Latest news with #DPP-4
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Nature's Ozempic: What and how you eat can increase levels of GLP-1 without drugs
Toronto: Despite the popularity of semaglutide drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy for weight loss, surveys suggest that most people still prefer to lose weight without using medications. For those preferring a drug-free approach to weight loss, research shows that certain nutrients and dietary strategies can naturally mimic the effects of semaglutides. Increased intakes of fibre and monounsaturated fats (found in olive oil and avocadoes) - as well as the time of day when foods are eaten, the order that foods are eaten in, the speed of eating and even chewing - can naturally stimulate increased production of the same hormone responsible for the effects of semaglutide drugs. As a family physician with a PhD in nutrition, I translate the latest nutrition science into dietary recommendations for my patients. A strategic approach to weight loss rooted in the latest science is not only superior to antiquated calorie counting, but also capitalizes on the same biological mechanisms responsible for the success of popular weight-loss drugs. Semaglutide medications work by increasing the levels of a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1), a satiety signal that slows digestion and makes us feel full. These drugs also simultaneously decrease levels of an enzyme called DPP-4, which inactivates GLP-1. As a result, this "stop eating" hormone that naturally survives for only a few minutes can survive for an entire week. This enables a semi-permanent, just-eaten sensation of fullness that consequently leads to decreased food intake and, ultimately, weight loss. Nevertheless, medications aren't the only way to raise GLP-1 levels. What you eat Fibre - predominantly found in beans, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds - is the most notable nutrient that can significantly increase GLP-1. When fibre is fermented by the trillions of bacteria that live in our intestines, the resultant byproduct, called short chain fatty acids, stimulates the production of GLP-1. This may explain why fibre consumption is one of the strongest predictors of weight loss and has been shown to enable weight loss even in the absence of calorie restriction. Monounsaturated fats - found in olive oil and avocado oil - are another nutrient that raises GLP-1. One study showed that GLP-1 levels were higher following the consumption of bread and olive oil compared to bread and butter. Though notably, bread consumed with any kind of fat (be it from butter or even cheese) raises GLP-1 more than bread alone. Another study showed that having an avocado alongside your breakfast bagel also increases GLP-1 more so than eating the bagel on its own. Nuts that are high in both fibre and monounsaturated fats, like pistachios, have also been shown to raise GLP-1 levels. How you eat However, the specific foods and nutrients that influence GLP-1 levels are only half the story. GLP-1 is a good example of how it's not just what you eat that matters, it's also how you eat it. Studies show that meal sequence - the order foods are eaten in - can impact GLP-1. Eating protein, like fish or meat, before carbohydrates, like rice, results in a higher GLP-1 level compared to eating carbohydrates before protein. Eating vegetables before carbohydrates has a similar effect. Time of day also matters, because like all hormones, GLP-1 follows a circadian rhythm. A meal eaten at 8 am stimulates a more pronounced release of GLP-1 compared to the same meal at 5 pm. This may partly explain why the old saying "eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper" is backed by evidence that demonstrates greater weight loss when breakfast is the largest meal of the day and dinner is the smallest. The speed of eating can matter, too. Eating ice cream over 30 minutes has been shown to produce a significantly higher GLP-1 level compared to eating ice cream over five minutes. However, studies looking at blood sugar responses have suggested that if vegetables are eaten first, the speed of eating becomes less important. Even chewing matters. One study showed that eating shredded cabbage raised GLP-1 more than drinking pureed cabbage. Not as potent as medication While certain foods and dietary strategies can increase GLP-1 naturally , the magnitude is far less than what is achievable with medications. One study of the GLP-1 raising effects of the Mediterranean diet demonstrated a peak GLP-1 level of approximately 59 picograms per millilitre of blood serum. The product monograph for Ozempic reports that the lowest dose produces a GLP-1 level of 65 nanograms per millilitre. So medications raise GLP-1 more than one thousand times higher than diet. Nevertheless, when you compare long-term risk for diseases like heart attacks, the Mediterranean diet lowers risk of cardiac events by 30 per cent, outperforming GLP-1 medications that lower risk by 20 per cent. While weight loss will always be faster with medications, for overall health, dietary approaches are superior to medications. The following strategies are important for those trying to lose weight without a prescription: -Eat breakfast -Strive to make breakfast the largest meal of the day (or at least frontload your day as much as possible) -Aim to eat at least one fibre-rich food at every meal -Make olive oil a dietary staple -Be mindful of the order that you eat foods in, consume protein and vegetables before carbohydrates -Snack on nuts -Chew your food -Eat slowly While natural approaches to raising GLP-1 may not be as potent as medications, they provide a drug-free approach to weight loss and healthy eating. (The Conversation)
NDTV
26-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Nature's Ozempic: What And How You Eat Affects Your Weight Loss Journey
