GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Explained: Benefits, Side Effects, and Natural Alternatives
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You’ve probably heard the buzz about Ozempic, Trulicity, and other GLP-1 receptor agonists. They’ve been making headlines for their effects on blood sugar regulation, weight loss, and even potential benefits beyond diabetes management. But with all the hype comes confusion—what do these medications actually do, and are they right for everyone? Part of this confusion is due to the fact that these medications are relatively new. The FDA approved the first GLP-1 receptor agonist in 2005, so we are still learning a lot about how to use this new tool effectively. Another aspect of the confusion is due to the fact that GLP-1s actually have a great deal of responsibility within the body and that can lead to confusion when benefits and side effects are mentioned out of context. The truth is, GLP-1 receptor agonists are a fascinating tool, but like any tool, they need to be used correctly. In this blog, I’ll break down the science of GLP-1s, how GLP-1 medications work, their benefits, side effects, and even how you can naturally support your body's own GLP-1 production—no injections required.
What is Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1)?
GLP-1 is a hormone that your body produces naturally to help regulate blood sugar levels. It is released in the small intestine and large intestine in response to food and serves as a signaling molecule. It is also released in the brain, but I will dive into that more later. GLP-1 has 4 main effects:
1. Stimulates release of insulin from the pancreas (which lowers blood sugar)
2. Slows down gut motility (which helps us feel full for longer)
3. Reduces glucagon production (which stops the liver from releasing too much glucose into the bloodstream)
4. Affects the area of the brain that processes hunger and satiety (this makes you feel full for longer)
It is important to note that the GLP-1 that your body produces naturally is a QUICK response. It releases quickly in a pulse then goes away quickly. In this way, the body is able to use it only when it is necessary, making it efficient and effective. Remember this because it will come in handy when I discuss why some people experience side effects from GLP-1 receptor agonist medications.
What are GLP-1 Receptor Agonists?
GLP-1 is what is naturally produced in the body. GLP-1 receptor agonists are the medications that you have likely heard about. They are a class of medications that copycat the effect of our naturally produced GLP-1. As you may expect, the higher the dose of the GLP-1 receptor agonist, the greater the effect (be careful, I feel your mind going to a place of “more is better” and that is not true). The good news is, GLP-1 receptor agonists have been shown to be effective at producing the 4 main effects listed above: stimulates insulin, slows gut motility, reduces glucagon production, and reduces hunger sensations.
Examples of GLP-1 receptor agonist medications are:
- Dulaglutide (Trulicity®)
- Exenatide (Byetta®)
- Exenatide extended-release (Bydureon®)
- Liraglutide (Victoza®)
- Lixisenatide (Adlyxin®)
- Semaglutide injection (Ozempic®)
- Semaglutide tablets (Rybelsus®)
There is also a similar class of medications (dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists) called tirzepatide (Mounjaro).
What Do GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Do?
GLP-1 receptor agonists were originally designed to help combat type 2 diabetes and obesity. The intention was to reduce appetite and provide a more favorable environment for weight loss to occur. The benefits actually extend far beyond weight loss.
Research has shown that GLP-1 receptor agonists are effective at:
- Reducing blood sugar levels
- Assisting with weight loss
- Lowering blood pressure
- Improving lipid disorders
- Improving fatty liver disease
- Reducing the risk of kidney disease and heart disease
- Delaying the progression of diabetes-related nephropathy·
GLP-1 also acts as a neurotransmitter so it has the potential to help improve mood (anxiety and depression). There is also promising research appearing on the potential effects of GLP-1 on the brain with regards to protection against Alzheimer’s disease and a neuroprotective effect. There may also be some benefits for autoimmune conditions due to assisting with inflammation. As I mentioned before, researchers are still investigating potential effects of these medications so it is very possible that this list sees some modifications in the next few years.
Are There Side Effects For GLP-1 Receptor Agonists?
As with almost every medication, there are potential side effects. Usually, higher doses are accompanied by a greater amount of side effects.
The most common side effects are:
- Nausea
- Acid reflux (keep reading for more details on this side effect)
- Muscle loss (read the next few sections for details)
- Facial fat loss
- Dizziness
- Increased heart rate
- Infections
- Headaches
- Redness/itchiness at the injection site
What is all the Hype About?
