Understanding Ozempic, GLP-1, and Natural Weight Loss Strategies
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Dr. Kevin Schultz uncovers the latest pharmaceutical craze: Ozempic and similar GLP-1 agonist drugs. With obesity rates skyrocketing and metabolic dysfunction affecting a vast majority of Americans, these drugs are being hailed as miracle solutions for weight loss and diabetes management. But are they truly the answer?
Dr. Schultz provides a thorough analysis of the pros and cons of Ozempic, backed by extensive research and real-world examples. He discusses the potential side effects, the impact on muscle and bone health, and the long-term implications of relying on synthetic hormones. Additionally, Dr. Schultz offers natural alternatives and lifestyle changes that can help achieve similar benefits without the risks. Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of Ozempic and make an informed decision about your health journey!
Want to boost GLP-1 and lose weight naturally? Check out Dr. Kevin’s 3-60-5 Weight Loss Protocol!
The Truth About Ozempic, GLP-1 Agonists, and the Weight Loss Craze
In the 1970s, less than 10% of American adults were obese. Today, that number is nearly 42%. What’s even more concerning is:
75% of adults are overweight.
93% have metabolic dysfunction, putting them at risk for diabetes.
50% of kids are overweight or obese, and 33% are pre-diabetic.
The U.S. spends $4.3 trillion annually on direct healthcare costs.
To call this a health crisis is a massive understatement and it’s costing us over $4 trillion per year in direct healthcare costs. To combat this, pharmaceutical companies have introduced Ozempic and other GLP-1 agonist drugs. Advocates claim they aid in weight loss and may prevent conditions like Alzheimer’s, drug addiction, and seizures. With dramatic weight loss effects reported, some are calling these drugs "miracle treatments."
In this episode of the Foundational Health Podcast, we’re diving into the Ozempic phenomenon. While these drugs have gained immense popularity, this issue is much bigger than just Ozempic—it’s about the broader obesity epidemic.
My goal is to provide a balanced look at these medications. After 25–30 hours of research, I’ll share:
The pros and cons of Ozempic and similar drugs.
The science behind how they work.
Real-world implications and side effects.
Actionable solutions for long-term health.
I’m not here to tell you what to do—whether to take these drugs or not. Instead, I want to arm you with the knowledge to make the best decision for your health.
How Did We Get Here? The Root Cause of Weight Gain
Before considering Ozempic or similar drugs, it’s essential to address the fundamental issue—what’s causing the weight gain in the first place? The answer often comes down to the widespread consumption of high-calorie, highly processed foods that disrupt our body's natural metabolic functions.
Two major culprits behind stubborn body fat are:
Processed sugars – These cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, leading to cravings and overeating.
Ultra-processed foods – Engineered to be addictive, they interfere with hormones that regulate appetite and fat storage.
When people regularly consume these foods, their hormones send mixed signals to the body, making it harder to burn fat—even with calorie restriction and exercise. Hormones control metabolism, appetite, and fat burning, so when they’re disrupted, losing weight becomes an uphill battle.
How Processed Foods Keep You Stuck
Beyond just being high in calories, processed foods are nutritionally empty and designed to keep you coming back for more. Food companies employ scientists who specialize in addiction, ensuring their products are as irresistible as possible.
For example, eating an apple (about 100 calories) provides fiber and nutrients, helping you feel full and satisfied. In contrast, processed snacks like chips or sugary cereals flood your body with excess calories and chemicals that encourage overeating.
This is why so many people struggle with weight gain and metabolic issues. The modern food environment sets people up for failure by promoting addictive, unhealthy foods while marketing them as convenient and harmless.
The Historic Rise of Ozempic and GLP-1 Agonists
GLP-1 agonists, the class of drugs that includes Ozempic, have actually been around for nearly 20 years. But Ozempic itself was FDA-approved in 2017—strictly for treating type 2 diabetes. Interestingly, despite its widespread use for weight loss today, Ozempic is not FDA-approved for that purpose. Instead, Novo Nordisk, the Danish pharmaceutical company behind it, developed Wegovy, a nearly identical drug but at a higher dose, which is FDA-approved for weight loss.
The success of these drugs has made Novo Nordisk an economic powerhouse. With a market cap of $410 billion, the company is now worth more than the entire GDP of Denmark.
So why has Ozempic become such a hot topic? A few key reasons:
The rising obesity epidemic and desperate demand for solutions.
Aggressive marketing by Novo Nordisk.
The appeal of a quick fix for weight loss.
What is GLP-1?
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a naturally occurring peptide hormone in the body that helps regulate appetite. To break it down:
Peptides are hormones that act as messengers, controlling biological processes like hunger, healing, and metabolism.