Toronto: Despite the popularity of semaglutide drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy for weight loss, surveys suggest that most people still prefer to lose weight without using medications. For those preferring a drug-free approach to weight loss, research shows that certain nutrients and dietary strategies can naturally mimic the effects of semaglutides. Increased intakes of fibre and monounsaturated fats (found in olive oil and avocadoes) - as well as the time of day when foods are eaten, the order that foods are eaten in, the speed of eating and even chewing - can naturally stimulate increased production of the same hormone responsible for the effects of semaglutide drugs. As a family physician with a PhD in nutrition, I translate the latest nutrition science into dietary recommendations for my patients. A strategic approach to weight loss rooted in the latest science is not only superior to antiquated calorie counting, but also capitalizes on the same biological mechanisms responsible for the success of popular weight-loss drugs. Semaglutide medications work by increasing the levels of a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1), a satiety signal that slows digestion and makes us feel full. These drugs also simultaneously decrease levels of an enzyme called DPP-4, which inactivates GLP-1. As a result, this "stop eating" hormone that naturally survives for only a few minutes can survive for an entire week. This enables a semi-permanent, just-eaten sensation of fullness that consequently leads to decreased food intake and, ultimately, weight loss. Nevertheless, medications aren't the only way to raise GLP-1 levels. What You Eat Fibre - predominantly found in beans, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds - is the most notable nutrient that can significantly increase GLP-1. When fibre is fermented by the trillions of bacteria that live in our intestines, the resultant byproduct, called short chain fatty acids, stimulates the production of GLP-1. This may explain why fibre consumption is one of the strongest predictors of weight loss and has been shown to enable weight loss even in the absence of calorie restriction. Monounsaturated fats - found in olive oil and avocado oil - are another nutrient that raises GLP-1. One study showed that GLP-1 levels were higher following the consumption of bread and olive oil compared to bread and butter. Though notably, bread consumed with any kind of fat (be it from butter or even cheese) raises GLP-1 more than bread alone. Another study showed that having an avocado alongside your breakfast bagel also increases GLP-1 more so than eating the bagel on its own. Nuts that are high in both fibre and monounsaturated fats, like pistachios, have also been shown to raise GLP-1 levels. How You Eat However, the specific foods and nutrients that influence GLP-1 levels are only half the story. GLP-1 is a good example of how it's not just what you eat that matters, it's also how you eat it. Studies show that meal sequence - the order foods are eaten in - can impact GLP-1. Eating protein, like fish or meat, before carbohydrates, like rice, results in a higher GLP-1 level compared to eating carbohydrates before protein. Eating vegetables before carbohydrates has a similar effect. Time of day also matters, because like all hormones, GLP-1 follows a circadian rhythm. A meal eaten at 8 a.m. stimulates a more pronounced release of GLP-1 compared to the same meal at 5 p.m. This may partly explain why the old saying "eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper" is backed by evidence that demonstrates greater weight loss when breakfast is the largest meal of the day and dinner is the smallest. The speed of eating can matter, too. Eating ice cream over 30 minutes has been shown to produce a significantly higher GLP-1 level compared to eating ice cream over five minutes. However, studies looking at blood sugar responses have suggested that if vegetables are eaten first, the speed of eating becomes less important. Even chewing matters. One study showed that eating shredded cabbage raised GLP-1 more than drinking pureed cabbage. Not As Potent As Medication While certain foods and dietary strategies can increase GLP-1 naturally, the magnitude is far less than what is achievable with medications. One study of the GLP-1 raising effects of the Mediterranean diet demonstrated a peak GLP-1 level of approximately 59 picograms per millilitre of blood serum. The product monograph for Ozempic reports that the lowest dose produces a GLP-1 level of 65 nanograms per millilitre (one nanogram = 1,000 picograms). So medications raise GLP-1 more than one thousand times higher than diet. Nevertheless, when you compare long-term risk for diseases like heart attacks, the Mediterranean diet lowers risk of cardiac events by 30 per cent, outperforming GLP-1 medications that lower risk by 20 per cent. While weight loss will always be faster with medications, for overall health, dietary approaches are superior to medications. The following strategies are important for those trying to lose weight without a prescription: Eat breakfast Strive to make breakfast the largest meal of the day (or at least frontload your day as much as possible) Aim to eat at least one fibre-rich food at every meal Make olive oil a dietary staple Be mindful of the order that you eat foods in, consume protein and vegetables before carbohydrates Snack on nuts Chew your food Eat slowly While natural approaches to raising GLP-1 may not be as potent as medications, they provide a drug-free approach to weight loss and healthy eating. (Author: Mary J. Scourboutakos, Adjunct Lecturer in Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto) (Disclaimer: Mary J. Scourboutakos does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.)
