Curious about pharmaceutical support for your metabolic concerns? You’ve probably heard about GLP-1’s seeing as though it’s been a bit of a buzzword these days. But that being said, what are these medications really and how do they work?
In this post we’ll answer all your burning questions about GLP-1s from an evidence based lens. We will explore their metabolic benefits and clear up misconceptions that you may have stumbled across.
What are GLP-1s and How do they Work?
Glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists also known as GLP-1’s are a group of prescription medications that act in a similar way to a peptide that is naturally produced by our own body. Peptides are small proteins that act as signalling molecules to activate an assortment of different functions. This particular peptide activates different metabolic pathways when it binds its receptor. GLP-1’s work in the following ways:
- Stimulating insulin release: insulin is a hormone that is released from our pancreas and acts as a type of helper to move glucose from our blood to our cells. Once glucose is absorbed into our cells it can be used as fuel.
- Slowing digestion: By slowing how quickly food is absorbed from our digestive system, we stay fuller for longer. This mechanism also slows spikes in glucose levels after a meal, lending to steadier blood glucose levels.
- Protecting prancreatic cells: by preventing these cells from dying and helping new ones to grow, the pancreas is able to continue in helping the body manage blood glucose.
- Decreases Appetite: by crossing into the brain and acting in an area called the hypothalamus, the peptide increases appetite suppression signals while decreasing hunger promoting signals. They can also act to increase signals from the intestine for satiety, also known as fullness.
Who Can Benefit From GLP-1s?
There are a variety of prescription medications that have been manufactured under names such as, but not limited to: Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, Liraglutide, and Exenatide. Due to their mechanism of action they are primarily used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. While they work mainly in the management of blood sugar, studies have shown that GLP-1’s can also support health by:
- Lowering blood pressure
- Reducing risk of cardiovascular events
- Improving neuroinflammation
- Reducing chronic kidney disease rate in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
- Managing metabolic induced liver disease
- Managing sleep apnea secondary to obesity
Ultimately there are many situations whereby one may benefit from this type of treatment specifically in instances where blood sugar regulation and metabolic disease are a part of the picture.
What are the Risks Associated with GLP-1s?
As with any treatment, while there are benefits there are a number of risks associated with GLP-1s. The most common adverse effects of these medications are gastrointestinal in nature and include symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, acid reflux, and or constipation. Dizziness, increased heart rate, headaches, fatigue and loss of muscle mass are also a possible side effect. When used as an injectable there is also the risk of itching, redness or bruising as well as minimal chance of infection. There is also a low risk of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar particularly when combined with other blood sugar lowering medications. Additionally, there are a few instances where a GLP-1 is not indicated, such as:
- Personal or family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia 2A & 2B and medullary thyroid cancer
- Pregnancy
- Gastroparesis
- History of pancreatitis
For this reason it is important to discuss the use of these medications with your primary care provider in order to determine if it is suitable for your body.
Common Myths About GLP-1s
- Myth – GLP’s are for anyone that wants to lose weight.
- While GLP’s have been shown to support weight loss, they are not suitable for everyone. Each patient is unique and your body’s needs differ from the person next to you. Due to these differences, GLP-1 is not a safe or good fit for everyone’s body.
- Myth: GLP-1’s “burn-out” the pancreas.
- As mentioned above, GLP-1s actually support the pancreas and protect pancreatic cells.
- Myth: GLP-1s are a vanity drug.
- While this medication has been commonly popularized in the media as being used for vanity, it’s actually most beneficial when used to address metabolic health concerns like type 2 diabetes, obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular risk.
- Myth: You can take GLP-1 and forget about lifestyle interventions.
- Like any intervention, GLP-1 medication is a tool. As with any tool, it is not meant to stand alone. Incorporating lifestyle changes to support health is an important piece of the puzzle to support patients with optimizing their health.
Lifestyle vs Medication - The Importance of Using Both for Optimal Results
While GLP-1s have the ability and potential to significantly improve metabolic outcomes, they are best used in conjunction with lifestyle changes. In order to create long lasting change in the body. This is why we love to emphasize the importance of combining GLP-1 based therapies with nutritional interventions as well as physical activity as a part of a holistic plan. Including these lifestyle modifications can also help mitigate rebound weight gain following cessation of treatment and mitigate side effects such as loss of lean muscle mass. Important considerations include looking at adequate protein intake as part of a whole foods based diet focused on colourful fruits and vegetables and lean protein. Additionally, creating an exercise routine with some form of resistance and strength training is crucial to help maintain and build muscle. This supports maintenance of existing mass while also improving the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar on its own. Our last blog post highlighted a variety of simple yet effective ways to support blood sugar on a day to day basis.
With many considerations for their use. GLP-1s can be life altering when used in the correct setting. Family history, past medical history and existing concerns are all factors to determine whether or not this medication is suitable for you. If this sounds like something you are curious about to support your wellness journey, our naturopathic doctors are here to help answer your questions and find a treatment plan that is safe and effective for your body.
Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. While we strive to present accurate and up-to-date information, the field of naturopathic medicine is continually evolving, and individual health circumstances vary. Therefore, the information herein may not apply to your specific health situation.
Please be aware that engaging with this blog does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. For personalized medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment plans, we recommend scheduling a consultation with a qualified naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider.
In the event of a medical emergency, contact emergency services immediately.
References
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Collins, L. (2024, February 29). Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551568/
Fitch, A., Gigliotti, L., & Bays, H. E. (2025). Application of nutrition interventions with GLP-1 based therapies: A narrative review of the challenges and solutions. Obesity Pillars, 16, 100205. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.obpill.2025.100205
Gonzalez-Rellan, M. J., & Drucker, D. J. (2025). The expanding benefits of GLP-1 medicines. Cell Reports Medicine, 6(7), 102214. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrm.2025.102214
Yoon, G., Kim, Y.-K., & Song, J. (2020). Glucagon-like peptide-1 suppresses neuroinflammation and improves neural structure. Pharmacological Research, 152, 104615. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104615
Zhao, X., Wang, M., Wen, Z., Lu, Z., Cui, L., Fu, C., Xue, H., Liu, Y., & Zhang, Y. (2021). GLP-1 receptor agonists: Beyond their pancreatic effects. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2021.721135