Elcella: Critical analysis and review of the ’’Natural GLP-1 Alternative’’

Jump to: What Elcella claims to do | Ingredient analysis | The science vs. marketing reality | Cost and value assessment | UK considerations | Evidence-based alternatives | Take home message

There’s no substantial evidence that Elcella effectively stimulates GLP-1 production enough to deliver meaningful weight loss comparable to prescription medications like Mounjaro or Wegovy.

While founded by legitimate researchers from Queen Mary University of London, Elcella’s weight loss claims (an average of 6kg over 12 weeks) are based on unpublished research that hasn’t undergone peer review.¹

The only published study tested a single dose in 20 volunteers, showing a 13% reduction in food intake at just one meal; far from the dramatic “nearly 20% body weight loss” claimed in marketing materials.^2,3

UK data shows approximately 28% of adults are living with obesity, creating significant demand for accessible weight management solutions, especially given NHS waiting times for GLP-1 medications.⁹

At £595 for a 12-week programme (nearly £2,380 annually), Elcella costs almost as much as prescription GLP-1 weight-loss medications while offering far less robust evidence for effectiveness.¹

What Elcella claims to do

Elcella markets itself as a “natural alternative” to weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, claiming to help the body release its own appetite-reducing hormones without side effects.^1,11

The company positions its product as backed by a decade of research from Queen Mary University of London, developed by neurogastroenterology experts Dr. Madusha Peiris and Dr. Rubina Aktar.¹

According to the Elcella website, their capsules work by:

• Stimulating the natural release of GLP-1 and PYY hormones in the colon¹
• Using a special enteric coating to deliver oils directly to the colon¹²
• Targeting specific receptors (GPR84 and FFAR4) on L-cells to boost hormone production²

The marketing makes several bold claims:

• 94% improvement in appetite control over 12 weeks¹
• 6kg average weight loss in 12 weeks¹
• 7cm average waistline reduction¹
• Increases in GLP-1 and PYY hormone levels by 2.5 times¹¹
• “Nearly 20% body weight loss”, comparable to Mounjaro and Wegovy¹
• Zero side effects observed in three clinical trials¹

Users are instructed to take 8 capsules daily (4 capsules, twice daily) 3 hours before lunch and dinner.¹

The regimen requires consistency over at least 12 weeks, with the founders suggesting it may become “a staple in your daily wellness routine”.¹

What’s immediately concerning is that while the marketing refers to multiple clinical trials showing significant weight loss, only one study has been published in a peer-reviewed journal. It tested a single dose, not a 12-week programme.²

Ingredient analysis

Elcella contains three oils in a plant-based, enteric-coated capsule:¹

• Virgin cold-pressed organic linseed oil (flaxseed oil)
• Coconut oil
• MCT oil (medium-chain triglycerides)

Here’s what the evidence actually shows for each ingredient:

The fundamental issue is ingredient transparency. Elcella doesn’t disclose the exact amount of each oil per capsule, making it impossible to determine if the product provides research-backed therapeutic amounts.¹

A 2022 systematic review found that while whole flaxseed (≥30g daily for ≥12 weeks) showed modest benefits in overweight participants, flaxseed oil alone didn’t significantly improve body composition.³

Studies specifically testing coconut oil for appetite suppression found it didn’t reduce food intake or increase satiety compared to control oils.⁵

MCT oil has the strongest evidence of the three, but the effects are modest and highly variable between individuals.⁴

The specific enteric coating used in Elcella is also crucial; however, manufacturing consistency, dissolution testing data, and consistency testing haven’t been published.⁸

The science vs. marketing reality

The primary published research supporting Elcella is a 2022 study in the journal Gut titled “Decoy bypass for appetite suppression in obese adults: role of synergistic nutrient sensing receptors GPR84 and FFAR4 on colonic endocrine cells”.²

This peer-reviewed study provides the foundation for Elcella’s claims, but the actual results are far more modest than the marketing suggests:

What the published study actually tested:

• Sample size: 20 obese volunteers (BMI 30-40)²
• Study design: Single-day acute study
• Primary finding: 13% reduction in food intake at a single meal compared to placebo²
• Secondary findings: Increased PYY and GLP-1 levels in blood²

What Elcella marketing claims:

• 6kg average weight loss over 12 weeks¹
• 7cm average waistline reduction¹
• 94% improvement in appetite control¹
• “Nearly 20% body weight loss”¹

The gap between the published evidence (a 13% reduction in intake at a single meal) and the marketing claims (a 6kg weight loss and a 20% body weight reduction) is considerable, to say the least.

For comparison, prescription GLP-1 medications have published results from large clinical trials:

• Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg): 14.9% average weight loss at 68 weeks⁶
• Mounjaro (tirzepatide 15 mg): 20.9% average weight loss at 72 weeks⁷

These medications directly activate GLP-1 receptors and avoid the breakdown that the natural hormone undergoes.¹³

In contrast, Elcella attempts to stimulate natural production through oils delivered to the colon, a fundamentally different approach.¹

A 13% reduction in calorie intake from a single meal doesn’t translate linearly to sustained weight loss.

