An analysis shows that supplements marketed as naturally boosting the levels of the GLP-1 hormone don’t provide the same benefits as Wegovy and similar drugs.
Wegovy, Zepbound, and other drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists have taken the world by storm in recent years. Endorsed by Elon Musk and Oprah, the weekly injections are reported to help lose up to 15-20% of body weight and are also suggested to provide cardiovascular benefits.
The drugs work by mimicking the action of the gut’s hormone GLP-1, which stimulates the release of insulin after eating. They also slow stomach emptying and increase the feeling of satiety, resulting in reduced food intake and subsequent weight loss.
As interest in these prescription-only medications grows, the GLP-1 craze has reached the wellness industry.
From Kourtney Kardashian’s Lemme pills 'promoting the body’s GLP-1 production' to Arrae’s MB-1 supplements marketed as 'Faux Ozempic,' new products in the $53.58 billion supplement market promise weight loss and solving gut issues.
However, the WellnessPulse analysis of popular GLP-1 boosters reveals they have little in common with Wegovy, Zepbound, and similar drugs.
Justin Ryder, MD, a clinical translational pediatric obesity researcher and associate professor of surgery and pediatrics at Northwestern University, says no data supports the notion that supplements can provide GLP-1 boosting effects.
“There is no data to support natural GLP-1 boosters. The effects of such supplements are far inferior to that of GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide,” Ryders tells WellnessPulse.
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Supplements categorized and advertised as working similarly to weight loss drugs have skyrocketed.
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Experts say that top-selling GLP-1 boosters have little in common with weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound.
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Supplements can't replace GLP-1 medications.
How do natural GLP-1 boosters work?
Gabija Dimšaitė, BSc, a former content researcher at WellnessPulse, analyzed ingredients of top-selling GLP-1 boosting supplements.
The Gut Healthy GLP-1 Booster by Supergut, is rich in dietary fiber, particularly fermentable fiber, which can influence GLP-1 levels through its impact on gut health and digestion.
Dimšaitė explains that certain fibers can be fermented by gut bacteria in the colon, producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as metabolites. SCFAs stimulate the release of GLP-1 from L-cells in the intestine. These L-cells are sensitive to the presence of SCFAs, which signal them to secrete GLP-1, thus potentially enhancing glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.
Other factors, such as the overall health of gut microbiota and the type of fiber, can also influence how effectively GLP-1 levels are increased, therefore, individual responses can vary.
Meanwhile, AAFQ's Glp-1 Supplement Drops do not have a clear ingredient list. However, the picture of 'the main ingredients' suggests that it contains GLP-1, which is highly unlikely and would be illegal without the approval of the FDA, Dimšaitė says.
She adds that most of the GLP-1 boosting supplements sold online are either fiber packets or 'supplement' drops without any ingredient lists and bold claims.
How do these supplements compare to GLP-1 drugs?
Any supplements on the market, such as fiber supplements, rely on the natural production of GLP-1, Dimšaitė says. They may boost the production of natural GLP-1, similarly to consuming food. Meanwhile, semaglutide – the type of GLP-1 – provides an external source of GLP-1 analog.
The natural GLP-1 is rapidly broken down by enzymes in the body, even before it leaves the gut, thus limiting its effectiveness as a therapeutic agent. Semaglutide, on the other hand, is engineered to be more stable, allowing for longer-lasting effects and less frequent dosing.
Unlike aforementioned supplements, GLP-1 medications have sufficient evidence to be effective for the approved indications. Additionally, every batch of these drugs is subject to rigorous quality control, while this level of scrutiny does not generally apply to dietary supplements.
The takeaway
There is no evidence that supplements marketed as GLP-1 boosters can provide long-lasting increases in hormone levels, in contrast to the FDA-approved medications that offer targeted, sustained effects.
It is likely that supplements that offer a 'boost to GLP-1 levels' are not going to be beneficial and are a waste of money.
Justin Ryder, MD
Individuals with diabetes and obesity should not replace medications prescribed by a healthcare professional with GLP-1 boosting supplements.
Those looking for healthy ways to lose weight may consider adding more GLP-1-raising foods, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, to their diets.
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