America is a country filled with many contradictory challenges. While there are many in this country who are not sure where their next meal will come from, there are also millions who are overweight or obese. More than 30% of the population in the United States is obese, but excess weight does not mean nutrition needs are being met. An individual can be overweight and be under nourished. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are commonly found as the root cause of health challenges among those who are overweight. Hunger can be a signal that the body is looking for more nutrients, but the convenient foods and snacks do not provide those nutrients. A common contradiction for many Americans is excess calories while missing essential nutrients.
When the human body is fed nutrient rich foods that commonly grow in the garden and on grass pastures, satisfaction signals are created with the production of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This protein signal is made in the human body by cells in the colon that respond to gut bacteria that are thriving on the nutrient rich food. These nutrient rich foods include: onions, asparagus, chicory, Jerusalem artichoke, green bananas, sauerkraut, kimchi, broccoli, turnip greens, carrots and beans. These foods contain fiber that the human body does not digest, but bacteria love. As the bacteria feed on the fiber from these foods, the bacteria produce butyrate, which is an essential fatty acid to support the health of the colon. A specific group of cells in the colon called L-cells respond to the increased butyrate and produce GLP-1, which signals satisfaction to the rest of the body.
There has been increasing popularity in medications that mimic the GLP-1 signal. These medications produce the signal that reduces hunger and results in a decreased desire to eat. These medications were first developed to aid those managing diabetes but have now become popular as a weight loss method as well. However, the original hunger signals that were suggesting nutrient deficiencies are now being ignored because of the artificial GLP-1 signal from the medication. The person may be losing weight and increasing nutrient deficiencies as well.
A report in the February 2026 issue of Clinical Nutrition presented recent cases of brain damage resulting from a depletion of Vitamin B1 following the use of GLP-1 medication. Thirteen cases were found in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System. All cases reported significant digestive issues related to taking the medication. While the digestive issues are a well-known side effect with GLP-1 medication, the nerve damage in the brain was a surprise. The damage was the result of significantly lower Vitamin B1 intake because of decreased hunger promoted by the medication.
Within clinical practice, I have seen many clients who are using GLP-1 medications continue to struggle with adopting healthy lifestyle choices that would promote satisfaction naturally. When nutrient rich foods are made a priority for each meal, natural GLP-1 will be produced and greater balance achieved. Without healthy lifestyle choices, a lifelong dependence on medication is the outcome. GLP-1 medications were designed as a lifestyle drug to be used for the rest of an individual’s life. The current research reports are beginning to show the negative results.
A healthy weight is the result of healthy choices. A supportive community is needed to help make these healthy choices become a lifestyle. I have written in previous articles about healthy weight and continue to provide resources to support healthy lifestyle choices that can help you reach your health goals. Contact me to discuss your health goals for the coming year. Nutrition is designed for healing. I can help you reach greater health freedom in 2026. Contact me at nutritionproportion@gmail.com, or check out my website at www.nutritionproportion.net
