I’d like to discuss the semaglutides Ozempic and Wegovy.

I want to share with you what I actually see happening with clients who are getting these shots.

Do they lose weight?

And

What are some natural ways to achieve the same results.

Ozempic and Wegovy are semaglutide medications. Ozempic is used primarily to manage type 2 diabetes while Wegovy has been approved for use to treat chronic weight management.

They belong to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1, is a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin secretion, slowing gastric emptying, and promoting a feeling of fullness.

While they can be effective in managing blood sugar levels and helping with weight loss, it’s important to note that it can have some serious side effects.

AND…. more importantly, there are also natural ways to support your body’s GLP-1 production.

Some concerning side effects:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Muscle loss
• Pancreatitis
• Issues with the kidneys, gallbladder, and thyroid

Remember – there is no free ride – while you can get the weekly injections of a semaglutide, unless you make some dietary and lifestyle changes, you are still going to struggle to lose weight and you will likely put it back on again once you stop.

Earlier this year I contracted to see clients at a functional medicine clinic in Idaho Falls. Since then I have seen numerous clients who are getting the semaglutide shots.

Some of these folks really want to lose weight.

Do they lose weight though?

Mostly no.

Why is that?

First off, it is not because the shots don’t work.

It is because the shots are designed to manage blood sugar levels. The health care practitioners at the clinic only recommend these shots to folks whose blood sugars are fluctuating out of the norm. Usually too high or too low.

Having blood sugars too high or too low is dangerous and hard on the body and you will not lose weight unless you get it under control.

BUT… you have to do more than just get a shot.

YOU HAVE TO IMPROVE WHAT YOU ARE EATING!!!

So, they don’t lose weight because they won’t change what they are eating.

What is the first thing I ask them to do?

Increase their protein intake.

Eat more meat, beans, and other foods high in protein.

It has been very common for me to see clients who are eating a starvation diet. They keep thinking that if they just ate less, they would lose weight.

What happens instead…. They lose muscle, their thyroid slows their metabolism way down, their immune systems get shot. They are exhausted and feel like crap. And they can’t lose weight.

How much protein should you eat?

Take your body weight in pounds, divide in it half. That is how many grams of protein you should be eating a day.

So if you weight 200 lbs – you should be eating 100 grams of protein a day.

To give you a reference point – 2 eggs are only 12 grams of protein.

What is the second thing I tell them?

They will need to cut back on sugary drinks and foods.

BUT… the cravings for those sugar will stop once you increase your protein intake.

Maybe.

If your metabolism is shot, you should consider getting a continuous glucose monitor like Freestyle Libre and wear it for 2 weeks. If your blood sugars are not well controlled, then the shots might be a good idea for you. (You can get your own continuous glucose monitor from Stelo without a prescription. When I priced them, the Freestyle Libre was $75 with insurance, the Stelo was $95 with shipping.)

BUT… you still have to improve your diet.

At the clinic, you have to have your muscle mass checked before each shot to make sure you are not losing muscle mass. So you have to be eating more protein.

Here are some evidence-based strategies to naturally boost GLP-1 levels:

1. Protein-Rich Foods: High-protein meals can stimulate GLP-1 release. Include lean proteins like chicken, fish, legumes, and plant-based proteins in your diet to support GLP-1 production.
2. Dietary Fiber: Consuming a diet rich in fiber, especially soluble fiber found in oats, beans, and fruits, can enhance GLP-1 secretion. Fiber slows down digestion and promotes the release of GLP-1.
3. Probiotics: Certain probiotics have been shown to increase GLP-1 levels. Foods like yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables can support a healthy gut microbiome and potentially boost GLP-1.
4. Healthy Fats:** Incorporating healthy fats such as those found in avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil can stimulate GLP-1 production. These fats slow digestion and help in the gradual release of glucose into the bloodstream.
5. Regular Exercise:** Engaging in regular physical activity, particularly aerobic exercise, has been linked to increased GLP-1 levels. Exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity and overall metabolic health.
6. Green Tea: Drinking green tea, which contains catechins, may enhance GLP-1 secretion. Green tea also offers numerous other health benefits, including antioxidant properties.

1. Berberine: Berberine, a compound found in several plants, can help increase GLP-1 levels and improve insulin sensitivity. In clinical research, Berberine was just as effective as Metformin in improving insulin sensitivity and had fewer side effects.
2. Probiotics: In addition to probiotic-rich foods, taking a probiotic supplement can further support a healthy gut microbiome, enhancing GLP-1 secretion.
3. Psyllium: Psyllium husk is a soluble fiber supplement that can aid in digestion and promote the release of GLP-1.
4. Curcumin: Curcumin, the active component in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory properties and can also boost GLP-1 levels.
5. Ginseng: Ginseng, particularly Korean red ginseng, has been shown to improve GLP-1 secretion and overall metabolic health.

For more detailed information on these natural approaches, you can read 5 Natural GLP-1 Supplements at Fullscript that provides more information about each of these.

Incorporating these natural strategies can be a great way to support your health goals alongside any prescribed treatments. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your personalized nutrition plan further, please feel free to reach out.