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While pharmaceutical companies race to meet demand for costly weight-loss injections, new research suggests that a centuries-old natural remedy--hops extract--may offer a safer, effective, and affordable alternative for appetite control.

Quick Summary:

• Recent clinical studies reveal that hops extract can reduce hunger by up to 17% during fasting periods, while also curbing food cravings.
• Unlike injectables like Ozempic and Mounjaro, hops work naturally through gut hormone pathways with fewer side effects.
• The bitter compounds in hops, long used for medicinal purposes, activate natural appetite-regulating mechanisms without the risks associated with synthetic drugs.

The Rise of Injectable Weight Loss Drugs

In the quest for rapid weight loss, drugs like Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) have captured attention. Originally developed for diabetes management, these GLP-1 agonists help users lose weight by delaying gastric emptying and suppressing appetite. However, the path to weight loss through these injectables is neither cheap nor without risk. At around $1,000 per month, these drugs are cost-prohibitive for many and often come with severe side effects, ranging from nausea and diarrhea to more serious risks like pancreatitis and thyroid tumors.1

Hops: An Ancient Plant with Modern Potential

Hops, a primary ingredient in beer brewing, has a centuries-old medicinal history. Researchers have discovered that bitter compounds in hops can effectively curb appetite without the adverse effects linked to injectables. Clinical studies conducted in New Zealand have demonstrated that hops extract (Amarasate®) significantly reduces hunger and food cravings during fasting periods in both men and women. This effect is achieved by stimulating appetite-suppressing gut hormones, such as peptide YY (PYY) and cholecystokinin (CCK).2

Hops Extract vs. GLP-1 Agonists: A Comparison

FeatureHops ExtractGLP-1 Agonists (e.g., Ozempic, Mounjaro)

CostLow (natural extract)High (~$1,000/month)

AdministrationOral capsulesInjectable

SafetyMild side effects (minimal GI discomfort)Significant GI and mental health risks (e.g., pancreatitis)

MechanismActivates natural appetite-regulating gut receptorsSynthetic GLP-1 mimetic

History of UseCenturies in traditional medicineNovel, limited long-term safety data

Scientific Insights into Hops Extract

The "bitter brake" mechanism offers a glimpse into hops' potential as a weight management aid. When consumed, bitter compounds in hops activate gut receptors, which in turn release satiety hormones like GLP-1, peptide YY, and cholecystokinin (CCK), curbing hunger naturally. Recent studies show that a 500 mg dose of hops extract reduces hunger by over 10% and food intake by up to 17% during fasting periods.3

These findings position hops as a more natural approach, modulating appetite without introducing synthetic hormones. By encouraging the release of body's own appetite-regulating hormones, hops extract aligns with natural physiological processes in a way that synthetic drugs often disrupt.4

The Case for Natural Alternatives

The popularity of injectable weight loss drugs underscores the growing demand for effective solutions. However, natural options like hops extract offer several key advantages:

1. Affordability and Accessibility: Unlike costly pharmaceuticals, hops extract is accessible and economical, making it a viable choice for a broader population.
2. Lower Risk Profile: Recognized as generally safe with minimal side effects, hops have a long-standing history of use, reducing the likelihood of unforeseen complications.
3. Time-Tested Efficacy: Traditional medicine has consistently used bitter plants, such as Ayurvedic guggul and African Hoodia, to manage appetite, pointing to an ancient precedent for hops as a potential solution.5

Health Risks of GLP-1 Agonists

The appeal of injectables fades upon examining potential risks. Common side effects range from nausea to more severe complications, including:

• Thyroid Cancer Risk: The FDA has issued a black-box warning for potential thyroid tumors associated with these drugs.6
• Gastrointestinal Damage: Users report gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying) and, in some cases, severe digestive issues that significantly affect quality of life.7
• Mental Health Concerns: Depression and suicidal thoughts have been linked to the use of these drugs, further complicating their risk profile.8

Hops Extract Safety Profile

 

Hops extract, on the other hand, boasts a centuries-old safety record. Its primary side effects, typically mild GI discomfort, are negligible compared to those associated with GLP-1 agonists. Clinical studies confirm its efficacy and safety during controlled fasting trials in both men and women, further supporting its role as a safe appetite suppressant.9

Learn More

For those interested in a deeper dive into the science of hops as a natural appetite suppressant, watch an exclusive interview with one of the world's leading researchers on this topic at Unite.Live. This interview sheds light on how hops impacts gut hormone secretion and appetite, reinforcing its potential as a natural alternative to pharmaceuticals. Access the interview here.

Conclusion: A Return to Natural Wisdom

The evidence is compelling: while pharmaceuticals may provide a rapid solution to weight loss, they also bring risks and costs that may outweigh their benefits. Hops extract represents an appealing alternative--natural, safe, accessible, and effective. For those exploring weight management options, the precautionary principle suggests turning first to natural solutions with established safety records. Hops extract embodies a return to time-tested wisdom, offering sustainable weight management in a way that's kinder to the body and gentler on the wallet.

Learn more about the evidence-based therapeutic properties of hops here.

For further context on hops as a natural alternative to pharmaceuticals, an insightful interview with a leading scientist on the topic can be found on Unite.Live: Watch here. 

 

References

1. Weintraub, Karen. "Ozempic v. Mounjaro? There's a Clear Winner for Weight Loss, Study Finds." USA TODAY, July 8, 2024.

2. Walker, Edward, et al. "Gastrointestinal Delivery of Bitter Hop Extract Reduces Appetite and Food Cravings in Healthy Adults." Obesity Pillars, vol. 11, 2024, p. 100117. 

3. Walker, Edward, et al. "An Extract of Hops (Humulus lupulus L.) Modulates Gut Peptide Hormone Secretion." American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, vol. 115, 2022, pp. 925–940. 

4. GMI Research Group. "Hops: A Comprehensive Review of Its Traditional and Modern Therapeutic Uses." GreenMedInfo, 2024. 

5. "Hops and Appetite Control: Insights from Traditional Medicine." GreenMedInfo, 2024. 

6. FDA Drug Safety Communications. "Risk of Thyroid Tumors in GLP-1 Agonists." FDA, accessed 2024. 

7. Rezaie, Ali, et al. "Gastrointestinal Complications of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists." Gastroenterology, vol. 184, 2023, p. 106490. 

8. Bitarafan, Vida, et al. "Case Report: Semaglutide-associated Depression." Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 2023. 

9. Walker, Edward, et al. "An Extract of Hops (Humulus lupulus L.) Modulates Appetite-Related GI Functions in Healthy Men." American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, vol. 115, 2022.

 

The GMI Research Group (GMIRG) is dedicated to investigating the most important health and environmental issues of the day.  Special emphasis will be placed on environmental health.  Our focused and deep research will explore the many ways in which the present condition of the human body directly reflects the true state of the ambient environment.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of GreenMedInfo or its staff.