The 4 best natural alternatives to weight loss injections compared

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With growing evidence against weight-loss injections administered without medical necessity, rising consumer demand has prompted health professionals to seek natural alternatives. As a result, GLP-1 supplements have come into the spotlight. They mimic the weight-loss effects of injections while being safe, inexpensive, and easy to take.

Even influential figures like Elon Musk have recognized the potential of GLP-1. He said, “Nothing would improve the health, longevity, and quality of life of Americans more than GLP inhibitors that are affordable to the public. Nothing else comes close.” Musk has cited GLP-1-based solutions as the basis for his impressive body transformation and weight loss, and has used them to achieve his fitness goals.

But how promising are these products? Is there scientific evidence of their effectiveness for GLP-1? And how do they compare to other products that promise quick and easy weight loss?

Weight management is no longer just about cutting calories or hitting the gym. It’s about understanding how the body naturally regulates hunger and blood sugar levels. Enter GLP-1 (Glucagon-like Peptide-1), a hormone naturally produced in the gut and released after eating to slow gastric emptying. That is, it slows the process by which food leaves the stomach so the body can better absorb the nutrients from the food. It also increases insulin secretion from the pancreas, controlling satiety.

GLP-1 supplements are designed to support this process, offering a hormone-free way to avoid cravings and improve metabolic health. But not all supplements are the same. That’s why we conducted extensive research to evaluate the most promising GLP-1 supplements on the market. We also reviewed the best providers in the supplement industry to help you find the right product without getting into trouble.

Natural GLP-1 stimulators, proven by clinical studies

Some natural ingredients have been shown to influence GLP-1 levels and thus help control appetite. These are the ingredients you should look for in the right supplement to help you manage your weight and curb your appetite.

White mulberry

This tree species is native to Asia. Its leaves, fruit, bark, and roots are widely used in various medicines and dietary supplements and have been shown to have many health benefits. The patented water extract from its leaves is called Reducose®. Reducose stimulates the body’s release of GLP-1, so you stay full longer and ultimately lose weight more easily. (2)

Reducose also helps slow carbohydrate digestion, preventing sugar spikes after meals and supporting balanced blood sugar levels.

Berberine

Indian barberry has been an important component of traditional Ayurvedic medicine since the 6th century BC. Studies have shown that its main active ingredient, berberine, influences GLP-1 levels by improving insulin sensitivity and lowering blood sugar levels. This helps combat snack cravings and reduces fat storage, which in turn has a positive effect on GLP-1 levels and enables a “weight loss cycle.”

Postbiotics (e.g. Lactobacillus paracasei D3-5)

Postbiotics are the byproducts of the fermentation process carried out by probiotics in the gut. They are essentially the “waste” of probiotics, but don’t let that word fool you: They are responsible for numerous important health-promoting functions in our gut. These bioactive compounds significantly increase GLP-1 secretion. In this way, they can alleviate obesity, curb appetite, and reduce calorie intake. This effect has been confirmed in several human studies on overweight individuals—those taking inulin propionate esters had significantly higher levels of GLP-1 secretion. (3)

In addition, certain postbiotic strains are extremely effective in balancing the composition of the gut microbiome and improving metabolic markers.

Lactobacillus paracasei D3-5, for example, has been proven to:

• Ensures a less permeable gut – leaky gut (a condition in which microbes from the intestine enter the bloodstream through openings or tears in the intestinal lining)
• Positively influences your microbiota
• Strengthens the protective function of the intestinal barrier
• Activate the immune system

Postbiotics are classified as “a composition of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that exert beneficial effects on the health of the host.” While probiotics consist of living microorganisms, postbiotics are not living. This is advantageous when taken as a dietary supplement, as they cannot be affected by other substances in the mixture. (4) (5)

Myths about GLP-1 supplements that should be questioned

Not everything you’ve heard about GLP-1 supplements and their role in weight management is true. Here, we’d like to clarify three common misconceptions to separate fact from fiction.

Myth 1: GLP-1 supplements are a brand-new innovation

Given the numerous media reports and heated social media discussions about GLP-1, one might think these supplements are a modern discovery. In fact, GLP-1 was discovered in the early 1980s.

Since 2000, scientists have been investigating how natural extracts affect GLP-1 levels. Interestingly, many of these ingredients have been used in traditional medicine for weight control for centuries, although the mechanisms were not fully understood at the time. Today’s most effective GLP-1 supplements combine ingredients based on both traditional knowledge and decades of scientific research, including clinical trials.

Myth 2: Eating fruits that promote GLP-1 is the same as taking supplements

Fruits like Indian barberry and white mulberry are known for their health benefits and contain substances that affect GLP-1 levels. However, each fruit only offers a specific active ingredient, meaning you would need to consume large amounts of these fruits to achieve the desired effect.

