You don’t have to use Ozempic to lose weight. If you’re looking for a natural alternative to support your weight loss goals, certain whole foods can mimic the effects of the popular drug. Foods like oats, avocado, and lentils can copy the natural compounds that promote the release of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), the active substance in Ozempic responsible for weight loss, according to Gillean Barkyoumb, a dietitian, who spoke with the New York Post in a new article published Nov. 16.
1. Oats
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Barkyoumb recommended that people who are trying to achieve weight loss should start their day with a nice bowl of oats. According to the dietitian, it’s “packed with soluble fiber” which can help to “slow down digestion and increases satiety.” As per the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, GLP-1 is naturally released in your gastrointestinal tract after eating, helping to stimulate insulin secretion (beneficial for Type 2 diabetes) and signaling satiety in the brain, which helps you feel fuller for longer and can curb overeating.
“By forming a gel-like substance in the stomach, oats delay gastric emptying, keeping you full longer. This mimics the way GLP-1 drugs prolong the digestion process, reducing the frequency and intensity of hunger,” said Barkyoumb.
Oats don’t have to be boring, either. You can boost their weight loss benefits by adding toppings like blueberries and raspberries. Many fruits, including berries and melons, are packed with fiber and rich in high water content, making them a filling and nutrient-dense choice that can help you feel full longer while providing essential vitamins and minerals to support weight loss, according to Medical News Today.