GLP-1 receptor agonists—commonly known by brand names like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro—were originally developed to support blood sugar management in people with type 2 diabetes, but have recently gained attention for their role in weight-related outcomes.
These medications work by regulating appetite and metabolic function with regular injections and without making any major changes to diet or exercise. But is it too good to be true? What are the potential GLP-1 risks?
As with any medication, it’s important to consider both the benefits and potential risks of GLP-1 drugs. That’s why we want to walk you through the current understanding of GLP-1 drugs, how they work, the possible side effects, and what to keep in mind weighing your options.
The good news? There are also natural ways to support GLP-1 production and metabolic health, without a prescription. From gut-focused supplements to lifestyle changes, there’s growing interest in safe and effective alternatives that work with your body.
What are GLP-1 Drugs?
You might be familiar with what these medications are already, but GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists are designed to regulate appetite, slow digestion, and support metabolic function.
They were originally marketed as a way to prevent or manage diabetes, but today, they’re more well-known for supporting weight management. These drugs activate GLP-1 receptors to help control hunger, delay gastric emptying, and promote insulin secretion. There are quite a few brand-name medications that fall under this umbrella, many of which you’ve probably seen commercials for or heard about in weight loss circles:
- Ozempic (Semaglutide): Originally developed for metabolic support but has gained attention for its appetite-suppressing effects.
- Wegovy (Semaglutide): A higher-dose version of Ozempic specifically approved for weight management.
- Mounjaro (Tirzepatide): A newer drug that targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors.
- Trulicity (Dulaglutide): Another GLP-1 receptor agonist used for metabolic support.
Now, do GLP-1 supplements work? Definitely. The results are impossible to ignore. But the real question is: are the potential downsides worth it? . Before jumping in, it’s important to look at the full picture and our goal is to provide you with the facts. So let’s take a closer look at the possible risks of GLP-1 medications.
Understanding the potential risks of GLP-1 Drugs
Digestive Discomfort
One of the main benefits of these medications is how they delay gastric emptying. In other words, the food you eat stays in your stomach longer than normal. This is a good thing for helping keep your appetite in check - but it also disrupts your body’s natural digestive process.
So with this delay or slowing down of digestion, some people will experience nausea and vomiting, especially when first starting the medication. Others might feel this digestive discomfort in the form of bloating and stomach cramps. This can result in changes to our bowel movements like constipation or diarrhea.
While side effects are often temporary and may even subside after the initial adjustment period, some people report that symptoms can persists and last longer. For some, it may take several weeks, or even months, for the digestive system to fully adjust.
Nutrient Absorption Problems
Beyond the common digestive discomfort, another concern is how GLP-1 medications may impact nutrient absorption over time. Since these drugs are designed to slow down our digestion, it’s possible that this may affect how efficiently certain nutrients from our food get absorbed. Some of the key nutrients to keep an eye on include:
- Vitamin B12: Essential for energy production and neurological health. Low levels may be associated with fatigue and cognitive changes.
- Iron: - Plays a key role in energy and oxygen transport. Poor iron absorption can contribute to feelings of weakness.
- Fat-Soluble Vitamins (A, D, E, K): These vitamins rely on proper digestion to be absorbed, and slower gastric emptying may influence how well they’re taken up by the body. So for those using these medications and especially with long-term use, it’s a good idea to regularly monitor nutrient levels with a healthcare provider and consider supplementation if needed. Addressing these potential deficiencies early on may reduce the risk of related symptoms and support overall well-being.
Muscle Loss and Metabolic Slowdown
Rapid weight loss sounds like a good thing, especially for those who are eager to see changes in the mirror. But it’s important to understand what kind of weight is actually being lost.
Some people that are using GLP-1 medications report not only fat loss, but also the loss of muscle.
So why does this happen? Because these medications lead to a significant reduction in caloric intake (remember they are known to reduce appetite and promote the feeling fullness), when the body takes in fewer calories than it needs, it may begin using internal energy stores. This includes the use of both fat and muscle, as both can be used for fuel. Over time, reduced muscle could be associated with a lower resting metabolic rate (RMR), meaning your body may burn fewer calories when at rest.
This shift may also begin to impact strength and energy levels, which can may everyday activities or even exercise feel more challenging, especially for those that are wanting to live an active lifestyle.
Dependency and Weight Rebound
Unfortunately, what often isn’t discussed as much as the metabolic changes that take place is what happens after you stop taking these medications. While many people experience positive outcomes during treatment, maintaining those results can be challenging once the medication is stopped. Some studies suggest that a significant number of people may regain the lost weight within a year of stopping the medication. This is because your baseline hunger signals and appetite return, which were being suppressed on the medication. Think back to the impact these drugs have on metabolism, too. With less muscle mass and a slower metabolism, it becomes much harder to keep the weight off and way easier to pack it back on.
This effect is most common in individuals who used GLP-1 medications without making any supportive lifestyle changes, including diet, exercise or addressing underlying factors that influence natural GLP-1 production, like gut health and microbiome.
What about long-term use?
It’s important to keep in mind that GLP-1 drugs are still relatively new, at least when used for weight management. With this newness, the long-term effects are still being studied, and ongoing research is exploring potential areas of concern.
For instance, some early studies are examining how long-term use may lead to persistent gastric motility issues, making it hard for the digestive system to return to normal after getting off the medication.
There is also interest in how long-term appetite suppression might influence the body’s natural hunger-regulating hormones, though more research is needed to fully understand the effects. All of these concerns are part of the reason why more and more people are looking into how to increase GLP-1 naturally, and you may want to as well.
