Can they replace anti-obesity drugs? The specialist answers

Anti-obesity drugs have been in the spotlight thanks to their spectacular weight loss results, but also their widespread use by the wrong population groups for the wrong reasons. THE semaglutideone of the substances developed for weight management in people with diabetes mellitus, became popular among people who simply wanted to lose weight.

However, not everyone seems willing to start a medication regimen, at least as evidenced by the high demand for natural alternatives, some of which is also revealed by social media trends. THE berberinean alkaloid found in various plants such as barberry and the trees turmeric, has created its own trend on TikTok as a natural weight loss supplement that works wonders.

They are also gaining ground fiber as a promising natural weight loss method. But can they be compared to semaglutide and by extension replace it? Nutritionist Shyla Cadogan answers.

The β-glucans

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, i.e. it mimics GLP-1 (incretin), an anorexic hormone produced by the gut (L cells) in response to food intake by increasing secretion insulin from the pancreas and suppressing neoglycogenesis, production process glucose in the organization. GLP-1 secretion has been observed to be reduced in individuals with diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance. Semaglutide takes over and, unlike the natural peptide, lasts longer.

They act in a similar way fiber, even if they do not provide comparable results. Animal studies have shown that fiber can increase GLP-1 secretion, while human research attributes their effect to short-chain fatty acids, molecules produced once fiber is metabolized. It remains unknown, however, whether there is a specific group of plant fibers that can provide the greatest benefits.

Various types of fiber have been put under the microscope by researchers to find those that promote the greatest release of GLP-1. So far, the winners have been β-glucansa major type of dietary fiber found in oatsthe barleythe rye and sorghum. Of course, this does not mean that fruits, vegetables and other plant foods rich in plant fibers cannot increase the production of short-chain fatty acids with their fibers.

In conclusion therefore, fiber is not nature’s semaglutide despite similar mechanisms of action, neither will directly lead to weight loss and improvement in markers associated with type 2 diabetes, Cadogan adds. While taking medication is a process that should be discussed with a doctor before starting, he explains, most fiber in the diet for better blood sugar regulation, healthy gut and feeling of fullness after meals, it is an essential movement for weight loss that anyone can do easily and immediately.