Hormonal
Targeting endogenous enteroendocrine cell (EEC) secretion to mimic postprandial hypersecretion of GLP-1 and other GI hormones offers a potential treatment for obesity and type 2 diabetes that avoids the side effects of exogenous GLP-1-based drugs.
Current research suggests that stimulating your gut to release its own GLP-1 (perhaps through specific nutrients or future drugs) might help with weight loss and blood sugar control without the nausea or nutrient malabsorption seen with current GLP-1 injections. This is still experimental.
By targeting endogenous GLP-1 secretion, these side effects could potentially be avoided as endogenous GLP-1 would mainly activate local sensory afferent nerves... Targeting endogenous EEC secretion would also result in a range of GI hormones regulating appetite and glucose homeostasis... Malabsorption of certain vitamins and minerals resulting in nutritional deficiencies, observed after certain types of bariatric surgery... would also be avoided.
Why this rating
Based on a review of animal models (perfused intestine) and clinical observations of surgery/drugs, not a direct human RCT of the specific intervention.
Source
Understanding the release mechanisms and secretion patterns for glucagon-like peptide-1 using the isolated perfused intestine as a model
Katrine D. Galsgaard et al. · Biochemical Society Transactions · 2025
DOI 10.1042/bst20241062
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