Here’s the latest on GLP-1.
Why is everyone suddenly talking about GLP-1?
GLP-1 agonists are prescribed medications for type 2 diabetes and, more recently weight loss.
More and more people are taking these GLP-1 medications, causing rapid weight loss. But it’s not all hype—there are many possible side effects that lots of people overlook.
In this article, we cover:
What GLP1 is
Why it’s trending
How you can naturally increase GLP1 levels
What is GLP-1?
Glucagon-like peptide-1, or GLP-1, is a naturally occurring hormone made in the gut and released after eating. GLP-1 plays a key role in controlling blood sugar and regulating appetite.
Diabetics take GLP-1 to lower their blood sugar. When blood glucose is high, GLP-1 stimulates the pancreas to release insulin. This slows digestion and causes a more gradual absorption of glucose into the bloodstream, preventing high blood sugar spikes after eating.
Recently, people have used GLP-1 as a weight loss and management tool. Because GLP-1 slows digestion, it helps people feel more satiated, improving appetite regulation.
Why is GLP-1 trending?
GLP-1 has gained widespread popularity, less so for its diabetic benefits, but for weight loss and management.
Weight loss drugs, such as Ozempic, are GLP-1 agonists and mimic the actions of the GLP-1 hormone, which causes the user to feel fuller after eating, regulates their appetite, and helps control blood sugar and glucose levels.
Furthermore, because glucose is absorbed more gradually into the bloodstream, this may cause more sustained energy levels during the day, even after eating.
This may allow you to exercise more and incorporate daily movement into your routine when you were previously too tired to do so.
Who are GLP-1 agonists for?
GLP-1 agonists were introduced to help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
However, GLP-1 agonists are now widely used to help people lose weight. They mimic the glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps people feel more satiated after eating while also better regulating blood sugar levels.
GLP-1 agonists can only be prescribed by a licensed healthcare professional for weight loss; they cannot be purchased over the counter.
What are the potential side effects of GLP-1 agonists?
There are many possible side effects of GLP-1 agonists, from rapid fat loss in the face to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Harvard Health says that rapid weight loss can cause what is known as “Ozempic face.” This is where you lose fat quickly, causing a hollow look on the face. It can also cause changes in facial features, wrinkles, sunken eyes, and sagging around the jaw and neck.
Other side effects, although not experienced by everyone who takes GLP-1 agonists, may include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Constipation
Headaches
Dizziness
Indigestion
You will also likely feel less hungry because GLP-1 helps you feel more satiated after eating. However, gastrointestinal discomfort and more severe side effects, such as pancreatitis, gastroparesis, bowel obstruction, and gallstone attacks, are possible.
Therefore, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional before taking GLP-1, whether for type 2 diabetes or weight loss.
How to naturally support GLP-1 levels
Until recently, people did not know you could naturally increase GLP-1 levels.
With a few changes to your dietary and lifestyle choices, you can naturally support GLP-1 levels to support your lifestyle, improve energy levels, and feel more satiated after eating.
To naturally increase GLP-1:
Eat foods high in fiber—fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains naturally increase GLP-1 production.
Balance your meals evenly throughout the day—this helps regulate blood sugar levels, preventing spikes that may cause an energy crash.
Get active—regular exercise may improve GLP-1 secretion and function [1].
You don’t need to take a weight loss agonist such as Ozempic to naturally increase GLP-1 production.
GLP-1 agonists may be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes and other populations. However, the average person can also benefit from simply changing lifestyle habits without unwanted side effects.
Let us help you naturally increase GLP-1
Dietary choices and lifestyle habits are crucial for increasing GLP-1 and sustaining moderately consistent energy levels throughout the day.
We can educate you on nutrition by providing health talks and cooking sessions to help you manage conditions such as type 2 diabetes or support weight loss.
Our health talks are tailor-made educational sessions delivered to your workplace. We focus on balanced eating and the role hormones like GLP-1 have in managing conditions such as type 2 diabetes.
Many of our clients with high medical claims of diabetes typically schedule at least one Nutrition Health Talk monthly to educate their teams on healthy eating habits and practical steps for better blood sugar management.
Moreover, our cooking sessions provide hands-on support to teach employees how to prepare healthy and nutritious meals to support their health and wellbeing, including creating fiber-rich dishes to increase GLP-1 production naturally.
Key Takeaways
GLP-1 is a crucial hormone for regulating blood sugar and appetite
Simple, natural strategies like eating fiber-rich foods and staying active can help boost GLP-1 levels.
FitPros' Nutrition Health Talks and Cooking Sessions offer practical, engaging ways to educate employees and support workplace wellness.
FAQs
What foods increase GLP-1 naturally?
Foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, naturally stimulate GLP-1 production in the gut.
Are there any risks to relying on GLP-1 medications?
While GLP-1 medications can be effective, they may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or gastrointestinal discomfort. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any medication.
How does GLP-1 impact diabetes management?
GLP-1 improves insulin secretion and helps regulate blood sugar levels, making it a valuable tool for managing type 2 diabetes.
Looking for more? Contact a Wellbeing Manager to discuss your organizational wellbeing needs.
We provide workplace teams with mindful practices, personal and professional wellbeing growth, fitness instruction, and opportunities for social connection. We aim to inspire the highest potential in people at work, in life, every day, so they can show up healthy and at their best.