Over the previous yr, you’ll have observed GLP-1 popping up in headlines, social media posts and conversations about weight reduction. However what precisely is it, and why is it instantly so related?
Whether or not you’re curious in regards to the science behind the brand new weight reduction drugs or questioning how your physique naturally regulates urge for food, understanding GLP-1 is a superb place to start out. Dr Sarah Bennett, registered nutritionist and senior analysis affiliate at Slimming World, breaks down what it’s, the way it works and the way it suits into on a regular basis wholesome consuming.
What’s GLP-1?
GLP-1 (or glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone discovered within the physique that helps regulate blood sugar and urge for food. It’s made within the intestine and launched after we eat.
How does it work?
It stimulates the discharge of insulin, a hormone that helps our cells use the sugar from our blood. It additionally slows down how shortly meals leaves the abdomen, that means we really feel fuller for longer, and sends alerts to the mind indicating that we’re full. This, in flip, reduces our urge for food.
Why do I maintain listening to about it?
The flurry of stories tales about weight reduction drugs (together with Wegovy and Mounjaro) might have one thing to do with it. These drugs act by mimicking GLP-1, inflicting elevated emotions of fullness and decreased urge for food, resulting in weight reduction for some folks.
Does pure GLP-1 have the identical affect because the GLP-1 that’s mimicked by the load loss drugs?
No, they’ve totally different results. Pure GLP-1 is damaged down fairly shortly by an enzyme within the physique that the load loss medication have been designed to face up to. The results of pure GLP-1 are subsequently extra short-lived, primarily felt round mealtimes, whereas the load loss drugs can final days or even weeks relying on which one is used and the dosage. On account of their extended presence, the load loss medication are stronger and have a stronger impact on urge for food suppression than the GLP-1 that’s naturally produced within the physique.
Do sure meals improve GLP-1 secretion?
All meals stimulate the discharge of GLP-1, however sure meals can improve it greater than others. For instance, meals excessive in protein similar to rooster and eggs, dairy meals similar to milk and yogurt, wholesome fat similar to avocado or olive oil and soluble fibre similar to oats and lentils can all improve GLP-1. Though this pure GLP-1 is damaged down comparatively shortly, these meals additionally carry further well being advantages. They’re all Free Meals or Wholesome Extras that may be loved as a part of Slimming World’s wholesome consuming plan, Meals Optimising.
So, can I nonetheless really feel full and drop a few pounds with out weight reduction drugs?
Completely! We carried out analysis which confirmed that folks following our wholesome consuming plan felt fuller and fewer hungry and misplaced extra weight than folks following a calorie-controlled plan. It’s because Meals Optimising is predicated on low energy-dense meals, that means you may replenish for fewer energy. We additionally encourage a beneficiant consumption of filling meals excessive in fibre and protein.
Once you be part of Slimming World, you’ll get all the knowledge you could observe Meals Optimising – together with a full checklist of Free Meals and Wholesome Extras – within the new member ebook. You may as well use the Meals Search instrument and barcode scanner on the app to simply see how totally different meals match into the plan, in addition to which meals are excessive in protein and fibre.
Find out more about the science behind the Slimming World plan
What if I’m taking weight reduction remedy?
Then you definitely’re in the correct place! Assist to have a nutritious diet and improve your bodily exercise is particularly necessary if you happen to’re taking weight reduction drugs to make sure you’re getting the important vitamins you want, and for muscle upkeep (each are very important for good well being). Plus, Slimming World gives long-term assist, which is particularly key for weight reduction upkeep in the long run when you cease taking the remedy.
How does Slimming World carry on high of the newest analysis?
At Slimming World, we now have our personal in-house group of dietitians, registered nutritionists, knowledge analysts and analysis scientists. Combining our wide-ranging experience and expertise, we be certain that the Slimming World plan develops according to the newest advances and understanding in meals, diet, well being and weight administration.
Once you turn out to be a Slimming World member, you may relaxation assured that our plan is secure, efficient and based mostly on 5 many years – and counting! – of analysis into the science and psychology of weight reduction.