The body produces 7,000 different peptide hormones, with insulin being the most well-known.
GLP-1 is made in both the gut and the brain, with receptors throughout the body.
When naturally produced, GLP-1 helps with appetite regulation, healing, regeneration, and inflammation reduction.
Of the 7,000 known peptides, about 60 have been FDA-approved for medical use, including GLP-1.
Ozempic: A Synthetic Version of GLP-1
One crucial aspect often left out of the Ozempic discussion is that it is not a natural peptide—it is entirely synthetic.
Some FDA-approved peptides are derived from the pancreas of cows and pigs, then chemically processed for human use. These are still considered natural because they originate from living organisms.
However, GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy are 100% synthetic—man made chemicals designed to mimic natural GLP-1 but not identical to it.
Many people assume these drugs are natural because they imitate a naturally occurring hormone, but synthetic versions often behave differently in the body.
Natural GLP-1 breaks down quickly in the body, making it unsuitable for long-lasting effects. The synthetic version used in Ozempic is modified to last longer, producing the desired appetite suppression and blood sugar regulation.
While these modifications improve short-term effectiveness, long-term impacts on the body remain a subject of ongoing research.
Although Ozempic is a synthetic version of GLP-1, it mimics the natural hormone to promote weight loss. However, the real question is—how does it actually work, and what are the potential downsides?
How Ozempic, Wegovy, and other GLP-1 Agonists Work in the Body
To understand how Ozempic works, it’s crucial to understand how the body processes sugar and how this relates to weight gain and diabetes.
Our bodies need energy, which comes from three main sources: sugars, amino acids, and fats. Since Ozempic primarily affects sugar metabolism, let’s focus on that.
When we consume sugar, it enters the bloodstream. If there’s excess sugar, this results in high blood sugar, which can be harmful. To manage this, the pancreas releases insulin, a hormone that helps shuttle sugar from the bloodstream into cells, where it is used for energy. At the same time, if blood sugar levels drop too low, the pancreas releases glucagon, another hormone that signals the liver and muscle cells to release stored sugar (glycogen) back into the blood.
For people with type 2 diabetes, the body has been exposed to high blood sugar for so long that the cells stop responding properly to insulin. This condition, known as insulin resistance, means that even though insulin is present, the cells don’t take in sugar effectively. The pancreas tries to compensate by producing more insulin, but over time, it becomes overworked and may stop producing insulin altogether. This leads to dangerously high blood sugar levels, which can cause a cascade of serious health issues.
So, where does Ozempic fit into all of this?
Ozempic inhibits the release of glucagon, which means less stored sugar is released into the bloodstream.
Ozempic stimulates insulin production, helping to clear sugar from the blood more efficiently.
By lowering blood sugar and reducing insulin resistance, it helps manage diabetes and its related complications.
Additionally, Ozempic reduces appetite and increases the feeling of fullness, leading to weight loss—a major reason for its popularity beyond diabetes treatment.
Because chronic high blood sugar is at the root of many health problems, Ozempic’s ability to control sugar levels leads to improved heart health, lower blood pressure, reduced fatty liver, and better overall metabolic function. This is why it has been praised as a game-changing drug.
However, the question remains—are there unintended consequences? The impact of long-term synthetic GLP-1 use is still being studied, and there are potential risks to consider. Let’s dive into the possible downsides next.
The Known and Possible Side Effects of Unnatural Weight Loss
While drugs like Ozempic promise significant weight loss, there are serious drawbacks that need to be considered. One major issue is that these drugs do not address the root causes of excess body fat. When individuals stop taking them, they often regain fat without regaining lost muscle and bone. This makes subsequent weight loss even more difficult, and in some cases, individuals develop resistance to the drug, similar to insulin resistance.
Common and Serious Side Effects
Ozempic is labeled as a lifetime medication due to potential metabolic consequences upon discontinuation. Some of the reported side effects include:
Digestive issues – Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and, in severe cases, stomach paralysis, which can sometimes be permanent.
Metabolic and organ complications – Increased risk of gallstones, kidney disorders, pancreatitis, and heart attacks.
Neurological and cardiovascular concerns – Dizziness, fainting, fatigue, headaches, and low blood pressure.
Black box warning for thyroid cancer – A serious FDA warning indicating significant risk potential.
The Hidden Cost of Unnatural Weight Loss
One of the most alarming consequences of using Ozempic is the impact on muscle and bone mass. Studies show that approximately one-third of weight loss from these drugs comes from muscle and bone, not just fat. This can lead to:
Loss of balance and increased fall risk
Weakened bones, leading to fractures and osteoporosis
Accelerated aging due to rapid muscle and bone depletion
A 2022 study found that while participants experienced significant weight loss in the first year, they regained two-thirds of it within a year of stopping—primarily as fat. This means not only does the weight return, but many of the health benefits disappear as well.
