Posted by Seminal Wellness Team on 10/1/2025 to
News
So, all we needed was a shot, once a week? Next to popping a pill (which will be available soon enough), losing weight couldn't get any easier. A simple shot, once weekly, that knocks off the pounds—while controlling diabetes and reducing heart-disease risk, particularly in those of with Type 2 diabetes—is better than a dream come true. Or, is it? GLP-1s cost about a thousand monthly—making it inaccessible for many who need—and they don't work for everyone. But, there may be better options. Another innate hormone may actually be more effective than GLP-1 for weight loss, and a range of healthy foods, and techniques, can naturally power the fat-burning mechanisms in our bodies. Through analyzing how GLP-1 works; another weight-loss hormone; foods that promote GLP-1 and BRP; and behaviors for optimal weight, we'll explore alternatives.
How GLP-1 Works
GLP-1—or glucagon-like peptide-1—is a natural hormone emitted by the gut after eating, which aids in regulating blood sugar and appetite (Lerche et al., 2008). GLP-1 receptor agonists are medications that simulate this hormone to spur insulin release—when blood-sugar levels are high, prompting the lowering of blood sugar—slow stomach emptying, and decrease hunger, enabling them to be an effective treatment for Type 2 diabetes, and allowing them to stimulate weight loss (Mehrtash, Dushay, & Manson, 2025). However, common side effects are nausea, vomiting, constipation, and "Ozempic face" (facial sagging that commonly accompanies rapid weight loss) (UCLA Health, 2025). Other frequently experienced cosmetic changes upon using GLP-1 agonists include a hollowed, sunken look, especially at the cheeks and eyes; more visible lines and wrinkles; sagging loose skin (principally, around the abdomen, waists, thighs, and buttocks); and thinning lips (UCLA Health, 2025). Moreover, the majority of people who begin using GLP-1s stop taking them before they see substantial benefit because of the considerable costs and side effects (Capital Blue Cross, 2025).
GLP-1 agonists are available as injectable medications like semaglutide (e.g., Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus); liraglutide (e.g., Victoza); exenatide (e.g., Byetta and Januvia); and tirzepatide (e.g., Mounjaro, primarily for diabetes, and Zepbound for weight loss). Like organic GLP-1, they prompt the pancreas to release more insulin, helping to lower blood sugar; constrain the release of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar; slow the rate of gastric emptying (food leaving the stomach), which can assist in controlling blood sugar and minimizing cravings; and, activate the brain's satiety centers, like organic GLP-1, increasing feelings of fullness, facilitating reduced appetite and decreasing food intake (VCU Health, 2025). Most GLP-1s are administered via once weekly injections (VCU Health, 2025). Nevertheless, another organic hormone has been identified that works just as well as GLP-1 agonists—without the side effects.
Another Weight-Loss Hormone
An organic molecule—identified by Stanford Medicine researchers—known as BRP peptide (BRP) also appears to reduce appetite and facilitate weight loss, just as semaglutide (with Ozempic being the most commercially successful) does. Additionally, testing in animals—namely mice and pigs—indicated that BRP was effective without nausea, constipation and substantial loss of muscle mass—common semaglutide side effects. This 12-amino-acid peptide acts through a distinct yet similar metabolic pathway, and stimulates different neurons in the brain. It appears to act specifically in the hypothalamus, the region of the brain that controls appetite and metabolism. The BRP finding would not have been possible without AI filtering through dozens of proteins in a class called prohormones—biologically inert molecules that are activated when cleaved by other proteins into smaller pieces, called peptides. On account of this breakthrough, foods and behaviors that promote both GLP-1 and BRP in the body may be the actual keys to sustainable weight loss. (Conger, 2025)
Foods that Promote GLP-1 and BRP
Certain foods and supplements naturally promote both GLP-1 and BRP in your body. Healthy fats—including monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and omega-3 fatty acids, found in salmon, tuna, trout, cod, and shrimp among other seafood; avocado; olives; flaxseeds and associated oils—promote these weight-loss hormones, while protecting your heart (Mayer, 2024; Rowe & Golden, 2025). Lean proteins including fish (as indicated); chicken; turkey; eggs (especially, egg whites); lean beef; low-fat cottage cheese; yogurt; tofu; and soybeans will also ramp up GLP-1 and BRP production (Mayer, 2024; Rowe & Golden, 2025). Soluble fiber—namely, water-rich fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes (like beans and lentils), flaxseeds, and chia seeds—will also help in maximizing the body's GLP and BRP production (Rowe & Golden, 2025). Supplements can also be effective in raising the production of these integral, weight-loss hormones. Psyllium, berberine, yerba mate (llec paraguariensis), curcumin, ginseng, and wild bitter gourd (momordica charanita) are just six such supplements (Rowe & Golden, 2025). Along with these, lifestyle changes—including particular exercise routines that combine cardio and strength training, and mindfulness approaches—can further propel GLP-1 and BRP production, while making weight loss sustainable.
