Ways to stimulate GLP-1 Naturally and Why a Nutrition and Lifestyle Program for Sustainable and Healthy Weight Loss Truly Matters!

Written by Dr. Suzanne Tang

May 19th, 2025

In the past few years, there has been so much hype in the news and media about Ozempic and other semaglutide drugs for weight loss. I remember hearing rumors that Elon Musk and celebrities were using Ozempic for weight loss and I brushed it off as a transient Hollywood fad. Boy was I wrong! These drugs are making a huge mark in medical and pharmaceutical history and many more drug manufacturing companies are racing to produce their own version of Ozempic.

I’ve seen an increasing number of patients in my practice who are already on semaglutide or GLP-1 injections that were prescribed by their medical doctors, or they are in discussions about prescribing it, to help with stubborn weight and concerns about rising blood glucose and unfavorable cardiovascular health markers. At first, I was very hesitant and downright skeptical but staying close-minded and fearful doesn’t benefit anyone so after attending a recent naturopathic medical conference on regenerative medicine, including GLP-1 drugs, I was inspired to dive into the research and share my humble thoughts, not so much to persuade you towards or against using GLP-1 therapy but to help you be more informed. I also planned to discuss the next pillar in our wellness programs for this newsletter, which will be mentoring and coaching, and is essential for sustainable and healthy weight loss.

What is semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a medication belonging to a class of drugs used for Type 2 Diabetes that mimics a naturally occurring hormone, called GLP-1 or glucagon-like-peptide-1. GLP-1 is secreted in response to food intake and plays a critical role in regulating blood sugar metabolism and appetite.

GLP-1 receptors are present in the:

Pancreas
Brain
Gut

What are the different types of GLP-1 agonist drugs currently on the market?

Ozempic is a semaglutide drug that was approved in 2017 specifically for treating Type 2 Diabetes. Wegovy is a semaglutide made by the same drug company, Novo Nordisk, that comes in higher doses and was approved in 2021 for the treatment of chronic weight management.

Tirzepatide, also known as Mounjaro, was approved in 2021 for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes. It is a combined GLP-1 agonist and GIP, or gastric inhibitory peptide agonist, which also stimulates insulin production and fat metabolism. Zepbound is the brand name of tirzepatide, made by Eli Lilly, that was approved in 2023 for the treatment of chronic weight management and obstructive sleep apnea. Studies show that Tirzepatide is more effective for weight loss than Ozempic and may be more indicated for those who also have metabolic syndrome with elevated glucose, insulin, and lipid levels, as well as excess belly fat and high blood pressure.

These drugs are administered weekly as subcutaneous injections and the dosage is gradually increased every month until a maintenance dose is reached.

Sublingual semaglutide is also available at most compounding pharmacies and is made of oral semaglutide drug, Rybelsus. The sublingual form is more bioavailable than the oral, with low dosage flexibility and can be considered for those who are needle phobic. Also, sublingual semaglutide has much less gastrointestinal side effects than the injectable form.

How does GLP-1 therapy work?

Stimulates insulin secretion from the pancreas in response to elevated blood glucose levels
Inhibits glucagon release, thus reducing blood sugar levels
Slow gastric emptying and motility→reduces the rate at which glucose from food enters the bloodstream→more stable postprandial blood sugar levels and increased feeling of fullness

Regulates appetite in the hypothalamus→reduction in hunger and increased feeling of satiety

What are the clinical benefits?

Reduction in hemoglobin A1c and fasting blood sugar (FBS)
Weight loss
Cardiovascular benefits with reduction in LDL cholesterol, strokes, and heart attacks
Reduction in inflammation

What are the Off-Label Indications?

Since GLP-1 therapy reduces inflammation in multiple organs, such as the brain, kidney, liver, and digestive system, further research is being conducted, and the preliminary data is showing promise for treating the following conditions, especially those linked to Type 2 Diabetes and obesity:

Inflammation/autoimmune disease, for example, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, arthritis, lupus, and fibromyalgia
Addiction
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS and infertility
Gut health, particularly inflammatory bowel disease
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or fatty liver
Neurodegenerative conditions, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s

What are the side effects and contraindications of GLP-1 therapy?

The most common side effects are gastrointestinal, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Other side effects include headaches, hypoglycemia, rapid loss of lean body mass, and hair loss from lack of nutrient intake. “Ozempic face” with sagging skin, increased wrinkles, and hollowed appearance often occurs due to excessive loss of fat and muscle from higher doses of GLP-1 therapy. Rebound weight gain is also very common after discontinuing GLP-1 medications, particularly when a lifestyle and dietary program with coaching support is not in place.

