GLP-1 is an acronym for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone that is naturally produced by animals, including humans. In humans, GLP-1 is primarily produced and secreted by cells in the intestine in response to food intake. GLP-1 is also produced and secreted by cells in the brain stem. In fact, GLP-1 can be found throughout the body while a person is eating, as GLP-1 receptors are distributed across many tissues, including the brain, gut, pancreas, heart, and kidneys.
GLP-1 is a multifunctional hormone with a number of digestion-related actions. The primary action of GLP-1, to the extent that it is understood, is to help regulate a person's blood sugar after eating by increasing insulin and reducing glucagon, two hormones that work together to control the amount of glucose in the bloodstream. The secondary action of GLP-1, to the extent that it is understood, is to slow the movement of food through the digestive system and reduce digestive secretions, helping to control the rate at which food moves through the gut. Other actions of GLP-1, as they are becoming more understood, include regulating appetite and food intake by reducing a person's desire to continue eating.
Most importantly, GLP-1 is a naturally-produced hormone in people that has a significant role in the intake and digestion of food.
Last edited September 15, 2026.