Your GLP-1 FAQ Guide: What You Need to Know

What You’ll Learn in This Post:

GLP-1 has become a focus in conversations about weight management, cravings, and blood sugar balance. In this post, you’ll learn:

• What GLP-1 is and why it matters for your health

• How GLP-1 supports fullness, cravings, and weight management

• What to know about GLP-1 medications and their side effects 

• How just better.® prebiotic fiber helps ease side effects of GLP-1 medications

• How gut health, fiber, hydration, protein, and movement support natural GLP-1 pathways

This guide will help you understand how your daily choices can support your body’s natural GLP-1 pathways while emphasizing a food-first, gut-health-centered approach. 

Your GLP-1 FAQ Guide: What You Need to Know

GLP-1 comes up often in conversations about weight loss, cravings, blood sugar, and metabolic health. But what is it, and how does it fit into your daily life? 

From gut health and fiber to lifestyle choices and medications, this FAQ breaks down what you need to know about GLP-1 in a clear, practical way—so you can better understand how it may support your health goals.

Q: What is GLP-1, and why is it important for health?

GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1, is a hormone produced in your gut when you eat. It helps manage blood sugar by encouraging insulin release, slows down how quickly your stomach empties, and signals your brain that you’re full. 

These combined actions help manage cravings, support steady energy levels, and play a role in healthy weight management, making GLP-1 an integral part of your body’s natural system for metabolic health.

Q: Is GLP-1 connected to gut health?

Yes. GLP-1 is produced by specialized cells in your intestines, directly linking it to gut health. A balanced gut environment supports the cells that produce GLP-1, and the fermentation of fiber by your gut bacteria can help stimulate GLP-1 production.

Supporting your gut microbiome helps your body naturally maintain healthy GLP-1 levels, which is one reason why a gut-health-focused lifestyle matters for blood sugar balance and weight management.

Q: How does dietary fiber support GLP-1 function?

Dietary fiber, especially prebiotic fiber, feeds your gut bacteria, which can support the natural production of GLP-1. 

When consumed with or just before meals, dietary fiber slows digestion, which helps moderate how quickly glucose enters your bloodstream, reducing blood sugar spikes and crashes. Certain types of soluble, fermentable fiber—like the prebiotic fiber in just better.®—are also fermented by gut bacteria into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate. These SCFAs can directly stimulate your gut’s L-cells to release GLP-1, a hormone that supports fullness, balanced blood sugar, and healthy digestion.  

Q: Can prebiotic fiber supplements, like just better.® fiber, support fullness like GLP-1 medications?

Prebiotic fiber supplements, like just better.® fiber, do not mimic GLP-1 medications but can work alongside your body’s natural GLP-1 pathways. By slowing digestion and feeding beneficial gut bacteria, prebiotic fiber (when taken with meals and snacks) helps support steady blood sugar levels and natural feelings of fullness. This can help reduce cravings and keep you feeling satisfied between meals.

Q: How does GLP-1 support fullness and blood sugar balance?

GLP-1 helps slow down the rate at which food leaves your stomach, which means you feel full for longer after eating. It also signals your pancreas to release insulin while suppressing glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels. Together, these actions help stabilize your blood sugar and reduce post-meal spikes.

Q: How does GLP-1 affect hunger and cravings?

Because GLP-1 helps regulate the signals that tell your brain you’re full, it directly affects satiety and curbs cravings, especially for sugary or high-carbohydrate foods. By promoting feelings of fullness, GLP-1 may help you eat less while feeling satisfied.

Q: What’s the connection between GLP-1 and weight management?

GLP-1 supports weight management by helping you feel full for longer, reducing appetite, and stabilizing blood sugar levels. This combination can help reduce cravings and mindless snacking, making it easier to maintain consistent eating patterns. By working with your body’s natural signals, GLP-1 can support your efforts toward sustainable, healthy weight loss. 

Q: What are GLP-1 medications?

GLP-1 medications, including brands like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, are designed to mimic the effects of your body’s natural GLP-1 hormone. They are often prescribed to people managing type 2 diabetes to help regulate blood sugar and may also be prescribed for weight management in certain cases.

Q: Is GLP-1 only for people with diabetes?

No. While GLP-1 medications are commonly used for managing type 2 diabetes, they may also be prescribed for weight management in individuals without diabetes, under a qualified healthcare provider’s guidance. 

Q: Are there side effects of GLP-1 medications?

Some people experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation when starting GLP-1 medications, particularly as the body adjusts. Because these medications slow stomach emptying, they can also affect how your body absorbs other medications. It’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to monitor your response and adjust your plan as needed. 

Q: Are fiber supplements helpful for people using GLP-1 medications?

Yes! For many people using GLP-1 medications, fiber supplements like just better.® prebiotic fiber can be a helpful companion to daily care and beyond.

Many healthcare providers who specialize in obesity medicine have shared with us that they recommend just better.® prebiotic fiber together with GLP-1 medications to help ease the digestive side effects their patients experience while on these medications.

Prebiotic soluble fiber helps alleviate tummy troubles, supports gut health, and promotes regularity. If you are using GLP-1 medications, talk with your healthcare team about adding just better.® fiber to your nutrition plan.

Q: Can lifestyle changes impact GLP-1 levels naturally?

Lifestyle factors, such as regular physical activity, balanced meals rich in protein and fiber, effective stress management, and quality sleep, can all positively influence your body’s natural GLP-1 pathways. These choices support your body’s built-in systems for managing fullness, blood sugar balance, and cravings.

Q: Do hydration, protein, and movement matter for GLP-1?

Yes. Hydration helps keep your digestive system working well, supporting nutrient absorption and the gut environment where GLP-1 is released. Eating protein with meals can help stimulate GLP-1 secretion, promoting feelings of fullness and steady blood sugar after eating. Regular movement and exercise can improve insulin sensitivity and may also stimulate the release of GLP-1, which helps maintain blood sugar balance and regulate appetite. Together, these lifestyle choices can help your body’s natural GLP-1 pathways function optimally, supporting feelings of fullness, steady energy, and reduced cravings.

Q: What foods support natural GLP-1 pathways?

Unprocessed, fiber-rich foods like fresh produce, legumes, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help support natural GLP-1 pathways. 

Eating balanced meals that include these foods while staying hydrated and active can work together to support your body’s natural metabolic systems.

Closing Encouragement

Your daily choices—like staying active, eating fiber-rich meals and snacks, staying hydrated, and caring for your gut health—can work alongside your body’s natural GLP-1 pathways to support fullness, cravings, blood sugar balance, and sustainable weight management. If you’re using or considering GLP-1 medications, these tools can help support your overall health while you follow your healthcare provider’s guidance. 

At JUST BETTER BRANDS, we are here to support you in living fiber-rich and caring for your gut and metabolic health, so you can feel your just better.® every day.