You might have heard of Ozempic or Wegovy. Originally approved to manage Type 2 diabetes, these medications are now gaining attention as effective weight loss treatments. The way these drugs work is by mimicking GLP-1—a hormone that helps manage hunger and blood sugar levels. While effective, these medications are costly, can have side effects like nausea and gastrointestinal distress, and some people regain weight after discontinuing use.
The good news? You don’t need medication to experience similar effects. By following a ketogenic diet, you can enhance your body’s natural GLP-1 activity, potentially reaping comparable benefits such as improved appetite control and stable blood sugar levels—without the downsides of medication. Here’s how…
What Is GLP-1, And Why Does It Matter For Weight Loss?
GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1, is a hormone produced in the gut that plays a key role in regulating appetite, blood sugar, and potentially cardiovascular health (1). After eating, GLP-1 stimulates insulin release, which helps control blood sugar levels, and sends signals to the brain to reduce hunger, which helps to prevent overeating. Here’s why GLP-1 is important:
- Helps Control Blood Sugar: GLP-1 promotes insulin release after meals, helping to stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent large spikes (2).
- Reduces Hunger: It signals to your brain that you’re full, helping you avoid overeating (3).
- Supports Heart Health: GLP-1 may reduce inflammation and even help lower blood pressure (4). However, further research is essential to fully understand its effects on cardiovascular health.
Medications like Ozempic work by mimicking GLP-1’s effects on appetite and blood sugar regulation (5), but using these products for weight loss is an off-label use that can potentially have health risks (6). However, many of these benefits can also be achieved naturally through diet and lifestyle changes—particularly by following a ketogenic diet, which has been shown to support GLP-1 activity by switching the body’s metabolism from carbs to fats (7).
How Keto Can Boost GLP-1 Naturally For Weight Loss
The ketogenic diet is designed to shift your body’s energy source from carbohydrates to fats, which leads to the production of ketones (energy molecules from fat metabolism). While research is still evolving, some studies suggest that following a ketogenic diet might support GLP-1 activity indirectly by improving overall metabolic health and helping stabilize blood sugar levels. However, more robust studies are needed to clarify the direct relationship between the ketogenic diet and GLP-1 levels. Here’s how the effects of the keto diet align with some of GLP-1’s key benefits:
- Appetite Control and Reduced Cravings: The high-fat, moderate-protein intake of the keto diet can naturally reduce hunger by promoting satiety, thereby echoing the appetite-suppressing effects of GLP-1 to help prevent overeating.
- Stable Blood Sugar Levels: The low-carb approach of the keto diet can reduce blood sugar fluctuations, which may improve insulin sensitivity (8). This might help maintain balanced energy levels and potentially support natural appetite regulation.
- Reduced Inflammation: Similar to GLP-1, the keto diet has been found to reduce inflammation in the body (9).
When combined with a supplement like Approved Science Keto, which contains exogenous ketones (BHB), these benefits may be enhanced. Exogenous ketones can help you stay in ketosis more easily, supporting stable energy that helps control hunger and manage blood sugar without medication.
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Approved Science Keto: A Natural Boost For GLP-1 And Ketosis
Approved Science Keto contains Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB), a ketone body that can temporarily elevate ketone levels in the blood. This may help you experience some of the benefits of ketosis on days when your diet isn’t perfectly aligned with strict keto guidelines. Here’s how Approved Science Keto can enhance your weight-loss efforts and complement the benefits of the keto diet:
- Easier Ketosis Maintenance: Exogenous ketones in supplements can raise blood ketone levels, helping you stay in ketosis and control appetite, much like GLP-1.
- Consistent Energy: The BHB ketones in Approved Science Keto can provide an immediate energy source, which may help reduce blood sugar fluctuations and make it easier to stick to the keto diet.
Approved Science Keto provides a natural way to enhance ketosis, which means better hunger control and indirectly supporting the effects associated with GLP-1.
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Keto-Friendly Foods To Support Appetite And Blood Sugar Naturally
Specific foods can support the appetite and blood sugar-stabilizing effects associated with GLP-1, especially when combined with a ketogenic lifestyle. Here are some top choices:
- Healthy Fats: Foods like avocado, olive oil, and fatty fish (such as salmon) provide high-quality fats that not only support satiety and reduce cravings but also contribute essential nutrients beneficial for overall health.
- Proteins: Eggs, poultry, and lean meats provide the protein needed for satiety and stable blood sugar.
- Fiber-Rich Veggies: Low-carb, high-fiber foods like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and flax seeds support gut health, which is crucial for overall metabolic health and may enhance GLP-1 function.
These foods work best as part of a low-carb, high-fat diet like keto, which helps the body naturally manage hunger, energy, and blood sugar.
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Lifestyle Tips To Naturally Support Metabolic Health And Weight Management
Along with diet, a few lifestyle habits can further enhance the effects of GLP-1 and the keto diet. Here’s what to try:
- Get Regular Exercise: Physical activity helps stabilize blood sugar and supports appetite control.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water aids digestion and keeps your metabolism running smoothly.
- Reduce Stress: Chronic stress can disrupt blood sugar balance and increase cravings. Engaging in mindfulness practices such as meditation, yoga, or even hobbies can help manage stress effectively.
- Prioritize Sleep: Poor sleep disrupts hormone levels and makes it harder to control hunger. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night to weight control and overall health (10).
Conclusion
While medications like Ozempic can offer effective results, natural methods like a keto diet can provide a sustainable approach to weight management and support metabolic health. However, for individuals with specific health conditions, a combination of lifestyle changes and appropriate medical treatment often yields the best results. A holistic approach that integrates diet, exercise, and medical guidance can optimize weight management and overall health. Always consult a healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet or medication.