Chasing Life: Is There a Natural Equivalent to Ozempic?

Release Date: April 22, 2025

In this insightful episode of Chasing Life, Dr. Sanjay Gupta delves into the burgeoning conversation around GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) hormones and their role in weight management and overall health. Titled "Is There a Natural Equivalent to Ozempic?", the episode addresses listener questions about natural alternatives to GLP-1 medications and offers guidance on accessing reliable health information in an age rife with misinformation.

1. Understanding GLP-1 and Its Natural Stimulation

Listener Question: Nina from a Chicago suburb asks, “Are there natural ways to stimulate GLP1? I was just curious if it's something that your body makes or something your body produces, I believe after you eat. So are there natural ways for that to be done other than taking the shot?”

Dr. Gupta’s Exploration: Dr. Gupta provides a comprehensive overview of GLP-1, emphasizing its role as a post-nutrient hormone that is released after eating. He explains how GLP-1 stimulates the pancreas to produce insulin, slows gastric emptying, and activates brain regions responsible for feelings of fullness.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta [01:30]: “GLP1, that's actually short for glucagon-like peptide. It is probably best described as a post nutrient hormone. What does that mean? Substances that the human body releases after consuming food.”

He further discusses the synthetic versions of GLP-1 used in medications like Ozempic, which help individuals who struggle with overeating due to insufficient natural GLP-1 production.

Natural Alternatives: Dr. Gupta highlights fiber as a key natural stimulator of GLP-1 production. He underscores that most Americans do not consume adequate fiber, which is crucial for enhancing the body’s natural GLP-1 levels.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta [04:50]: “Fiber. Most Americans, frankly most people, at least in the developed world, do not get enough fiber. What we know is that high fiber diets tend to release more natural GLP1.”

He advocates for a high-fiber diet combined with regular exercise and healthy lifestyle choices as the best strategy for weight loss and improving overall health. However, he also acknowledges that for some individuals, especially those with obesity, natural methods may not suffice, and GLP-1 medications might be necessary.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta [08:20]: “I realized that for certain people, no matter how attentive they are to their overall health, they still gain weight. They have that constant maddening food chatter in their brains. So you can create more natural GLP1. I think a high fiber diet is probably one of the best ways to do it.”

Insights and Conclusions: Dr. Gupta concludes that while natural methods like increasing fiber intake are beneficial for boosting GLP-1 levels, they may not be effective for everyone. For those who meet the criteria, GLP-1 medications could be a viable option to aid in weight management and enhance overall health.

2. Navigating Health Information for Older Americans

Listener Question: Tina from Houston inquires, “What are some ways that we can get health news which are easy to digest to older Americans now that government entities, their websites and their services are compromised?”

Dr. Gupta’s Guidance: Addressing Tina’s concern, Dr. Gupta acknowledges the challenges posed by diminishing government communication channels and the rise of medical myths and conspiracy theories.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta [11:10]: “There is a lot of medical myths and conspiracy theories out there, so it's increasingly difficult to get accurate information.”

He emphasizes the importance of relying on trusted sources such as CNN Health, which adheres to rigorous criteria by citing peer-reviewed studies and evidence-based information. Dr. Gupta advises listeners to seek out primary sources and critically evaluate the origins of the information they encounter.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta [11:50]: “We cite studies that are published in academic journals that are evidence-based and that have been peer-reviewed.”

Expert Tips from Laurel Bristow: Dr. Gupta brings in insights from Laurel Bristow, an infectious disease researcher, who offers practical tips for discerning reliable health information:

Laurel Bristow [12:29]:

• “Stress the limitations of what we know, stressing that things change.”
• “If something sounds too good or too bad to be true, it probably is.”
• “Science communication, if they are selling a product to you, if they have invented a problem that they are going to sell you the cure for, that's a huge red flag.”

Dr. Gupta reinforces these points, advising listeners to remain critical, verify sources, and be cautious of information designed to elicit strong emotional reactions.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta [13:20]: “Stay critical. And most of all, Tina, thank you for your question. Because you care about health info and accuracy, so do we.”

Insights and Conclusions: The episode underscores the necessity of critical thinking and source verification in navigating health information. Dr. Gupta empowers listeners, especially older Americans, to seek out reputable sources, understand the evolving nature of medical science, and avoid falling prey to misinformation.

Final Thoughts

In "Is There a Natural Equivalent to Ozempic?", Dr. Sanjay Gupta effectively balances detailed scientific explanations with practical advice. He not only elucidates the mechanisms and natural boosters of GLP-1 but also equips listeners with strategies to access and evaluate trustworthy health information. This episode serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand the intersection of hormones, medication, and diet in managing health, as well as navigating the complex landscape of health news.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Sanjay Gupta [01:30]: “GLP1, that's actually short for glucagon-like peptide. It is probably best described as a post nutrient hormone.”

• Dr. Sanjay Gupta [04:50]: “Fiber. Most Americans, frankly most people, at least in the developed world, do not get enough fiber.”

• Laurel Bristow [12:29]: “If something sounds too good or too bad to be true, it probably is.”

• Dr. Sanjay Gupta [13:20]: “Stay critical. And most of all, Tina, thank you for your question.”

For More Information: Listeners are encouraged to reach out with further questions via email at asksanjaynn.com or by calling 470-396-0832. Stay tuned to Chasing Life for more episodes exploring the secrets of the happiest and healthiest people on the planet.