What lifestyle interventions affect GLP-1 levels?

    Last Updated: December 14, 2023

    The macronutrient content of a meal affects the amount of GLP-1 that’s released. GLP-1 is released mainly in response to the carbohydrates and fats in a meal. Protein stimulates GLP-1 release to a lesser extent.[1] This should not be interpreted as a license to eat large amounts of fat and carbs in order to boost your GLP-1 levels, though! A more promising way to healthily boost your GLP-1 levels is through exercise. GLP-1 seems to rise immediately after exercise, and baseline levels of GLP-1 in people who exercise remain elevated in the medium term, too.[2] Not only that, but exercise may help decrease GLP-1 resistance in people with type 2 diabetes and may make medications like semaglutide even more effective.[3]

    References

    1. ^Parker HE, Reimann F, Gribble FMMolecular mechanisms underlying nutrient-stimulated incretin secretion.Expert Rev Mol Med.(2010-Jan-05)
    2. ^Ueda, S-Y, et al.Effects of exercise on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)J Phys Fitness Sports Med.(2013 Jun 21)
    3. ^Hamasaki HExercise and glucagon-like peptide-1: Does exercise potentiate the effect of treatment?World J Diabetes.(2018-Aug-15)