Jumping on the jabs – do you really need GLP-1 medication?

Repurposed diabetes drugs, like Mounjaro, have become popular recently for their weight loss effects. However, last week’s news that prices are going to jump for private prescriptions may force individuals to consider their ongoing use. Are they really a solution to the obesity epidemic? Were they ever?

In this blog, we’re going to dig into this topic, what GLP-1 receptor agonists actually do, for better or worse, and what you need to consider alongside using them, as well as natural alternatives.

Being overweight is now the norm. Obesity has increased exponentially, with a sobering 64% now estimated as overweight or obese in the UK.[i]  For many, salvation has seemingly come along in the form of repurposed diabetes drugs, with millions of people paying privately for the new ‘GLP-1’ weight loss jabs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro.[ii]

The results are dramatic, with many experiencing fast and significant weight loss. Furthermore, people frequently comment that the ‘food noise’ they have battled with for so long is finally gone, enabling them to control their eating behaviour. But as the criteria for NHS prescriptions is restricted to the severely obese with other clinical issues, these magical jabs are only for the wealthy on private prescription. In fact, they have become part of the ‘private medical and lifestyle aesthetics wave’ – new, growing industries selling us solutions for our ideal physique, as people use more of their disposable income to buy their preferred aesthetic.

Last week’s news that the most popular drug Mounjaro would increase in price by 170% has brought the issue into even sharper focus.[iii] This is now a huge financial commitment that will have many reconsidering their decision.

So, what do these weight loss injections actually do? If people choose to use them, what are the downsides? And if they don’t, what’s the alternative?

What’s the reason for the huge growth in obesity?

The reasons for rapid growth in weight issues at a societal level are complex. The simplistic mantra of weight gain being about ‘calories in, calories out’, with people attending weight loss clubs has certainly not stemmed the tide. Undoubtedly there is a combination of genetics, with some more likely to have ‘built in’ issues with appetite or metabolism than others.

But the real driver is cultural. Our relationship with food, and the industries which supply it, has radically changed since the 70s. Generally, people have more disposable income to spend on food, so are eating more frequently and living on a diet of high fat/carb fast processed food and drink.

In fact, what people drink can be even more of an issue, with alcoholic drinks, canned cocktails, coffees and other drinks that are really ‘liquid desserts’, increasing calories, mostly as simple sugars. Also, many use food as a stimulant, and our food preferences can easily form part of our everyday addictive behaviours that gives us the sought after dopamine surge. In a different world, with less access to regular processed calories, fewer people would have their genetic susceptibilities exposed (hence morbid obesity was rarer decades ago).

In this new world, more people, with or without those susceptibilities, find it difficult to control their weight. Essentially, even people with more advantageous genes can be overwhelmed while – for those with less advantageous ones, excess weight seems almost inevitable.

The energy crisis

Food is potential energy our cells can use to burn to do their work. Increased exposure to food, especially as readily available simple carbohydrates (sugars and starchy foods) gives us a surfeit of energy.

The reality is we don’t need anywhere near as much food as we think. Most foods end up as glucose in our blood and if we can’t use that ‘blood sugar’, it has destructive effects on cells. So, we have a sophisticated system to regulate the levels with the vital hormone insulin pushing as much of the glucose into cells to burn but also converting excess sugar to fat for storage.

Insulin’s job is to do whatever it takes to reduce your blood glucose. The result for many, if the system is overloaded, is dangerous spikes of glucose that may then suddenly drop leading to energy slumps (especially after eating), so that you experience both low energy and a tendency to put on weight.

The way we eat essentially causes ‘energy’ to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Eventually this may lead to pre-diabetes and diabetes, conditions that are also on the increase.

Where does GLP-1 fit in?

After we’ve eaten and we’re digesting food, our blood glucose levels begin to rise, and our guts produce the now infamous hormone GLP-1 (Glucagon Like Peptide). This is used to signal to the body that we are sated enough and have sufficient potential energy to work on and use up, so it starts to wind down certain key processes.

It slows down the digestive system in various ways (essentially to reduce the supply of more energy broken down from foods) so stomach emptying and overall movement of food through the gut are inhibited.

It reduces secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, and other pancreatic digestive enzymes and bile, all of which break down food (because breaking down food means more energy released).

GLP-1 also locks onto receptors in the pancreas increasing the secretion and action of insulin. It also increases lipolysis (breaking down of existing fats to burn). It reduces ghrelin (the hunger hormone) delaying the triggering of the appetite centres of the brain and switching off the need to eat (‘food noise’). Thus, the result is to reduce food intake and release of energy and maximise how efficiently any existing ‘food energy’ energy is used up.[iv]

The new GLP-1 medications were initially designed for use with diabetes but have had their use extrapolated to wider metabolic issues. The original Wegovy jab is a GLP-1 receptor ‘agonist’, mimicking the action of GLP-1 hormone on receptors. The latest jab, Mounjaro, also includes a GIP receptor agonist. GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) has complimentary, more specific effects on increasing insulin and glucagon.

What are the issues with GLP-1 medications?

While GLP-1 medications seem highly effective at reducing body fat, they do not come without significant costs. Essentially you are tricking the body into thinking that you already have sufficient or excessive energy, increasing metabolism, shutting down food intake and digestion, and inhibiting detoxification.

Simply by reducing overall intake of food, there is a risk of a degree of insufficient nutrition of certain macronutrients (low protein and potential muscle loss) or too few micronutrients.

