Nearly one in eight American adults-about 30 million people-are using weight loss injections like Ozempic and Wegovy,and a California-based dietitian is revealing how to maximize their effects with strategic supplementation. It’s not about finding a “natural Ozempic,” she cautions, but about supporting the body’s own systems while navigating the dietary shifts these medications require.
The growing popularity of GLP-1 medications has reshaped approaches to weight management, but optimizing their benefits often requires more than just the injection itself.
- GLP-1 drugs mimic a natural hormone to slow digestion and increase feelings of fullness.
- Supplements like berberine, probiotics (specifically Akkermansia muciniphila), glutamine, and Amarasate may enhance GLP-1 production.
- These supplements aren’t replacements for medication, but can definitely help manage side effects and boost results.
- Bitter compounds like berberine and Amarasate stimulate GLP-1 release through taste receptors.
Q: Can supplements really boost the effects of Ozempic or Wegovy?
A: While no supplement replicates the 24/7 action of these medications, certain compounds can help the body naturally produce more GLP-1, perhaps enhancing weight loss and improving metabolic health-but always under a doctor’s guidance.
GLP-1 medications work by mimicking glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone naturally produced in the gut that regulates blood sugar, slows digestion, and signals fullness.becuase these drugs slow down how quickly food leaves the stomach, individuals often need to adjust their diets and consider supplements to minimize side effects like nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and bloating.
Ashley Koff, a registered dietitian with over 25 years of experience, details these strategies in her new book, Your Best Shot: The Personalized System for Optimal Weight Health – GLP-1 Shot or Not. She emphasizes that while omega-3s and fiber remain valuable for digestion and satiety,lesser-known supplements show promise in boosting GLP-1 production.
Berberine: A Bitter Boost
Berberine,a yellow compound found in plants like barberry and Oregon grape,has a long history in herbal medicine for treating infections and digestive issues. Now available as a supplement-costing between $10 and $50 per bottle-it’s gaining attention for its potential to improve blood sugar, cholesterol, and weight control.
As a “bitter,” berberine stimulates bitter taste receptors in the gut. “If they stimulate the bitter taste receptors, that’s going to help our own body’s hormones,” Koff explained. This stimulation triggers cells in the gut to release more GLP-1, complementing the effects of medication.However, berberine can interact with blood pressure and cholesterol medications, so caution is advised.
A dietitian has revealed the key supplements to take to maximize the effects of GLP-1 agonists
Probiotics: Cultivating Gut Health
Probiotics, the “good” bacteria found in fermented foods like kimchi, doenjang, and kefir, are known for promoting healthy
