Latest news with #Glucagon-LikePeptide-1
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First Post
19-07-2025
- Health
- First Post
Doctor explains: How diet, sleep and gut health impact GLP-1 and weight regulation
As GLP-1-based drugs like semaglutide gain popularity, new insights highlight how gut health, diet, protein, and sleep can naturally support GLP-1 hormone function. Firstpost presents expert views on how lifestyle changes can aid metabolic health and weight management. read more In recent years, GLP-1-based medications such as semaglutide and liraglutide have captured global attention for their remarkable effectiveness in treating type 2 diabetes and promoting weight loss. But beyond the pharmaceutical spotlight, growing research is now linking lifestyle factors such as gut health, protein intake and sleep quality to natural regulation of GLP-1 and other hormones that influence appetite and metabolism. To understand the science behind GLP-1, its connection to gut health and how diet and lifestyle can support its function, Firstpost spoke to Dr Pankaj Puri, Director, Gastroenterology, Fortis Escorts, Okhla (New Delhi) to shed light on the broader implications of this hormone and its role in modern metabolic health. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What exactly is GLP-1, and why is it gaining attention in both medical research and mainstream conversations around weight management? Dr Puri: GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) is a naturally occurring hormone secreted by the L-cells in the small intestine in response to food intake. It plays a key role in regulating blood glucose levels by enhancing insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon release, and slowing gastric emptying. Recently, GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide and liraglutide have garnered significant interest due to their effectiveness in promoting weight loss, improving blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes, and even showing promise in treating conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and liver fibrosis. These wide-ranging benefits have brought GLP-1 into the spotlight in both medical and mainstream circles. Beyond medications like semaglutide or liraglutide, how can everyday habits or dietary choices naturally support GLP-1 function in the body? Dr Puri: Several lifestyle choices can naturally boost GLP-1 levels. A balanced diet rich in protein, fibre, and unprocessed foods helps promote GLP-1 secretion. Regular exercise, quality sleep, and a healthy gut microbiome also play a role. On the other hand, ultra-processed foods and high-sugar diets may impair GLP-1 function and overall hormone balance. Nurturing gut health is key to enhancing GLP-1 activity. What is the connection between gut health and appetite regulation? Can fermented foods and prebiotics really influence hormone levels like GLP-1? Dr Puri: Absolutely. The gut-brain axis is central to appetite control, with hormones like GLP-1 playing a significant role in this communication. A healthy gut microbiome, supported by fibre-rich diets, fermented foods, and prebiotics promotes the release of beneficial hormones that regulate hunger and satiety. Fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, and kimchi, along with prebiotics like garlic, onions and bananas help maintain gut diversity which in turn supports GLP-1 function. How important is protein in regulating satiety hormones, and what are the best sources to include in a daily diet? Dr Puri: Protein is one of the most satiating macronutrients. It triggers the release of satiety hormones such as GLP-1 and peptide YY, helping to curb appetite and reduce calorie intake. Consistently incorporating high-quality protein sources like eggs, lean meats (chicken, fish), dairy products (paneer, yogurt), legumes, and pulses into meals can help maintain appetite control and metabolic balance. Can you explain how soluble fibre impacts digestion and appetite hormones? How much fibre should one ideally consume each day? Dr Puri: Soluble fibre slows down gastric emptying and digestion, which prolongs feelings of fullness and stabilises blood sugar levels. It also nourishes the gut microbiome, indirectly enhancing GLP-1 activity. Good sources include oats, psyllium husk, chia seeds, and legumes. Ideally, adults should aim for at least 10–15 grams of soluble fibre daily as part of their overall dietary fibre intake (25–30 grams per day). What role do omega-3 fatty acids and healthy fats like olive oil or avocado play in insulin sensitivity and appetite control? Dr Puri: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish (like salmon), walnuts, and flaxseeds, possess strong anti-inflammatory properties. By reducing systemic inflammation, they improve insulin sensitivity and metabolic