Weight Loss and GLP-1: Natural Ways to Avoid the Risks

Weight Loss and GLP-1: Natural Ways to Avoid the Risks

Vagus Nerve| Inflammation| Nervous System
March 25, 2025•6 min read

"Natural forces within us are the true healers of disease."
– Hippocrates

I want to share a story with you. I had a client who worked with me for a year. The first five months focused primarily on energy, lifestyle, and emotional work. After 13 months, she had lost 50 pounds—without restrictive diets, weight loss drugs, or calorie counting. It all came down to reconnecting with herself—her true source, her power.

We dove deep into her shadows, mental blocks, and thought patterns that were keeping her stuck. She went from feeling disconnected to truly connected, and with time (not immediately), the weight came off. It wasn’t quick, but it happened with patience, care, and—dare I say—"work."

She didn’t rely on willpower to make healthier choices. Those choices came naturally because her inner needs were being met. She no longer turned to food to avoid feelings or to get a quick "high." Instead, she felt good inside, and that inner positivity fueled her healthier habits.

If she can do it, so can you. Now, let’s talk about the drugs that are taking the spotlight these days. Is your doctor sharing everything you need to know? Are the risks worth it? Let’s evaluate.

GLP-1 Drugs: What You Need to Know

What Are GLP-1 Drugs?
GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) receptor agonists are a class of medications used primarily for managing type 2 diabetes and, more recently, for weight loss. These drugs mimic the GLP-1 hormone, which helps regulate blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin secretion, slowing gastric emptying, and reducing appetite.

Common GLP-1 Drugs:

  • Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus)

  • Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda)

  • Dulaglutide (Trulicity)

  • Exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon)


Dangers and Risks of GLP-1 Drugs

While these medications can be effective in losing weight, they come with several potential risks and side effects:

  1. Gastrointestinal Issues

    Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation are common, particularly when starting treatment.  It also slows your metabolism and starves your cells which drain your energy. Many feel weak, exhausted and/or foggy on these drugs because your mitochondria need fuel to function. 

  2. Pancreatitis

    Inflammation of the pancreas, which can be severe and life-threatening. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

  3. Thyroid Cancer Risk

    Some studies in animals suggest a potential link to medullary thyroid cancer. These drugs are not recommended for those with a personal or family history of thyroid tumors.

  4. Gallbladder Problems

    Increased risk of gallstones and gallbladder disease, potentially leading to the need for surgery.

  5. Muscle Loss

    Rapid weight loss from these drugs can include loss of lean muscle mass, leading to weakness and long-term metabolic concerns.  Loss of muscle leads to increased fat as muscle keeps your metabolism strong.  Losing muscle leads to hormone imbalances and weight gain. Losing muscle also results in increased cravings, slower metabolism, and weight rebound.  

  6. Mental Health Effects

    Some users report increased depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts, requiring close monitoring.

  7. Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

    When combined with other diabetes medications like insulin, there is a risk of dangerously low blood sugar levels.

  8. Cardiovascular Concerns

    While some studies suggest benefits for heart health, others indicate potential risks such as increased heart rate and arrhythmias.

  9. Weakens Hormones

    Disruption of hormones.  If you don't eat enough protein you will lose muscle instead of fat which wrecks your hormones since muscle regulates glucose.  This fuels insulin resistance, inflammation and weight gain. Testosterone, thyroid, and growth hormones are lowered which result in feelings of sluggishness, weakness, and put you at risk for disease.  

  10. Makes fat gain worse when you stop using the drug plus you don't gain the muscle back. 

Who Should Be Cautious?

  • Individuals with a history of pancreatitis or thyroid cancer

  • Those with gallbladder disease

  • People prone to muscle loss or frailty  ( I mean does anyone really want to loose muscle mass??!) 

  • Individuals with a history of depression or suicidal thoughts

Alternatives to GLP-1 Drugs

If you're looking for natural ways to support weight management and blood sugar regulation, consider:

  • Dietary changes: Whole, unprocessed foods, fiber-rich vegetables, healthy fats, and lean protein.

