GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have been making news as popular, game-changing tools for weight management. But for some, the results don’t live up to the hype, especially when side effects like bloating or constipation appear. The hidden reason? Your gut could be getting in the way.
Curious about your gut's influence on these medications? We take a deeper dive into how the gut can impact GLP-1 weight loss success, and the simple habits that can help you feel better and get more from your treatment.
What Are GLP-1 Medications, and How Do They Help?
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone your body naturally produces in your gut. It plays a crucial role in balancing blood sugar, slowing digestion, and signalling fullness to your brain after meals.
In recent years, scientists have developed medications that help to mimic this hormone. GLP-1 receptor agonist medications that help:
Reduce appetite
Improve how the body responds to insulin
Support weight loss efforts
Maintain steady blood sugar levels
While these medications work wonders for many, others might not see the full benefits and can experience digestive and other bodily discomforts. This is why paying attention to your gut health can be especially important.
Your Gut: The Unsung Hero of GLP-1 Function
The gut is key to GLP-1 production and function. Special cells lining your intestines, known as L-cells, release GLP-1 in response to the food you eat. A healthy, diverse microbiome, home to trillions of bacteria and organisms within your gut, helps stimulate these cells and support natural GLP-1 activity.
If there is inflammation in the gut, your digestion feels sluggish or your gut feels out of balance, it could slow down your body’s natural GLP-1 production. This can also affect the effectiveness of GLP-1 medications in the body.
Signs Your Gut May Be Impacting Your GLP-1 Results
If you have noticed issues such as persistent bloating, irregular bowel movements, or unexplained fatigue, these might be signs that your gut needs some extra care.
Some signs to look out for:
Bloating, indigestion, or heartburn
Digestive discomforts, such as gas or cramping
Irregular or sluggish bowel movements
Low energy or poor nutrient absorption
It is also important to note that if these symptoms are persistent, painful and impacting daily life, speak to your GP or a health professional.
Supporting Your Gut to Boost GLP-1 Effectiveness
Think your gut could do with a boost? Here are some simple ideas to get you started:
Fill up with Fibre: Fibre is the foundation for a thriving microbiome. It feeds beneficial gut bacteria, boosts microbial diversity, and supports your body’s natural GLP-1 production. Aim for a variety of soluble and insoluble fibres, which are often found in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.
Power up with Postbiotics: You've probably heard of probiotics, the beneficial bacteria that help support a healthy gut. Postbiotics are the next big thing in gut health- these are compounds produced when probiotics ferment fibre. They contain short-chain fatty acid (SCFAs) such as butyrate, which strengthen your gut barrier and reduce inflammation. Supporting your microbiome with postbiotics can help to stimulate your body’s natural GLP-1 release. An easy way to add postbiotics to your diet is with a daily serving of P3 Gut Builder or Gut Starter.
Choose GLP-1 Friendly Foods: Some foods naturally support GLP-1 production. Opt for foods that are high in protein, fibre, and healthy fats, while being low in sugar and refined carbohydrates. Here are some of our top picks:
Lean Protein Foods: Fish, chicken, turkey, eggs, cottage cheese, lean cuts of beef
Fermented Foods and Drinks: Postbiotic Tonics, sauerkraut, miso, yoghurt, pickles & olives (fermented in salt, not in vinegar)
Foods high in Healthy Fats: Avocado, full-fat dairy, nuts and seeds, olive oil, fatty fish (e.g. Mackerel, salmon and tuna)
Leafy, colourful and bitter vegetables: Rocket, dandelion greens, Artichokes, Capsicum
Stay Hydrated & Keep Moving: Good hydration and movement aren’t just good for your overall health; they can also help digestion and reduce side effects such as constipation.
Prioritise your Gut for Better Results
If your GLP-1 medication is not giving you the results you had hoped for, it could be helpful to take a closer look at your gut. Supporting it with whole natural foods, fibre, and postbiotics could make a meaningful difference, not just in weight loss, but in how you feel every day.
Ready to start giving your gut some love? Explore Meluka’s tasty range of postbiotic tonics and gut nutrition powders here, and take a step closer to better gut health, microbiome balance and wellbeing.
