GLP-1 Agonist: What is it and how does it work?

GLP-1 agonists have revolutionized weight management and diabetes treatment. But what exactly are they, and how do they work in your body? This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about GLP-1 medications and natural alternatives.

Niket Soni
By Niket Soni (Biomedical Science & Nutrition expert)
Last Updated Nov 02, 2025

What is GLP-1?

GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) is a natural hormone your body produces in your intestines in response to eating food. Think of it as your body's "fullness hormone."

What Does Natural GLP-1 Do?

  • Signals fullness to your brain: Tells you when you've had enough to eat
  • Slows gastric emptying: Keeps food in your stomach longer
  • Regulates blood sugar: Stimulates insulin release when needed
  • Reduces appetite: Decreases cravings and hunger signals
  • Suppresses glucagon: Prevents excess glucose production

The Problem: Natural GLP-1 is Short-Lived

Your body's natural GLP-1 only lasts 1-2 minutes before being broken down. This short lifespan limits its effectiveness for sustained appetite control and blood sugar regulation.

This is where GLP-1 agonists come in...

What is a GLP-1 Agonist?

A GLP-1 agonist is a synthetic medication that mimics your body's natural GLP-1 hormone but lasts much longer.

Weekly Injections

  • Semaglutide: Ozempic, Wegovy
  • Dulaglutide: Trulicity
  • Tirzepatide: Mounjaro, Zepbound

Daily Injections

  • Liraglutide: Victoza, Saxenda
  • Exenatide: Byetta

Oral Medication

  • Semaglutide: Rybelsus

How Do GLP-1 Agonists Work?

In Your Brain

Appetite Suppression: Reduces hunger and increases feelings of fullness

Reward System: May reduce cravings by affecting dopamine pathways

In Your Stomach

Delayed Gastric Emptying: Slows food leaving your stomach

One meal can keep you satisfied for 4-6 hours

In Your Pancreas

Insulin Secretion: Stimulates insulin when blood sugar is high

Glucagon Suppression: Reduces excess glucose production

In Your Liver

Reduced Glucose Production: Decreases new glucose creation

Improved Insulin Sensitivity: Helps your body use insulin better

Benefits

  • ✓ Weight loss: 10-20% of body weight
  • ✓ Blood sugar control
  • ✓ Reduced appetite & food noise
  • ✓ Cardiovascular benefits
  • ✓ 4-6 hours of sustained fullness

Side Effects & Drawbacks

  • ⚠ Nausea (20-50% of users)
  • ⚠ Vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
  • ⚠ Cost: $900-$1,500/month
  • ⚠ Weekly/daily injections required
  • ⚠ Prescription needed
  • ⚠ Weight regain after stopping
  • ⚠ Potential muscle loss

Natural Alternative to Prescription GLP-1 Drugs

You can naturally boost your body's own GLP-1 production through specific nutrients.

1. High-Quality Protein (25g+ per meal)

Protein is one of the most powerful natural GLP-1 stimulators. When protein reaches your intestines, it triggers GLP-1 release.

✓ Increases satiety naturally
✓ No side effects

2. Prebiotic Fiber (25-30g daily)

Fiber feeds beneficial gut bacteria that produce SCFAs, which stimulate GLP-1 secretion from L-cells in your intestines.

✓ Sustained GLP-1 production
✓ Improved gut health

The Science

Studies show that high-protein, high-fiber diets:

  • Increase natural GLP-1 levels by 20-40%
  • Improve satiety and reduce calorie intake
  • Support healthy weight loss (1-2 lbs per week)
  • Stabilize blood sugar levels
  • Reduce cravings and "food noise"

Introducing todo: The Natural GLP-1 Booster

todo was scientifically formulated to naturally support your body's GLP-1 production

Feature
Prescription GLP-1
todo
Cost
$900-$1,500/month
~$80/month
Prescription
Required
None needed
Side Effects
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Can't stop drinking tasty shakes
Injections
Yes (weekly/daily)
No. It's in a can. Ready to drink. Any time, any place!
Muscle Preservation
Often lose muscle
26g protein supports muscle
⏱️ 4 Hours of Sustained Fullness
🔬 26g Protein + 6g Fiber
✓ Complete Nutrition
✓ No Added Sugar

Fuel your health goals with todo's:

GLP-1 Protein & Fiber Shakes

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  • ✓ 26g complete milk protein per can
  • ✓ 6g prebiotic fiber for sustained energy
  • ✓ No added sugar
  • ✓ No artificial sweeteners
❤️ Ingredients ▼

Ingredients: 2% Lactose-Free Milk, Water, Milk Protein Isolate, High Oleic Sunflower Oil, Maltodextrin, Prebiotic Agave Inulin Fiber, Oat Fiber, Contains less than 2% of: Natural Flavors, Gellan Gum, Sunflower Lecithin, Sodium Citrate, Tripotassium Phosphate, Stevia Leaf Extract (Reb M), Sea Salt.

🥛 How does todo help curb cravings and support metabolism? ▼

Todo combines 26 g of complete dairy protein with 6 g of prebiotic fiber. This powerful nutrient duo slows gastric emptying, triggers the body's own GLP-1 and PYY "fullness" signals, and helps steady post-meal blood-sugar swings—so you stay satisfied for about four hours without the crash.

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Scientific References

  1. Holst JJ. (2007). The physiology of glucagon-like peptide 1. Physiological Reviews, 87(4), 1409-1439. View Study →
  2. Deacon CF. (2019). Physiology and Pharmacology of DPP-4 in Glucose Homeostasis and the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes. Frontiers in Endocrinology. View Study →
  3. Wilding JPH, et al. (2021). Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11), 989-1002. View Study →
  4. Jastreboff AM, et al. (2022). Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 387(3), 205-216. View Study →
  5. Marso SP, et al. (2016). Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. New England Journal of Medicine, 375(19), 1834-1844. View Study →
  6. Nauck MA, et al. (2021). GLP-1 receptor agonists in the treatment of type 2 diabetes – state-of-the-art. Molecular Metabolism, 46, 101102. View Study →
  7. Westerterp-Plantenga MS, et al. (2009). Dietary protein, weight loss, and weight maintenance. Annual Review of Nutrition, 29, 21-41. View Study →
  8. Wanders AJ, et al. (2011). Effects of dietary fibre on subjective appetite, energy intake and body weight. Obesity Reviews, 12(9), 724-739. View Study →
  9. Slavin J, Green H. (2007). Dietary fibre and satiety. Nutrition Bulletin, 32(s1), 32-42. View Study →
  10. Paddon-Jones D, et al. (2008). Protein, weight management, and satiety. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 87(5), 1558S-1561S. View Study →

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. GLP-1 agonist medications are prescription drugs that should only be used under medical supervision. todo is a nutritional supplement and not a medication. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new diet or supplement program.