GLP-1 Supplements: A Critical Look at the Evidence
GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro have been hailed as some of the most important drug breakthroughs ever. This has led to huge demand for these drugs globally – both from those who have a medical need for them (such as those with type 2 diabetes) and people who want to use them to lose weight.
As with many popular and effective products, this has led to a number of products which claim to work like GLP-1 being advertised and sold – including a raft of "GLP-1 supplements". But despite what these supplements claim, they are not in anyway similar to Ozempic and Wegovy. Any benefits they might have will be minimal – and the side-effects they come with are probably not worth the fuss.
GLP-1 Drugs
Ozempic and Wegovy are glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. They mimic the naturally-occurring glucagon-like peptide 1 hormone, which is produced in our intestines in response to food.
GLP-1 Supplements
In response to the popularity of GLP-1 drugs, a number of supplements are now being marketed as being either supportive of GLP-1 or even able to replace it. Many of these supplements contain nutrients and plant extracts which manufacturers claim can slow gut emptying and the breakdown of nutrients just like GLP-1 drugs.
A Look at the Ingredients
Let’s take a look at the ingredients found in some of these supplements.
Psyllium Remember
Psyllium husk is a type of dietary fibre derived from a herb native to southern Europe and Asia. It is used medically as a laxative to treat constipation. It has also been claimed to help with weight management – however, there’s currently not enough proof of this effect for products to use it in Europe as a health claim. This means it cannot be legally marketed for weight loss in Europe or the UK.
Studies that have investigated the effect of psyllium husk on health measures including waist size and blood fats reported no significant benefits. As well as having no significant effect on weight, being a laxative, psyllium husk may result in side-effects including diarrhea and flatulence.
Green Tea Extract
For decades, green tea extract has been promoted as a weight-loss supplement. But an analysis of the available data on green tea extract that my colleagues and I performed suggested that while some studies may have shown benefits (including weight loss) these results may have been skewed by the methods used – making insignificant changes appear significant purely by chance. Additionally, there have been reports that green tea extracts have been linked to liver injury and even failure. If used, it should only be taken at recommended doses. It’s also important to be aware of potential interactions it may have with other supplements and drugs including aspirin and caffeine as it can increase the risk of side-effects – such as bleeding.
Berberine
Berberine is a popular herbal extract derived from the Indian barberry. This has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine and is sometimes used as a herbal option for treating type 2 diabetes – despite limited evidence of its benefits.
Taurine
Perhaps a surprising GLP-1 supplement is taurine, an amino acid found in shellfish, dairy and meat – as well as an added ingredient in many energy drinks. Taurine has been linked metabolically to the action of GLP-1 – with research finding taurine levels are lower in people with low GLP-1 levels. In mouse studies, it has been shown that taurine molecules can boost GLP-1 levels and improve glucose metabolism. But so far, in humans, research suggests taurine only has a limited benefit in diabetes and weight management – so more research is needed.
Chromium
Chromium, a micronutrient mineral essential for glucose metabolism. Some scientists even suggest it be used as a supplement to help manage diabetes.
Conclusion
Any supplement that claims to mimic GLP-1 is not a replacement for the real thing. While some supplements may have some limited benefits, they are not a substitute for the tried and tested GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs. The evidence is clear: these supplements are not a shortcut to weight loss or health. The best way to improve health is through a combination of eating a healthy diet and being more physically active – which will naturally increase GLP-1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are GLP-1 supplements effective for weight loss?
A: No, the evidence suggests that GLP-1 supplements are not effective for weight loss. They may have some limited benefits, but these will be minimal and not worth the potential side-effects.
Q: Are GLP-1 supplements safe?
A: No, many GLP-1 supplements have potential side-effects, including diarrhea, flatulence, and liver injury.
Q: Can I use GLP-1 supplements if I have a medical condition?
A: No, GLP-1 supplements are not a substitute for medical treatment. If you have a medical condition, you should consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before using any supplements.
