What Are GLP-1s and Where Did They Come From?
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone your body naturally produces in the gut. It plays a vital role in helping you feel full and regulating blood sugar. However, this hormone only stays active in the body for a few minutes. The game-changer? Scientists discovered that the Gila monster lizard produces a version of GLP-1 that lasts much longer. This led to the creation of medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, which mimic and extend the effects of GLP-1 in humans. While originally developed for diabetes, these medications quickly gained traction for their appetite-suppressing and weight-regulating benefits (Diabetes In Control, 2007).
What Helps Encourage Natural GLP-1 Production?
Many people wonder if there are natural ways to boost their body’s own GLP-1 production. The good news is that your diet can significantly influence your natural GLP-1 levels. Here’s what helps:
- Whole Foods: A diet rich in unprocessed, whole foods naturally stimulates GLP-1 production. Fresh vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains all contribute to healthier gut hormone levels.
- Reduced Processed Foods: Highly processed foods can disrupt your body’s natural hormone balance, including GLP-1. Decreasing processed food intake allows your natural GLP-1 system to function more effectively.
- Lower Sugar Intake: Excessive sugar consumption can interfere with GLP-1 function. Reducing added sugars in your diet supports better hormone regulation.
- Fiber-Rich Foods: Foods high in fiber, particularly soluble fiber, can stimulate GLP-1 release. Legumes, oats, apples, and flaxseeds are excellent sources.
Over time, as you continue to eat more nutritious whole foods and fewer processed options, your body can gradually improve its natural GLP-1 production and response. This complementary approach works alongside medication for those using it.
How Do GLP-1 Medications Work in the Body?
When taken, GLP-1 medications mimic the body’s natural hormone, helping improve communication between your gut and brain. They slow digestion so food stays in your stomach longer, signal satiety so you feel full quicker, reduce cravings and hunger, and stabilize blood glucose levels. Rather than being a “diet pill,” these medications fundamentally shift how your body responds to food (PubMed Central, National Library of Medicine, 2021)
Building muscle is one of the most important and often overlooked aspects of long-term success while on GLP-1 medications. Maintaining lean muscle not only boosts your metabolism and supports fat loss but also improves blood sugar regulation and overall strength. While some people fear muscle loss during rapid weight loss, incorporating resistance-based workouts can make a significant difference. One of the most effective and accessible options is resistance training like weight lifting or barre training. Classes like Physique 57 offer a dynamic blend of low-impact movement and strength training that targets both large and small muscle groups. They’re adaptable for all fitness levels, help protect joints, and can be done consistently—even for beginners. Combining GLP-1 medications with muscle-building activities like barre creates a powerful synergy, helping you feel stronger, more balanced, and confident throughout your weight loss journey.
When Will You Start Noticing Results?
Most users begin to notice appetite suppression right away but true behavior changes or weight loss starts within 4–6 weeks. Gradual changes in eating habits, reduced cravings, and smaller portion sizes are typical. This slow and steady approach gives your body time to adjust in a healthy way, supporting long-term success. Its slow and steady that wins the race. At Hellodose we developed a weight loss method called the Drop Method- that helps for sustainable weight loss by using the medication as a tool for success, not a quick fix.
Do GLP-1 Medications Make You Tired?
A common concern about GLP-1 medications is whether they cause fatigue. Initially, some people may experience temporary tiredness when starting these medications. However, this is typically not a direct effect of the medication itself but rather a result of the caloric reduction that occurs as your appetite decreases.
As your body adjusts to these changes, most people actually report increased energy levels. This energy boost comes from several factors:
- 1. Better blood sugar control and fewer glucose spikes and crashes
- 2. Reduced inflammation throughout the body
- 3. Improved sleep quality as your metabolism stabilizes
- 4. Decreased body weight reducing physical strain
The key to maintaining energy while using GLP-1 medications is ensuring you’re still consuming nutrient-dense foods. Focus on high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates to support your energy needs even as your overall caloric intake decreases.
Can These Medications Improve Skin?
