Considering GLP-1’s for Weight Loss? Read This First!

by | May 20, 2025

The recent increase in the use of GLP-1 medications for weight loss, fueled by celebrity endorsements and social media, has led to a “craze” for these drugs. Some brand names you may have heard of include Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Trulicity, to name a few. 

They were originally approved for treating type 2 diabetes, gaining popularity for their ability to control blood sugar and suppress appetite, leading to significant weight loss. 

Now even those without type 2 diabetes have jumped on the bandwagon. The result has been a surge in prescriptions, with some studies showing a 2,082% increase in their use from 2019 to 2022.

How Do They Work?

GLP-1 medications mimic a natural hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and promotes feelings of fullness, leading to significant weight loss for some. 

GLP-1 stands for “glucagon-like peptide-1”. Specifically, the medications bind to GLP-1 receptors, triggering the same effects as the natural hormone, which includes increased insulin secretion, reduced glucagon release, slowed gastric emptying, and increased feelings of satiety. All these effects help regulate blood sugar, suppress appetite, and promote weight loss.

Is There a Dark Side?

All medications have potential side effects, and some of the more common side effects of this class of drugs are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, pancreatitis or inflammation of the pancreas, and low blood sugar or hypoglycemia. There are more serious side effects as well, albeit less common, like allergic reactions, dizziness, headaches, and more. 

I currently have a client who is using this drug and is having intense diarrhea, and she reported that all her food is coming out the other end undigested (sorry if TMI). She is sticking out the course of the drug but is miserable in the process. I am trying to provide some digestive support to ease the side effects, but it will be hard to address all the issues she is having while on the drug. 

I was just on an online seminar with a Naturopathic Physician who is seeing a whole host of digestive disorders that have increased significantly in her practice for her patients on the drug. Here are a few:

  • Increased Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO).
  • A negative impact on the balance of good and bad bacteria (the microbiome) as seen on stool tests.
  • Nausea, constipation, and diarrhea.
  • Damage to the gut lining and increased incidence of E coli.
  • The worsening of gluten and lactose intolerance.
  • Lingering side effects on GI health even after the medications are stopped.

As someone who has struggled in the past with serious gastrointestinal issues and gotten to the other side of it all, I know taking this drug would not be worth it to me. There is much concern in the functional space that these medications will create long term health issues for individuals. 

What if you could raise your GLP-1 Naturally?

Yes! You can raise your GLP-1 levels naturally and ditch the medication side effects. Here are some of my top recommendations:

  • Increase dietary fiber: Soluble fiber can enhance GLP-1 production with foods like oats, flax and chia seeds, legumes, and non-starchy vegetables. The reason is that fiber slows down digestion, which allows for more gradual release of glucose which stimulates GLP-1 production in the gut.
  • Incorporate healthy fats: Mono and polyunsaturated fats can also stimulate the release of GLP-1. Think of fatty fish such as salmon, as well as olive oil, avocados, nuts and seeds, etc. 
  • Increase your protein intake: I have looked at hundreds of food journals over the years, and I can tell you that protein is a forgotten macronutrient for most of my clients. However, protein foods can also boost GLP-1. High quality protein like eggs, poultry and fish and plant-based options such as legumes and quinoa are great choices. Combining protein, fat and fiber into each meal has a synergistic effect. 
  • Engage in regular physical activity: Exercise raises GLP-1 and improves insulin sensitivity. Both aerobic and resistance exercise will move the needle. You do not have to overdo it either as moderate exercise will benefit you in this area. 

These are not the only recommendations, but they are the best place to start. So, before you jump on the latest weight loss fad, please know that you have lots of options to address this concern in a more natural, holistic way without medications and their potential side effects. 

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