The Rise of GLP-1

What Does It Mean and Why Is Everyone Talking About It?

By Ella Nenadic

Graphic by Layan Boulon

Chances are, if you're interested in health you’ve probably heard someone mention GLP-1; recently, this hormone has been making headlines and creating a strong impact in the weight loss scene.

But in order to understand why GLP-1 is earning so much publicity, we must first understand what it is and what role the hormone plays in our body. Glucagon-like peptide 1 is a hormone present in all of our bodies, and is responsible for telling our body how much insulin to produce, how quickly our stomachs should empty, and what messages to send to our brains regarding appetite.

Many people associate GLP-1 with unnatural weight loss medications like Ozempic, Victoza, and Mounjaro; however, these medications do not actually boost the GLP-1 hormone, but instead mimic the hormone by slowing the rate of stomach emptying and sending messages to the brain that tell the body it’s full. These medications all aim to promote satiety and weight loss through imitating this hormone; however, they can also be easily abused by users for the wrong reasons.

The secret that many people aren’t aware of, is that we can actually boost our GLP-1 hormone levels naturally through whole foods and healthy habits. A healthy diet is designed to work with our GLP-1 levels, instead of trying to recreate them. What we eat, when we eat, and the order in which we eat are all variables that can affect our mood, cravings, and holistic health.

In order to use our diets to our advantage, many studies suggest a simple plate method. The plate method is a visual guide to building a healthy meal by sectioning our plates into different categories. If you’re looking to stimulate your GLP-1 levels to increase satiety, consider adding the following to your diet: protein, fiber, fats, and probiotics/fermented foods. While protein was a huge trend in the food market this past year, in 2026, many signs are pointing to fiber as the next best thing for our health. Science also suggests that pairing the two together, along with fats and gut healthy probiotics, can help your digestive system fully break down your meal while also keeping you full for longer periods of time. Over time, this combination can also help reduce cravings for highly processed foods which can cause bloating and disrupt the gut microbiome.

GLP-1 may sound fancy or intimidating, but it does not need to always have a negative connotation. In fact, the hormone just needs to be understood. We can reap similar health benefits as those produced by medications without the downsides or risks, and still boost productivity in our gut, heart, and energy levels. The GLP-1 hormone is a little superhero fighting for the overall health of our bodies, and it deserves a better reputation and proper care!