These days, weight loss solutions are everywhere. From diet plans and fitness challenges to pills and prescription medications, many people search for what works best. One class of medicines getting a lot of attention lately is GLP-1 medications and similar drugs. These medications help reduce appetite and aid in blood sugar control. One such drug is Mounjaro, which is becoming increasingly popular. But with many people concerned about taking medications, they search for a natural alternative to Mounjaro.

Overview

Mounjaro works uniquely by activating two hormone systems in the body. First, it acts as a GLP-1 receptor agonist by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone (glucagon-like peptide-1). As explained by the Cleveland Clinic, GLP-1 helps the body release insulin to lower blood sugar levels and also slows down the rate at which food leaves the stomach. As a result, it helps reduce appetite, allowing people to feel fuller for longer. 

The injectable also influences GIP receptors, which are another type of hormone that regulates glucose metabolism. The “dual action” functionality found in tirzepatide is a key reason why it is highly effective. Because of these effects, people taking Mounjaro often eat less (because they feel less hungry) and their bodies respond better to the foods they eat in terms of blood sugar control.

What the science says

Mounjaro is the brand name for the drug tirzepatide, which is a prescription injection medicine developed by Lilly that was initially designed to help people with type 2 diabetes lower their A1C or blood sugar levels when diet and exercise alone were not enough. The drug was never intended to replace necessary lifestyle changes, but to supplement progress when natural weight loss methods plateaued. 

However, over time, clinical studies have shown that it also helps people lose weight, primarily when used in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise. 

Dr. Hussain Ahmad, MUDr/MD, an experienced hospital doctor and consultant practitioner in the United Kingdom, cautions that “There isn’t really a natural product that works the same way.” For individuals that don’t want to take Mounjaro or other GLP-1/GIPs he states, “We look at diet, activity, sleep and general lifestyle changes. A higher protein diet and regular movement can support the same hormones, but the results are slower.”

Mounjaro has been proven to be effective, but many people seek natural alternatives that may offer similar benefits without the associated costs or potential side effects. While some of the following natural remedies or recipes have made it into pop culture, not all of them are vetted, nor do they yield the same potent results as Mountjaro. 

Berberine

Berberine is a compound found in several plants (like barberry). It is often promoted as a “natural GLP-1 alternative.” Some studies suggest that it can help control blood sugar, insulin sensitivity and yield modest weight loss. However, it won’t work as quickly as prescription drugs. More importantly, supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA in the same way as prescription or even over-the-counter (OTC) medications, so doses and purity may vary, and side effects may occur.

Green Tea

Green tea contains catechins and caffeine, which have been studied for possible effects on metabolism and appetite suppression. Some people use green tea extracts or drink it regularly as part of a weight-loss strategy. However, the effects are modest and not as strong as those of a prescription medication.

Other natural remedies

Fiber supplements and high-fiber foods slow digestion, which can help you feel full longer, and can naturally stimulate the body’s GLP-1 production, as per WebMD. The best dietary options include eating beans, legumes, whole grains, vegetables and fruits. Additionally, eating more lean protein, nuts, seeds, fatty fish and healthy oils can help reduce hunger and stabilize blood sugar. These foods improve the body’s hormonal systems (including GLP-1) function better.

Good gut health is linked with better hormone balance. Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi and miso may influence gut bacteria that help regulate hormones, including GLP-1.Some natural chemicals found in herbs and plant foods, such as curcumin from turmeric or anthocyanins from berries, have been studied and shown to be effective in laboratory or animal studies in influencing metabolism, fat breakdown, appetite or hormone signaling. However, more research is needed to confirm efficacy in humans.

Risks and safety considerations

People may take Mounjaro for extended periods, but only under the guidance of a healthcare professional. To maintain safety, ongoing care, monitoring and even dosage adjustments may be necessary. As with any medication, no drug is completely safe and there are some risks to be aware of.

Common side effects can include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain and decreased appetite. Because stomach function is impacted and contents move more slowly on Mounjaro, it could affect how other drugs are absorbed. Individuals with a history of digestive issues may be at an increased risk.

Momo Vuyisich, PhD, who is the co-founder, chief science officer, and head of clinical research at Viome Life Sciences notes that side effects can happen. “Loss of muscle mass and strength, and nutritional imbalances” are possible. Dr. Vuyisich adds, “About 5% of people discontinue the medication due to serious side effects.” 

Although rare, pancreatitis can occur with drugs in this class. People with medullary thyroid carcinoma or a family history of it usually aren’t good candidates for GLP-1 type drugs. Individuals with diabetic retinopathy may be at risk for rapid changes in blood sugar, which can worsen eye problems temporarily.

The FDA warns consumers about unapproved versions of tirzepatide and other GLP-1 drugs sold online under beauty or weight-loss labels. These may be counterfeit, unsafe, or mislabeled.  As with any medication, some people are not ideal candidates for Mounjaro, and this includes people with:

  • Type 1 diabetes
  • Thyroid cancers or a family history of them
  • Pancreatitis
  • Gastrointestinal or motility disorders
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women 
  • Young children

Alternatives

Mounjaro is one of several other popular prescription medications that began as a diabetes solution before expanding into the weight loss scene. However, it’s important to remember that adopting a healthy lifestyle is the ultimate goal, even when taking medications to support weight loss. 