Reduced stomach function increases risk of vitamin B12/mineral deficiency, inadequate protein digestion, and gastro-oesophageal reflux.

Reduced digestive enzymes and bile may increase maldigestion, impacting levels of essential fats and fat-soluble nutrients (e.g. vitamin D), while also changing the balance of gut bacteria that may lead to bloating. Reduced bile flow may increase blood fats, cholesterol and risk of fatty liver.

This is in the context of weight loss increasing overall toxic load since fat cells are giving up their ‘safe storage’ of toxins. Reduced movement of the gut also increases risk of an imbalanced microbiome, bloating and constipation.

There’s some evidence as well that GLP-1 agonists change the balance of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which can adversely affect mental health.

There is already data that, when the meds are stopped, there is frequently rebound weight gain.[v]

How can I naturally inhibit GLP-1?

So, if the magic bullet of GLP-1 agonists for weight loss is not the best option, if you can’t afford them, or are stopping the medication because you’ve achieved your objective, what’s the natural alternative for the long term?

Diet

It’s really all about controlling what you eat and balancing your blood sugar. The key is eating less food of better balance and quality, less often.

Try cutting down on any pre-prepared foods and combine natural foods from scratch when you can. You don’t have to reduce the carbs too heavily but keep starchy carbs like rice or potatoes to no more than a quarter of the plate, with a good portion of lean protein (chicken or fish) and plenty of your favourite vegetables. Go with what you love. These proportions can easily be used to make up more interesting curries, casseroles or stir fries.

Find an alcohol alternative and drink mostly water. Keep the fancy drinks as occasional treats.

Meal timing is also critical. Avoid snacking and stick to ‘3 square meals a day’, breakfast being the most important. Try to be happily full by no later than 8pm and stop eating then to give your body a good overnight break from food.

Exercise

Drop the notion you must burn the calories you eat. It will likely be in vain.

Instead, focus on doing the exercise you love regularly and at a low-moderate level as this will increase your body cells’ metabolic rate (see current thinking on ‘Zone Zero’ exercise).

Also build in some strength training (resistance exercise or weights) and stretching into your daily routine to increase muscle efficiency.

Supplements

A useful herb for helping sugar metabolism is Gymnema sylvestre, an ayurvedic herb that reduces blood sugar levels.[vi] Similarly the commonly-used spice cinnamon helps reduce blood glucose.[vii] Other nutrients, like the minerals chromium and magnesium, can also increase the action of insulin, helping blood glucose balance and supporting cell energy production.[viii] [ix]

What supplements can help when taking GLP-1 medications?

If you are using weight loss medications, there are some really important things to consider to reduce their impact.

A good multivitamin and mineral is essential to fill in any nutrient gaps. Ensure you keep your meal plate balanced, keeping to eating less food overall but still regularly and maintaining levels of protein, good fats and vegetables.

Use digestive enzymes to ensure foods are broken down fully, and a good probiotic can help to maintain the balance of gut bacteria and reduce constipation.

Consider liver support with milk thistle, dandelion, and artichoke to ensure good detoxification and bile flow.

Summary

If the ‘miracle jabs’ highlight anything, it’s that there are no easy solutions to the modern issue of weight gain. However, whether you choose to use them or not, there’s much you can do to support your weight naturally by regulating your blood glucose and supporting your body with high quality targeted supplements. Your body will thank you for avoiding the trickery and taking the natural route.

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References

[i] https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/update-to-the-obesity-profile-on-fingertips/obesity-profile-short-statistical-commentary-may-2024

[ii] https://news.sky.com/story/ozempic-to-mounjaro-what-are-the-weight-loss-injections-and-what-were-they-designed-to-do-12823419#:~:text=An%20estimated%201.5%20million%20people,through%20specialist%20weight%20management%20services.

[iii]https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5ylppp2vj9o#:~:text=The%20announcement%20does%20not%20affect,services%20and%20high%20street%20pharmacies.

[iv] Drucker DJ. Mechanisms of Action and Therapeutic Application of Glucagon-like Peptide-1. Cell Metab. 2018 Apr 3;27(4):740-756. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2018.03.001. PMID: 29617641.

[v] Wu H, Yang W, Guo T, Cai X, Ji L. Trajectory of the body weight after drug discontinuation in the treatment of anti-obesity medications. BMC Med. 2025 Jul 22;23(1):398. doi: 10.1186/s12916-025-04200-0. PMID: 40691794; PMCID: PMC12281790

[vi] Devangan S, Varghese B, Johny E, Gurram S, Adela R. The effect of Gymnema sylvestre supplementation on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytother Res. 2021 Dec;35(12):6802-6812. doi: 10.1002/ptr.7265. Epub 2021 Sep 1. PMID: 34467577.

[vii] Khan A, Safdar M, Ali Khan MM, Khattak KN, Anderson RA. Cinnamon improves glucose and lipids of people with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2003 Dec;26(12):3215-8. doi: 10.2337/diacare.26.12.3215. PMID: 14633804.

[viii] Havel PJ. A scientific review: the role of chromium in insulin resistance. Diabetes Educ. 2004;Suppl:2-14. PMID: 15208835.

[ix] Akimbekov NS, Coban SO, Atfi A, Razzaque MS. The role of magnesium in pancreatic beta-cell function and homeostasis. Front Nutr. 2024 Sep 25;11:1458700. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1458700. PMID: 39385789; PMCID: PMC11463151.

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Last updated on 21st August 2025 by cytoffice