Weight Loss Jabs: What You Need To Know
- Jo Stoate
- Oct 17
- 4 min read
In this post, I want to take a closer look at GLP-1 and weight loss jabs from a naturopathic perspective. My goal isn’t to criticise or glorify these medications, but to help you understand how they work, why they’ve become so popular, and how nature offers its own ways to support the same pathways. Without the side effects.
What Is GLP-1 and Why Does It Matter?
Medications such as Ozempic were originally designed to help manage diabetes. They work by mimicking GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide 1), a hormone produced in the gut in response to eating. GLP-1 plays a vital role in appetite control, digestion, and blood sugar regulation.
When GLP-1 is working well, it helps to:
Slow digestion so you feel fuller for longer.
Reduce appetite and quiet that constant 'food noise'.
Support insulin release to stabilise blood sugar.
Encourage fat breakdown for energy.
This explains why GLP-1 has become such a hot topic in weight management. For many people, increasing GLP-1 activity can make a real difference in hunger control and metabolic health.
Why Our Natural GLP-1 Production Struggles
If our bodies already make GLP-1, why are so many of us struggling to maintain a healthy metabolic balance?
Modern lifestyles are a big part of the answer. A lack of dietary fibre, too much time sitting, and the widespread consumption of ultra-processed foods all play a role. These foods can override our hunger signals, while antibiotics and other chemicals in the food supply can disrupt the delicate gut microbiome, the very ecosystem responsible for triggering GLP-1 release.
When the microbiome is out of balance (a condition known as dysbiosis), it can’t effectively break down nutrients or produce the metabolites needed to stimulate GLP-1. Chronic, low-grade inflammation adds another layer of disruption, affecting the hormone’s normal rhythm and function.
The Downsides of GLP-1 Medications
While medications such as Ozempic can deliver quick results, they are not without drawbacks. Potential side effects include:
Reduced stomach acid and digestive enzymes, leading to nutrient deficiencies (especially vitamin B12, protein, vitamin D, and healthy fats).
Digestive discomfort such as bloating, constipation, or reflux.
Muscle loss when protein intake is inadequate.
Increased toxic load as fat cells release stored toxins.
Possible effects on mood due to changes in dopamine and serotonin.
Weight regain once the injections stop.
These medications can offer short-term relief, but they don’t address the underlying drivers of weight gain or metabolic imbalance.
How to Support GLP-1 Naturally
The good news is that your body already knows how to make GLP-1, and there are plenty of natural ways to encourage it. By focusing on gut health, nutrition, and lifestyle, you can boost your body’s own GLP-1 production and support long-term metabolic balance.
Top GLP-1-Boosting Foods
Psyllium husk: A rich source of soluble fibre that slows digestion and supports fullness.
Broccoli and kale: Cruciferous vegetables that promote detoxification and hormone balance.
Chia seeds: High in fibre and omega-3s for gut and hormone health.
Whey protein: Helps raise GLP-1 levels before meals, improving fullness and blood sugar balance.
Oats: Contain soluble fibre to slow digestion and enhance satiety.
Supplements That May Support GLP-1
Berberine: Helps balance blood sugar and promotes GLP-1 release.
Curcumin: The active compound in turmeric, known for reducing inflammation and supporting GLP-1 activity.
Resveratrol: Found in red grapes and berries, linked to improved metabolic function and GLP-1 regulation.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Support insulin sensitivity and enhance GLP-1 function. I often recommend krill oil, as it contains astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant not found in most fish oils, and is more easily absorbed.
Probiotics: Help restore a healthy gut microbiome, which is key for GLP-1 production.
As always, speak to your healthcare practitioner before starting new supplements, especially if you’re managing a chronic condition or taking medication.
6 GLP-1 Boosting Meal Ideas
These simple, nourishing meal ideas focus on supporting your body’s natural GLP-1 production to help with appetite regulation, blood sugar control, and metabolism.
Overnight oats with chia, berries, and flax. Oats (soluble fibre), chia and flax (fibre and omega-3), and berries (polyphenols) all support GLP-1 production and enhance satiety.
Egg and vegetable frittata. A combination of protein and fibre-rich vegetables such as spinach, peppers, and onions helps stabilise blood sugar and trigger GLP-1 release.
Salmon with roasted vegetables and quinoa. Fatty fish provides omega-3s, while the fibre from vegetables and protein from quinoa work together to support GLP-1 activity.
Lentil and vegetable stew. Legumes are rich in soluble fibre and plant-based protein, helping to slow digestion and boost GLP-1 naturally.
Greek yoghurt with nuts and berries. A great balance of protein, prebiotic fibre, and polyphenols to stimulate GLP-1 and nourish gut health.
Chia pudding with almond milk and cinnamon. Chia seeds (soluble fibre and omega-3), protein-enriched milk alternatives, and cinnamon help prolong satiety and support GLP-1 production.
Tip: The website www.bbcgoodfood.com allows you to streamline your recipe search with helpful filters.
Final Thoughts
GLP-1 injections may offer quick results, but they come with financial and physical costs that are worth considering. By working with your body rather than against it, you can harness the benefits of GLP-1 naturally in a way that’s sustainable, nourishing, and truly supportive of your long-term health.
Sometimes, it’s not about shortcuts or quick fixes. It’s about giving your body the tools and nutrients it needs to do what it’s designed to do: thrive.
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Remember, small, consistent changes in your meals, nutrients, and lifestyle can make a real difference, helping you truly move the dial and start seeing results.
Book a free chat with me today if you need help mapping out your next steps.
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