Behaviors for Optimal Weight
Tailored exercises, and mindfulness
approaches, can promote the body's GLP-1 and BRP production, while enabling you to maintain an optimal weight. Engaging in cardio exercises like running, cycling, swimming, brisk or extended walking (go a few blocks further ;-)), and high-intensity interval training (HIIT)trigger the calorie burn that is essential to losing weight. Strength training—like pushups, squats, and weights—builds the muscle mass that raises your resting metabolic rate (the speed at which your body burns calories, when you're inactive) (Batitucci et al., 2023). Vigorous exercise has also been shown to suppress the hunger hormone, ghrelin (Mayer, 2024). Ideally, a workout should combine cardio and strength training—perhaps, 60% of the time allocated to cardio and the remaining 40% dedicated to strength training—to expedite, and optimize, your weight-loss journey. Mindfulness may also spur weight loss as approaches like meditation can promote the calm and equilibrium that optimizes metabolism, and, ultimately, supports a healthy weight (Carrière et al., 2018; Olson & Emery, 2015). Additionally, mindful eating— approaching eating intentionally, with careful selection of meals and consumption at a measured pace—has been shown to promote weight loss, particularly by prompting observers to refrain from binge and emotional eating (Minari et al., 2024). Much of this approach is embodied in the BLAST diet, a research-based framework developed by Seminal Wellness. Essentially, a multi-faceted approach is needed for enduring, and healthy, weight loss. Even when semaglutides work effectively, individuals often plateau, not fully realizing their weight-loss goals, frequently with—at the very least, unpleasant—and occasionally dangerous side effects including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypoglycemia and pancreatitis (which is quite rare). Moreover, GLP-1s were never meant to be standalone treatments for diabetes, overweight or obesity; they were meant to be used alongside other effective methods and approaches. Combining a healthy diet, tailored exercises, and mindfulness is a more sustainable. An optimized weight doesn't have to depend on a weekly shot. In fact, you've had the secret, and the silver bullet, in your body all along; you've just needed some lifestyle changes to make it sustainable. Now, you can call all the shots.