  • Ordered Eating: (veggies/fiber) following by protein, fats, and last carbs as best you can naturally curbs blood sugar spikes and increases GLP-1 receptors. 

  • Exercise: Strength training and aerobic activity to maintain muscle mass and boost metabolism including 15 min of movement post meal. (calf raises when you can’t!)

  • Stress management: Techniques like breathwork, meditation, and energy work to balance hormones and EAT SLOWLY.  Chewing your food well increases GLP-1. 

  • Supplements & Herbs: Berberine, cinnamon, fenugreek, bitter melon, Gymnema Sylvestre, turmeric, green tea, and chromium have been shown to help regulate blood sugar naturally.  Speak to your provider as certain herbs and plants are better for certain people (bio-individuality).

  • Fiber-Rich Foods
    A study in the     American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that dietary fiber plays a key role in increasing GLP-1 secretion and improving metabolic health. Soluble fiber, in particular, can slow gastric emptying, enhance satiety, and support healthy blood sugar regulation. (Source: Slavin JL. Dietary fiber and body weight. Nutrition. 2005)

  • Healthy Fats
    Research indicates that     monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids can stimulate GLP-1 secretion. Omega-3s from fatty fish, in particular, have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and GLP-1 production. (Source: Kellow NJ, Cummings JH, O'Grady G, et al. The effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on insulin sensitivity and GLP-1. The Journal of Nutrition. 2015.)

  • Protein-Rich Meals
    Studies show that     protein intake stimulates GLP-1 release, enhancing satiety and helping regulate blood sugar levels, especially with breakfast as that is the most neglected!  (Source: Paddon-Jones D, Westman E, et al. Protein consumption increases the release of GLP-1. American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2004)

  • Apple Cider Vinegar
    A study from     BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine suggests that apple cider vinegar can improve insulin sensitivity and may stimulate GLP-1 secretion. (Source: Kondo T, et al. Apple cider vinegar effects on glucose metabolism. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2009.)

  • Intermittent Fasting
    Research on intermittent fasting has found it may enhance GLP-1 secretion by improving gut health and metabolic function. 12-14 hours for those who don't have hypoglycemia and can handle that.     (Source: Halberg N, et al. Intermittent fasting increases GLP-1 and promotes insulin sensitivity. The Journal of Clinical Investigation. 2015.)

  • Probiotics and Gut Health
    Several studies suggest that     gut microbiota and probiotics play an important role in regulating GLP-1. Fermented foods have been shown to improve gut microbiome health and increase GLP-1 secretion. (Source: Wu H, Esteve E, et al. Gut microbiota in metabolic syndrome. Journal of Clinical Investigation. 2017.)

  • The Glucose Goddess has a product that may help and I do not know the efficacy or anyone that has personally used it. https://www.glucosegoddess.com/products/anti-spike-formula?srsltid=AfmBOorLdKSwyJNo06fROAWJfqGGmrNlDQyAQ0jve2waalTe9qiC0QJM

  • Monitor your glucose levels if it is a concern with a glucose monitor to increase awareness of spike and see how certain practices and foods may help.

Final Thoughts
While GLP-1 drugs can offer significant benefits, they also come with substantial risks. They don't build health in the form of increasing muscle, energy, and balancing hormones.  They set you up for weight rebound by causing metabolic burnout, hormone chaos, and a high likelihood of regaining even more fat.  Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting or discontinuing any medication.

Sources:

  1. Mayo Clinic. "GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Uses and Side Effects." https://www.mayoclinic.org

  2. American Diabetes Association. "GLP-1 Medications for Diabetes and Weight Loss." https://www.diabetes.org

  3. National Institutes of Health. "GLP-1 Agonists and Risk of Thyroid Cancer." https://www.nih.gov

  4. Journal of the Endocrine Society. "Adverse Effects of GLP-1 Drugs: A Review." https://academic.oup.com

  5. Dr. Axe @drjoshax on instagram. Renowned doctor. 

 

Root 2 Rise Wellness LLC @ 2025

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