Epoch Times
26-05-2025
- Health
- Epoch Times
Weight-Loss Drugs May Lower Cancer Risk in Diabetic Patients, Study Finds
A new study suggests that popular weight-loss medications may do more than just help with diabetes and obesity—they could also modestly reduce the risk of developing certain cancers among adults with diabetes, according to Potential Cancer Prevention Researchers analyzed health records from more than 170,000 U.S. adults with both obesity and diabetes, focusing on those treated with glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists—drugs known for managing blood sugar and, more recently, for aiding weight loss. The study compared these patients to a similar group taking dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, a class of diabetes drugs not associated with weight loss. The study found that after four years, patients using GLP-1 receptor agonists showed a 7 percent lower risk of developing any of 14 obesity-related cancers and an 8 percent lower risk of death from any cause, compared to those taking DPP-4 inhibitors. The lower cancer risk was more pronounced for colorectal cancers, with 16 percent fewer colon cancer cases and 28 percent fewer rectal cancer cases among the GLP-1 group. Study Details and Methodology The research, led by Lucas A. Mavromatis, a medical student at New York University's Grossman School of Medicine, used data from 43 U.S. health systems collected between 2013 and 2023. Study participants included adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher and a diagnosis of diabetes. Each group—those on GLP-1 receptor agonists and those on DPP-4 inhibitors—consisted of 85,015 patients, matched with similar characteristics to reduce bias. 'This trial raises an intriguing hypothesis: that the increasingly popular GLP-1 medications used to treat diabetes and obesity might offer some benefit in reducing the risk of developing cancer,' said Dr. Robin Zon, president of ASCO. 'Though this trial does not establish causation, it hints that these drugs might have a preventative effect. Future research is needed to validate these findings, including in patients who do not have diabetes.' Obesity, Diabetes, and Cancer Risk Obesity is a common risk factor for at least 14 types of cancer, including cancers of the esophagus, colon, rectum, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidney, post-menopausal breast, ovary, endometrium, thyroid, as well as multiple myeloma and meningiomas, according to ASCO. With the prevalence of obesity and diabetes rising, more people are being prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonists. Up to 12 percent of Americans are using such medications, according to the study and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Related Stories 2/21/2025 4/11/2025 GLP-1 receptor agonists work by mimicking hormones that regulate appetite and fullness, helping patients lose weight and control blood sugar. However, the medication can cause side effects such as nausea and stomach pain, and it does not work for everyone. Gender Differences and Next Steps The study found that the protective effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists was most evident in women, who experienced an 8 percent lower risk of obesity-related cancer and a 20 percent lower risk of death from any cause compared to women on DPP-4 inhibitors. The difference was not statistically significant in men, however, and researchers said they could not explain the gender disparity. Lead author Mavromatis highlighted a need for further research on GLP-1 receptor agonists. 'Our results suggest they may modestly cut the chance of developing certain cancers—especially cancers of the colon and rectum—and reduce rates of death due to all causes. These data are reassuring, but more studies are required to prove causation,' he said in the press release. The research team plans to continue monitoring patients for longer periods and hopes to study the cancer risk for people who take such agonists but do not have diabetes. The study was funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases of the National Institutes of Health and will be presented at the ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago from May 30 to June 3. From
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Study: Weight loss drugs could reduce cancer risk
(NewsNation) — New data released shows widely used GLP-1 diabetes drugs like Ozempic could reduce the risk of obesity-related cancers like colorectal cancer. The study looked at 170,030 adults with obesity and diabetes from 43 health systems in the United States, and found that between the groups treated with DPP-4 drugs and GLP-1s, there were 16% fewer colon cancer cases and 28% fewer rectal cancer cases in the group prescribed GLP-1s. Nearly half of US states risk a caregiving crisis, study warns The data showed GLP-1 drugs were much more effective than other types of drugs used to treat diabetes, known as dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, which don't have the same weight loss effect as GLP-1s. 'Patients who took GLP-1 receptor agonists had a 7% lower risk of developing an obesity-related cancer and an 8% lower risk of death from any cause compared to those who took a DPP-4 inhibitor,' the authors of the study said. The authors of the study say they hope to continue their research for a longer period of time and include people who do not have diabetes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Japan Today
22-05-2025
- Health
- Japan Today
Nature's Ozempic: What and how you eat can increase levels of GLP-1 without drugs