Yes! Many users report clearer skin due to reduced consumption of sugar and processed foods, plus more nutrient-dense eating. This helps balance hormones and reduce inflammation that can cause breakouts. Better diet means better skin (PubMed Central, National Library of Medicine, 2016)
How to Get GLP-1 Medications Covered by Insurance
Insurance coverage for GLP-1 medications typically depends on specific health criteria. Most insurance providers will cover these medications if you have:
- Type 2 diabetes diagnosis
- Pre-diabetes with laboratory confirmation
- Obesity (typically defined as a BMI over 30) or overweight (BMI over 27) with at least one weight-related health condition
However, if you’re seeking these medications for other benefits—such as managing menopausal weight changes, reducing inflammation, or optimizing overall health—insurance coverage may be more challenging to obtain without meeting these specific criteria.
Many healthcare providers recognize that the benefits of GLP-1 medications extend beyond their approved indications. These medications can support overall metabolic health, reduce inflammation, and help with weight management even for those who don’t meet the strict insurance criteria. This broader perspective acknowledges that health optimization doesn’t necessarily require having a disease diagnosis first.
Managing Side Effects vs. Misuse
Two common concerns with GLP-1 medications are nausea and what some call “Ozempic face” or “Ozempic back” – referring to potential loss of facial volume or muscle mass during rapid weight loss.
Nausea and Food Response
Feeling nauseous on GLP-1 medications is often a signal from your body about what you’re eating. Sugar spikes, in particular, can trigger nausea when on these medications. This is actually your body communicating that it doesn’t respond well to certain foods, especially those causing rapid glucose increases.
This side effect can be managed by:
- Avoiding foods that cause sugar spikes
- Eating smaller portions
- Consuming protein-rich foods
- Staying well-hydrated
The Bigger Picture
GLP-1 medications help decrease glucose levels, making weight loss more achievable for many people. However, they work best as part of a comprehensive approach that includes:
- 1. Appropriate resistance training for muscle maintenance
- 2. Mindful eating that avoids sugar spikes
- 3. Adequate protein intake to support muscle preservation
- 4. Consistent hydration
- 5. Whole, unprocessed foods that support natural GLP-1 production
This integrated approach recognizes that these medications aren’t magical solutions but tools that work best when combined with lifestyle practices that support overall health. When used within this broader context, GLP-1 medications can be effective components of a holistic strategy for managing weight, improving metabolic health, and building strength for the long term.
Resistance training and weightlifting are both essential when using GLP-1 medications. I prioritize these over cardio for building strength and preventing muscle loss while on GLP-1. Though I personally love weightlifting, I recognize it’s not accessible for everyone. That’s why I highly recommend barre classes as an excellent alternative. Barre workouts are adaptable for people of all ages and consistently strengthen both large and small muscle groups in a supportive environment. They provide the resistance needed to maintain muscle while losing weight on GLP-1 medications. One particular program I’ve personally experienced and genuinely recommend is Physique 57. With locations throughout the country, they offer an ideal complement to GLP-1 treatment. If you’re starting on GLP-1 medications, I would definitely encourage you to check them out as part of your comprehensive approach to health.
GLP-1 medications offer powerful support for weight and blood sugar management—but they work best alongside healthy lifestyle habits. Pair them with whole foods, smart hydration, and gentle movement, and you’ll be well on your way to sustainable success.
References
- Diabetes In Control. (2007, Sept 18). Dr. John Eng’s research found that the saliva of the Gila monster contains a hormone that treats diabetes better than any other medicine. https://www.diabetesincontrol.com/dr-john-engs-research-found-that-the-saliva-of-the-gila-monster-contains-a-hormone-that-treats-diabetes-better-than-any-other-medicine/
- PubMed Central, National Library of Medicine. (2021, June 16). How glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists work. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8346189/
- PubMed Central, National Library of Medicine. (2016, March 2024). Anti-Inflammatory Effects of GLP-1-Based Therapies beyond Glucose Control. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4823510/
BIO
Bracha Banayan is the Founder and CEO of IVDRIPS.com and HelloDose.com, two high-touch wellness companies redefining luxury healthcare. With a background as a Family Nurse Practitioner, Bracha created IVDRIPS to deliver high-end, on-demand IV therapy directly to clients’ homes—merging medical excellence with concierge-level care.
Through HelloDose, she expanded her vision into medical weight loss, offering patients personalized programs guided by expert providers, real-time support, and science-backed treatments. Her mission is to make healthcare not only more effective—but more elevated, convenient, and personal. Whether helping clients recover, recharge, or transform their health, Bracha leads with heart, innovation, and clinical expertise. She explores uses for GLP1 beyond weight loss, including binge eating, bulimia, inflammation and alcohol addiction.