function. Similarly, healthy fats such as those from olive oil and avocado help regulate satiety hormones and promote cardiovascular health, making them valuable components of a balanced diet. How does poor sleep affect appetite hormones and glucose metabolism, and what lifestyle practices can help restore hormonal balance? Dr Puri: Sleep deprivation disrupts key appetite-regulating hormones—namely increasing ghrelin (hunger hormone) and decreasing leptin (satiety hormone)—leading to increased cravings and risk of weight gain. Poor sleep also impairs glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Restoring sleep hygiene, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and reducing screen time before bed can significantly help rebalance these hormones and support metabolic health. Some studies suggest that walking after meals can aid glucose regulation. Can you elaborate on how this simple habit affects metabolic and hormonal health? Dr Puri: Yes, walking after meals especially for 10–15 minutes can help reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes by promoting glucose uptake in muscles. It also improves insulin sensitivity and stimulates digestive processes. Incorporating this habit consistently can have a long-term positive impact on glucose control and weight management. How do irregular meal timings or skipping breakfast impact appetite-regulating hormones like GLP-1 and ghrelin? Dr Puri: Irregular meal patterns, including skipping breakfast, can disrupt the normal rhythm of hunger and satiety hormones. This often leads to increased ghrelin levels and reduced GLP-1 activity, triggering overeating later in the day. Adopting regular meal times and consuming a protein- and fibre-rich breakfast can help maintain hormonal balance and prevent excessive hunger throughout the day.
The Hindu
11-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Watch: Can drugs like Ozempic solve the obesity problem in India?
The explosive popularity of GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) drugs for addressing weight loss, diabetes and obesity, such as Ozempic and Munjaro are useful for a limited number of people and will not solve the obesity or diabetes crisis that India is battling, said Dr Anoop Misra, Chairman, Fortis Centre of Diabetes, at The Huddle by The Hindu on Saturday.
The Hindu
10-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
The Hindu Huddle 2025: ‘Ozempic will not solve India's obesity problem'
The explosive popularity of GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) drugs for addressing weight loss, diabetes and obesity, such as Ozempic and Munjaro are useful for a limited number of people and will not solve the obesity or diabetes crisis that India is battling, said Dr Anoop Misra, Chairman, Fortis Centre of Diabetes, at The Huddle by The Hindu on Saturday. These drugs weren't new drugs, he explained and had been around for nearly two decades. However earlier versions of these drugs had limited 'weight-loss' benefits. Some of these drugs were effective at aiding weight-loss upto 20% but were still only suitable for a limted segment of people who were 'terribly obese' and resistant to diet and exercise-based regimen, cautioned Dr Misra, an acclaimed diabetologist with decades of research experience under his belt. At the panel convened to discuss the challenges from non-communicable diseases in India, labelled as the 'Trojan Horse' of India healthcare, the discussants – Dr Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals; Dr Chandrakant Lahariya, Health and Social Sector Policy Adviser and Dr Misra – agreed that sedentary lifestyles, excessive consumption of high-fat and sweetened foods were they causes of this Trojan Horse incursion. The prevalence of obesity was rising among youngsters and there was concern that were these trends to continue, the much-vaunted 'demographic dividend,' or the surplus of youth, who would power India's economic future, would become a liability, said Dr Reddy. 'We want to keep people out of hospital beds,' she underlined. Governments and public health bodies could play a role in discouraging the 'two whites'- salt and sugar – whose excessive consumption was a problem but Dr Lahariya cautioned that sugar was a source of 'inexpensive calories' for a vast number of India's poor who often could not meet their daily caloric needs. Salt, he informed, was an integral part of the staple Indian diet and Indians on average consume twice the World Heath Organisation recommendations. That said, he suggested, imposing heavy taxes may not be advisable and instead there ought be better more visible warnings on detrimental health effects in packaged food. Advising against mindlessly following health fads, Dr. Misra said that ketogenic diets' (low carbohydrate-high fat diets) ought not to be followed beyond three months. It was instead healthier to tweak regular diets to cut calories and increase protein content, he opined. 