From celebrity Instagram posts to new products appearing on grocery store shelves, America’s health and nutrition landscape is abuzz with new trends promising to rewire our metabolisms and provide shortcuts to long-term wellness. GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy continue to make headlines for their weight-loss effects, while the “protein overload” concept has gym enthusiasts doubling down on super-high-protein shakes, bars, and snacks. Right alongside, “fibermaxxing” is emerging as the latest wellness mantra, with more people embracing gut-friendly foods, and debates over the health benefits of seed oils versus animal fats continue to spark heated discussion in kitchens and clinics alike.
Confused yet? Here, three nutrition researchers at Baton Rouge’s LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center weigh in on these hot-button health fads—and what they might mean for your health and your lifestyle.
1. Trending usage of GLP-1s for weight loss
Steven Heymsfield, Pennington
“Over the past few years we have seen an explosion in interest around the newer ‘GLP-1 receptor agonist’ medicines for weight loss. Pennington has evaluated all of the currently available GLP1Rs (such as Ozempic and Wegovy) in clinical trials and we currently have multiple newer versions under study that are more potent, have few side effects, and vary in dosage schedules. Some are also for oral use and not injectable, unlike most current versions on the market. We are also testing related medicines that prevent the muscle loss seen with GLP1s. This is an exciting time for weight loss drug development and is a time long-awaited by people with obesity who have been thwarted in their weight loss attempts.”
—Dr. Steven Heymsfield, Professor of Metabolism and Body Composition, Pennington Biomedical Research Center
2. “Fibermaxxing” and protein overload trend
Dr. Jacob Mey, Pennington
“Both protein and fiber are strong allies in crafting a sustainable, nutrient-dense diet.
“Protein is a cornerstone of a healthy diet, supporting muscle repair, immune function, and overall vitality. The concept of ‘protein overload’ is often misrepresented. When you’re consuming whole foods rather than relying on supplements, your body is well-equipped to handle higher protein intakes without adverse effects. Prioritizing diverse, nutrient-rich protein sources ensures balance and long-term health.”
“Fiber is a dietary hero that is often underappreciated. ‘Fibermaxxing,’ or aiming to meet or slightly exceed daily fiber recommendations, aligns beautifully with the principles of many of the world’s healthiest diets, such as the Mediterranean Diet, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (or DASH) Diet, etc. By focusing on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, you not only support gut health but also improve heart health, blood sugar regulation, and satiety.”
—Dr. Jacob Mey, Assistant Professor, Mitochondrial Energetics and Nutrient Utilization Lab
3. Seed oils vs animal fats
Dr. Catherine Champagne, Pennington
“Seed oils are generally healthier than animal fats because they are higher in polyunsaturated fats, particularly omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, things that our bodies need but cannot produce on their own. On the other hand, Animal fats and coconut oil are typically higher in saturated fats, which can be problematic for people with heart disease or blood lipid issues.”
Champagne avoids using animal fats because of their documented negative impact on heart health.
“I cook with canola oil because it has a high content of monounsaturated fat—similar to olive oil, both of which are heart healthy.”
—Dr. Catherine Champagne, Professor, Dietary Assessment and Nutrition Counseling Nutritional, Epidemiology and one of the developers of the DASH Diet
To learn more about the groundbreaking nutritional research taking place at Pennington Biomedical Research Center, and explore a range of programs and clinical trials available to the Baton Rouge community, visit www.pbrc.edu.
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