Most of us have heard about the Ozempic craze. Ozempic and other GLP-1–based medications have been around for several years. Originally introduced to help people with type 2 diabetes regulate blood sugar, these medications are now widely used for weight loss — with more than 35 million people worldwide estimated to be using them in some form.¹
But these drugs come at a cost — both financially and physically. In Canada, the monthly cost can range from $250 to over $400, depending on dosage and insurance coverage. And while they can lead to rapid weight loss, many people experience muscle loss, digestive issues, and rebound weight gain once they stop taking them.²
When muscle mass decreases, metabolism slows — making it even harder to sustain results long-term.
Your Body Naturally Produces GLP-1
Here’s the good news: your body already produces GLP-1 — naturally! GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1, is a hormone made in your gut that helps regulate appetite, blood sugar, and metabolism. And what’s fascinating is that your gut microbiome — the trillions of bacteria living in your digestive tract — plays a key role in how much GLP-1 your body makes.³
Scientists have identified two specific gut microbes linked to healthy GLP-1 activity:
• Akkermansia muciniphila
• Clostridium butyricum
People with higher levels of these bacteria tend to have better metabolic health and respond more effectively to weight management strategies. In one study, individuals with higher Akkermansia levels experienced greater weight loss on calorie-controlled diets compared to those with lower levels.⁴
Interestingly, higher levels of Akkermansia muciniphila have also been associated with better outcomes in cancer therapy, likely due to improved gut barrier function and immune regulation.⁵
How to Support Your Gut and Boost Natural GLP-1
1. Eat More Prebiotic Fiber
Prebiotics are the food for your beneficial gut bacteria. They help increase populations of Akkermansia and Clostridium species.
Great sources include:
• Garlic, onions, leeks
• Asparagus, dandelion greens, Jerusalem artichokes
• Oats, flaxseed, apples
2. Add Polyphenol-Rich Foods
Polyphenols — natural plant compounds found in colorful foods — help strengthen the gut lining and feed beneficial microbes.
Try adding:
• Berries (especially blueberries)
• Green tea
• Pomegranate
• Dark chocolate (70%+ cacao)
• Red cabbage and purple sweet potato
3. Focus on Real Food, Not Perfection
Your gut microbiome changes quickly — sometimes within just 3–5 days of improving your diet. You don’t need perfection; consistency matters more than anything.
While GLP-1 medications can be helpful tools for some, they’re not the only way to regulate metabolism and appetite. By supporting your gut and liver health naturally, you can encourage your body to produce GLP-1 on its own, improving satiety, reducing cravings, and restoring metabolic balance — safely and sustainably.
If you’re ready to learn how to work with your body, not against it, my personalized Gut & Weight Reset Plan can help you:
• Rebuild a healthy gut microbiome
• Support liver detox pathways
• Restore your body’s natural GLP-1 rhythm
Book a consultation today and start resetting your metabolism naturally.
References / Footnotes
- Rubino DM, et al. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(11):989-1002.
- Ghusn H, et al. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2022;24(4):630-638.
- Grasset E, et al. Cell Metabolism. 2017;25(5):1078-1090.
- Depommier C, et al. Nature Medicine. 2019;25(7):1096-1103.
- Routy B, et al. Science. 2018;359(6371):91-97.