The body compensates through increased hunger at subsequent meals, reduced activity, and metabolic adaptation (energy expenditure).¹³

While Dr Peiris and Dr Aktar are legitimate researchers with published work in gut physiology, the specific claims about Elcella’s long-term effectiveness are based on unpublished trials that haven’t undergone peer review.¹

Cost and value assessment

Elcella is marketed as significantly more affordable than GLP-1 medications, but let’s examine the actual costs:

Elcella Pricing:

• 12-week plan: £595 (one-time payment) or 4 instalments of £148.75¹
• Per month: £198.33
• Per year: £2,380
• Daily cost: £7.08
• Per capsule: £0.89 (8 capsules daily)

UK Private GLP-1 Medication Costs (approximate):

• Wegovy 2.4 mg (highest dose): £249/month = £2,988/year
• Wegovy 1 mg (lower dose): £199/month = £2,388/year
• Mounjaro 15 mg (highest dose): £349/month = £4,188/year
• Mounjaro 5 mg (lower dose): £249/month = £2,988/year
• Saxenda: £150/month = £1,800/year

Elcella costs £2,380 annually, making it practically identical in price to the lower maintenance dose of Wegovy (1 mg) at £2,388/year, while remaining more expensive than Saxenda (£1,800/year).

This contradicts claims that it’s significantly more affordable than prescription GLP-1 medications.

The “50% cheaper” claim appears to compare against the highest doses of newer GLP-1 medications rather than actual private prescription costs across the range of options available in the UK market.

Cost-Benefit Comparison:

For the same price as Elcella, you could purchase individual ingredients that might offer similar or better benefits:

• 1kg organic flaxseeds: £5/month (whole seeds, not just oil)
• Quality MCT oil: £20/month
• Annual total: Under £300

The remaining £2,000+ could fund:

• A full year of Second Nature’s evidence-based program (£596)
• 8-10 sessions with a registered dietitian
• A quality gym membership
• A comprehensive blood panel to identify any metabolic issues

UK regulatory and safety considerations

MHRA and FSA oversight

Elcella is classified as a “food supplement, not a medicine”, which means:¹

• No pre-market approval required from the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency)
• Food Standards Agency (FSA) oversight focused on safety, not efficacy¹⁴
• Can make structure/function claims but not disease treatment claims

This classification enables Elcella to market appetite and weight management benefits while avoiding the rigorous clinical trial requirements associated with medications.¹⁴

Advertising standards

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has clear guidelines about weight loss claims for supplements:¹⁵

• Claims must be backed by robust evidence
• Testimonials alone are insufficient
• Comparisons to medications require substantiation
• “Clinically proven” claims need published clinical evidence

Elcella’s marketing includes several elements that could potentially raise concerns:

• References to specific weight loss amounts without published supporting studies¹
• Implied comparisons to the effects of prescription GLP-1 medications¹
• Use of “validated in vivo studies” terminology without accessible peer-reviewed publications¹²

Safety considerations

While the ingredients in Elcella appear generally safe for most adults, several considerations warrant attention:

Enteric coating safety: Long-term use of enteric-coated supplements raises questions. Research on enteric-coated aspirin indicates that the coating can redirect damage from the stomach to the small intestine.⁸

Oil intake concerns: Eight capsules daily containing three oils represent a significant fat intake. The company doesn’t disclose the exact amount per capsule, making it difficult to assess:¹

• Total daily calories from the supplement
• Potential digestive issues (MCT oil can cause GI distress in some individuals)⁴
• Interaction with dietary fat intake

Individual variability: Gastrointestinal transit time varies significantly between individuals (6-70+ hours). Factors affecting transit include diet, hydration, medications, gut microbiome composition, and underlying conditions.⁸

This variability means the capsules may release in different locations for different people, potentially in the small intestine for some users, where the oils would be absorbed before reaching L-cells in the colon.⁸

Evidence-based alternatives

For lower hunger:

High-protein breakfast:

• Eggs, Greek yoghurt, or protein-rich smoothies provide longer-lasting impact on lowering hunger while providing a range of essential nutrients
• Far more affordable and accessible than supplements

Fibre-rich meals:

• Beans, lentils, vegetables, and whole grains offer better satiety benefits than supplements
• Whole flaxseeds (not just the oil) provide both soluble and insoluble fibre that supports satiety³
• Milled flaxseeds can be purchased from most supermarkets for between £3-£7

Adequate sleep and stress management:

• Poor sleep significantly increases hunger hormones and cravings
• Stress reduction techniques help manage emotional eating

For sustainable weight management:

NHS weight management programmes:

• Free, evidence-based support focusing on sustainable habit changes
• Access through GP referral

Structured behaviour change programmes:

• Services like Second Nature combine behavioural psychology with nutrition support
• Second Nature has shown average weight losses of 6.2kg at 12 months in NHS trials¹⁰
• For medication programmes, Second Nature offers semaglutide support with published outcomes showing 18.1kg average weight loss at 12 months¹⁰

Prescription GLP-1 medications:

