Natural Foods May Offer Ozempic-Like Benefits, New Research suggests
New research indicates that compounds found in everyday foods like tea, coffee, and fiber-rich sources may stimulate the release of gut hormones that mimic the effects of popular GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, offering a potential drug-free approach to blood sugar control and weight management. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in September 2025 found that dietary fiber supplements improved blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity in individuals who are overweight or obese.
While GLP-1 medications have gained prominence for their effectiveness in treating type 2 diabetes and aiding weight loss, the underlying physiological mechanisms – specifically the role of gut hormones – have been a focus of scientific inquiry for decades. This new research suggests that naturally occurring compounds can activate these same pathways, potentially offering preventative benefits and a complementary approach to managing metabolic health. This is notably relevant as the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and obesity continues to rise globally.
The study highlights that flavonoids, found in beverages like tea and coffee, and also in citrus fruits and hops, can stimulate GLP-1 release. Similarly, dietary fibers appear to trigger the release of gut hormones, potentially increasing insulin stimulation and suppressing appetite, though the exact mechanisms are still being investigated.
Researchers suspect that fibers increase the release of gut hormones, like GLP-1. The findings build on research that began in the early 1990s when GLP-1 was first infused intravenously in clinical trials. Three decades later,scientists are still working to fully understand this crucial physiological mechanism,which now underpins some of the world’s most popular drugs.
The review, published in Toxicology Reports by AL-Noshokaty and colleagues, underscores the need for further research into how diffrent foods impact gut hormones. However, it opens the possibility that strategically incorporating certain natural foods into one’s diet could offer a subtle, yet impactful, way to support metabolic health and potentially protect against the progress of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic issues.
