The Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum), a unique lizard known for its binge-eating behavior, produces the hormone exenatide, the basis for diabetes medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro.
This reptile stores significant amounts of energy in its fatty, moisture-rich tail, aiding in weight and hydration maintenance. The GLP-1 hormone is exclusively released from its saliva through the act of chewing. When liquified food is injected directly into its stomach, the hormone is not released, highlighting the importance of chewing in this process. GLP-1 is thought to signal satiety and help regulate blood glucose levels during digestion. The Gila monster consumes large quantities of food relative to its body weight, often ingesting whole rodents and digesting them over 1-2 months.
Studies have shown that consuming protein and fat alone can increase GLP-1 production, while the addition of carbohydrates dramatically reduces GLP-1 secretion. The inclusion of carbohydrates in meals has been shown to blunt this hormonal response, undermining the benefits of protein and fat on GLP-1 levels. This insight further underscores the advantages of ketogenic diets, which emphasize low carbohydrate intake while prioritizing protein and fat, thereby optimizing GLP-1 production and its beneficial effects on hunger and glucose regulation.
Interestingly, ketogenic diets combined with intermittent fasting can mimic the biological effects of GLP-1-based medications. These dietary approaches involve less frequent feedings and larger meals, which can provide similar decreases in hunger. By reducing meal frequency and increasing meal size, ketogenic diets and intermittent fasting can enhance satiety and improve blood glucose management, paralleling the natural feeding patterns and metabolic regulation observed in the Gila monster. This suggests that adopting these dietary strategies could potentially offer benefits akin to those provided by GLP-1 therapies in humans.
Scientific research supports the efficacy of ketogenic diets in weight management and metabolic health. Several studies have shown that ketogenic diets significantly reduce hunger and food intake, likely due to the increased production of ketone bodies, stable glycemia and altered levels of appetite-regulating hormones. Likewise studies have shown that intermittent fasting can lead to substantial weight loss and improved metabolic markers, such as insulin sensitivity and lipid profiles.
Moreover, combining these dietary strategies with regular physical activity can enhance their effectiveness. Exercise has been shown to synergize with ketogenic diets and intermittent fasting by further improving insulin sensitivity, promoting fat loss, and preserving lean muscle mass. Integrating these lifestyle changes can provide a holistic and sustainable approach to weight management and metabolic health, reducing the reliance on medications and highlighting the power of dietary and behavioral modifications in achieving lasting health outcomes. Bottom line, while these medications are amazing compared to prior classes of medications, they should be employed when lifestyle and diet regimens fail. Work aggressively and persistently with your healthcare teams and demand lifestyle first.
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