What Is GLP-1 and How Does It Affect Fat Loss?

Written By Jessica Mackie

31/10/2025

Written by Emily Perkins

The key to long-term weight loss isn’t simply eating less - it’s fixing your metabolism and hunger hormones.

In Australia, around 66% of adults are overweight or obese. While rates have steadily increased over time, the goal of national health strategies is to halt and reverse this trend by 2030. It’s easy to see why obesity is so widespread today. You only have to pick-up your phone, walk down the street or turn on the tv, and you’re bombarded with hundreds of advertisements for delicious looking food, catchy songs (did somebody say…Menulog) plus the convenience of ordering meals to your doorstep with the click of a button.

The truth is, our society often profits from habits that aren’t great for our health. If people stay healthy, some businesses make less money. What we’re increasingly seeing is people turning to weight loss drugs, which can come with serious side effects and health risks. GLP-1 plays an important role in this conversation. Ozempic and other synthetic GLP1 drugs have formed a multi-billion-dollar industry as the price of these medications can range upward of $1,000 a month. 

And it’s not just your wallet that pays. There are potential health consequences too:

  • Gastrointestinal issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and heartburn are common, affecting up to 40% of users

  • Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, a serious condition, has been reported in some users

  • Gallbladder problems: Issues such as gallstones and inflammation can occur

  • Kidney issues: Acute kidney injury has been observed in some cases

  • Mental health effects: Some users may experience mood changes or suicidal thoughts

  • Dizziness and fatigue: These symptoms can occur, especially during the initial phase of treatment

  • Hair loss: Some users report hair thinning, potentially due to rapid weight loss or nutritional deficiencies

  • Muscle loss: Up to 40% of weight lost on GLP-1 drugs may be lean muscle mass

It's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting GLP-1 medications to understand the potential risks and benefits.

Activate Your Body’s Natural GLP-1

The good news is that you don’t need synthetic drugs to tap into the power of GLP-1. Your body can produce it naturally. 

GLP-1 is a hormone produced in your gut. It reduces appetite by signaling your brain when you’re full. It helps regulate blood sugar, preventing spikes and crashes. It improves insulin sensitivity, so your body processes sugar more efficiently and stores less fat. GLP-1 also dulls food reward responses, making high-calorie foods less tempting. It boosts metabolism by improving fat oxidation and supports digestion and gut-brain communication.

You can naturally stimulate GLP-1 through healthy lifestyle habits. Focus on eating more protein and fibre, try fasting between meals, stay active with regular movement and prioritise good sleep. Certain everyday foods can help too, like broccoli, spinach, yoghurt, eggs, beans, oats, nuts, and avocado.Consistency is key. These habits and food can support GLP-1 production over time, but certain lifestyle factors can suppress its effectiveness, including chronic stress, aging, ultra-processed foods, alcohol, yoyo dieting, late-night eating and poor sleep.

Supporting GLP-1 with the MindBody System

This is where LifeVantage’s MindBody GLP-1 System comes in. It’s designed to activate your body’s natural GLP-1 production, improve gut health and support metabolism- all without synthetic drugs. Clinically proven and made from all-natural ingredients, it has no dangerous side effects.

Clinical results include:

  • 89% experienced decreased food cravings

  • 0% loss in skeletal muscle

  • Up to 18.8–27% reduction in visceral fat

  • Up to 140–220% average increase in GLP-1

The system works by managing appetite, balancing blood sugar, supporting digestion and boosting metabolism.

At the end of the day, regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and moderation are still the foundation,  but activating your GLP-1 with the MindBody System can give you a safe, natural edge on your journey.

Chat to the team at Phase 1 or Ivanhoe Health Store for more information.


Jessica Mackie
Next

Building Bones, Building Strength