What Is GLP-1 and How Does It Relate to Weight Loss?

Let’s talk about one of your body’s natural appetite regulators: GLP-1.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a hormone released by special cells in your gut after you eat. Its main job is to help you feel full and satisfied, so you’re less likely to overeat. It also plays a key role in keeping blood sugar stable by encouraging insulin release when needed, slowing down how quickly your stomach empties, and signaling your liver to hold onto its energy stores.

Interestingly, GLP-1 isn’t just made in your digestive system — your brain makes it too after a meal. Think of it like a little switch in your gut and brain that says, “Okay, you’ve had enough.”

The challenge? This fullness signal is short-lived. GLP-1 only sticks around in your bloodstream for a few minutes because an enzyme called DPP-4 quickly breaks it down, and your kidneys help clear it out. That’s part of the reason it can be tough to feel satisfied after certain meals, especially ones low in protein and fibre.

Can You Naturally Boost GLP-1 Levels?

Good news — yes, you can. Certain foods are especially good at promoting GLP-1 production, helping you feel fuller for longer and naturally curb cravings.

Protein is one of the most effective triggers for GLP-1 in the small intestine. Meanwhile, soluble and fermentable fibres— like beta-glucan found in barley — further enhance GLP-1 release once they reach your colon, offering a slower, sustained satiety effect.

This powerful combination supports appetite control, nurtures your gut microbiome, and helps prevent muscle loss and digestive issues during weight management efforts.

Is There a Natural Barley Beta-Glucan Supplement That Supports Appetite Control?

Absolutely. Barely Craving is a soluble barley beta-glucan supplement created to deliver these health benefits without the extra carbohydrates you’d typically get from eating large amounts of barley or oats.

With Barely Craving, you’ll get all the appetite-curbing, GLP-1-boosting benefits of barley beta-glucan while consuming eight times less starch than you would with regular barley. Fewer calories, more satiety — a win-win for anyone aiming to manage weight naturally.

What About Lifestyle Factors Like Sleep and Exercise?

A supplement like Barely Craving can be a valuable tool in your routine, but it works best as part of a bigger picture. Maintaining a balanced, nourishing diet, staying active, managing stress, and getting good quality sleep are essential for sustainable weight management.

What Are Ozempic and Wegovy — and How Do They Work?

If you’ve been following weight loss trends, you’ve probably heard about Ozempic and Wegovy. These are prescription medications designed to mimic your body’s natural GLP-1 hormone.

Ozempic was originally approved to help manage type 2 diabetes, but it’s since become a popular off-label option for weight loss. Wegovy, a higher-dose version of Ozempic, was specifically approved for chronic weight management by health authorities in Canada and the U.S.

Both medications work by mimicking GLP-1, sending those “I’m full” signals to your brain. The difference? The active ingredient in both — called semaglutide — has been engineered to last much longer in your body (about a week), compared to your natural GLP-1, which only hangs around for a few minutes before being cleared out.

Is Medication the Right Fit for Everyone?

While medications like Ozempic and Wegovy can be effective, especially for people living with obesity or weight-related health issues, they require ongoing, weekly injections and aren’t necessarily suitable for everyone. That’s why many people look to natural, food-based strategies and supplements like Barely Craving to support their weight management goals in a sustainable, side-effect-free way.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how your body naturally regulates hunger can empower you to make smarter, more satisfying choices. Whether through protein-rich meals, fibre-packed foods, or natural supplements like Barely Craving, there are simple, science-backed ways to support your appetite, manage cravings, and feel your best.

-Dr. Diana Rucker

References:

Rahmani J, Miri A, Černevičiūtė R, Thompson J, de Souza NN, Sultana R, Kord Varkaneh H, Mousavi SM, Hekmatdoost A. Effects of cereal beta-glucan consumption on body weight, body mass index, waist circumference and total energy intake: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complement Ther Med. 2019 Apr;43:131-139.