Researchers identify a potential natural alternative to Ozempic
What if the key to controlling blood sugar and sugar cravings was already within us? A new study published in Nature Microbiology reveals how natural processes could deliver results similar to medications like Ozempic, unlocking our body’s own regulatory mechanisms.
Intrigued? Click through to uncover the breakthrough that could change our approach to diabetes and weight loss.
Still popular
Ozempic was the word on everyone's lips in 2024, and the buzz shows no signs of fading in 2025.
What is it?
This diabetes medication is a GLP-1, which helps manage blood sugar levels when used alongside diet and exercise.
Developed by Novo Nordisk, Ozempic is a convenient weekly injection that patients self-administer to support their diabetes management.
Secondary use
Originally approved by the FDA for those with type 2 diabetes at high risk due to uncontrolled blood sugar, Ozempic has recently gained significant attention for an entirely different reason.
Weight loss
Ozempic curbs appetite by mimicking a hormone that regulates hunger, leading to reduced food intake. This, combined with its ability to slow down digestion, can result in weight loss of up to 15%.
Most wanted
Due to its reported weight-loss benefits, demand for Ozempic has surged among people who don't have type 2 diabetes.
Rival brands
Similarly, other medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro, which are also approved for treating type 2 diabetes, have increasingly been used exclusively for weight loss.
Celeb transformations
Tech billionaire Elon Musk shared with his millions of followers on X that the drug played a key role in his recent weight loss.
New alternative
Exciting new research suggests that our bodies may hold the key to naturally regulating blood sugar levels and curbing sugar cravings, much like semaglutide medications.
All natural
The study suggests that a particular gut microbe and the compounds it produces during digestion play a crucial role in the body's natural blood sugar control.
Research
Researchers at Jiangnan University in China have demonstrated that increasing the abundance of a specific gut microbe in diabetic mice can stimulate the release of glucagon-like peptide-1.
Natural source
Since Ozempic and other brands mimic natural processes in the body and have proven highly effective, this research team set out to discover how to stimulate the body to produce more GLP-1 on its own.
Finding the culprit
Until recently, scientists lacked a clear understanding of how specific genes, gut bacteria, and the substances they produce within the gut influence our cravings for sugar.
Connecting the dots
The study found that mice lacking the gut protein Ffar4 exhibited reduced levels of B. vulgatus in their gut. This was associated with decreased production of fibroblast growth factor (FGF21), a hormone linked to sugar cravings.
Cravings controller
This finding aligns with human studies, which suggest that individuals with genetic variations that enhance FGF21 production may have a stronger preference for sweet tastes.
Hormone combo
The researchers found that when mice received a substance produced by the gut bacteria B. vulgatus, it increased the production of both GLP-1 and FGF21 hormones.
Next steps
While more research is needed to determine if these findings apply to human patients, the researchers believe their study points to a promising way to prevent diabetes in the future.
Heavy on the pocket
Ozempic carries a hefty price tag, often exceeding US$1,000 per month out-of-pocket, as most insurance plans only cover it for type 2 diabetes.
