Embodiments of the disclosure encompass compositions and methods for the treatment of medical conditions in which increases in GLP-1 are beneficial to an individual. In specific embodiments, the disclosure concerns certain peptides that are capable of inducing GLP-1 production in an individual with a medical condition, such as type II diabetes or obesity. In other cases, an individual is not obese or overweight but is provided the peptide in an effort to reduce weight from fat.