You’re ready to move again.
The weather’s warming up, your energy’s coming back online, and maybe – just maybe – you’re feeling the pull to shed what winter left behind.
If you’ve been curious about medications like Ozempic (or the generic version, semaglutide), you’re not alone. These GLP-1 medications are everywhere right now – and they’re helping some people manage weight and blood sugar in ways that feel life-changing.
But they also come with questions:
About access. About cost. About long-term impact.
And most importantly – about what your other options are.
Let’s talk about that.
Can Natural Approaches Support GLP-1 Function?
The short answer? Yes – but with nuance.
Let’s break it down.
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar, manage appetite, and signal satiety to the brain. When functioning well, it keeps cravings in check and supports healthy weight metabolism.
The good news:
There are natural ways to help your body increase or normalize GLP-1 levels, especially if they’re low due to inflammation, gut dysfunction, or diet.
This includes:
- Fiber-rich foods (hint: most Americans are chronically under-consuming fiber)
- Microbiome support through prebiotics and fermented foods
- Certain herbs and nutraceuticals that gently stimulate GLP-1 release
The caveat?
Natural methods can bring GLP-1 back into a normal range – but they’re unlikely to push it into the pharmacological range that medications like Ozempic achieve. That’s why weight loss results tend to vary.
And that’s why we always come back to this:
Your microbiome matters. Your movement matters. And your muscle matters.
What’s Happening With Semaglutide Access?
As of May, 2025, compounded semaglutide prescriptions will no longer be available. That means Ozempic will be the only form legally and consistently stocked – so if you’ve been using compounded versions, your options are about to shift.
And with Ozempic being the only available source, we’re already seeing:
- Higher prices
- Limited supply
- Less flexibility in dosing or customization
So if you’ve been on the fence about it – or just starting to explore whether it’s right for you – this is an important moment to pause and ask:
What do I actually want from this journey?
Why Strength Training Is Still the Secret
GLP-1 meds reduce appetite – which often leads to unintentional fasting or calorie restriction. That might help with weight loss short-term, but if you’re not building or preserving muscle while losing weight, you’re also slowing down your metabolism.
Here’s what that means long-term:
- Fatigue
- Plateaus
- Weight regain
- A harder time keeping it off without relying on the medication
It’s not about how much muscle you have.
It’s about how much strength you can build and sustain.
And if you care about long-term health, disease resistance, and quality of life?
Strength is non-negotiable.
So What’s the Plan?
If you’re exploring GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, thinking about coming off of them, or simply wondering what your alternatives are – you don’t need a one-size-fits-all protocol.
You need a plan that supports your body, your lifestyle, and your long-term goals.
That might include:
- Herbal and nutritional support to regulate blood sugar and appetite
(We love Berberine Synergy by Designs for Health or Calocurb Appetite Control.) - A microbiome reset through real food – fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds – to improve GLP-1 signaling naturally
- Movement that builds strength, not just burns calories
(No matter where you’re starting, there’s a way to get moving that honors your body.) - Functional testing to look deeper at inflammation, insulin resistance, cortisol, and gut health
(Tests like GI Effects and the Hormone Zoomer can help guide the path forward.) - Targeted GLP-1 support, like Sodium Butyrate by BodyBio or GLP-1 Probiotic Pro by Pendulum (these supplements are available at CNMA)
Because whether you’re using medication or not, the goal is the same:
You feeling strong, stable, and supported in your body.
What Happens When You Focus on Strength, Not Just Scale?
You stop chasing quick fixes and start building something real.
Your metabolism doesn’t just stabilize – it gets more efficient.
Your energy returns.
Your cravings quiet down.
Your body begins to trust you again.
And most importantly?
You shift from just losing weight to gaining vitality – the kind that lasts.
Because longevity isn’t just about living longer.
It’s about staying strong, mobile, and mentally sharp along the way.
That’s what we care about most.
That’s what we’re here to help you build.
Colorado Natural Medicine provides naturopathic care, functional testing, acupuncture, cupping, and holistic counseling to those in Castle Rock, Castle Pines, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Colorado Springs, and the greater Denver metro area. For those outside of these areas, virtual appointments are available.
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