Natural Alternatives to Weight Loss Medications -
GLP-1 Agonists (Ozempic, Wegovi, Tirzepatide)
A recent US survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation showed that 1 in 8 adults over the age of 18 years are using or have used the GLP-1 agonist drugs.
For some , these drugs have helped them not just manage their diabetes but also to loose weight, reduce their appetite, shift their binge eating, but for many they report side effects and rebounds in weight when they stop.
Many of my patients are looking for sustainable changes without the risk of side effects.
Did you know that your body already has a build in appetite regulating system , its called GLP-1, this powerful hormone tells your brain you’re full, helps reduce cravings, stabilises blood sugar and even boosts metabolism.
I have 20+ years experience successfully supporting patients with healthy and sustainable weight loss. I know because I have been there !
There is no one program suits all.
Obesity is not a normal part of aging. I help my patients change their limiting beliefs, shift their relationship with food, boost their metabolism and enhance their lives.
In a way, getting my diagnosis was the best thing that ever happened to me.
I have first hand experience of stubborn weight gains, inflammation, autoimmunity and how to heal.
To get well, I had to improve my organ function and revisit my beliefs about self and what was possible. I wanted to see my daughters grow up.
Over decades, I have learned how to support my body to naturally reduce Insulin levels, improve Glucose signalling, reduce Inflammation, resist and heal Autoimmune flares.
These pictures were taken about 20 years ago, 2 years + 20 kgs apart. My diagnosis changed the course of my life, for the better and supports the foundation of my professional practice today.
So, what exactly do GLP-1 agonist drugs do ?
GLP-1 stands for Glucogon Like Peptide-1, a naturally produced hormone. In it’s natural form the body releases this peptide in the gut mostly AFTER eating and it signals the brain that you are full and slows down stomach emptying and reduces appetite signals.
The GLP-1 agonist drugs synthetically mimic this peptide and have been very effective for diabetics.
A poll of over 1500 US adults found that in 2024, Drs prescribed these class of medications for the following patients: 46% have diabetes, 28% have heart disease and 26% for obesity.
GLP-1 plays a key role in :
regulating blood sugar and insulin secretion
supporting diabetes control
reducing appetite and emotional eating
improving satiety
increasing weight loss
reducing fatty liver storage
Contrary to popular theory, the GLP-1 agonists do not block fat absorption in the Gut.
Comments from a NY Times with some interesting insights into the financials involved ;
The potential effect on the global medical industry could be significant.
Over 40% of Americans are obese, with this rate increasing by nearly 40% over the last 20 years. Obese individuals are more prone to heart disease, different cancers, arthritis, and dementia. In 2016, the Milken Institute estimated that obesity-related medical expenses in the U.S. reached about $500 billion annually. A 2021 study indicated that global costs from reduced health and increased absenteeism could rise by 50% by 2060.
It is difficult to assess the use of anti-obesity drugs, which cost around $1,000 per month. It remains uncertain whether insurers and public health officials will support widespread treatment, especially with potential severe side effects. Only about a third of those who began the medication for obesity continued after a year. Thus, any negative impacts are likely to be gradual and losses reversible. Nevertheless, investors are starting to worry. Reports showed mentions of anti-obesity drugs like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro increased from 18 in 2022 to at least 71 times so far this year
Among the potential losers are firms like ResMed (RMD.N) and Inspire Medical Systems (INSP.N) , which make products that treat sleep apnea, a condition where patients intermittently stop breathing while asleep. Around 70% of sufferers are obese. On a call with investors in August, ResMed CEO Michael Farrell said he thought weight-loss drugs wouldn’t have a major impact on the company’s future sales because the treatment is harsh and its cost would discourage many patients from taking it long term, while awareness of the effects of obesity could push patients towards apnea treatment. Even so, ResMed’s stock has since lost about a third of its value.
Meanwhile, companies selling joint replacements such as Zimmer Biomet (ZBH.N) and Smith+Nephew (SN.L) could see their $25 billion and $11 billion values slimmed. These two firms earn about two-thirds and 30% of their revenue, respectively, from hip and knee implants. One study estimated about a quarter of surgical cases involving knees could be avoided if patients weren’t overweight. Rival weight management treatments also look vulnerable. Since June 2021, when Novo Nordisk’s first obesity drug gained regulatory approval, shares of WW International (WW.O) , formerly Weight Watchers, have collapsed about 70%, despite the company unveiling a plan to distribute weight-loss drugs.
There are similar public statements readily available from snack food manufacturers who are affected by the potential reduction in sales.
