GLP-1 drugs drive protein demand and unregulated semaglutide sales

The popularity of GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic, is influencing consumer dietary habits and impacting the dairy sector. In Poland, there is a growing demand for high-protein products, which Agnieszka Maliszewska, president of the Polish Chamber of Milk, attributes to a combination of health consciousness and the convenience of functional foods favored by active individuals and youth.

In the United States, a price premium for milk protein, particularly whey fractions, has led processors to reconfigure production lines for functional and fat-free products. This trend in consumer interest in yogurts and skyr is being observed globally.

Parallel to these dietary shifts, health authorities are warning about the illegal sale of semaglutide in Poland. Some online sellers are marketing substances as ‘research use only’ or ‘peptides for research’ to bypass prescription requirements, allowing consumers to order them without a doctor's oversight. The Office for Registration of Medicinal Products (URPL) and the Chief Pharmaceutical Inspectorate (GIF) have noted that these unregulated products lack guarantees regarding composition, purity, or safety, posing significant risks to consumers.