Compounds in this drink drink could potentially mirror the effects of GLP-1 injections

Fiona Callingham Lifestyle writer

05:00, 24 Nov 2025

A common hot beverage costing a mere 4p could “mimic” the effects of weight loss medication, suggests recent findings. Researchers have identified certain natural compounds present in our diets that could potentially mirror the effects of GLP-1 injections.

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone generated in the gut that aids in regulating blood sugar and appetite. Treatments known as GLP-1 inhibitors have seen increased usage in recent years due to their effectiveness in managing blood sugar levels among diabetic patients and aiding weight loss.

These medications are available as injections and can be obtained through the NHS for eligible patients. However, the new findings suggest that specific foods and drinks could produce similar effects to GLP-1 inhibitors.

Researchers from Heliopolis University in Cairo recently published a review of the existing evidence in the journal Toxicology Reports, suggesting that GLP-1 might be influenced by natural compounds from diet.

The team highlighted that one of the reasons they are exploring natural alternatives to the GLP-1 injections is due to the cost and accessibility of the medications. This could also help avoid any potential side effects of the jabs, which can include vomiting, diarrhoea, and cramps.

In the study, researchers stated: “It’s about increasing treatment options and personalising it to each patient’s preferences and needs.”

As reported by Medical News Today, green tea was found to be among the foods and drinks that could affect GLP-1.

Others included:

• Ginger
• Cinnamon
• Wheat
• Berberine (a compound found in plants)

However, bariatric surgeon and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Centre, Mir Ali, who wasn’t part of the research, emphasised that these ingredients shouldn’t be viewed as “alternatives” to weight loss injections. He told Medical News Today: “Natural ingredients may help boost metabolism.

“However, it is a mild effect. These [compounds] should not be considered an alternative to the GLP-1 medications.”

He clarified that these natural ingredients function through various mechanisms, “either by stimulating the central nervous system to boost metabolism (caffeine), promote fat burning (green tea extract, capsaicin), or activating other enzymes (berberine)”.

Additional research

Earlier studies have connected green tea consumption with shedding pounds. One study, featured in the Journal of Functional Foods, recommended drinking catechin-enriched green tea for precisely this purpose.

The research team stated: “Average visceral fat area, body weight, and body fat were reduced significantly by catechin-enriched green tea treatment but these effects were not seen in the control group with per-protocol sets analysis.

“The decrease at week 12 in the visceral fat area in the catechin group was greater than that in the control group. Thus, consumption of the catechin-enriched green tea beverage for 12 weeks induced visceral fat loss in Chinese adults with a high proportion of abdominal visceral fat.”

The study built upon previous research that suggested the weight loss benefits of green tea. “In recent years, there have been many studies on the beneficial effects of green tea in treating obesity and improving glucose and lipid metabolism,” the authors stated.

At the time of writing, a pack of 20 green tea bags could be purchased from Tesco for 80p, which works out at 4p per cup.