Kourtney Kardashian’s brand Lemme introduced GLP-1 daily capsules in mid-September. At $90 a month, the product claims to assist people to control cravings, stabilize blood sugar, and boost weight loss. As more “natural” substitutes for weight loss drugs appear in the market, the aim is to replicate the significant mark made by Ozempic and Wegovy. They intend to offer the advantages of prescription injections without the associated discomfort, insurance troubles, or high cost.
However, these alternative therapies are not an ideal replacement for medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. They have been described as “skinny snake oil” by some critics and as indicating a “huge red flag” by others. The general consensus among experts is to proceed with these products cautiously due to their unproven nature.
Understanding how these supplements operate involves learning how GLP-1 agonist injections work. The term “GLP-1” stands for glucagon-like peptide-1. This hormone, naturally generated in the intestines, plays a crucial part in regulating blood sugar levels and appetite according to Dr. Rekha Kumar, an endocrinologist, obesity medicine specialist, and Chief Medical Officer at Found Health. While the body creates GLP-1 naturally, some people can benefit from medications that imitate its effects, which is where injections like Ozempic come in.
Manufacturers of GLP-1 supplements allege that their products operate similarly to weight-loss injections, using natural plant compounds to amplify or enhance the body’s natural GLP-1 production. However, experts claim such comparisons are not accurate. They say that, while some plant compounds may influence GLP-1 pathways or replicate some GLP-1 effects indirectly, they are not equivalent to pharmaceutical GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Dr. Britta Reierson, a family doctor who specializes in metabolic health, and the medical director at Knownwell, agrees. She points out that there is neither scientific evidence showing these supplements work, nor an understanding of how they function since they have not been rigorously tested nor approved by the FDA.
As far as the evidence goes, a 2022 study found that one ingredient in Lemme, Morosil red orange fruit extract, aided in the loss of a minimal amount of weight when used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise, compared to a placebo. Another study found that saffron extract reduced snacking in mildly overweight, healthy women, potentially aiding in weight loss.
At this stage, Kumar insists on further research into natural GLP-1 supplements. She prompts skepticism regarding marketing claims not backed by clinical evidence. She stresses that the herbal supplement industry is not well-regulated, and products can debut on the market quickly without demonstrating safety and effectiveness.
Experts suggest nutrition can play a role in boosting GLP-1 production. Diet approaches and plant-derived compounds may help increase the body’s natural GLP-1 production. Foods rich in healthy fats, such as avocado or wild-caught salmon, should be prioritized before turning to online supplements.
Dr. Reierson does not believe the supplements are worth it due to the lack of scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of these supplements for weight loss or blood sugar management. Similarly, Kumar believes GLP-1 supplements are a marketing gimmick designed to cash in on the current trend around weight loss medications.
In conclusion, Lemme and similar alternatives are far from a miraculous solution for weight loss. While the supplements might show mild effects, they fall short in treating overweight issues or obesity. Moreover, the FDA has warned that some blood sugar control supplements might contain unapproved ingredients and might not deliver on their promises. Always consult a medical professional when considering any supplement claiming substantial health benefits.
