What is a GiP Diet? Understanding the Glycemic Index Plan vs. Hormone Therapies

November 8, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2022 Cochrane review, studies on low-glycemic diets have shown little to no consistent difference in weight change compared to other diets. However, the term GiP diet can refer to two very different concepts: a consumer weight-loss plan and a type of medical hormone therapy.

Quick Summary

A 'GiP diet' can refer to a calorie-controlled Glycemic Index Plan or medication therapies involving the GIP hormone. The approaches are distinct, with one being a dietary system and the other a medical intervention.

Key Points

Dual Interpretation: The term 'GiP diet' can refer to a Glycemic Index Plan (a dietary strategy) or medical therapies targeting the hormone GIP.
The Gi Plan: A weight-loss system that uses a points-based method to combine low glycemic index principles with calorie control for balanced eating.
GIP Hormone Therapies: Advanced medical treatments, often combining GIP and GLP-1 agonists, that work on brain signals to reduce appetite and improve metabolism.
Low GI Focus: Both the traditional Gi Plan and dietary advice for GIP hormone optimization emphasize low glycemic index foods like whole grains, legumes, and lean protein.
Medical Guidance is Key: While the Gi Plan can be followed independently, GIP-based drug therapies are powerful medications that require a doctor's supervision for safety and efficacy.
Holistic Approach: Successful weight management, regardless of the method, requires a balanced diet of whole foods, fiber, lean protein, and regular physical activity.
Consider the Risks: Unsupervised high-glycemic diets carry health risks, while GIP-related medications have potential side effects that must be managed by a professional.

The phrase "GiP diet" is a source of confusion because it can describe two entirely separate wellness strategies. One is a consumer-focused weight-loss program, often stylized as 'The Gi Plan (GiP)', which stands for a specific system incorporating glycemic index and calorie counting. The other refers to diet and therapies that target the hormone GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), a natural hormone increasingly used in modern medical weight management.

The Gi Plan (capital 'P') Diet

The Gi Plan is a structured dietary system designed for weight loss, emphasizing low-glycemic carbohydrates in combination with calorie control. It was created to address the flaw in pure low-GI diets, which can still lead to weight gain if calorie-dense foods are consumed in large quantities. The Gi Plan assigns a 'GiP value' to foods based on their Glycemic Index and calories, with dieters allotted a certain daily budget of 'GiPs' to spend.

How The Gi Plan Works

Points System: Instead of just monitoring GI, users track a point system based on a food's GI, calorie content, and portion size.
Portion Control: The plan encourages balanced eating by using a visual tool: picturing a plate divided into quarters, with two for vegetables, one for low-GI carbs, and one for protein.
Structured Phases: It is typically structured in three phases: a 'Start-it' phase for initial rapid weight loss, a 'Lose-it' phase for steady progress, and a 'Keep-it' phase for long-term maintenance.

Key dietary principles of The Gi Plan include:

Consuming three meals and three snacks daily to regulate blood sugar and prevent overeating.
Prioritizing protein and low-glycemic carbohydrates in meals.
Staying hydrated and incorporating physical activity.

Medical Therapies Involving the GIP (hormone)

In contrast to a consumer diet plan, therapies involving the hormone GIP are medical interventions. GIP is an incretin hormone secreted from the small intestine after eating. Its primary functions include stimulating insulin secretion and influencing appetite regulation. For individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes, a new class of drugs has been developed that target GIP, often in combination with another hormone, GLP-1.

How GIP Hormone Therapies Work

Dual-Agonist Action: Newer medications combine agonists for both the GIP and GLP-1 receptors. This dual action has been shown to be more effective for weight loss than targeting GLP-1 alone.
Appetite Regulation: The therapy mimics the body's natural satiety signals, helping the brain recognize fullness sooner. This results in reduced food intake and fewer cravings.
Improved Metabolism: GIP therapy also improves insulin sensitivity and glycemic control, helping the body use glucose for energy more efficiently rather than storing it as fat.
Central Nervous System Effect: Research shows that GIP acts on specific neurons in the brain, including the brainstem and hypothalamus, to regulate appetite and energy balance.