• For those meeting clinical criteria, medications like Mounjaro have extensive clinical evidence^6,7
• Prescribed through NHS or private healthcare with medical supervision

Natural GLP-1 supporters (with better evidence):

Instead of expensive supplements with limited evidence, consider these evidence-based approaches:

• A diet based on whole foods: Eating a diet that contains a wide variety of nutrients that’s rich in fat, protein, complex carbohydrates, and fibre will support naturally high levels of GLP-1 and other hunger-lowering hormones¹³
• Whole flaxseeds: 2-3 tablespoons daily provides both fibre and ALA (the active compound in flaxseed oil)³
• Fermented foods: Yoghurt, kefir, and kimchi support a healthy gut microbiome that enhances GLP-1 production
• Protein-rich foods: Lean meats, fish, legumes, and dairy naturally stimulate GLP-1 release
• Green tea: Contains compounds that may modestly support metabolic health

These evidence-based approaches address the fundamental behaviours and patterns that influence weight and metabolism, rather than promising quick fixes through supplements.

Take home message

Elcella represents an interesting intersection of legitimate scientific research and aggressive marketing.

The founders are credible researchers who have published work on nutrient-sensing mechanisms in the gut.

However, the gap between their published research (a 13% reduction in intake at a single meal) and marketing claims (an average weight loss of 6 kg and a 20% reduction in body weight) is substantial and concerning.^1,2

At £2,380 a year, Elcella costs nearly as much as prescription GLP-1 medications, which have proven efficacy in large-scale trials, while offering far less robust evidence of effectiveness.^6,7

The supplement contains three oils (flaxseed oil, coconut oil, and MCT oil) that may have modest metabolic effects, but the specific formulation has not been independently tested in published clinical trials.^3,4,5

For those seeking evidence-based weight management solutions, consider:

1. Speaking with your GP about NHS weight management options
2. Exploring structured programmes with published outcomes like Second Nature¹⁰
3. Incorporating whole foods known to support satiety (protein, fibre, whole flaxseeds)
4. Discussing medication options with healthcare professionals if appropriate

Until Elcella publishes its 12-week weight loss trials in peer-reviewed journals with full methodology, results, and statistical analysis, claims about average weight loss should be viewed with appropriate scepticism.

Remember: If an approach to weight management sounds too good to be true – particularly one claiming medication-like results without the side effects – it usually is.

References

1. Elcella. The Elcella Method. [Internet]. 2025 [cited 2025 Nov 3].
2. Aktar R, Peiris M, Amin L, Huang C, Pontis J, Tan V, et al. Decoy bypass for appetite suppression in obese adults: role of synergistic nutrient sensing receptors GPR84 and FFAR4 on colonic endocrine cells. Gut. 2022;71(5):928-941.
3. Mohammadi-Sartang M, Mazloom Z, Raeisi-Dehkordi H, Barati-Boldaji R, Bellissimo N, Totosy de Zepetnek JO. The effect of flaxseed supplementation on body weight and body composition: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 45 randomized placebo-controlled trials. Obes Rev. 2017;18(9):1096-1107.
4. St-Onge MP, Mayrsohn B, O’Keeffe M, Kissileff HR, Choudhury AR, Laferrère B. Impact of medium and long chain triglycerides consumption on appetite and food intake in overweight men. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2014;68(10):1134-1140.
5. Maher T, Kinsella R, Clegg ME. The effect of coconut oil and MCT on satiety and food intake. Proc Nutr Soc. 2017;76(OCE1). doi:10.1017/S0029665117000027
6. Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, Davies M, Van Gaal LF, Lingvay I, et al. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(11):989-1002.
7. Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, Wharton S, Connery L, Alves B, et al. Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity. N Engl J Med. 2022;387(3):205-216.
8. Nandhra GK, Chaichanavichkij P, Birch M, Scott SM. Gastrointestinal Transit Times in Health as Determined Using Ingestible Capsule Systems: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med. 2023 Aug 13;12(16):5272. doi: 10.3390/jcm12165272. PMID: 37629314.
9. Public Health England. Obesity profile: short statistical commentary May 2025. GOV.UK. 2025.
10. Richards R, Lunt W, Whitman M, Spaltro G, Hall R. Semaglutide and Tirzepatide in a Remote Weight Management Program: 12-Month Retrospective Observational Study. JMIR Form Res. 2025 Sep 12;9:e81912. doi: 10.2196/81912. PMID: 40838489; PMCID: PMC12475876.
11. Elcella. Meet the Scientists. [Internet]. 2025 [cited 2025 Nov 3].
12. Elcella. How It Works. [Internet]. 2025 [cited 2025 Nov 3].
13. Zheng Z, Zong Y, Ma Y, Tian Y, Pang Y, Zhang C, Gao J. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor: mechanisms and advances in therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther. 2024 Sep 18;9(1):234. doi: 10.1038/s41392-024-01632-7.
14. Food Standards Agency. Food Supplements Guidance. GOV.UK. 2024.
15. Advertising Standards Authority. Weight loss: ASA guidance on making weight loss claims. ASA. 2023.