Dear Friends,

We have had several more questions about recent popular weight loss drugs (which will remain nameless). In short, they have potentially severe side effects, you have to take them for life, they are VERY expensive (much more expensive than our modestly priced Natural Health Improvement Program), and don’t provide the lifestyle and nutrition coaching support that are needed to create real, lasting health benefits.

(Read to the end…I’ll give you an easy tip that will get you over halfway there!)

Side Effects of GLP-1 Inhibitors

The general drugs class is called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They are primarily prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes and, in some cases, for weight loss (though they’re often used off-label for this purpose). While it can be effective, it comes with potential risks and side effects that have raised concerns among users and healthcare professionals. Based on available information, here are some of the key dangers associated with these drugs:
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​ 1. **Gastrointestinal Issues**: ​
- Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. These occur because GLP-1 drugs slow gastric emptying, which can lead to discomfort and digestive distress.
- More severe risks include *gastroparesis* (stomach paralysis), where the stomach fails to empty properly, and *ileus* (intestinal blockage), which can be life-threatening if untreated. Reports have linked these conditions to GLP-1 drugs use, with the FDA requiring updated warning labels.
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2. **Pancreatitis**: ​
- GLP-1 drugs have been associated with an increased risk of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), a potentially serious condition that can cause severe abdominal pain and require hospitalization.
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3. **Gallbladder Problems**:
- Some users have developed gallstones or gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis), possibly due to rapid weight loss or altered digestion.
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4. **Thyroid Tumors**: ​
- In animal studies, GLP-1 drugs and similar drugs caused thyroid tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). While it’s unclear if this translates to humans, the risk has led to warnings, especially for those with a family history of MTC or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
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5. **Hypoglycemia**: ​
- When combined with other diabetes medications like insulin or sulfonylureas, GLP-1 drugs can increase the risk of low blood sugar, which may lead to dizziness, confusion, or even seizures if severe.
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6. **Kidney Concerns**: ​
- Early reports suggested a risk of kidney injury, though the relationship remains under investigation. Some users with pre-existing kidney issues may experience worsening function.
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7. **Weight Regain**:
- A significant drawback is that weight loss achieved with GLP-1 drugs is often not sustainable. Many users regain weight (sometimes more than they lost) after discontinuing the drug, as it doesn’t address the underlying lifestyle or metabolic factors.
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​ 8. **Long-Term Unknowns**:
- Since GLP-1 drugs is relatively new, its long-term effects are not fully understood. This uncertainty raises concerns about chronic use, especially for weight loss rather than diabetes management.
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9. **Dependency and Side Effect Burden**: ​
- Some sources suggest that many users experience side effects severe enough to stop treatment within a month, and lawsuits (over 1,600 as of early 2025) allege that manufacturers downplayed these risks.

10. **Weight Loss Tends toward Muscle Loss, not Fat Loss**:

-Studies suggest that a significant portion of the weight lost—sometimes up to 40% or more—comes from lean muscle mass rather than fat. This muscle loss occurs because the body, when in a prolonged calorie deficit, breaks down protein from muscles for energy, especially if protein intake or resistance exercise is inadequate. Rapid weight loss exacerbates this, as the body prioritizes quick energy sources over preserving muscle, shifting the balance away from fat loss.
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A Better Approach: Whole Food Approach and the PAGE Diet​
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A whole food approach focuses on nourishing the body with unprocessed, nutrient-dense foods to support metabolic health, weight management, and overall well-being—without relying on medications like GLP-1 drugs. The PAGE diet, derived from the groundbreaking work of Dr. Melvin Page (take our free course: Eat With Purpose!), is a specific framework that emphasizes healing the gut, reducing inflammation, and stabilizing blood sugar. Here’s how it works and why it might be a safer, more sustainable alternative:
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​Principles of the PAGE Diet

-**Focus on plenty of lean protein**: all kinds of meats, beef, lamb, wild game, chicken, turkey, fish, and eggs make up the foundation of this healing diet.
- **Elimination of Inflammatory Foods**: Avoid grains, legumes, pasteurized dairy, refined sugars, and processed foods, which can trigger inflammation, insulin resistance, and gut dysbiosis.
- **Focus on Whole Foods**: Prioritize vegetables, fruits, lean meats, fish, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats (e.g., olive oil, avocado). These provide essential nutrients without spiking blood sugar.
- **Gut Healing**: Incorporate bone broth, fermented foods (e.g., sauerkraut, kimchi), and prebiotic-rich foods (e.g., garlic, onions) to repair the gut lining and improve digestion.
- **Personalization**: Gradually reintroduce foods to identify triggers, tailoring the diet to individual needs.
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​ Benefits Over GLP-1 drugs​
- **Sustainability**: Unlike GLP-1 drugs, which often leads to weight regain after discontinuation, the PAGE diet addresses root causes like inflammation and insulin resistance, promoting lasting change.
- **No Side Effects**: A whole food approach avoids the gastrointestinal and systemic risks associated with pharmaceuticals.
- **Holistic Health**: It supports not just weight loss but also energy, mood, and chronic disease prevention.
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​Sample PAGE Diet Day​
- **Breakfast**: Scrambled eggs with spinach and avocado.
- **Lunch**: Grilled chicken with roasted sweet potato and steamed broccoli drizzled with olive oil.
- **Dinner**: Wild-caught salmon with sautéed kale and a side of fermented beets.
- **Snacks**: Handful of almonds or sliced cucumber with guacamole.
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​Bonus Metabolism Boost: Standard Process and MediHerb Supplements​
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To complement the PAGE diet, supplements from Standard Process and MediHerb—brands known for whole food-based and herbal formulations—can support metabolic health and gut repair. Here are some options:
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​Standard Process​
​- **SP Cleanse**: A blend of whole food extracts (e.g., juniper, red clover) to support detoxification and liver function, aiding in metabolic balance.
- **Paraplex**: Helps regulate blood sugar and reduce sugar cravings, supporting insulin sensitivity. Has the added benefit of multi-glandular support (thyroid, adrenal, pancreas, and brain)
- **Catalyn**: A multivitamin with whole food nutrients (e.g., liver extract, carrot root) to fill nutritional gaps.
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​MediHerb​
​- **Gut Flora Complex**: Contains herbs like oregano and anise to promote healthy gut microbiota and reduce inflammation.
- **LivCo**: A liver support formula with milk thistle and schisandra, enhancing detoxification and fat metabolism.
- **Metabol Complex**: A combination of bitter melon, fenugreek, cinnamon, and black cumin, Metabol Complex supports the pancreas and the liver—key organs in metabolism. It enhances the body’s ability to process fats and sugars efficiently, making Metabol Complex a comprehensive option for those looking to support their metabolic health naturally.

