From the Guidelines
No, there are currently no supplements that act like GLP-1 drugs for weight loss. GLP-1 medications, such as semaglutide and liraglutide, work through specific receptor mechanisms that mimic the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1, which regulates appetite and insulin secretion 1. These prescription medications are proteins that would be broken down in the digestive system if taken orally as supplements, which is why they must be injected. Some supplement companies market products claiming to be "GLP-1 alternatives" containing ingredients like berberine, apple cider vinegar, or various herbs, but these do not work through the same mechanisms and lack clinical evidence showing comparable effectiveness to actual GLP-1 medications.
The dramatic weight loss results seen with prescription GLP-1 agonists, such as semaglutide, which has been shown to result in a mean weight loss of 14.9% and 16.0% in the STEP 1 and STEP 3 trials, respectively 1, are not matched by any available supplements. In fact, a systematic review and meta-analysis of GLP-1 receptor agonists reported that subcutaneous semaglutide reduced weight and improved weight-related comorbidities significantly more than liraglutide and was associated with lower rates of gastrointestinal adverse events 1.
If you're interested in weight loss, evidence-based approaches include:
- Calorie reduction
- Regular physical activity
- Adequate sleep
- Stress management
- Consulting a healthcare provider about medically supervised options, such as semaglutide or liraglutide, which have been shown to be effective for weight loss and have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of obesity 1. It is essential to prioritize evidence-based approaches and consult with a healthcare provider before starting any weight loss program.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
GLP-1 Supplements for Weight Loss
There are no direct supplements that act like GLP-1 drugs for weight loss. However, some studies have investigated the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight loss:
- GLP-1 receptor agonists have been shown to be effective in reducing body weight and improving glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes 2, 3.
- These agents work by augmenting hyperglycemia-induced insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon secretion, decelerating gastric emptying, and reducing calorie intake and body weight 2.
- Some GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide, have been found to have greater efficacy in lowering plasma glucose and body weight compared to other agents in the same class 2, 3.
- A review of clinical trials has demonstrated that GLP-1 receptor agonists are effective therapeutic options for reducing A1C and weight, although differences exist in terms of magnitude of effect and frequency of adverse effects 3.
Availability and Accessibility
The development of GLP-1 receptor agonist biosimilars may potentially address the high cost and limited accessibility of these medications:
- Biosimilars of liraglutide and semaglutide are being investigated, with preliminary results showing similar clinical efficacy and safety profiles to the reference products 4.
- The high monthly cost of GLP-1 receptor agonists without insurance is a significant barrier to accessibility, with costs ranging from $892 to $1418 per month 4.
Clinical Implications
GLP-1 receptor agonists may be a useful therapeutic option for patients experiencing weight regain after bariatric surgery:
- A retrospective observational study found that treatment with GLP-1 receptor agonists (liraglutide and semaglutide) resulted in a significant reduction in weight and BMI, with no serious adverse events reported 5.
- The study suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists may be a safe and effective treatment option for patients experiencing weight regain after bariatric surgery, highlighting the need for further research in this area 5.