You’ve probably heard all the buzz about GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy.
These prescription medications are helping people drop serious weight, but what if you could get some of those same benefits naturally?
I’ve been experimenting with natural GLP-1 boosters for years now, and they’re part of how I maintain a six-pack while only hitting the gym about once a week (seriously).
In this email, I’m breaking down how I used my genes to find my top 5 natural GLP-1 agonists that can help control appetite and support weight management.
It’s All in Your Genes
Before diving into the supplements, let me share something crucial: your response to GLP-1 agonists is largely determined by your genetics.
When I checked my SelfDecode results, I discovered I’m genetically predisposed to a WORSE response to GLP-1s.
I also carry the negative variant of the TCF7L2 gene, which impacts GLP-1 levels.
The TCF7L2 Gene: Your GLP-1 Regulator
The TCF7L2 gene is a GLP-1 regulator and it’s important because it:
- Directly regulates the production and secretion of GLP-1
- Influences how well GLP-1 can stimulate insulin release
- It’s strongly linked to type 2 diabetes risk (the strongest genetic risk factor identified!)
When you have certain variants of TCF7L2, your body produces less GLP-1 and responds more weakly to the GLP-1 you do produce. This creates a double whammy effect:
- Your “I’m full” signals are weaker
- Your blood sugar regulation is compromised
Through this I was able to find the best supplements that helped me naturally increase my GLP-1, which have been game-changers for my health and body composition.
My Top 4 Natural GLP-1 Boosters (That Actually Work)
Let me be clear—nothing natural works as powerfully as Ozempic.
But these natural alternatives work through multiple pathways instead of hammering just one mechanism, giving you broader health benefits.
#1: Resistant Starch (My #1 Pick)
Resistant starch tops the list. A recent study in Nature Metabolism found people lost about 6 pounds in 8 weeks just by adding resistant starch!
I’ve been taking resistant starch for 13 years, and it’s a game-changer. It works by:
- Directly increasing GLP-1 secretion
- Boosting beneficial gut bacteria
- Creating butyrate (which further stimulates GLP-1)
Make sure that you take Hi-Maize, Lectin Free Resistant Starch, anything else will give you bad side effects like brain fog.
I take about 40-45g daily of Jo’s Resistant Starch.
The clinical studies used 90g, but honestly, anything over 40g and you’ll just be farting a lot (trust me on this one).
#2: Berberine (My Go-To Metabolic Enhancer)
Berberine is a metabolic multitasker. It not only boosts GLP-1 but also:
- Lowers cholesterol
- Improves insulin sensitivity
- Reduces gut inflammation
- Helps with weight loss in multiple clinical trials
#3: Protein & Glutamine (The Satiety Duo)
Your body naturally releases GLP-1 in response to protein—especially whey protein. I take about 100g of whey protein daily (50g twice a day).
But here’s my secret weapon: glutamine. At 20g daily, glutamine:
- Significantly increases GLP-1 secretion
- Reduces appetite
- Supports weight loss (confirmed in a meta-analysis of 25 trials)
- Helps with food sensitivities (bonus!)
When I checked my genes, I found I had variants that made glutamine particularly effective for me—this is why genetic testing is so valuable.
#4: Cinnamon (The Surprising GLP-1 Booster)
This common spice is seriously underrated! Studies show 3g of cinnamon daily can:
- Increase GLP-1 levels
- Reduce BMI and body weight (works better if you’re under 50)
- Improve insulin sensitivity
I take about 3g daily, and it helps with both blood sugar and appetite control.
The Compound Effect
Here’s where it gets interesting—while each of these might help you lose a few pounds on their own, combining them creates a powerful synergistic effect.
Think about it: resistant starch alone could help you lose 6 pounds in 8 weeks. Add in the benefits from berberine, protein, glutamine, cinnamon, and a bit of olive oil, and you’ve got a natural GLP-1-boosting powerhouse.
That’s how I maintain my six-pack without living in the gym. I’m literally doing all four of these things daily, and I never have to try to lose weight.
Will These Work For YOU? Check Your Genes to Find Out
Here’s the truth: what works for me might not work for you.
Your TCF7L2 gene variants and other genetic factors dictate how you’ll respond to each of these supplements.
Some people naturally produce plenty of GLP-1 and might see little benefit from these supplements.
Others, like me, have TCF7L2 variants that make natural GLP-1 agonists life-changing.
Without checking your genes, you’re just guessing.
That’s why I always recommend checking your genetic profile with SelfDecode before starting any supplement regimen.
It’s the difference between throwing darts blindfolded and having a precise roadmap to follow.
In just a few minutes, you can see whether you have the TCF7L2 gene variants that affect GLP-1 levels, along with dozens of other genes that influence your response to these supplements.
