Olive Oil & Weight Loss

We are a gourmet food store. Why get involved in a discussion about weight loss? It's no secret that weight loss is a huge industry - and a huge issue - in North America. GLP-1 and its use in healthy living is on the rise in a huge way, and it's a topic we can see many sides of. Eating well will always be part of the equation of health and we are here to help you find support when it comes to eating good food.

Consuming Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar and many other fresh and whole foods is shown to provide significant health benefits and there are decades of research that consistently show that the Mediterranean dietary pattern is one of the most effective strategies for preventing and managing chronic and metabolic diseases.

For a limited time, we will be providing some information here on our website about GLP-1 and how EVOO can act like a natural source of GLP-1. If you are interested in weight loss, please see your doctor and find qualified support. Healthy living and eating well is subjective and weight loss does not need to be part of the discussion if you do not want it to be. Do what is right for you and your unique metabolism. Our metabolisms are all unique networks.

Is Extra Virgin Olive Oil Nature's GLP-1?

The information below is compiled by Dr. Artemis Morris and her research called A Mediterranean Medicine Perspective on Metabolism, Weight Loss, and Gut Health, compiled for our oil and vinegar distributor, MillPress Imports. We share it here with permission, but feel free to read the original article on their blog as presented by Seasons Tap Room. CLICK HERE to be redirected.

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What is GLP-1—and why is it so popular?

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a natural hormone released when we eat. It plays a
central role in metabolic health by:

  • Increasing satiety (helping us feel full).²
  • Stimulating insulin from the pancreas and lowering blood sugar.²
  • Slowing gastric emptying to prolong fullness and slow blood sugar absorption.²
  • GLP-1 receptor agonist medications (GLP-1 RAs) mimic this hormone and have become widely used—approximately 1 in 8 U.S. adults have tried them.³

While these medications can be effective, they amplify physiology rather than restore it. They also carry potential risks, including gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, bloating, vomiting), loss of lean muscle mass and sagging skin due to rapid weight loss, and more serious complications such as pancreatitis, thyroid conditions, and gallbladder disease.⁵⁻⁷ Additionally, most people gain the weight back after stopping the drugs which highlights the need for more sustainable, root-cause approaches to metabolic health and nutrition.

The Mediterranean Diet: The Gold Standard for Metabolic Health

Decades of research consistently show that the Mediterranean dietary pattern is one of the most effective strategies for preventing and managing chronic and metabolic diseases.⁸⁻⁹

The Mediterranean dietary pattern of eating emphasizes:

  • Abundant whole, plant-forward foods
  • Fiber-rich seasonal vegetables, fruits, and legumes
  • Grass-fed and pasture-raised animal protein in moderation
  • And most importantly-olive oil as the primary fat

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is rich in heart- healthy monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) and also contains higher amounts of bioactive compounds and polyphenols that:

  • Reduces inflammation and oxidative stress¹⁰
  • Improve insulin sensitivity¹³
  • Support cardiovascular health¹⁰

In a large prospective study of over 120,000 adults, even modest intake, as little as ½ tablespoon daily—was associated with less weight gain over time compared to other fats like margarine and butter.¹¹

The Science: How EVOO Preserves GLP-1 Activity

Emerging research suggests that EVOO supports our body's own GLP-1 and metabolic signals.

Human clinical studies show that consuming EVOO can:

  • Increase endogenous GLP-1 levels
  • Improve insulin response
  • Lower postprandial glucose and triglycerides¹⁵

This means EVOO naturally regulates our appetite and blood sugar, working with the body rather than overriding it. 

While the strongest evidence supports EVOO's ability to enhance GLP-1 activity, emerging research suggests it may also influence other gut derived incretin hormones that function similarly, such as Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide(GIP) and Peptide YY (PYY)." A fascinating mechanism was found that involves an enzyme called DPP-IV, which breaks down GLP-1: Increased oxidative stress due to inflammation leads to→increased DPP-IV activity→which reducesGLP-1 activity¹⁶

EVOO polyphenols—including oleuropein, oleocanthal, and hydroxytyrosol—have been shown to inhibit DPP-IV activity, helps to preserve GLP-1 and other hormonal signals, and extends its metabolic benefits.¹⁷ Rather than acting on a single pathway, EVOO appears to modulate a broader network of incretin and satiety signals—highlighting how whole foods can influence multiple metabolic pathways simultaneously.

New Research: Olive Compounds That Stimulate GLP-1

Recent research on elenolic acid, a compound derived from olives found in EVOO, shows:

  • Increased GLP-1 and PYY secretion.
  • Reduced food intake (~20%).
  • Improved insulin sensitivity and glucose control¹⁸⁻²⁰

In preclinical models, its effects were comparable to GLP-1 medications and even exceeded metformin.¹⁸

Whole-Body Metabolic Effects

Food can influence metabolism at the same biochemical pathways as pharmaceuticals. Beyond GLP-1, EVOO supports metabolic health across multiple systems:

Gut Health

  • Reduces gut permeability ("leaky gut").
  • Lowers endotoxemia.
  • Supports a healthy microbiomethat regulates how we turn food into energy.²¹

Liver Health

  • Improves fatty liver disease (MASLD)which increases the risk of Diabetes.
  • Reduces liver enzymes and inflammation.

Body Composition & Inflammation

  • Reduces visceral fat.
  • May improve the thermogenic effect of food.
  • Improves metabolic health independent of weight²²⁻²⁵,²⁷⁻²⁸

Furthermore, EVOO consumption has been associated with lower all- cause mortality.²⁶

Final Takeaway: Nature's Intelligence at Work

Extra virgin olive oil is not simply "nature's GLP-1." It is something far more powerful, a functional food that supports metabolic health at its roots—naturally, sustainably, and deliciously. Using EVOO daily (about 2 -4 tablespoons or more) helps restore connection to food and body.

EVOO is more than a nutrient—it is a ritual rooted in culture, connection, and pleasure that nourishes us while it gives back to the environment that sustains us. EVOO is a functional and medicinal ingredient that when incorporated into your diet as the primary source of fat/oil can complement, replace and sustain judicious use of pharmaceuticals for an improved connection to food and metabolic health.

It is a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern metabolic science… and it tastes good, too.

References

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2. Kreymann B, Williams G, Ghatei MA, Bloom SR. Glucagon-like peptide-1 7–36: a physiological incretin in man. Lancet. 1987;2(8571):1300-1304. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(87)91194-9

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19. Wang Y, Wu Y, Wang A, et al. Elenolic acid stimulates GLP-1 and PYY secretion. Front Nutr. 2022;9:1051452. doi:10.3389/fnut.2022.1051452

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