By Mary J Scourboutakos Despite the popularity of semaglutide drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy for weight loss, surveys suggest that most people still prefer to lose weight without using medications. For those preferring a drug-free approach to weight loss, research shows that certain nutrients and dietary strategies can naturally mimic the effects of semaglutides. Increased intakes of fibre and monounsaturated fats (found in olive oil and avocados) — as well as the time of day when foods are eaten, the order that foods are eaten in, the speed of eating and even chewing — can naturally stimulate increased production of the same hormone responsible for the effects of semaglutide drugs. As a family physician with a PhD in nutrition, I translate the latest nutrition science into dietary recommendations for my patients. A strategic approach to weight loss rooted in the latest science is not only superior to antiquated calorie counting, but also capitalizes on the same biological mechanisms responsible for the success of popular weight-loss drugs. Semaglutide medications work by increasing the levels of a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1), a satiety signal that slows digestion and makes us feel full. These drugs also simultaneously decrease levels of an enzyme called DPP-4, which inactivates GLP-1. As a result, this 'stop eating' hormone that naturally survives for only a few minutes can survive for an entire week. This enables a semi-permanent, just-eaten sensation of fullness that consequently leads to decreased food intake and, ultimately, weight loss. Nevertheless, medications aren't the only way to raise GLP-1 levels. What you eat Fiber — predominantly found in beans, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds — is the most notable nutrient that can significantly increase GLP-1. When fiber is fermented by the trillions of bacteria that live in our intestines, the resultant byproduct, called short chain fatty acids, stimulates the production of GLP-1. This may explain why fibre consumption is one of the strongest predictors of weight loss and has been shown to enable weight loss even in the absence of calorie restriction. Monounsaturated fats — found in olive oil and avocado oil — are another nutrient that raises GLP-1. One study showed that GLP-1 levels were higher following the consumption of bread and olive oil compared to bread and butter. Though notably, bread consumed with any kind of fat (be it from butter or even cheese) raises GLP-1 more than bread alone. Another study showed that having an avocado alongside your breakfast bagel also increases GLP-1 more so than eating the bagel on its own. Nuts that are high in both fibre and monounsaturated fats, like pistachios, have also been shown to raise GLP-1 levels. How you eat However, the specific foods and nutrients that influence GLP-1 levels are only half the story. GLP-1 is a good example of how it's not just what you eat that matters, it's also how you eat it. Studies show that meal sequence — the order foods are eaten in — can impact GLP-1. Eating protein, like fish or meat, before carbohydrates, like rice, results in a higher GLP-1 level compared to eating carbohydrates before protein. Eating vegetables before carbohydrates has a similar effect. Time of day also matters, because like all hormones, GLP-1 follows a circadian rhythm. A meal eaten at 8 a.m. stimulates a more pronounced release of GLP-1 compared to the same meal at 5 p.m. This may partly explain why the old saying 'eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper' is backed by evidence that demonstrates greater weight loss when breakfast is the largest meal of the day and dinner is the smallest. The speed of eating can matter, too. Eating ice cream over 30 minutes has been shown to produce a significantly higher GLP-1 level compared to eating ice cream over five minutes. However, studies looking at blood sugar responses have suggested that if vegetables are eaten first, the speed of eating becomes less important. Even chewing matters. One study showed that eating shredded cabbage raised GLP-1 more than drinking pureed cabbage. Not as potent as medication While certain foods and dietary strategies can increase GLP-1 naturally, the magnitude is far less than what is achievable with medications. One study of the GLP-1 raising effects of the Mediterranean diet demonstrated a peak GLP-1 level of approximately 59 picograms per milliliter of blood serum. The product monograph for Ozempic reports that the lowest dose produces a GLP-1 level of 65 nanograms per milliliter (one nanogram = 1,000 picograms). So medications raise GLP-1 more than one thousand times higher than diet. Nevertheless, when you compare long-term risk for diseases like heart attacks, the Mediterranean diet lowers risk of cardiac events by 30 per cent, outperforming GLP-1 medications that lower risk by 20 per cent. While weight loss will always be faster with medications, for overall health, dietary approaches are superior to medications. The following strategies are important for those trying to lose weight without a prescription: Eat breakfast Strive to make breakfast the largest meal of the day (or at least frontload your day as much as possible) Aim to eat at least one fibre-rich food at every meal Make olive oil a dietary staple Be mindful of the order that you eat foods in, consume protein and vegetables before carbohydrates Snack on nuts Chew your food Eat slowly While natural approaches to raising GLP-1 may not be as potent as medications, they provide a drug-free approach to weight loss and healthy eating. Mary J Scourboutakos is Adjunct Lecturer in Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto. The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts. External Link © The Conversation