(Ordering supplements here—Order supplements through our link to enjoy pricing that’s 10% lower than the standard rates on Standard Process. We recommend getting tested first as part of a Natural Health Improvement Program for the best results. Note that the discount is automatically applied as our special pricing, so you won’t see an additional 10% off at checkout—just the lower price we’ve secured for you!)

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​How Supplements Help​
- These supplements enhance the PAGE diet by addressing nutrient deficiencies, supporting digestion, and stabilizing blood sugar—key factors in weight management and handling insulin resistance. They’re gentler than GLP-1 drugs, with fewer risks, though consultation with a healthcare provider is essential to ensure proper dosing and compatibility.
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BONUS: Track Your Progress with Laboratory Testing​
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To measure the effectiveness of a whole food approach like the PAGE diet with supplements, compared to GLP-1 drugs, specific lab tests can track improvements in metabolic health, inflammation, and organ function. Here’s a list of parameters to assess before starting and after 3–6 months:
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​Blood Sugar and Insulin​
- **Fasting Glucose**: Normal range: 70–99 mg/dL. Elevated levels indicate poor blood sugar control.
- **HbA1c**: Target: <5.7%. Reflects average blood sugar over 2–3 months.
- **Fasting Insulin**: Normal: 2–25 µIU/mL. High levels suggest insulin resistance.
- **HOMA-IR**: Calculates insulin resistance (goal: <1.5). Formula: (Fasting Glucose x Fasting Insulin) / 405.
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​Inflammation and Gut Health​
- **CRP (C-Reactive Protein)**: Normal: <1 mg/L. High levels indicate systemic inflammation and have been linked to refined sugar consumption.
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​Lipid Profile​
- **Triglycerides**: <150 mg/dL. Elevated levels often accompany insulin resistance.

-**Triglyceride:HDL Ratio. If the ratio is over 2 (triglycerides to HDL) there is insulin resistance and blood sugar system stress, a marker of cardiovascular risk.
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​Liver and Kidney Function​
- **ALT/AST**: Liver enzymes (normal: 7–56 U/L for ALT, 10–40 U/L for AST). Elevated levels may signal fatty liver or damage.
- **Creatinine**: Normal: 0.6–1.2 mg/dL. Assesses kidney function (GLP-1 drugs may stress kidneys in some cases).
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​Nutrient Status​
- **Vitamin B12**: Normal: 200–900 pg/mL. GLP-1 drugs may deplete B12 over time.
- **Magnesium**: Normal: 1.7–2.2 mg/dL. Supports glucose metabolism.
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​Weight and Body Composition​
- **BMI**: Tracks overall weight changes (though not a perfect health indicator).
- **Waist Circumference**: Goal: <35 inches (women), <40 inches (men). Reflects visceral fat reduction.

Of course, these are not the only blood tests that you could do, but this would give you a solid picture of your metabolic health before and after.
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Get Started Today

Sound like a lot? It is! Getting healthy is a journey but there are some key actions you can take TODAY to catapult you toward your health goals!

Want to know a secret hack? One that’s completely FREE and EASY to do?

Ok…here it is:

Just start tracking your food intake and evaluate your weight loss and carbohydrate intake per week. If you don’t lose any weight, decrease your carb intake by 50 per week. Oh, and if you want to gain muscle while losing fat, increase your protein to 1 gram per day of your desired weight, while weight training 3x/wk. Easy peasy.

Write it down. Or put it in an app. But the vital action to take is just START RECORDING everything (yes, absolutely everything) that you eat or drink.

Recording your food (and beverage) intake helps you bring awareness to your daily habits. Many would argue that this one simple step of food logging will get you all the way to your goals in time.

Here is a free download that you can use as a food tracker.

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​Conclusion​
GLP-1 drugs offer benefits for some but carries significant risks like gastrointestinal complications, dependency, and unknown long-term effects. A whole food approach like the PAGE diet, supported by Standard Process and MediHerb supplements, provides a safer, more sustainable alternative by addressing root causes naturally. Tracking lab parameters before and after shows your progress in black and white, empowering you to optimize health without pharmaceuticals. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new regimen, especially if transitioning off medications like GLP-1 drugs.
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It can be done, and you can do it. We have many happy patients who can confirm this.

Sincerely yours,

Keith and Laura Sheehan

P.S. Want to read more on blood sugar? Here’s a cool article from the SP website.