons consumers abandon weight management treatment with GLP-1 medications.
“Although several products in the marketplace claim to support digestive issues, few have necessarily been evaluated and tested by a consumer population of GLP-1 medication users,” said Boelrijik.
“This population reported enhanced GI comfort and improved quality of life after consuming BC30 for 4 weeks. BC30 is a highly stable, science-backed formulation, that can be used in a variety of enhanced food and beverages which can fit seamlessly into consumer routines and changing eating habits.”
The use of GLP-1 medications has revolutionised both weight management and diabetes treatment, but these medications also present challenges that lead to abandonment of treatment. Now more than ever, maintaining healthy gastrointestinal function is essential for improving the experience for GLP-1 medication users.