Severe adverse effects include:

Gastroparesis
Increased heart rate
Gallstones
Anaphylactic reaction
Worsening of diabetic neuropathy
Some animal studies have shown an increased risk of thyroid cancer and thyroid tumors. There have also been reports of pancreatitis and acute kidney injury.

Who should not use GLP-1 therapy?

Pregnant and lactating women.
Patients with renal impairment.
Extreme caution is required for those who have a history of pancreatitis, thyroid cancer, and gallstones.

Drug interactions occur with most diabetic medications, fluoroquinolone, levothyroxine, and warfarin.

What can I do to reduce the side effects?

A dietary and lifestyle program with mentoring and health coaching has been shown to improve and maintain weight loss, prevent muscle and bone loss and nutrient deficiencies, and reduce side effects. Aim to eat a whole foods and balanced diet with at least 20-30 grams of protein per meal. Eat 30 grams of fiber daily to support the gut microbiome and support gut motility. Avoid processed foods, refined sugars, and excess fatty foods since they are inflammatory and increase the side effects of nausea. Hydrate enough, at least half your body weight in ounces of water daily to prevent acute kidney injury. Incorporate strength training two to three times per week to build and maintain lean body mass.

Research has shown that regular mentoring and coaching with community support improve accountability, success, compliance, and weight loss maintenance. Most sustainable outcomes are found when GLP-1 therapy is combined with a healthy dietary and lifestyle program. Furthermore, avoid rapid weight loss, taper off the medication when you are at your target weight, and maintain a weight management program with social connections.

Inspire Natural Wellness’s Coaching Team

Comprehensive lab tests, body composition testing and imaging need to be ordered to rule out and monitor for any possible contraindications and side effects. Identifying root causes of weight gain and cardiometabolic disease is important. This includes assessing gut microbiome, adrenal and thyroid disorders, hormone imbalances, genetics, poor sleep, diet, chemical toxicity and stress.

How can I stimulate GLP-1 production naturally?

Our pillars of health, which are key parts of our wellness programs, don’t just help reduce the side effects of GLP-1 therapy and support sustainable weight loss; they can also help support your own natural production of GLP-1.

Here are our tips to get started:

Adequate fiber (from vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, fruits, whole grains, protein-rich foods, and healthy fats) stimulates GLP-1 while also improving satiety and stabilizing blood sugar and insulin.
Incorporate fermented foods to improve your gut microbiome. Akkermansia muciniphila, a beneficial gut bacterium, has been linked to increased GLP-1 levels. Some research suggests that Akkermansia may stimulate GLP-1 secretion, potentially improving metabolic health and addressing Type 2 Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.
Mindful eating. Eat slowly and in a calm environment to aid digestion and stimulate GLP-1.
Get enough sleep to improve your body’s response to GLP-1. Sleep deprivation can impair its effectiveness.
Regular exercise enhances GLP-1 sensitivity, reduces blood sugar, insulin, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol, increases HDL cholesterol, and improves overall cardiometabolic health.
Several studies have shown that berberine, a plant-based compound, increases the production and release of GLP-1 in intestinal cells. By increasing GLP-1, berberine can help improve glucose tolerance and lower blood sugar levels. It also increases insulin sensitivity, which lowers insulin and blood sugar.

I believe that knowledge with action leads to transformation. Hopefully, this blog has helped you become more informed about GLP-1 therapy and natural ways to boost GLP-1 and guide your wellness decisions based on knowledge, clarity, and of course, support from our Inspire Natural Wellness team. We are here for you every bite and step of the way!

Yours in Wellness,
Dr. Suzanne Tang and the Inspire Natural Wellness Team

Important Announcements:

Dr. Tang officially moves her model of practice to wellness concierge care with programs and memberships on June 1, 2025. Her fee-for-service rates will be changing. Dr. Quan Nguyen is also available to support you in your naturopathic care. If you have any questions, please contact our office and Megan, our front office wellness assistant, will be happy to answer your questions.

May and June Community Class Events

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Dr. Tang’s Recipe Corner

Lentil Walnut Pate - Need a healthy appetizer for your Memorial Day potluck? Here is a plant-based GLP-1 friendly recipe to share with your friends and family.

Oh-My-Zempic!