Weighing in on Ozempic: in the news
- info848287
- Aug 27
- 4 min read
Ozempic belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which are designed to imitate the naturally occurring human hormone. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a hormone that has garnered significant attention for its role in regulating blood sugar levels, promoting weight loss and increasing satiety.
How does the hormone GLP1 work?
GLP-1 is an incretin hormone, which means it is released after eating and enhances the secretion of insulin. It slows down gastric emptying, thus contributing to a feeling of fullness, so people eat less.
This hormone is produced in the gut and works by binding to receptors in the pancreas, stimulating insulin release while inhibiting glucagon production. This dual action helps maintain blood glucose levels within a normal range, particularly after meals. It does several things:
• Blood Sugar Regulation: GLP-1 helps to lower blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
• Weight Management: By promoting satiety and reducing appetite, GLP-1 aids in weight loss, which is crucial for managing diabetes and metabolic syndrome.*
• Cardiovascular Health: GLP-1 has been associated with improved heart health, including reduced blood pressure and a lower risk of heart disease
In 2017, the Food and Drug Administration approved Ozempic to treat Type 2 diabetes, but people are also using the drug off-label to lose weight. In the last few years, other similar drugs have hit the market: Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound. All these medications are given as weekly shots.
Both Wegovy and Ozempic contain semaglutide to mimic the hormone GLP-1. Mounjaro and Zepbound use tirzepatide in much the same way.
Crucially, these drugs also target the brain: They curb hunger signals, silencing what many users have called “food noise.” It also appears that these drugs may inhibit other cravings, like alcohol and cigarette smoking.
People tend to experience the most side effects when they start these medications, and as they gradually increase their doses over the first few months. The most common complaints are gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, acid reflux, stomach pain and discomfort. People can also experience fatigue, dizziness and headaches. The side effects can be so severe that some people choose to stop using these medications.
Patients with Type 2 diabetes are also at an increased risk of developing hypoglycemia: dangerously low blood sugar. In rare cases, patients on these drugs may experience pancreatitis, gallbladder or kidney issues.
Losing a lot of weight quickly can also have ripple effects. Fat stores toxins, so rapid fat loss can release lots of fats and toxins into the bloodstream, causing stress to the liver and gallbladder.** Some people may lose hair. Many also will lose muscle mass, which is particularly concerning for older adults at risk of becoming frail. It is all too easy to lose muscle, but hard to put it back on. Reports suggest that rapid weight loss can cause significant muscle loss, but when these drugs are discontinued, most people put all the weight back on, and it is mostly fat.
Drugs like Ozempic are considered indefinite prescriptions, like blood pressure medications or statins. When you stop taking them, they stop working, so they are designed to be used forever. Because these medications are so new, no one yet knows the long-term effects. Those unknowns are one reason many doctors view these drugs as medications for serious conditions only.
Naturopaths encourage natural methods to enhance the body’s production of GLP-1. Here are some ways to boost GLP-1 naturally:
Certain foods can promote your natural GLP-1:
• High-Fibre Foods: Vegetables, fruits, and whole grains are excellent sources of fibre that can enhance GLP-1 secretion.
• Healthy Fats: Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, and fatty fish, have been shown to increase GLP-1 levels.
• Fermented Foods: Probiotics found in yogurt, kefir, and other fermented foods can support gut health, which is linked to better GLP-1 production.
Regular physical activity is another effective way to boost your GLP-1. Exercise improves insulin sensitivity*** and enhances the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar.**** Activities such as brisk walking, cycling, and resistance training are particularly beneficial.
Several herbs have been identified as potential enhancers of GLP-1:
• Berberine: Found in the herbs goldenseal and barberry, berberine has been shown to increase GLP-1 levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
• Fenugreek: This herb contains soluble fibre that can slow carbohydrate absorption and stimulate GLP-1 production.
• Cinnamon: Known for its blood sugar-lowering properties, cinnamon may also help to boost GLP-1 levels.
The naturopathic perspective on enhancing natural GLP-1 production involves integrating lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and herbal supplements. This holistic strategy not only aims to improve GLP-1 levels but also promotes overall health and well-being. With this approach you may not lose weight as quickly as using the drug, but all the side-effects are positive not negative, and it’s so much cheaper!
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