Weight loss jabs target a hormone called GLP-1
Certain common food and drink items could “mimic” the effects of weight loss medication, according to fresh research. A scientific review has identified some natural compounds in our diets that could mirror the effects of GLP-1 injections.
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone generated in the gut that assists in regulating blood sugar and appetite. Treatments known as GLP-1 inhibitors have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their effectiveness in managing blood sugar levels amongst diabetic patients and aiding weight loss.
Available as injections, some of these medications can be obtained through the NHS for eligible patients. However, the new findings suggest that certain foods and drinks could produce similar effects to GLP-1 inhibitors.
Researchers from Heliopolis University in Cairo recently published a review of the existing evidence in the journal Toxicology Reports, suggesting that GLP-1 might be influenced by natural compounds from diet. The team highlighted that one of the reasons they are seeking natural alternatives to the GLP-1 injections is due to the cost and accessibility of the medications. This could also help avoid any potential side effects of the jabs, which can include vomiting, diarrhoea, and cramps, reports the Mirror.
Researchers said in the study: “It’s about increasing treatment options and personalising it to each patient’s preferences and needs.” As reported by Medical News Today, green tea was found to be among the foods and drinks that could affect GLP-1.
Others included:
- Ginger
- Cinnamon
- Wheat
- Berberine (a compound found in plants)
However, bariatric surgeon and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Centre, Mir Ali, who was not involved in the study, noted that these ingredients should not be used as “alternatives” to weight loss jabs. He told Medical News Today: “Natural ingredients may help boost metabolism. However, it is a mild effect. These [compounds] should not be considered an alternative to the GLP-1 medications.”
He explained that these natural ingredients work in different ways, “either by stimulating the central nervous system to boost metabolism (caffeine), promote fat burning (green tea extract, capsaicin), or activating other enzymes (berberine)”.
Other research
Previous studies have linked the consumption of green tea with weight loss. One paper, published in the Journal of Functional Foods, recommended the consumption of catechin-enriched green tea for this very reason.
Study authors explained: “Average visceral fat area, body weight, and body fat were reduced significantly by catechin-enriched green tea treatment but these effects were not seen in the control group with per-protocol sets analysis.”
The study continued: “The decrease at week 12 in the visceral fat area in the catechin group was greater than that in the control group. Thus, consumption of the catechin-enriched green tea beverage for 12 weeks induced visceral fat loss in Chinese adults with a high proportion of abdominal visceral fat.”
The research built upon earlier studies highlighting green tea’s weight loss advantages. “In recent years, there have been many studies on the beneficial effects of green tea in treating obesity and improving glucose and lipid metabolism,” the researchers noted. At the time of reporting, you could purchase a pack of 20 green tea bags from Tesco for 80p, working out at 4p per cup.
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