Exploring “Nature’s Ozempic”

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any health conditions or before making any changes to your diet or exercise routine.

In the whirlwind of health trends and viral wellness hacks, a new buzzword “Nature’s Ozempic” has emerged. It has already taken the world by storm, fueled by countless ads and promotions from health influencers, and not only.
Supplements and nutrients that could work like a powerful medication, reducing weight and improving blood sugar control, all without a prescription, sounds very compelling. Let’s take a closer look at what the science says about these compounds.

What Is GLP-1

GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like peptide-1) is a hormone produced in the gut in response to food and has a powerful influence on blood sugar and appetite. It sends signals to the brain that say “We’re full, we don’t need more food,” while also slowing digestion and helping regulate blood sugar after meals. This hormone works wonders for appetite control and blood sugar regulation. Interestingly though, natural GLP-1 doesn’t stick around for long. Within just 1-2 minutes, our body’s natural GLP-1 is broken down by an enzyme called DPP-4.

The discovery of GLP-1’s effects on blood sugar and appetite sparked interest in extending its action to help people with diabetes. The first attempts at this? DPP-4 inhibitors (aka, DPP-4 blockers).

First Attempt: DPP-4 Inhibitors

When scientists discovered how quickly GLP-1 was metabolized, the obvious first step was to find a way to keep it around longer. DPP-4 inhibitors, or DPP4i for short, were designed to block the enzyme that breaks down GLP-1. By inhibiting DPP-4, drugs like Januvia were able to extend the life of natural GLP-1, helping people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels more effectively.

However, while DPP-4i medications extended the life of natural GLP-1, they help with blood sugar control but are considered “weight-neutral,” meaning they don’t have a significant impact on weight. This first attempt to prolong GLP-1’s action was a step forward for diabetes management, but not so much for obesity management.

A Game-Changer: GLP-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1RAs)

The first GLP-1RA approved by the FDA was Exenatide (Brand names Byetta, Bydureon) in 2005. Other medications followed after a few years (liraglutide, dulaglutide, semaglutide…). These medications act on GLP1 receptors and mimic the effect of natural GLP1 but are more resistant to breakdown by DPP-4 and respectively, stay active for hours to days. 

GLP-1RAs not only improved blood sugar control but also showed favorable results in weight loss for patients with type 2 diabetes. Some GLP-1RAs have since been approved not only for type 2 diabetes (as Victoza, Ozempic, and Mounjaro) but also for chronic obesity management (as Saxenda, Wegovy, and Zepbound, respectively) offering a level of weight reduction and metabolic control that DPP-4 inhibitors couldn’t achieve. As Ozempic was the first one that got widely popularized, “Ozempics” have been used interchangeably to refer to all medications in this class.

“Nature’s Ozempic” and “GLP1 supplements”

This brings us to the recent surge in “Nature’s Ozempic” and “GLP1 supplements” - food components and supplements that claim to boost GLP-1 levels in the body. Proponents suggest that these supplements will stimulate the natural production of your GLP-1, suppress appetite and cravings, and deliver results similar to what’s observed with the use of “Ozempic.” Before diving into these supplements, we must understand the role of the gut microbiome in GLP-1 production.

The Microbiome’s Role in GLP-1 Production

Ah, the microbiome—one of my favorite topics. Our gut microbiome is an incredible community of trillions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that contribute to nearly every aspect of our health, from digestion to immune function. These microorganisms also play a crucial role in GLP-1 production. For example, when we eat fermentable fibers (prebiotics), we feed our gut bacteria, which ferment these fibers and produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, acetate, and propionate. SCFA in turn signal our gut L-cells to release GLP-1.

Food Components and Natural GLP1 Production

As briefly described above, Fiber, particularly fermentable fibers like resistant starch, is known to stimulate GLP-1 release by feeding gut bacteria that produce SCFAs. That might be one of many mechanisms why fiber-rich food promotes the feeling of fullness. Similarly, protein can stimulate GLP-1 to some extent, aiding satiety. It’s also important to remember that almost nothing in nature works in isolation. High protein and high fiber diet stimulates not only GLP-1 production, but also has additional benefits of stimulating other “un-hunger” hormones such as PYY. High protein high fiber diet as been shown to have the impact on fullness and satiety. But while fiber and protein are great for gut and metabolic health, the boost they provide to GLP-1 is temporary and modest, nowhere near the sustained impact of a GLP-1RA medication. That been said, based on the available evidence, I strongly believe in and am a big proponent of plant-forward high protein nutrition for various metabolic benefits!