'So called gluten-free diets that cost thrice as much had no benefit. I'd always recommend low-cost diets,' Dr Misra advised. 'There is well-founded research that cutting 15kgs can in several cases reverse diabetes.' While the challenges from diabetes were significant, Dr Lahariya said that India was also grappling a 'mental health' crisis. The prevalence of some form of mental health challenge was around 12% (nearly almost as diabetes), and severe mental illness around 2%. 'It is high time that public health institutions evolved a systematic response.' he added. While India was a developing country, it had managed to evolve a system of health screening that was 'comparable' to developed countries. 'It can certainly be improved and there is a range of options available that are a 10th of what it costs in the West,' reckoned Dr Reddy. The Hindu Huddle 2025 is presented by Sami-Sabinsa Group Co-powered by: Government of Karnataka, Government of Telangana Associate Partners: ONGC, Presidency University, TAFE, Akshayakalpa Organic Energy Partner : Indian Oil Corporation Limited Realty partner: Casagrand Knowledge partner: Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham State partner: Meghalaya tourism and Haryana government Luxury car partner: Toyota Radio partner: Radio City Gift partner: Anand Prakash Broadcast partner: Times Now Outdoor media partner: Signpost India
Indian Express
05-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Filmmaker's Hansal Mehta's Mounjaro journey: Is it safe for prediabetes?
As filmmaker Hansal Mehta detailed his 10-kg weight loss journey with his use of Mounjaro to address his pre-diabetes and body weight, and a determined lifestyle shift, many patients asked me if the regime he posted on his social media handle can work well with a cross-section of people. But let me tell you, what works for one may not work for another and each use of a weight loss drug has not only to be medically supervised but customised to your condition. Is Mounjaro good for prediabetes? Mounjaro, the brand name for tirzepatide, mimics the function of natural hormones GIP (Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide) and GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1). It has a double effect, of increasing insulin secretion in response to food intake and improving glucose control and weight loss. It is officially approved for Type 2 diabetes and weight loss in people with obesity or overweight plus related health conditions. Using it for prediabetes is off-label — which can still be appropriate — but should always involve careful clinical oversight. Research suggests it may also help prevent the progression of prediabetes to type 2 diabetes, especially in individuals with obesity or who are overweight. Remember its use depends on how severe your condition is, your age, other drugs you're taking to lower blood sugar levels and other conditions you may have. Also it's not a substitute for lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. Is Mounjaro sustainable long-term? GLP-1/GIP medications can result in weight regain if stopped without a solid maintenance plan. Lifestyle must remain the foundation of metabolic health. Many patients forget that both have to be in tandem and do not link weight loss with weight maintenance. While the drug does half the work, the other work depends on individual agency. To that extent, the filmmaker did take positive steps. For example, a high-protein diet stabilizes blood sugar and preserves lean training is not a difficult deal either. A simple strength training routine for weight loss involves squats, lunges, push-ups with light cardio like walking or cycling. This can be done every alternate day of the week. Equal importance has to be given to hydration and sleep hygiene. Water facilitates the kidneys' ability to filter excess glucose and dilute blood sugar. Poor sleep can increase insulin resistance, leading to higher blood sugar levels. Deep sleep enhances insulin sensitivity and improves glucose absorption Is intermittent fasting a good option? Though intermittent fasting is popular, I believe the primary target should be to restrict calories daily. Exercise caution on supplements NMN and Resveratrol supplements, as mentioned by the filmmaker, are promising in the longevity field, but still lack large-scale human data. Anyone considering them should consult a healthcare provider, especially if on other medications. The emphasis on destigmatising the use of metabolic medication is important. Weight gain, insulin resistance and prediabetes aren't just lifestyle issues — they're also deeply tied to genetics and biology. Using the right tools with medical guidance is nothing to be ashamed of.
