What is GLP-1?
Quite a few folks are talking about GLP-1, and with good reason! But you may be wondering what GLP-1 is and what GLP-1 stands for. You wouldn’t be alone! GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide 1 and is an amino acid peptide hormone. Glucagon-like peptide 1 is produced in the gut as a result of eating food and it appears that its primary roles are to inhibit the production of glucagon and to promote the production of insulin. GLP-1 has also been linked to healthy weight management as it is believed to help regulate food intake (appetite).1
How does GLP-1 work?
Research is emerging on the function of GLP-1 in the body, which is good news as many are asking if GLP-1 can help with issues like obesity or even diabetes. GLP-1 is produced by specific cells located in the intestines as a result of food intake. This hormone is believed to be transmitted by sensory neuron cells in the gut and is rapidly metabolized there by an enzyme called dipeptidyl peptidase. GLP-1 Is considered to be an incretin hormone, which means that it works to promote the production of insulin—an important benefit for those who wish to support a healthy blood glucose response. Additionally, GLP-1 appears to inhibit an over-secretion of glucagon (a hormone which raises glucose), meaning that it plays a further role in maintaining healthy blood glucose levels.1
Finally, GLP-1 has been linked to inhibiting gastrointestinal motility. Motility is the process by which food is moved through the body, beginning with the mouth and continuing through the intestines and eventual excretion.2 By affecting this process, GLP-1 is considered to be an enterogastrone—a hormone secreted when sugars or fatty foods enter the small intestine.3 That would imply that GLP-1 works to moderate the movement of foods in order to maximize the absorption of nutrients, a process which also contributes to a reduction in appetite and a benefit to healthy weight management.1
Some may be wondering if GLP-1 is a medication, but while there may be therapeutic uses for this hormone, glucagon-like peptide 1 is something that is produced naturally in the body and so does not meet that definition. There is, however, a class of medications known as GLP-1 agonists, which a medical professional may consider in the treatment of diagnosable diseases such as Type 2 diabetes. Let’s look closer at what GLP-1 agonists are.
What are GLP-1 agonists?
The term “GLP-1 agonist” refers to a type of medication that medical professionals may prescribe to patients needing treatment for high blood glucose levels or who may need assistance with managing their weight.4 This type of medication was approved by the FDA in 2005 and is generally an injectable delivered in the fatty tissue present just under the skin.4 GLP-1 agonists are prescribed by a doctor who may decide that they are appropriate for an individual based on their specific needs.
Some examples of GLP-1 agonists are:
- Semaglutide injection (Ozempic®)
- Semaglutide tablets (Rybelsus®)
- Dulaglutide (Trulicity®)
- Exenatide (Byetta®)
- Exenatide extended-release (Bydureon®)
- Liraglutide (Victoza®)
- Lixisenatide (Adlyxin®)
Benefits of GLP-1 agonists
GLP-1 agonists work in the body to deliver benefits in a number of ways. This type of medication behaves similarly to natural GLP-1 hormones in the body by promoting the production of insulin by the pancreas, supporting a sense of satiety while also slowing the movement of food along the digestive tract and by inhibiting the secretion of glucagon as food is digested.4
If a medical professional prescribes a GLP-1 agonist to a patient, the benefits may include:4
- Delaying the progression of certain diabetes-related complications
- Reducing the risks of developing kidney or heart disease
- Improving certain liver health issues
- Improving cardiovascular health, such as helping to maintain normal blood pressure readings
Supplements and GLP-1
Whether you’re looking for alternative methods to raise your GLP-1 hormone naturally or want to explore hormone-free approaches to weight loss, there are solutions available that can best suit your journey and goals.
- Natural Weight Loss Supplements
- Weight loss can occur without taking the GLP-1 hormone. Certain metabolism boosters and fat burners have been shown to potentially reduce visceral fat when taken consistently and certain supplements like berberine and psyllium husk can help curb cravings and keep your journey on track.
- GLP-1 Activators
- Some supplements have been studied for their potential to help raise the GLP-1 hormone naturally. While ingredients like berberine have a different mechanism of action than common GLP-1 agonists, they can help naturally increase the secretion of this hormone for weight loss support.5
GLP-1 Agonists Side Effects
It’s important to note that taking GLP-1 agonists can cause several unwanted effects depending on how your body responds to the hormone. Some common side effects are:
- Digestive issues and nausea: Because GLP-1 slows digestion, food sitting in the stomach for longer periods of time can cause nausea or digestive discomfort
- Nutritional deficiencies: With appetite suppressants come less food intake, there’s a risk of not getting enough of the vitamins and minerals that our bodies still need
- Low energy or fatigue: Some people may experience fatigue while taking GLP-1 but this effect is typically brief. Although the evidence is not clear, experts claim this effect could be due to GLP-1-induced functional changes in glucose metabolism and reduced appetite
- Lean muscle loss: Rapid weight loss requires a calorie deficit—meaning your calorie intake is lower than calories burned in a day. When rapid weight loss occurs, the proteins in the muscles may be broken down too and this leads to muscle loss.
- Bone density loss: While studies are still ongoing as to GLP-1’s effect on bone health, bone mineral density could decrease with diet-induced weight loss8
If your GLP-1 journey has led to any of these adverse effects, we offer support for digestive comfort, filling nutritional gaps, sustained energy, lean muscle building and bone strengthening.
Scientific understanding of GLP-1 and the roles it plays in promoting a healthy blood glucose response and weight management is on-going. As we learn more there are several ways that we can do our part to make sure our body has the tools it needs to operate optimally. These include supplementing with select herbs or minerals to promote the production of GLP-1 in addition to a healthy diet and exercise routine.
You be well, now.
Swanson
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
This website is not for the sale, promotion, or endorsement of GLP-1 medication. This website is for educational and general wellness information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. It should not be considered medical advice nor intended to replace the advice of a healthcare professional. Please consult with your healthcare professional about the appropriate nutrition for you.
About Dr. Christopher Oseh
Christopher Oseh, MD, is a trained primary care physician leveraging almost a decade of clinical experience managing and counseling patients toward better health through positive lifestyle changes. He has a strong track record of treating and co-managing individuals with chronic illnesses.
Sources
- The Physiology of Glucagon-Like Peptide 1. Physiological Reviews. Read source
- Gastrointestinal Motility. UCSan Diego Health. Read source
- Enterogastrone. Britannica.Read source.
- GLP-1 Agonists. Cleveland Clinic.Read source
- GLP-1 agonists: Diabetes drugs and weight loss. Mayo Clinic. Read source
- Food Factors Having Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Releasing Activity. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Read source
- Berberine induces GLP-1 secretion through activation of bitter taste receptor pathways. Biochemical Pharmacology. Read source
- Weight Loss and Bone Mineral Density. Current Opinion in Endocrinology & Diabetes and Obesity. Read source
