A popular hot drink costing just 4p could “mimic” the effects of weight loss medication, according to new research. A scientific review has named some natural compounds found in our diets that could replicate the effects of GLP-1 injections.

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone produced in the gut that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. Treatments referred to as GLP-1 inhibitors have grown in use in recent years owing to their success in controlling blood sugar levels amongst diabetic patients and supporting weight reduction.

Available as injections, some of these medications can be accessed through the NHS for qualifying patients. However, according to the new findings, certain foods and drinks could produce comparable effects to GLP-1 inhibitors.

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

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

Researchers wrote in the study: “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 amoung the foods and drinks that could affect GLP-1

Others included:

• Ginger


• Cinnamon


• Wheat


• Berberine (a compound found in plants)

But bariatric surgeon and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Centre, Mir Ali, who was not involved in the study noted that these ingredients should not be used as “alternatives” to weight loss jabs. 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 explained that these natural ingredients work in different ways, “either by stimulating the central nervous system to boost metabolism (caffeine), promote fat burning (green tea extract, capsaicin), or activating other enzymes (berberine)”.

Previous studies have linked the consumption of green tea with weight loss. One paper, published in the Journal of Functional Foods, advised the consumption of catechin-enriched green tea for this very reason.

Study authors explained: “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 followed on from previous research suggesting 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 said.

At the time of reporting, you could buy a pack of 20 green tea bags from Tesco for 80p equating to 4p a cup.