Ozempic and Other GLP-1 Agonists: Worth the Hype?

Ozempic is the latest big deal in the weight loss world. But is it worth the hype?

Ozempic and its siblings such as Mounjaro and Wegovy are a family of weight loss drugs called  GLP-1 agonists. These are regularly prescribed by doctors for patients with Type 2 Diabetes. 

And lately, they’ve become famous as the magic pill for effortless weight loss. 

Maybe you’ve been considering a GLP-1, or you’re already taking one.

In this article, we’ll look at the GLP-1 agonists in-depth and consider their pros and cons.

What is GLP-1?

First things first. What exactly does GLP-1 even mean? 

GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide 1. 

GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone produced in the small intestine. 

It plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar, appetite, and digestion. 

So, as you can imagine, it is important in the weight loss discussion. 

Blood Sugar 

GLP-1 hormone helps regulate blood sugar in three ways:

• Signals the pancreas to release insulin (which causes the cells to open up and take in glucose, lowering blood sugar)

• Suppresses the hormone glucagon (glucagon tells the liver to release stored sugar)

• Slows gastric emptying - this helps keep blood sugar levels more stable 

Appetite

GLP-1 helps with appetite control:

• Slower gastric emptying means food stays in the stomach longer, and you stay fuller longer

• Acts on the brain - GLP-1 acts on the parts of the brain involved in appetite and reward, reducing food cravings and food noise 

• Enhances satiety signals - Remember leptin, the satiety hormone? GLP-1 can enhance leptin and other satiety hormones 

Digestion 

• Again, the slowing down of gastric emptying is key - this helps with digestion because it also slows down the movement of food through the digestive tract 

Now that we know what GLP-1 is and what it does in the body, let’s look at the GLP-1 agonists. 

What does agonist mean?

An agonist, in medical terms, is a substance that mimics a hormone or neurotransmitter when it binds to a specific receptor in the brain. 

So GLP-1 agonists mimic the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone. 

Some of the more well known GLP-1 agonists you might have heard of are: 

• Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus)

• Dulaglutide (Trulicity)

• Terzepatide (Mounjaro)

Most are injections, but some are available in an oral form. 

A doctor’s prescription is required to obtain a GLP-1 medication. 

So GLP-1 agonists are great, right? 

It makes sense why a GLP-1 medication would be ideal for those on a weight loss journey. 

Stable blood sugar, appetite suppression, better digestion, no more food noise … sounds amazing, right? 

And it can be. 

For some people, GLP-1 agonists might be the exact thing they need to help them in their weight loss journey where nothing else has worked. 

But like everything else, GLP-1 medications do have a downside. 

It’s important to consider both the pros and the cons. 

Pros 

We’ve gone over the great things that GLP-1 hormone does for your body (and remember, an agonist mimics that). 

Obviously those things are all pros. 

But let’s look at those benefits specifically through the lens of weight loss. 

• More stable blood sugar equals less cravings (especially for sugars and carbs), and less binges

• Food staying longer in the stomach equals less hunger between meals so you’re not eating around the clock 

• The effect that a GLP-1 has on the reward centre of the brain can drastically quiet food noise 

• Enhanced satiety hormones like leptin can get you back in touch with what it feels like to be comfortably full so you can stop overeating 

All these benefits combined can potentially give you an edge when it comes to weight loss. 

Cons 

Now for the not so great side. 

• Gastrointestinal issues - Some people experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or constipation

• Can potentially cause issues with pancreas, gallbladder, or kidneys 

• Mood changes - Irritability, depression, and even suicidal ideation have been associated with GLP-1 medications

• GLP-1 medications can be pricey and not always covered by insurance 

• Muscle and Bone Loss - Some studies do suggest that GLP-1 medications may contribute to muscle and bone loss

• Potential for allergic reactions 

And here’s another big issue that you need to understand when it comes to GLP-1 medications and weight loss …

It won’t fix everything and it’s not permanent! 

It’s not magic, as much as it might sound like it. 

You can’t simply take a GLP-1 and continue all the bad habits that got you there in the first place. 

It’s a tool that can help you break those habits, not a license to continue them.

Many times those of us who overeat do so for emotional reasons, and a GLP-1 medication may or may not help with that. 

If you don’t address those emotional issues, when you eventually stop taking the GLP-1, what then?

And you do have to keep taking the GLP-1 agonist in order to keep reaping the benefits. 

If GLP-1 is a natural hormone, why is mine not working?

There are some things that inhibit GLP-1 hormone and stop it from doing its job. 

Number one is an enzyme called DPP-4, and the primary source of that enzyme is mature fat cells. 

DPP-4 production is also impacted by things like insulin, inflammation, and glucose levels. 

Basically, metabolic diseases like insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, and obesity all break down GLP-1 hormone. 

And anything that causes inflammation in the body can potentially hinder GLP-1 hormone. 

That means obesity, processed foods, seed oils, and even strenuous exercise. 

Can I increase GLP-1 naturally?

Yes, you can. 

There are ways to improve GLP-1 hormone without taking a GLP-1 agonist. 

And our suggestion is to try these things first, if you haven’t already. 

Most of these won’t be a surprise if you’ve read any of our articles before. 

Practice fasting 

Studies do suggest that fasting, whether Intermittent or Extended, can increase GLP-1 levels naturally. 

This could be one reason why many people report little to no hunger after a few days of fasting. 

And also why fasting gets you back in touch with your satiety signals. 

Clean up your diet

Eating high carbohydrate and processed foods keeps blood sugars too high, especially if you have insulin resistance. 

While the Ketogenic diet has been shown to reduce GLP-1 hormone initially, in the long run it can help to improve it.

The Carnivore diet can also increase GLP-1 hormone because you eat a lot of protein, and protein before carbohydrates has been shown to increase GLP-1. 

Whether you do Keto/Carnivore or not, always aim for whole foods.

Prioritize proteins and healthy fats.  

Eat low carbohydrate vegetables and choose berries over other fruits. 

Lose body fat

It’s ironic, I know. The very thing that can help us lose fat needs us to lose fat for it to function at its best.

It’s all connected, and thankfully the first two things we mentioned (fasting and cleaning up your diet) will help you lose the fat. 

Get your sleep

Poor sleep habits can have a negative impact on GLP-1. Most people need at least 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep a night. 

If you have problems with sleep, try taking magnesium an hour or so before bed. 

Or take a warm bath with Epsom salts. 

And of course keep your night time routine conducive to sleep - turn down the lights and limit screen activity. 

Reduce stress

Too much stress in your life can hinder GLP-1 production. 

Find ways to get rid of stress and if you can’t get rid of it, at least find ways to handle it better. 

Activities like mediation and deep breathing can help. 

Get physical

Regular exercise can increase GLP-1 levels, but avoid activities that cause a lot of inflammation. 

Walking is a great choice! 

Can I take a GLP-1 agonist WHILE fasting at the same time?

Yes, you can. 

In fact, the two can work really well together. 

You will just need to work with your doctor and make sure they know that you’re fasting. 

Is there anyone who SHOULD NOT take a GLP-1 medication for weight loss? 

Your doctor will know whether or not a GLP-1 medication is safe for you.

But generally speaking, people with certain health conditions such as kidney disease or liver conditions should not take GLP-1’s for weight loss.

And of course children, and anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding.

You decide 

Try our tips for increasing GLP-1 naturally.

But if you need extra help, there’s no shame in taking a GLP-1 agonist, if you and your doctor both feel it would benefit you. 

And in the meantime, work on making those lifestyle changes that will help you not only lose the weight, but keep it off.