What is GLP-1? A Complete Guide to the Natural Hormone
In recent years, the term "GLP-1" has exploded into mainstream conversation. It is mentioned in the same breath as blockbuster drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. But here is a critical distinction that many headlines miss: GLP-1 is not a drug. It is a naturally occurring hormone that your body produces every single day.
The medications that have captured the world's attention are simply synthetic versions of this human hormone. To truly understand how these drugs work, why they are so effective, and whether they might be right for you, you must first understand what GLP-1 is, where it comes from, and what it does in your body.
This complete guide will walk you through the science of GLP-1—from its discovery to its three major functions to the reasons why natural levels vary from person to person.