Do GLP-1 Supplements Work? Doctors Set the Record Straight on ‘Nature’s Ozempic’
glamour.com—and is literally prescribed and —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 , with brands like ’s vitamin and supplement brand , , and releasing their own versions.
Much like 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 , MD, an in-house obesity specialist at and medical director of the Bariatric Surgery Center at . “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 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,” , 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, adds ,.