“There are some significant vested interests in your stubborn weight”
“The short term results can be very impressive, physiologically and psychologically with improvement in self esteem, body image and confidence.
Who doesn’t want that ?
But for how long ?
and what happens when i stop using them for weight loss ?”
Effective but NOT without potential for risk !
Patients report common side effects which relate mostly to the changes in stomach emptying:
Nausea Diarhoea Vomiting constipation
gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying which can continue after stopping medication)
reduced gastric acid secretion, poor digestion
constipation
bloating
pain
poor appetite with potential for under-nourishment and bone demineralisation
reduced nutrient absorption, reportedly the fat soluble vitamins A,D,E,K.
dependancy and false security without lifestyle change which can lead to potential for further metabolic dysfunction and potential lifestyle problems including sleep challenges
weight rebound on stopping potentially emotionally and metabolically damaging
skin sagging on face with loss of facial fat supports
erythema itching rash
increased heart rate
allergenic and immune responses
and the evidence remain inconclusive (below) about the potential for other side effects for some people.
A healthy gut, with a balanced biome naturally makes this Glucagon Peptide for a natural and sustainable weight.
Consider addressing first the “Why” behind your weight gain and asking about the more sustainable and natural alternatives
ROOT CAUSES , the GLP-1 agonist tricks the body but the underlying reason for the weight gain has not been addressed: For you it may be: poor lifestyle choices, stress, cortisol, insulin resistance, inflammation, hormonal imbalances, sensitivities, hormone receptor damage from environmental toxins, gut health and emotional eating patterns.
DIET, most people do little to shift their dietary habits and are actually advised by some to not change their diet while on these medications.. This creates no healthy behavioural shifts.
METABOLISM, many are pre diabetic or insulin resistant and this may not be a sustainable magic bullet.
BEHAVIOURS, no valuable life lessons or belief systems on health and sustainable wellness have been learned or adopted.
SUPPLEMENTS, what evidence based natural alternatives are available, to support cravings, reduce hunger and improve glucose signalling and insulin sensitivity…there are several !
STRESS, without identification of your stresses and stress management techniques you nervous system and your organs remain “wired” temporarily supported by a temporary band-aide.
TOXIN potential burden in your tissues and fat will make healthy weight management difficult, we don’t know until we assess.
DEMORALISING, there can be mental health issues as people transition off these medications and symptoms of metabolic dysfunction re appear and lifestyle issues resurface.
“So what do I recommend ?”
That you consider if online programs with a one size fits all are your best options for support …
You work collaboratively with a practitioner who understands stubborn weight gain, one on one to understand you’re WHY !
MEASURE your body composition, its not all about kgs on the scales, a record of Muscles Mass, Visceral Fat, Total Body Fat , Hydration, Phase Angle provides us an invaluable starting point and actionable next steps.
TEST to understand what is your “why”and why are you holding onto fat ?
ADDRESS or REMOVE the cause/s.
SLEEP, tidy up your sleep hygiene.
IDENTIFY you main stressors, past and present, build strategies.
DIET, tidy up your diet, no one size fits all.
TOXINS, tidy up your toxic tissue burdens, many people now test positive to heavy metals and this can play havoc with healthy weight and create a body that holds onto fat and is perpetually inflamed.
“Set a course for a vibrant life not just a number on the scales.”
References
1. Kaiser Family Foundation. (2024). KFF Health Tracking Poll 2024: The public’s use and views of GLP-1 drugs.
2. Laurindo, L., Barbalho, S., Guiger, E., et al. (2022). GLP-1a: Going beyond traditional use. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(2), 739. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23020739
3. Wan, J., Ferrari, C., & Tadros, M. (2024). GLP-1RA essentials in gastroenterology: Side effect management, precautions for endoscopy, and applications for gastrointestinal disease treatment. Gastroenterology Insights, 15(1), 191–212.
4. Bu, T., Sun, Z., Pan, Y., Deng, X., & Yuan, G. (2024). Glucagon-like peptide-1: New regulator in lipid metabolism. Diabetes & Metabolism Journal, 48(3), 354–372. https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2023.0277
5. Zhao, X., Wang, M., Wen, Z., Lu, Z., Cui, L., Fu, C., Xue, H., Liu, Y., & Zhang, Y. (2021). GLP-1 receptor agonists: Beyond their pancreatic effects. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 12, 721135. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2021.721135
6. Müller, T. D., Blüher, M., Tschöp, M. H., & DiMarchi, R. D. (2022). Anti-obesity drug discovery: Advances and challenges. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 21, 201–223. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41573-021-00346-7