To be precise, you would need to eat about 0.5 kg of Indian barberry and another 0.5 kg of white mulberry daily. This is not only unrealistic, but would also contain over 500 calories and 100 grams of sugar, which could jeopardize your weight loss efforts.

Leading manufacturers, on the other hand, use concentrated extracts with standardized dosages. Their effectiveness has been proven in clinical studies, making them a far more practical and effective choice.

Myth 3: All GLP-1 supplements are safe and effective

Not all supplements are the same, and in our research we discovered two major problems.

First, many products marketed as GLP-1 enhancing agents are actually just generic fat burners trying to capitalize on the GLP-1 trend. Second, there are questions about the purity and safety of many of these products, especially in the long term, due to the lack of appropriate regulations.

To answer these questions, we carefully analyzed the GLP-1 supplements available in Spain and selected the 4 best based on their ingredients, effectiveness, pricing, and transparency.

3 surprising facts about GLP-1 supplements

Fact 1: GLP-1 supplements curb appetite

GLP-1, often called the satiety hormone, signals your brain and body that you’re full, helping you avoid overeating. GLP-1 also slows the emptying of stomach contents into the small intestine, helping you feel full and satisfied longer.

Fact 2: GLP-1 supplements regulate your blood sugar

GLP-1 helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion after meals, which minimizes blood sugar spikes and reduces cravings for sweets. It also suppresses the release of glucagon, a hormone that reduces glucose production in the liver, further supporting blood sugar control.

Fact 3: GLP-1 and gut health work together to promote weight loss

New research demonstrates the close connection between gut health and weight management. A balanced gut microbiome, supported by probiotics and postbiotics, is crucial for the body’s ability to regulate weight. When combined with natural GLP-1 enhancers such as Indian barberry and white mulberry, the effect is even more pronounced.

GLP-1 supplements suppress appetite, provide increased energy, and promote continuous and sustainable weight loss. However, it’s important to choose the right product and give it enough time to take effect. Experts believe that changes in appetite and energy levels can be noticed after just a few days, with gradual weight loss beginning after about one month, and significant results visible after about three months.

3 important criteria when choosing a GLP-1 preparation

Criteria 1: The ingredients must have a proven effect on GLP-1

To ensure you’re choosing an effective product, you should choose supplements containing ingredients whose effects on GLP-1 levels have been scientifically proven. The most reliable evidence is provided by placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trials conducted with a sufficient number of participants. Ingredients whose influence on GLP-1 has been demonstrated in such studies include Reducose® and berberine.

Additionally, some supplements may contain postbiotics that support gut health and promote the growth of beneficial microbes such as Akkermansia muciniphila . These novel microbes have been shown to improve basal metabolism by promoting thermogenesis and increasing GLP-1 secretion. Furthermore, several studies have shown that A. muciniphila can be used effectively in the prevention and treatment of obesity and other metabolic disorders. One specific study shows that daily intake of A. muciniphila for five weeks significantly reduced body weight gain and reduced fat accumulation, but not only that: it also improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity! (6) (7)

Criteria 2: The dietary supplement must be sufficiently dosed and effective

To be effective, the active ingredients must be present in sufficient quantities and at the correct concentration. Trusted manufacturers rely on clinical studies to determine the correct dosage and strength.

One example is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study by the Oxford Brookes Centre for Nutrition and Health, which showed that taking 250 mg of white mulberry was the most effective dosage for lowering blood sugar levels and insulin response after a meal. Therefore, an effective dietary supplement should contain 250 mg of white mulberry extract.

Criteria 3: The quality and safety of the food supplement must be proven

The food supplement market is less strictly regulated than the pharmaceutical market. This is particularly true for manufacturers outside the EU who market their products without prior regulatory approval.

Reputable EU manufacturers, on the other hand, have certificates confirming the safety and quality of their products and provide them upon request. They comply with the strict guidelines of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Risk Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP).

If the manufacturer has these certificates, you can assume that the dietary supplements are free of harmful ingredients that could cause unwanted or allergic reactions.

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4 Best GLP-1 Supplements: The Best Options Compared

In the following ranking of the best supplements for weight management and improving your GLP-1 levels, we compared the above and many other important criteria. We carefully analyzed various factors such as customer reviews, efficacy, and safety during production – and found the best supplement.

1st place: Nupure Proba GLP-1 – Metabolism Pro

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2nd place: MetaboLux GLP-1

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3rd place: Essentials GLP-1 Active

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4th place: Gaelikine GLP-1 Modulation 750mg

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