To put this into perspective, taking Ozempic for just one year results in muscle and bone loss equivalent to 20 years of natural aging. The question remains: Is rapid weight loss worth the long-term health consequences?
Solutions and Natural Weight Loss Strategies
If you’re already taking an Ozempic-like drug or considering it, there are steps you can take to minimize its negative effects, especially concerning muscle and bone loss.
Minimizing Negative Effects While Taking Ozempic
Increase Protein Intake – Aim for at least 1.25 grams of high-quality protein per pound of your ideal body weight to help preserve muscle and bone mass. Check out my podcast on protein to understand why quality matters.
Strength Training – Engaging in resistance exercises several times per week can significantly reduce muscle and bone loss.
Cut Processed Foods & Sugar – Instead, focus on whole food sources like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
Consider Low-Dose Compounded Versions – Some functional medicine doctors prescribe low-dose GLP-1 injections from compounding pharmacies, which may provide benefits without the severe side effects of pharmaceutical doses.
Work with a Functional MD – If you choose to take these drugs, partnering with a doctor specializing in functional medicine can help monitor dosing and lifestyle factors to ensure better outcomes.
Natural Weight Loss Alternatives (Without Ozempic)
If you want to lose weight naturally, there are effective, science-backed strategies that don’t come with the risks of GLP-1 agonists.
Boost Your Body’s Natural GLP-1 – This hormone is naturally produced in your gut, and you can increase it through:
A diet rich in fiber, high-quality protein, and healthy fats
Regular strength training and cardiovascular exercise
Certain herbs and natural supplements
Berberine – The Natural Alternative – This plant-based compound has been compared to Metformin for its ability to regulate blood sugar and aid in weight loss.
Probiotic Support: Akkermansia – This beneficial gut bacteria improves blood sugar control, supports digestion, and aids in healthy weight management.
Follow a Science-Backed Protocol – We’ve put together a free 60-day weight loss protocol combining these natural strategies to help you lose weight safely and sustainably. You can download it at foundationalhealth365.com under the Health Programs section.
By choosing a natural, whole-body approach to weight loss, you not only improve your health but also set a positive example for those around you—especially your family and future generations.
Bigger Picture: Informed Choices and Sustainable Health
Weight loss drugs like Ozempic may offer short-term results, but they don’t fix the underlying health issues that contribute to obesity. True, lasting health comes from addressing the root causes:
Improving gut health – Supporting a balanced microbiome can enhance metabolism and digestion.
Balancing hormones naturally – Lifestyle factors like sleep, stress management, and proper nutrition can help regulate hormones.
Reducing chronic inflammation – Exercise, whole foods, and quality sleep play a crucial role in lowering inflammation.
Building strength and resilience – Resistance training and proper protein intake can naturally stimulate GLP-1 and preserve muscle mass.
Rather than relying on an injection to trick the body into temporary weight loss, focusing on foundational health habits can create long-term well-being. If medical intervention is needed, it should be part of a broader strategy that includes education and lifestyle changes, rather than a standalone solution.
Rethinking Healthcare: A Preventative Approach
Imagine if we shifted our healthcare system’s focus from reactive medication to proactive prevention. Instead of incentivizing doctors to prescribe weight-loss drugs, what if they were rewarded for guiding patients toward nutrition, exercise, and sustainable wellness?
One potential game-changer is TrueMed.com, a company helping patients use their Health Savings Accounts (HSA) to cover the cost of food, supplements, and gym memberships with a doctor's approval. This could redefine how we approach healthcare—empowering individuals to invest in preventative solutions rather than pharmaceutical quick fixes.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Do you want to rely on a drug with potential long-term risks, or do you want to give your body the nutrition and movement it needs to heal and thrive naturally? No matter where you are in your journey, the most important thing is education and informed decision-making—because your health is worth it.
Key Takeaways
To wrap up, here are the essential insights from this discussion:
Success comes from simple, consistent habits. Weight loss drugs offer quick fixes, but sustainable health requires daily effort over time.
You can raise GLP-1 naturally. Our bodies have a built-in ability to regulate metabolism—without the risks of drugs like Ozempic.
Fruits and vegetables are the best sources of carbohydrates. Don’t fall for processed food marketing that pushes artificial alternatives.
Lead by example. Your health choices influence those around you, so be a role model for your family, friends, and community.
If you found this information valuable, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And if you want to continue learning about foundational health, visit FoundationalHealth365.com and follow Dr. Kevin Schultz on Facebook at Kevin Schultz, DC Foundational Health.
Until next time—make health your hobby!