Other compounds that have been studied for their potential in improving blood glucose levels and metabolic health, often drawing comparisons to medications like Ozempic, are natural extracts like lemon, saffron, and red orange extract, and berberine. In one study, lemon extract (Eriomin®) demonstrated a 22% increase in GLP-1 levels and modest improvements in glycemic control over a 12-week trial in participants with prediabetes. However, weight loss was minimal, and the study duration was short so long-term results are unclear. Similarly, studies on saffron and red orange extract have shown some benefit in lowering fasting glucose and reducing waist circumference but the effect on GLP -1 remains unclear. Additionally, these studies have many limitations, including a very short duration and relatively small sample size.
Berberine, conversely, has shown more direct effects on GLP-1, with studies indicating that it enhances GLP-1 secretion through gut and enteroendocrine signaling pathways, likely via bitter taste receptor activation, though its effects were largely measured in preclinical models (animals) and not human GLP-1-specific trials! Overall, while these extracts show promise for metabolic health, their specific roles in GLP-1 modulation and weight loss in humans are unclear, and classifying them as “natural GLP-1 supplements” would be premature.

Probiotics as “GLP-1 supplements”

Some particular probiotic strains, like Akkermansia muciniphila and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, have recently been popularized as “GLP-1 probiotics”.
I learned first about Akkermansia a few years ago and how it plays a key role in the conversion of ellagitannins to Urolithin A. I have written about it on my social media here. In human studies, Akkermansia muciniphila supplementation in participants with overweight and obesity improved metabolic markers such as insulin sensitivity, but direct measurement of GLP-1 changes in humans has not yet been demonstrated. Akkermansia and other probiotics may influence GLP-1 production indirectly through gut health improvements but, the evidence of a direct clinically significant increase in GLP-1 blood level in humans remains insufficient to say the least. While we understand the importance of a healthy diverse microbiome for metabolic health, and while I believe there is a role and place for probiotics supplementation, currently available information is not sufficient to call these “GLP-1 probiotics”.

Why These Nutrients Still Matter

It’s important to emphasize that fiber, protein, probiotics, all are incredibly valuable not just for potential GLP-1 stimulation, but for overall health, including metabolic and gut health. I always encourage my patients to include a wide range of PREbiotic and PRObiotic-rich foods, optimize their protein intake, and use targeted supplements when needed. These are cornerstones of a healthy diet, promoting better gut function, improved immunity, and enhanced nutrient absorption.

But here’s where I urge caution: equating these benefits with weight loss effects of GLP-1RAs like Ozempic is misleading. Claiming that “Nature’s Ozempic” can achieve the same metabolic outcomes is an oversimplification and, quite frankly, false advertising.

Here is the Bottom Line:

I’m hopeful about the future of GLP-1 research and remain open-minded about where natural supplements may fit into this picture. Science is always evolving, and who knows what we’ll discover next? We know that natural foods and supplements are powerful tools for health. But, as of today, can we say that the natural “GLP-1 boosters” can replace the effects of pharmaceutical GLP-1 receptor agonists? No, we can not, and we should not.

And this brings me to an important question: is labeling these products as “GLP-1 supplements” or “GLP-1 probiotics” based mainly on animal studies, advertising as “did you know these supplements can naturally increase your GLP-1 levels” without disclosing the short-lived nature of natural GLP-1 peptide, “influencers” encouraging people to drop medications and transition to these supplements, frequently targeting the vulnerable population, ethical?
Stay informed, and don’t fall for the hype.

About the Author
Dr. Lipartia is a double board-certified physician specializing in obesity medicine and metabolic health. Passionate about translating complex research into practical advice, she empowers patients and readers to make informed decisions for long-term health.

References used:

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