5 foods that naturally stimulate the Ozempic hormone without drugs

Want to shed pounds without getting poked? Your fork might be the fix.While GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have taken the weight-loss world by storm, there are some everyday foods that offer similar benefits naturally — no needle required.

“No one food is a magic bullet for anything, but getting a balanced diet rich in nutrition-dense foods is a great way to manage your appetite and feelings of being full,” Dr.Amir Khan, a general practitioner, said in an Instagram video.

Khan broke down five foods to add to your diet if you’re looking to naturally boost your levels of GLP-1, the hunger-controlling hormone that these trendy drugs are designed to mimic.An added bonus: These foods are also packed with nutrients that benefit your whole body, not just your waistline.GLP-1 is a hormone released by the small intestine after you eat, according to the Cleveland Clinic.It plays several key roles in how the body processes food, including triggering insulin production to turn meals into energy and lower blood sugar levels.It also suppresses glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar, and slows stomach emptying, which helps you feel fuller for longer.GLP-1 drugs mimic this natural process by curbing appetite and reducing food intake, often leading to weight loss.

But according to Khan, some kitchen staples can produce similar effects.Packed with protein and monounsaturated fats, eggs have been shown to help boost GLP-1 secretion.“Egg whites in particular are thought to be beneficial to GLP-1 release,” Khan said.A 2016 study compared a bagel breakfast to one with three eggs.The egg meal led to lower blood sugar after eating, less hunger, and reduced food intake over the next 24 hours.Almonds, pistachios, and walnuts may help boost GLP-1 thanks to their fiber, protein, and healthy fats.These nutrients work together to slow digestion, leading to a more steady rise in blood sugar and improving insulin sensitivity.Grains like oats, barley and whole wheat are pa...