References
Batitucci, G., Faria Junior, E. V., Nogueira, J. E., Brandão, C. F., Abud, G. F., Ortiz, G. U., Marchini, J.S., & Freitas, E. C. (2022). Impact of intermittent fasting combined with high-intensity interval training on body composition, metabolic biomarkers, and physical fitness in women with obesity. Frontiers in Nutrition, 9, 884305. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.884305
Capital Blue Cross. (2025). Five things you should know about GLP-1 drugs for weight loss. https://www.capbluecross.com/wps/portal/cap/home/explore/resource/capital-journal/five-things-you-should-know-about-glp-1-drugs-for-weight-loss
Carrière, K., Khoury, B., Günak, M. M., & Knäuper, B. (2018). Mindfulness-based interventions for weight loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Obesity Reviews, 19(2), 164-177. https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.12623
Champ, C. E., Carpenter, D. J., Diaz, A. K., Rosenberg, J., Ackerson, B. G., & Hyde, P. N. (2023). Resistance training for patients with cancer: a conceptual framework for maximizing strength, power, functional mobility, and body composition to optimize health and outcomes. Sports Medicine, 53(1), 75-89. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-022-01759-z
Conger, K. (2025). Naturally occurring molecule rivals Ozempic in weight loss, sidesteps side effects. https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2025/03/ozempic-rival.html
Intermountain Health. (2025). Your friendly guide to GLP-1 weight loss: What works, what doesn't and what's next. https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/your-friendly-guide-to-glp-1-weight-loss-what-works-what-doesnt-and-whats-next
Lerche, S., Brock, B., Rungby, J., Bøtker, H.E., Møller, N., Rodell, A., Bibby, B.M., Holst, J.J., Schmitz, O. & Gjedde, A. (2008). Glucagon-like peptide-1 inhibits blood-brain glucose transfer in human. Diabetes, 57(2), 325-331. https://doi.org/10.2337/db07-1162
Mayer, B.A. (2024). 6 natural Ozempic alternatives that can help quiet "food noise." https://www.healthline.com/health-news/natural-ozempic-alternatives-quiet-food-noise
Mehrtash, F., Dushay, J., & Manson, J.E. (2025). I am taking a GLP-1 weight-loss medication—What should I know? JAMA Intern Med, 185(9), 1180. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2025.1133
Minari, T. P., Araújo-Filho, G. M. D., Tácito, L. H. B., Yugar, L. B. T., de Azevedo Rubio, T., A., Pires, A. C., Vilela-Martin, J.F., Consenso-Martin, L.N., Fattori, A., Yugar-Toledo, J.C., & Moreno, H. (2024). Effects of mindful eating in patients with obesity and binge eating disorder. Nutrients, 16(6), 884. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16060884
Olson, K. L., & Emery, C. F. (2015). Mindfulness and weight loss: a systematic review. Psychosomatic Medicine, 77(1), 59-67. https://doi.org/10.1097/PSY.0000000000000127
Rowe, N. & Golden, K.E. (2025). 9 foods and supplements that increase GLP-1 naturally. https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/weight-loss/how-to-increase-glp-1-naturally
UCLA Health. (2025). Ozempic face (and other GLP-1 side effects). https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/ozempic-face-and-other-glp-1-side-effects
VCU Health. (2025). What do GLP-1 receptor agonists actually do? https://www.vcuhealth.org/news/what-do-glp-1-receptor-agonists-actually-do/
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1 Comments
Rita Orr
Date
10/5/2025
Aside from the cost, I don't like being reliant on things. I like how the mindfulness aspect lets you be more in control. How can you build on that?
Seminal Wellness Team
Date
10/5/2025
That's an excellent question Rita. Along with mindful eating and making reflection part of your routine, you can be more intentional about your lifestyle and behaviors. Many of us are emotional eaters, eating when under stress or to better deal with a crisis. Sometimes we even "splurge"—make it a "super cheat day"—when there's something to celebrate. Let's stop making food our emotional centerpiece. Implementing strategies to deal with challenges or rejoicing with a friends on the group chat can be just as satisfying and even healthier ways to recognize moments. Even after critical victories or successes, take a little time to think about ways to keep the momentum going or to make things even better. Regarding mindful eating, you can plan your meals for the day or even the week, so you won't be pressured into an unhealthy (and often overpriced) impulse buy. Take the time to plan healthy and delicious meals that'll satisfy you and power your day. You can also try new exercises for your workout to build on other aspects of fitness (e.g., mire strength-training) or ambitious routines that'll challenge you. Essentially, the mindfulness aspect is about taking a beat to be present, optimize (or tweak) your behavior and develop the healthy habits that'll get you to the next level. Thanks again for the question.
