Obesity can harm your health and is a growing problem worldwide. It costs the U.S. around $100 billion each year and is a leading cause of preventable death. There are tons of weight loss fad diets and medicines that have overpromising results. But have you ever heard of Glucagon-like peptide-1 or GLP-1 and weight loss?
Explore how GLP-1 works to shed those unwanted pounds according to science:
- GLP-1 connection to weight
- How GLP-1 works for weight loss
- Natural and synthetic substances that boost GLP-1
GLP-1 and Weight Loss: The Connection
Obesity, or having too much body fat, can also increase your risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and other health issues. It includes heart disease, high blood pressure, and high blood fat levels.
Many factors cause obesity, and it’s often hard to manage. It requires a mix of strategies or a holistic approach. Losing a small amount of weight, like 5% to 10%, can significantly improve overall health.
GLP-1 has a unique way of aiding weight loss. Scientists are still figuring out why overweight people have less of a hormone called GLP-1. They think it might be due to high levels of certain fats in the blood called non-steroidal fatty acids (NEFA).
Moreover, GLP-1 helps control your hunger and the amount of insulin your body makes. In your brains, GLP-1 and similar hormones are found in areas that help regulate your appetite and energy use. They can reduce how much you eat and help you lose weight.
At the same time, GLP-1 can also slow down how fast your stomach empties after eating, which makes you feel less hungry.
GLP-1 And Weight Loss: How It Works
The link between GLP-1 and weight loss offers hope for new therapies in the fight against being overweight. GLP-1, a hormone released from your gut when you eat, slows down stomach emptying and makes you feel full.
Moreover, other scientists explain that GLP-1 is produced in the brainstem, not the gut. It helps control how much you eat. GLP-1 works by activating a specific receptor in your body, which helps reduce your food intake.
The receptors that respond to GLP-1 and affect your eating habits are found throughout your brain and nervous system.
Taking substances to boost GLP-1 could benefit weight management. They work in your gut and brain to slow digestion and decrease hunger. It can lead to eating less and losing weight.
Natural Vs. Synthetic Substances That Boost GLP-1 Levels
GLP-1 naturally occurs in the body, but there are ways to boost it. Some manufactured substances or drugs mimic GLP-1. At the same time, there are natural substances like capsaicin from chili peppers, green tea extract, and curcumin spice. However, it’s best to seek advice from a healthcare provider before trying any new supplement.
Natural Substances for GLP-1 And Weight Loss
Capsaicin, which makes chili peppers spicy, is absorbed mainly in the stomach and early part of the small intestine. Eating foods with capsaicin can stimulate nerve endings and enhance blood flow in the intestines. Some studies show that capsaicin can help improve blood sugar balance. At the same time, it can raise levels of the beneficial gut hormone GLP-1.
Recent research also suggests that capsaicin can influence our gut’s bacteria, especially increasing a type that might help with weight control. These findings hint that capsaicin might help weight management by gently adjusting the digestive system and its bacteria.
A study looked at how green tea extract (GTE) affects GLP-1. After 16 weeks of using GTE, participants showed notable changes in their GLP-1 levels. It also changed an index measuring insulin resistance, though other measures like fasting glucose and HbA1c remained unchanged. Earlier studies linked GLP-1 with specific blood lipids, supporting these findings.
Curcumin, found in turmeric, helps control blood sugar in animal studies. Even though it’s not stable and breaks down easily, this breaking down might be why it’s beneficial. Researchers discovered that when curcumin breaks down, it helps release GLP-1 in mouse cells. Some similar substances to curcumin didn’t work the same way.
The study suggests that curcumin needs to change in the body to do its good work by attaching to certain proteins. This makes curcumin act like a “helper” drug that activates when needed.
Synthetic GLP-1 And Weight Loss
GLP-1 is a substance the body naturally produces to help regulate sugar levels. It signals the pancreas to release insulin, vital for maintaining sugar balance.
In some people with type 2 diabetes, the activity of GLP-1 is reduced. To address this, scientists developed a version of GLP-1 that lasts longer in the body. They are referred to as GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs).
This synthetic version mimics GLP-1 and helps in managing sugar levels. Moreover, it aids in reducing hunger and potentially benefits weight management.
This synthetic version has two forms: a short-acting and a longer-lasting one, each with its specific function. Research indicates that these enhanced GLP-1 might also play a role in lowering blood pressure and improving heart health.
GLP-1 RAs are drugs that act like a natural substance in your gut. Because of this, the most common side effects involve the stomach and intestines, such as feeling sick, throwing up, and diarrhea.
These side effects are more common if the drug dose is high, so increasing the dose slowly is important. This drug can make you feel full quickly because it slows your stomach emptying. This means you might feel sick if you overeat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Can GLP-1 help me lose weight?
GLP-1 and weight loss have a connection. GLP-1 can help control your appetite and slow down digestion and stomach emptying. As a result, it can help you eat less and lose weight.
Question 2: How does GLP-1 work?
While it’s released from the gut during eating, some scientists believe it’s produced in the brainstem. It activates receptors in the brain and nervous system to control food intake.
Question 3: Can I increase my body’s GLP-1 levels naturally?
Boosting GLP-1 can potentially help with weight loss by influencing digestion and appetite. Natural substances can increase GLP-1 levels. Examples are chili peppers, green tea, and curcumin.
Takeaway
The connection between GLP-1 and weight loss has become a hot topic in health and wellness circles. GLP-1 is not just needed for controlling blood sugar, but it’s also a key player in shedding pounds. Slowing digestion and curbing your appetite keeps you satisfied and reduces calories.
Natural substances and drugs that mimic GLP-1 have shown great potential in aiding people with diabetes and weight issues. But remember, always consult a healthcare professional before trying any new weight-loss supplement.
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