Well, the initial hype was because GLP-1 receptor agonists appeared on the scene and were an incredibly effective way to lose weight extremely fast. This garnered attention. Then people started experiencing some side effects (and anytime a lot of weight is lost very quickly the body will react), which also drew attention. So let me break it down.
Do you remember how I mentioned above how when the body releases GLP-1 on its own it is released in a quick, pulsatile manner in response to food? This is a stark contrast from the sustained release profile of the injectable GLP-1 receptor agonists. The majority of these injections are dosed at a frequency of once per week. This means that the GLP-1 receptor agonist is working at a low level constantly, as opposed to the natural function of a quick hit of GLP-1. If you add to this that some people are going from no medication directly to a 5 mg dose, it is a big shock to the body. It is such a shock then it can actually be doing too much. This is how we get the side effects like nausea and acid reflux. The GLP-1 receptor agonists slow gastric emptying so much that the food can’t move through out gut. It just sits there, then when we lie down hours later it causes acid reflux.
The same “doing too much” concept can occur in the brain and reduce appetite so much that you become uninterested in even your favorite foods, and that extreme isn’t healthy either. Again, this primarily occurs when the dosages are too high. There is a happy medium where GLP-1 receptor agonists can be utilized as part of a healthy lifestyle. Some people are investigating the possibility of microdosing with GLP-1 receptor agonists and they have found a significant reduction in side effects (but everyone is different so please consult with your trusted healthcare provider).
GLP-1 receptor agonists were never intended to be taken as a cure-all for metabolic conditions. They are PART of a process that includes food choices, exercise, healthy sleep, stress reduction, etc. This leads me to my next point. You may have heard that some GLP-1 receptor agonists cause muscle loss. Let me dive into this a bit more.
Do GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Cause Muscle Loss?
The answer is, it depends. When we are in an extreme caloric deficit and are losing a lot of weight very quickly, the body will pull resources to break down as fuel from any place it can find. This means it will use the glycogen stored in the muscles and liver, the fat we all have stored on our bodies, and eventually our muscles. Again, this is only in an extreme caloric deficit. Also, the good news is that we can help to prevent this by doing three things:
- Making sure the dosage is correct (please contact your healthcare provider for this)
- Making sure that we meet our daily protein needs (check out my previous blog on protein to find that number)
- Lift heavy things
As with most other aspects of physiology, if we don’t use it, we lose it. If we don’t want the body to break down muscle, then we need to show the body that it is a priority and that we need our muscles. By lifting heavy and consuming protein we can effectively reduce or eliminate the loss of muscle that can accompany GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Are There Natural Ways to Stimulate GLP-1?
Now that you know how GLP-1 and GLP-1 receptor agonists work you may be circling back to the fact that at the beginning of this blog I mentioned that GLP-1 is produced naturally. The fact is our body was internally producing GLP-1 long before medications were an option. Thus, there are ways that we can increase our natural production without medications, injections, or side effects. Consuming lean proteins, soluble fiber, and healthy fats are a great way to naturally increase GLP-1 production. Research has also shown berberine, tea, curcumin, cinnamon, wheat, soybean, resveratrol, and gardenia, to impact GLP-1 release. GOOD IDEA has also been shown to stimulate GLP-1 without side effects.
Does GOOD IDEA Stimulate GLP-1?
GOOD IDEA is an effective way to simulate GLP-1 naturally, without side effects, and without injections. By drinking 1/3 of a can before a meal/snack and finishing the can with food, GOOD IDEA helps to prompt GLP-1 increases that align with the natural function of this hormone. In this way, GLP-1 is increased at the time you need it. This provides an option for sustainable blood sugar control and an environment favorable for long-lasting weight loss. GOOD IDEA, a science-backed lightly sparkling water, can be a healthy choice easily incorporated into a busy life.
Take Away Message
GLP-1 receptor agonists have undoubtedly changed the landscape of metabolic health, offering benefits for blood sugar control, weight loss, and potentially brain function. But they aren’t a magic fix. Like any intervention, they work best when paired with a foundation of proper nutrition, strength training, and overall healthy habits. The good news? You don’t have to rely solely on medication to support your GLP-1 function. Simple dietary choices—including proteins, fiber, and scientifically backed beverages like GOOD IDEA—can help you naturally optimize GLP-1 levels without side effects. Whether through lifestyle changes or medical interventions, understanding how GLP-1 works empowers you to make the best choices for your long-term health.
