Integria Practitioner Symposium 2026: The Incretin Revolution: Natural Medicine's Role in Forging Tomorrow’s Healthcare  

The Incretin Revolution: Natural Medicine's Role in Forging Tomorrow’s Healthcare  

The landscape of metabolic medicine is experiencing a revolutionary shift that extends far beyond weight loss. This Symposium takes a uniquely holistic perspective on the emerging research into GLP-1, GIP, and related incretin pathways, exploring their systemic benefits far beyond weight management, along with emerging treatment targets and the evolving role of Natural Medicine in this new therapeutic frontier. 

While GLP-1 receptor agonists entered clinical practice primarily for diabetes and obesity management, emerging research reveals a fascinating tapestry of therapeutic effects that touch nearly every system in the human body. From cardiovascular protection to neuroprotection, inflammatory modulation and respiratory health improvements, these incretin pathways are rewriting our understanding of metabolic-systemic connectivity. Importantly, these wide-ranging physiological effects stem not just from pharmaceutical interventions, but from the pathways themselves—opening exciting possibilities for herbal and nutritional medicine to influence these same mechanisms for better health outcomes. 

For natural healthcare practitioners, this represents both an unprecedented opportunity and a critical knowledge gap. As well as supporting patients already on medications, practitioners are uniquely positioned to play a front-line role in harnessing these pathways through natural interventions. As the science rapidly expands beyond current pharmaceutical approaches, understanding how to influence GLP-1, GIP, and related pathways through herbal and nutritional medicine becomes essential for comprehensive metabolic care. 

This Symposium addresses the practical challenges and opportunities for integrative care, examining how Natural Healthcare Practitioners can actively engage with these powerful metabolic pathways to deliver transformative health outcomes for their patients. 

 

Speakers 

Dr. Roger McIntyre: Pioneering the Brain-Body Connection in Mental Health 

Join internationally renowned psychiatrist Dr. Roger McIntyre, Professor of Psychiatry and Pharmacology at the University of Toronto and Head of the Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit at University Health Network, as he presents groundbreaking insights into how metabolic health transforms brain function. At Symposium Dr. McIntyre will explore his revolutionary concept that "obesity metastasizes to the brain." 

Discover the fascinating history of GLP-1 agonists—from Gila monster venom to breakthrough psychiatric therapeutics—and learn how GLP-1 activation in the brain modulates reward systems and cognitive function. Dr. McIntyre will reveal how these pathways reduce neuroinflammation, enhance neuroplasticity, and offer unprecedented promise for treating mood disorders, preventing neurodegeneration, and addressing systemic conditions that impact brain health. 

Dr McIntyre’s presentations offers a unique glimpse into the future of psychiatry, where metabolic interventions may fundamentally change how we prevent and treat mental illness across the lifespan. 

 

Dr Jacqueline Jacques: Bridging Natural Products and Obesity Care in the GLP-1 Era 

Dr Jacqueline Jacques, a Naturopathic Doctor and seasoned leader in the natural health industry, brings over two decades of experience spanning clinical nutrition, product innovation, and integrative medicine. As a Fellow of The Obesity Society, she is renowned for her ability to translate complex science into actionable health strategies. 

At our symposium, Dr Jacques will explore the intersection of natural ingredients and the rapidly evolving obesity treatment landscape—particularly the implications of GLP-1 receptor agonists. Drawing on her expertise in metabolic health and functional nutrition, she’ll unpack the myths and realities of “natural GLP-1” claims, discuss evidence-based roles for nutritional support, and highlight how Natural Healthcare Practitioners can meet the needs of this expanding population. Dr Jacques advocates for whole-person, patient-centred care, and combating stigma around obesity and its treatment. Her session will provide essential insights for clinicians now and into the future in this important space. 

 

Associate Professor David Scott – Exploring Incretin Pathways and Muscle Health 

Associate Professor David Scott is a leading exercise scientist and NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow at Deakin University’s Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN). With a PhD in skeletal muscle function and over 240 peer-reviewed publications, he’s a recognised authority in sarcopenia, obesity, bone health, and lifestyle medicine—including co-chairing Australia/New Zealand’s task force on sarcopenia guidelines. 

At Symposium Dr Scott will address a crucial emerging concern: the impact of GLP1 receptor agonists on muscle mass and sarcopenia. He will present the latest research showing that rapid weight loss via GLP1agonists can include significant lean mass loss in high-risk populations, and how nutritional support and exercise can mitigate this risk. He will also explore GLP1’s potential benefits on muscle metabolism - improving microvascular function, glucose uptake, mitochondrial health - balanced against observed declines in lean tissue  

A/Prof Scott’s session will reveal how advancements in incretin physiology intersects with integrative, muscle-preserving healthcare—essential learning for Natural Health professionals in this therapeutic era.