Do GLP-1 Supplements Work? Doctors Set the Record Straight on ‘Nature’s Ozempic’ | Glamour

Oct 15, 2024

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As someone who loves debunking counterfeit wellness claims—and is literally prescribed and takes the GLP-1 medication Ozempic—the rise of GLP-1 supplements kind of felt like a personal challenge from the universe.

For those unaware, GLP-1 supplements are the latest alleged weight-loss scheme trying to cash in on the Ozempic boom, with brands like Kourtney Kardashian’s vitamin and supplement brand Lemme, Supergut, and Pendulum releasing their own versions. Much like Oatzempic however, the vitamins, supplements, and even food claiming to provide the same benefits as GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have little to nothing in common with the drug.

“Given the popularity of GLP-1 medications, it’s not surprising that health food and supplement brands are trying to capitalize on the trend,” says Michael Snyder, MD, an in-house obesity specialist at FuturHealth and medical director of the Bariatric Surgery Center at Rose Medical Center. “But it’s important to understand that these supplements most always do not have the same level of scientific backing or efficacy as prescription GLP-1 agonists.”

In fact, while Lemme’s Gimme GLP-1 Daily supplements purport to boost GLP-1 production and fat reduction while reducing hunger and cravings—and countless other similar products claim to work like “Nature’s Ozempic”—there’s no way to know if claims are true.

Mainstream media has framed Ozempic as part of a “diet fad." But in reality, GLP-1 injections help people with diabetes, prediabetes, PCOS, reducing insulin resistance, and other related conditions. Ahead, doctors break down how these work, what they treat, side effects, and more.

“The FDA needs proof that medications work, but you don’t have to do that with a supplement,” Sue Decotiis, MD, a triple-board-certified New York City weight-loss doctor, tells Glamour. “For supplements, all you need to do is really check for safety of ingredients, that the ingredients work well together, and that there isn’t some kind of a toxic reaction. Otherwise, they’re considered cosmetics, so the FDA doesn’t look at them, and you can’t really prove that they raise GLP-1 levels.”

And even if they were to boost GLP-1 levels, it’s not at all comparable to what GLP-1 meds do, according to Yana Delkhah, MD, a board-certified emergency medicine physician and longevity and functional medicine practitioner. “These don’t provide the same benefits as medications,” Dr. Delkhah explains. “GLP-1 medications mimic the hormone and act on GLP-1 receptors. Foods and supplements may claim to stimulate GLP-1, but it’s not the same.”

I take semaglutide for my pre-diabetes, which is nearly impossible to treat without medical intervention. And I wish Ozempic critics—the most outspoken of whom happen to be naturally thin celebrities who have never had it or been obese—would understand.

That’s not to say misleading weight-loss supplements are anything new; capitalizing on diet culture is a sales tactic as old as time. But using “GLP-1” and “Ozempic” as marketing buzzwords feels especially deceitful: they’re co-opting language and terminology used for actual medicine that’s helped millions of people struggling with obesity, diabetes, insulin resistance, PCOS, and more.

“Ever since these medications came out, people have been jumping on the bandwagon, selling berberine supplements, and calling it something else,” Dr. Decotiis says of the GLP-1 boom. “But no supplement is ever going to do what a drug does.”

To help set the record straight, Glamour asked three doctors specializing in bariatric health and weight loss everything we need to know about GLP-1 supplements, from what they are, how they work, and if they’re worth your time (or investment). Read on for all your GLP-1 supplement FAQs, answered.

According to Dr. Snyder, GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1, is a hormone produced in the gut in response to food intake. “It plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels, promoting insulin secretion, and suppressing glucagon release, which in turn reduces blood glucose,” he explains.

“GLP-1 also affects the brain, signaling satiety and reducing appetite, which is why it’s often targeted in weight-management therapies,” Dr. Snyder continues. “When we talk about ‘boosting’ or ‘activating’ GLP-1, we mean increasing the levels of this hormone to enhance its effects on metabolism, insulin regulation, and appetite suppression.” This is what GLP-1 medications do.

“Medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are GLP-1 receptor agonists. This means they mimic the effects of natural GLP-1 by binding to GLP-1 receptors in the body and stimulating the same pathways,” says Dr. Snyder. “These medications are more stable and longer-lasting than the natural hormone, allowing them to maintain elevated GLP-1 activity over extended periods.”

As for how they “boost” GLP-1? Essentially, by amplifying its effects: “They signal the brain to increase satiety and decrease appetite, stimulate the pancreas to increase insulin secretion and reduce glucagon secretion, which in turn lowers blood glucose levels and slows down gastric emptying in the gut, making you feel full longer,” Dr. Delkhah explains.

“The proprietary blends like those in Lemme’s capsule may contain ingredients with some preliminary research suggesting they support weight loss, but they don’t directly ‘boost’ GLP-1 levels in the way that medications like Ozempic do,” according to Dr. Snyder.

The same goes for fiber-spiked products like Supergut’s “Nature’s Ozempic” prebiotic powder and bars. “Fiber supplements don’t work like GLP-1 medications, however, studies do show that fiber, especially through food rather than supplements, helps with metabolism, weight management, and cardiac health,” says Dr. Delkhah. “Lemme’s product includes fiber (rice husk) and extracts that may aid metabolism, but it’s a stretch to say they work like medications. Marketing can lead people to misunderstand the claims.”

That being said, some foods and vitamins can aid in boosting metabolism—just not that much. “For people aiming for significant weight loss, I doubt they will see the desired outcomes with these over-the-counter supplements,” says Dr. Delkhah. “But if someone is maintaining weight through exercise and diet, these could serve as useful additions.”

Certain ingredients, like berberine, green tea extract, and others, have shown potential to support metabolic health, but their effects are typically modest compared to prescription GLP-1 agonists, says Dr. Snyder. “For instance, berberine may have some blood-sugar-lowering effects, while green tea extract can have a mild impact on metabolism. At best, these supplements may offer a small contribution to weight management as part of an overall healthy lifestyle, but they shouldn’t be viewed as a substitute for clinically proven medications when needed.”

“Unlike prescription medications, dietary supplements are not required to undergo rigorous clinical trials to prove their efficacy or safety,” says Dr. Snyder. “In the United States, supplements are regulated by the FDA as food products rather than drugs. This means that manufacturers are responsible for ensuring their products are safe and that any claims made are truthful, but they don’t have to prove effectiveness before bringing a product to market.”

Thus, it’s always wise to be skeptical of supplements with bold claims and to seek out products that have been independently tested or certified. “Look at the studies: Are they published in peer-reviewed journals? (NEJM, JAMA, Obesity, Lancet, and others where there is an eye toward the validity of the study.) And, are the results statistically significant? This is a big question to ask. In the discussions portion, any study will be reflective of the differences between ‘observed findings, trends, and significant p-values,’” he adds.

“Many of the ingredients found in these supplements, such as fiber, green tea extract, and berberine, are generally considered safe when taken at recommended doses,” says Dr. Snyder. “However, safety can vary depending on individual health conditions and interactions with other medications. Some people may experience side effects, particularly with higher doses of certain compounds.”

At the end of the day, it’s always a good idea to consult with a health care provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying health concerns or are taking other medications. “Natural does not always mean safe,” Dr. Snyder concludes.

“They’re probably not dangerous, but I would doubt that they’re going to really raise GLP-1 levels,” Dr. Decotiis concludes. “If you’re lucky, it might help your appetite a little bit or even have a placebo effect, but focus on adding fiber to your diet and have a sensible exercise routine.”

Danielle Sinay is the associate beauty editor at Glamour. Follow her on Instagram @daniellesinay.