The Truth About GLP-1
- organicnursern
- May 6
- 3 min read
What You Need to Know About the “Weight Loss” Hormone
If you’ve been hearing a lot about GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy, you're not alone. Originally developed for diabetes, these medications are now making headlines for their role in weight loss. But what exactly is GLP-1, and should we be cautious about how it's being used?
Let’s unpack it.
What is GLP-1?
GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) is a gut hormone—something your body naturally produces, especially in the hours after a meal. It's part of a family of incretin hormones (including GLP-2, CCK, and GIP-1) that help regulate insulin and manage blood sugar levels post-meal. GLP-1 also plays a key role in satiety—how full you feel—and appetite regulation.
As your metabolic health declines (think insulin resistance, obesity, or type 2 diabetes), your body's production of GLP-1 tends to decrease. That’s one reason researchers started exploring how to supplement or mimic it pharmacologically.
How GLP-1 Drugs Came to Be
These drugs stemmed from an intriguing discovery: bariatric surgery seemed to reverse type 2 diabetes. But why? Scientists found that surgery dramatically altered post-meal gut hormones—especially GLP-1. This insight sparked the idea to develop injectable forms of these hormones to mimic the effects.
Sounds Great, But Here’s the Catch
GLP-1 isn’t supposed to be active all day. It’s designed to rise in the post-meal window, not be super-dosed and circulating 24/7. Constant exposure can disrupt your digestive system and cause side effects like:
Nausea
Gastroparesis (slowed stomach emptying)
Pancreatitis
Gastrointestinal paralysis
And perhaps more concerning: when you stop taking the drug, your natural GLP-1 production may decline even further, leaving your body less able to regulate hunger or glucose on its own.
Oh, and there’s a black box warning for increased risk of thyroid cancer—observed in rodents, but not yet confirmed in humans.
What About Results?
While some users do see weight loss, studies show an average reduction of just 5–10 pounds over 52 weeks—at a cost of around $400 per month. Additionally, there’s a significant drawback: up to 30% of that weight loss comes from muscle, which directly impacts your metabolic rate.
Natural Ways to Support GLP-1 Production
Before turning to injections, it’s worth exploring natural methods to boost your GLP-1 levels—especially since they're more sustainable and less risky. Here are some evidence-backed strategies:
Mindful eating – Multitasking during meals can reduce the activity of GLP-1-releasing L-cells.
Post-meal walks – Boost digestion and insulin sensitivity.
Colorful, polyphenol-rich foods – Think berries, leafy greens, and purple cabbage.
Extra virgin olive oil – Supports the release of GLP-1, CCK, and PYY—hormones that enhance satiety and support fat metabolism.
Pumpkin and pumpkin seeds – Rich in nutrients that support gut hormone function.
Eating earlier in the day – Stay aligned with your circadian rhythm.
Chewing thoroughly and eating slowly – Enhances digestive signaling.
Sharing meals – Conversing between bites helps slow your pace naturally.
Higher protein and healthy fats – Shown to increase GLP-1 release.
Berberine and Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) – Both have been linked to better glucose regulation.
Final Thoughts
GLP-1 medications can be useful in clinical settings—especially for people with type 2 diabetes—but they’re not a magic fix. New strategies are emerging that involve micro-dosing GLP-1 in qualified obese patients to help jump-start weight loss with fewer side effects. Still, for most people aiming to improve metabolic health or manage weight, lasting results often come faster, more affordably, and with fewer risks through a combination of nutrition, movement, and consistent habit change.
References
GLP-1 Formula. (2025). TCI Group. Retrieved from https://www.tci-bio.com/technology/glp-1-formula/.
Stevenson, S., & Bhatia, T. (2025, February 25). The Truth About GLP-1: Foods That Increases it, What Blocks It, & More - With Dr. Taz. The Model Health Show. other. Retrieved from https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-truth-about-glp-1-foods-that-increase-it-what/id640246578?i=1000696095041.
Stevenson, S. (2021). Eat smarter: Use the power of food to reboot your metabolism, upgrade your brain, and transform your life. Little, Brown.
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