GLP-1 Drugs: What You Need to Know + How to Increase Levels Naturally

GLP-1 is rapidly becoming a buzzword in the health and wellness world, especially due to its role in weight loss and blood sugar control. Whether you’re managing diabetes, looking to shed a few pounds, or simply optimizing your health, understanding GLP-1 could be a game-changer.

This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about this hormone, including how it works, available medications, benefits, risks, and natural ways to boost it.

What is GLP-1?

GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1, is a hormone produced in the intestines in response to food intake. It plays a key role in regulating blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion, inhibiting glucagon release, slowing gastric emptying, and promoting a feeling of fullness.

These effects make GLP-1 a powerful tool in managing type 2 diabetes and supporting weight loss.

What influences GLP-1 levels?

Several factors affect GLP-1 secretion, including:

Ad

• Diet: High-fiber foods and healthy fats can enhance GLP-1 release.


• Exercise: Regular physical activity improves GLP-1 sensitivity.


• Sleep: Poor sleep can disrupt hormone regulation, including this one.


• Gut microbiome: A healthy gut flora supports optimal production of this hormone.

What are GLP-1 drugs/agonists?

GLP-1 receptor agonists are medications designed to mimic the effects of natural GLP-1. They bind to GLP-1 receptors in the body to help regulate blood sugar and appetite.

These drugs are commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes and have gained popularity for their weight loss benefits.

List of GLP-1 drugs

Here are some FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonists:

• Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus)


• Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda)


• Dulaglutide (Trulicity)


• Exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon)


• Lixisenatide (Adlyxin)


• Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), technically a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist

How do GLP-1 agonists work?

GLP-1 agonists activate the same receptors as the natural hormone. This leads to:

• Increased insulin secretion when glucose is present


• Decreased glucagon secretion


• Delayed gastric emptying


• Reduced appetite and caloric intake

These combined effects help improve glycemic control and promote weight loss.

Potential benefits

GLP-1 drugs and healthy levels can offer several benefits, such as:

1. Improved blood sugar control

​Research conducted on humans has demonstrated that glucagon-like peptide-1 and its analogues can significantly improve blood sugar control through various mechanisms.

A study involving healthy individuals found that this hormone not only stimulated insulin release but also increased insulin-independent glucose disposal.

In another six-week study, patients with type 2 diabetes receiving continuous subcutaneous GLP-1 infusion experienced significant reductions in fasting and postprandial glucose levels, HbA1c, and free fatty acids. Additionally, improvements in insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function were observed, indicating a comprehensive benefit on glycemic control.

Research involving individuals with type 1 diabetes, meanwhile, demonstrated that subcutaneous glucagon-like peptide-1 administration before meals led to decreased postprandial glucose excursions and suppressed glucagon levels without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia. This suggests that this hormone can aid in glycemic control even in the absence of endogenous insulin secretion.​

Another study assessing the addition of GLP-1 analogues (liraglutide or exenatide) to existing insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes patients showed reductions in HbA1c, body weight, and insulin dosage. Importantly, these improvements were achieved with a low risk of hypoglycemia and increased treatment satisfaction.

Finally, the PIONEER clinical trials evaluated the efficacy of oral semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, in type 2 diabetes management. Results indicated significant reductions in HbA1c levels and improvements in beta-cell function, highlighting the potential of oral GLP-1 therapies in glycemic control.

These studies collectively underscore the multifaceted role of this hormone in enhancing blood sugar regulation through mechanisms such as stimulating insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon release, delaying gastric emptying, and improving insulin sensitivity.

2. Weight loss and reduced appetite

​Research involving human participants has demonstrated that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists contribute to weight loss and appetite suppression through multiple mechanisms.

For instance, GLP-1 receptor activation influences brain regions associated with appetite and reward, leading to reduced food intake. A study utilizing functional MRI found that administration of exenatide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, decreased activation in areas such as the insula, amygdala, orbitofrontal cortex, and putamen in response to food cues.

Ad

These neural changes correlated with reduced caloric intake, suggesting that the hormone modulates central appetite regulation independently of gastrointestinal effects.

GLP-1 receptor agonists also slow gastric emptying, which enhances feelings of fullness and reduces subsequent food intake. A systematic review indicated that agents like liraglutide consistently delayed gastric emptying, contributing to increased satiety and decreased calorie consumption.

Treatment with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists has also been associated with changes in food preferences, leading to reduced cravings for high-fat and high-sugar foods. Studies have shown that medications such as semaglutide decrease the desire for energy-dense foods, which may facilitate healthier eating patterns and support weight loss efforts.

A comprehensive meta-analysis of 47 randomized, controlled trials encompassing more than 23,000 participants found that GLP-1 receptor agonists led to significant reductions in body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference compared to placebo. The average weight loss was approximately 4.57 kg, with greater effects observed in individuals with higher baseline BMI and longer treatment durations.

These studies collectively highlight the roles of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in promoting weight loss and reducing appetite through central and peripheral mechanisms.​

3. Lower risk of cardiovascular events in some patients

​Recent human clinical trials and meta-analyses have demonstrated that GLP-1 receptor agonists can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in certain patient populations. One randomized, controlled trial from 2021 found that liraglutide reduced major adverse cardiovascular events, including cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and non-fatal stroke, by 13 percent compared to placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes at high cardiovascular risk.

In another trial, semaglutide demonstrated a 26 percent reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes at high cardiovascular risk.