Gi Plan vs. GIP Therapies: A Comparison


Feature	The Gi Plan (Diet)	GIP Therapies (Medical)
Approach	Calorie-controlled dietary framework combining glycemic index and energy density.	Pharmacological treatment using injections to mimic or enhance hormone effects.
Mechanism	Behavioral modification and portion control based on food's glycemic and calorie values.	Manipulates central nervous system signals and metabolic pathways using incretin hormones.
Method	Follows a system of assigned food 'GiP points' and plate division for meals.	Administered via injection, typically once a week or bi-weekly.
Supervision	Can be self-directed with consumer resources, but consultation with a dietitian is recommended.	Requires prescription and ongoing monitoring by a licensed healthcare provider.
Cost	Relatively low, primarily involving purchasing diet resources and specific food items.	High, dependent on insurance coverage and the specific medication prescribed.
Primary Goal	Sustainable weight loss and healthy eating habits through dietary strategy.	Significant weight loss and improved glycemic control for people with obesity or type 2 diabetes.

The Risks and Considerations

While both approaches can be beneficial, it is important to be aware of the associated risks and requirements.

Risks of a high-glycemic diet (managed by the Gi Plan):

Cardiovascular Disease: High-GI diets can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Type 2 Diabetes: Frequent blood sugar spikes can lead to insulin resistance and a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Weight Gain: The cycle of blood sugar spikes and crashes can trigger cravings and lead to overeating. The Gi Plan's calorie component aims to mitigate this.

Risks and side effects of GIP hormone therapies:

Gastrointestinal Issues: Common side effects can include nausea, bloating, and vomiting, especially when starting treatment or if overeating.
Muscle Loss: Weight loss from medication can include a loss of lean muscle mass. This is why incorporating protein and strength training is important.
Off-label use: Purchasing GIP/GLP-1 drugs from unregulated sources or using them for minor weight loss is dangerous and not medically advised.

Conclusion

The term "GiP diet" has two starkly different meanings. The original Gi Plan is a consumer-focused dietary strategy that combines the principles of the glycemic index with calorie counting for weight loss. In contrast, therapies targeting the GIP hormone are powerful, medically supervised interventions for individuals with obesity and related metabolic conditions. While both aim for improved health outcomes, their methods, mechanisms, and suitability vary dramatically. Understanding this distinction is crucial for making informed decisions about diet and health. For any medical therapy, consulting a healthcare provider is essential, and even for dietary plans, guidance from a registered dietitian is always beneficial to ensure long-term, safe results. Further information on low-glycemic diets and their long-term effects can be found through reliable sources.(https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/high-glycemic-diets-could-lead-to-big-health-problems)

Frequently Asked Questions

The Gi Plan is a consumer-focused diet system that combines a food's glycemic index with its calorie count for a points-based approach to weight loss. GIP hormone therapies are prescription medications that mimic the effects of the natural GIP hormone to regulate appetite and metabolism.

The GiP Plan facilitates weight loss by providing a calorie-controlled framework based on a food's glycemic value. It helps manage blood sugar levels, reduce cravings, and control portion sizes through a structured system of points and meal planning.

These medications mimic the hormones GIP and GLP-1, which are secreted in the gut after a meal. They work by slowing digestion, increasing feelings of fullness, and improving insulin sensitivity, all of which lead to reduced food intake and better metabolic control.

While effective, GIP-based drugs can cause side effects such as nausea, bloating, and constipation. There is also a risk of muscle mass loss if not combined with sufficient protein intake and exercise. These medications require medical supervision.

The Gi Plan encourages low-GI foods, which generally include whole grains (like oats and brown rice), legumes (beans, lentils), non-starchy vegetables (broccoli, carrots), and lean proteins.

Yes, diet can influence GIP levels. High-protein and healthy fat intake, along with certain fibers and polyphenols found in foods like berries, nuts, and fish, can help stimulate the release of GIP and GLP-1 naturally.

GIP hormone therapy is typically considered for individuals with obesity or type 2 diabetes who need significant weight loss and improved metabolic health, and it must be prescribed and monitored by a doctor.

The Glycemic Index (GI) is a scale that ranks foods based on their effect on blood sugar. The GiP Diet (or Gi Plan) is a specific diet system that builds upon the GI concept by also factoring in calories and portion size, making it a more comprehensive approach to weight management.