These Foods Increase the Same Hormone as Ozempic

Nowadays, when it comes to weight loss, it seems like everyone is looking to Ozempic for quick results. Nevertheless, according to experts, certain foods can have similar effects on your body, like increasing specific hormones, such as GLP-1.

Dr. Raoul Manalac, an obesity expert and senior director of clinical experience for Ro’s Body Program, explains that Ozempic helps people lose weight by slowing down digestion, increasing feelings of fullness, and decreasing food intake. This drug accomplishes these results by activating a hormone called GLP-1, which is released when you eat carbs, fats, or proteins. Therefore, he adds that proteins and peptides, which are the building blocks of proteins, may stimulate the production of GLP-1.

Keep reading to learn about four types of food that can increase GLP-1 levels, potentially helping you lose weight without medication.

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Avocados have numerous health benefits. They are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants, have anti-inflammatory properties, and can reduce the risks of heart disease. According to Dr. Chester Wu, medical reviewer for Rise Science, foods that are high in healthy fats, such as avocados, can promote the release of GLP-1. However, he warns that while such foods may positively impact blood sugar levels, they may not substitute medications like Ozempic for weight loss or diabetes management.

The fiber in avocados can also contribute to losing weight as high-fiber foods slow down stomach-emptying time, making you feel fuller for longer periods, which in turn results in weight loss, says Dr. Manalac.

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Protein-packed foods like eggs can also mimic the effects of Ozempic, along with other high-protein alternatives. Dr. Manalac explains that proteins and peptides stimulate GLP-1 production. He adds, “In theory, all proteins and their building blocks could potentially stimulate GLP-1 secretion.”

Dr. Manalac contends that following a high-protein diet can increase GLP-1 levels, which helps people feel fuller for longer, ultimately decreasing overall consumption and resulting in weight loss.

In addition to eggs, nuts of all kinds are another protein-packed option you can add to your diet, and they make convenient snacks on the go.

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When it comes to GLP-1 levels and weight loss, olive oil appears to be another useful food. “Monounsaturated fatty acids, like olive oil, may also increase GLP-1 levels and help with weight loss,” explains Dr. Manalac. “Studies suggest that having an olive-oil rich meal or following a Mediterranean diet may also stimulate GLP-1 levels.”

However, remember that no food impacts the body in the same way as a powerful pharmaceutical product does. “The desired effect of eating these foods is minuscule compared to medications such as Ozempic,” says Melanie Speed NP, founder of Flawless Med Spas.

Best Life offers the most up-to-date information from top experts, new research, and health agencies, but our content is not meant to be a substitute for professional guidance. When it comes to the medication you’re taking or any other health questions you have, always consult your healthcare provider directly.