Semaglutide

As explained by UChicago Medicine, semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist and isn’t dual, unlike Mounjaro. It is approved for both diabetes as Ozempic and obesity/weight management as Wegovy. It slows gastric emptying, reduces appetite and helps lower blood sugar. Although it doesn’t work as fast as Mounjaro, it’s very effective for weight loss.

Liraglutide 

Liraglutide is another GLP-1 drug used for weight management as Saxenda or in diabetes as Victoza. It also delivers appetite suppression and slows stomach emptying. Unlike other GLP-1s that are administered weekly, this one requires daily injections in some dosage forms. 

Dulaglutide

Dulaglutide is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and has GLP-1 activity, although weight loss is not its primary indication. It can support weight loss, but usually not as effectively as competitors specifically approved for obesity.

Lifestyle Changes

Ultimately, lifestyle changes are one of the most critical things a person can do to support a weight loss program. Physicians and health professionals who prescribe and oversee Mounjaro management caution that while results may be slower, individuals are less likely to experience the rebound side effects that others do when they eventually wean off GLP-1s.

Shifting to a healthier diet, incorporating more daily exercise, prioritizing overall health and getting enough sleep are essential healthy habits that can make a big difference.

What are the ingredients in Mounjaro?

Kiara DeWitt, BSN, RN, CPN, Advanced Clinical Nurse Injector and the founder and CEO of Injectco, a medical aesthetics and cosmetic clinic in Texas that oversees a proprietary weight loss program called BriteBody, notes that “Even though it may feel like a foreign signal to the system, there is nothing inherently ‘toxic’ in the mixture as long as it is prescribed correctly.” 

Mounjaro’s active ingredient that supports weight loss is tirzepatide, a synthetic peptide designed to activate GLP-1 and GIP receptors. The peptide format requires subcutaneous injection to prevent breakdown in the stomach. As with most drugs, there are inactive substances like buffers and stabilizers to maintain storage, absorption and shelf life of the medication.

What is a natural substitute for Mounjaro?

While there are natural herbs, spices, teas and even a healthy diet that can all support weight loss, they’re nowhere near as powerful as Mounjaro in terms of weight loss speed. Overwhelmingly, all of the medical experts Blavity spoke with for this article agreed that the only “natural substitute” supported by the scientific community is adopting a healthy lifestyle that prioritizes a balanced diet or a calorie deficit if drastic weight loss is needed, limits alcohol consumption, increases physical activity and achieves sufficient sleep. 

The closest “natural substitute” that aligns with medical advice is to consume a combination of high-fiber foods, lean protein, healthy fats, fermented foods and selected supplements that support metabolism and hormone balance.

Bottom line

Mounjaro is a powerful prescription medicine that began as a management solution for diabetes and ultimately also supported weight loss by acting on hormonal pathways in the body. Currently, there are no natural alternatives that can match the strength and speed of a prescription GLP-1. For those wary of side effects or medications, the safest and most sustainable approach is to focus on lifestyle changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who cannot take Mounjaro?

People with a family history of certain thyroid cancers, who have had pancreatitis, significant gastrointestinal motility disorders, pregnant or breastfeeding women, children and people with certain other medical conditions should not use it or should only do so under careful monitoring by a healthcare professional.

What happens when you stop taking Mounjaro?

When someone stops, appetite suppression is lost and the hormonal support for glucose control is reduced. Often, people regain weight if lifestyle changes are not maintained. Blood sugar control may worsen, too. That’s why prescription weight loss medications are often part of a long-term plan, not a one-time fix.

Citations

Cleveland Clinic Staff. GLP-1 Agonists. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/13901-glp-1-agonists

Katie Kerwin McCrimmon. What is Mounjaro? And Does It Work Better for Weight Loss Than Ozempic and Wegovy? UCHealth Today. Published 2023. https://www.uchealth.org/today/what-is-mounjaro-and-how-does-it-work-for-weight-loss/

Hannah Grabenstein. In the Gray World of GLP-1 Supplements Online, Health Experts Urge Caution. PBS News. Published 2025. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/what-to-know-before-you-buy-a-weight-loss-supplement-on-tiktok

FDA Staff. Dietary Supplements. FDA. Published 2024. https://www.fda.gov/food/dietary-supplements

Sayed UFSM, Moshawih S, Goh HP, et al. Natural Products as Novel Anti-obesity Agents: Insights into Mechanisms of Action and Potential for Therapeutic Management. Frontiers in Pharmacology. Published 2023. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10318930/

Jessica Migala. Can you Boost GLP-1 Naturally? WebMD. Published 2024. https://www.webmd.com/obesity/features/natural-glp1-boosters

Du L, Ding X, Zhang W, et al. Anthocyanins from Blueberry and Blackberry Ameliorate Metabolic Syndrome by Prevotella histicola and Acetic Acid. NPJ Science of Food. Published 2025. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12307916

ADA Staff. Understanding Type 2 Diabetes. American Diabetes Association. https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/type-2

FDA Staff. FDA’s Concerns with Unapproved GLP-1 Drugs Used for Weight Loss. FDA. Published2025. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/fdas-concerns-unapproved-glp-1-drugs-used-weight-loss

Grace Niewijk. Research Shows GLP-1 Drugs Are Effective but Complex. UChicago Medicine. Published 2023. https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/research-and-discoveries-articles/2024/may/research-on-glp-1-drugs