Considering GLP-1 Medications? Here’s What to Know
We get it, the appeal of GLP-1 medications is real. But as with any health decision, it’s important to look at the full picture, including cost, potential side effects, and long-term sustainability. While these medications can be helpful for some, they’re not the only option. For example, certain gut-focused solutions—like targeted GLP-1 Postbiotic can boost GLP-1 signaling.
Our formulation here at res helps you keep cravings at bay and supports healthy blood sugar already in the normal range. It could help increase GLP-1 hormone production by up to 300%!
Now, if you’re already on GLP-1 medications or have made up your mind that you’re going to start, there are things you can do to lower your risk of dealing with adverse side effects. We’ll share some tips below.
Supplements to Ease Side Effects
Our supplements at res are a great option for someone looking to support metabolic health and GLP-1 production naturally. They may also help promote digestive comfort, supporting gut function and bowel regularity, which can be helpful for individuals using GLP-1 medications. A quality prebiotic and probiotic supplement can be a great addition to any GLP-1 support routine, to nourish the gut microbiome and promote overall digestive and metabolic health..
Take prebeet, for instance. Our ENERGY Prebiotic has the potential to increase beneficial probiotic Akkermansia by 250%, which could in turn boost GLP-1 signaling. But it also showed a 200% increase in beneficial probiotic Bifidobacterium for GI relief in clinical studies.
There are a variety of other supplements that may support overall wellness and help promote balance while using GLP-1 medications. It just depends on which area of support you’re looking for -whether it’s digestion, nutrient absorption, muscle loss, or a combination of these:
- Ginger or Peppermint Capsules: May help ease nausea and bloating caused by slowed gastric emptying.
- Digestive Enzymes: Help break down food more efficiently, reducing stomach discomfort.
- Vitamin B12: Slowed digestion can reduce absorption of this essential vitamin, leading to fatigue and cognitive issues.
- Iron: Helps prevent energy depletion caused by poor absorption.
- Fat-Soluble Vitamins (A, D, E, K): Since digestion is slowed, absorption of these vitamins may decline over time.
- Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs): Help prevent muscle breakdown when appetite is suppressed.
- Creatine: Supports muscle retention and strength, even with lower food intake.
- Collagen or Protein Powder: Can help meet protein needs, especially for those struggling to eat enough whole foods.
-Be sure to choose supplements backed by science and clinical research and lab-tested for potency and purity. It’s important to know that what you’re taking is both safe and effective, especially when looking to support your GLP-1 routine. .
Prioritize a Protein-Rich Diet
It’s easy to unintentionally undereat, especially when it comes to protein, since GLP-1 drugs suppress appetite. This can make it more difficult to maintain muscle mass, which may in turn impact metabolic rate over time.
A good rule of thumb is to aim for 0.8-1.2 grams of protein per pound of body weight each day. Your exact goal depends on your activity level and personal goals. For example, a 150lbs individual should eat between 120-180 grams of protein daily.
To reach those numbers, focus on lean protein options like chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese. Red meat can be included too, but best enjoyed in moderation. If wanting to focus on more plant-based proteins, that are also high in fiber, including foods like lentils, chickpeas, quinoa, and tofu.
Focus on Whole Foods and Nutrient-Dense Meals
Your diet in general should consist of real food - less of the processed foods and refined sugars. This is especially relevant for individuals using GLP-1 medications, as these drugs slow down digestion, giving your body more time to absorb nutrients from whole, nutrient-dense foods. Here are some great staples to help round out your diet and support whole body health:
- High-Fiber Vegetables: Broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, zucchini.
- Healthy Fats: Avocados, extra virgin olive oil, nuts, seeds.
- Complex Carbohydrates: Sweet potatoes, quinoa, oats, beans.
Focusing on smaller, more frequent meals is helpful as well, since digestion is slower. This will help minimize the risk of overeating and the discomfort that comes with it. Learn more about how to increase akkermansia with your diet and the best fruit for gut health in our blog for more food inspiration.
Strength Training to Prevent Muscle Loss
Offset the atrophy risks of GLP-1 drugs by actively strengthening key muscle groups on a regular basis. Even if your goal isn’t to get buff, you should be incorporating resistance training.
You can keep things simple by focusing on the compound lifts: squats, deadlifts, push-ups, pull-ups, and other movements that engage multiple muscle groups at once. Resistance band or bodyweight exercise is a great low-impact option as well.
Practice progressive overload, which involves gradually making each subsequent workout harder by adding weight, reps, or sets, OR reducing rest time. 3-4 sessions per week is a good starting point.
Gradual Transition Off the Medication
One of the most common concerns with GLP-1 medications is the possibility of regaining weight after stopping. Some people find it difficult to maintain their progress once they stop the medication.
Although it may not be totally avoidable, the effects may be reduced by gradually tapering off rather than stopping abruptly, under the guidance of your healthcare provider. You can support your body during this transition with natural appetite regulators like green tea extract, cinnamon, and fermented foods, which promote satiety and support digestive health.
Final Thoughts on GLP-1 Use and Considerations
While the benefit of popular GLP-1 medications are appealing, its important to weigh the potential benefits against the possible side effects.
Some people experience digestive discomfort, nutrient deficiencies, muscle loss, and weight rebound after stopping the medication. If you’re looking for a more natural and sustainable approach, consider focusing on solutions that work with your body, and starting with the gut is a great place to start. Whether you need a prebiotic or probiotic supplement or both we’ve got clinically studied solutions waiting to be discovered here at res.