The Not-So-Simple Truth About Reversing Disease (And Why Some Doctors Need to Chill)

Understanding GLP-1s is not difficult. They are used as weight loss medications and for blood sugar control. There’s even exciting new research that it may be helpful with addictions and heart disease as well.

Have you ever tried to explain why you’re struggling to lose weight or control your blood sugar, only to have someone respond with, “Oh, just eat plants and exercise!”?

Fantastic. Thanks for that revolutionary insight. I’ll just hop right up and cure myself now.

Except… it’s not that simple for everyone. Sure, some people can tweak their diet, walk a few extra steps, and suddenly their blood sugar levels look like a textbook example of metabolic perfection. Others? Well, their pancreas is on strike, their hormones are staging a rebellion, and their metabolism is running on fumes.

Understanding GLP-1s: A Game Changer for Many

This is where understanding GLP-1s becomes important. GLP-1 receptor agonists (like semaglutide and tirzepatide) are weight loss medications that also help with blood sugar control. They slow gastric emptying, reduce appetite, and help the body use insulin more effectively.

Sounds pretty great, right?

Not if you ask certain plant-based doctors.

The Anti-GLP-1 Brigade

There’s a special breed of doctors—usually the same ones who swear all disease can be cured by juicing kale—who absolutely detest GLP-1 medications. They scoff at the benefits and instead love to yell about the “dangerous side effects.”

Yes, GLP-1s have side effects. Every drug does. Even Tylenol, which people pop like candy, can destroy your liver if you take too much.

But the way some of these doctors talk, you’d think taking a GLP-1 will instantly make your pancreas explode.

My Experience with Tirzepatide

I chose to go on tirzepatide for blood sugar control because I didn’t want to deal with the dangerous lows that come with insulin. I’ve used insulin before, and while it works, it also brings risks I wasn’t eager to face again. I didn’t want to play the constant guessing game of “Did I take too much?” “Will I go low in my sleep?” “Where’s my emergency snack?”

But when I started researching the medication, I ran into a wall of negativity. YouTube was full of videos from popular plant-based doctors trashing GLP-1s. They made it sound like taking this medication was the equivalent of signing up for a lifetime of suffering. It was frustrating because I wanted real facts, not fear-mongering.

After consulting with my physician, though, I decided to give it a try. Am I hoping it helps with weight loss? Absolutely, yes I am. Why? Because carrying extra weight impacts my health, my energy, and, let’s be honest, my knees. If there’s a tool that can help me improve my health, why wouldn’t I use it?

The Actual Side Effects (Not the Horror Movie Version)

Let’s be real. GLP-1s do have some common side effects. The usual suspects include:

• Nausea – Because slowing gastric emptying can make you feel like you just ate a 12-course meal… after one bite.
• Vomiting – Sometimes your stomach takes personal offense to the medication.
• Diarrhea or constipation – The thrilling game of “Which One Will I Get Today?”
• Loss of appetite – Kind of the point, but some people find it extreme.
• Fatigue – Your body is adjusting to not constantly craving snacks.

Annoying? Sure. Life-threatening? Hardly. Most people tolerate these effects just fine, and they often lessen over time.

But What About the “Scary” Warnings?

Now, let’s talk about the black box warning on GLP-1s. The FDA added a caution about a rare type of thyroid cancer, medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Sounds terrifying, right?

Except here’s the thing: This was only seen in rodents.

Yes. Rats and mice got thyroid tumors when they were given insane doses of GLP-1 drugs. But in humans? Not a single confirmed case linked to these meds. None. Zilch. Nada.

Now, if you have a family history of MTC, your doctor will tell you to steer clear. But for the rest of us? It’s a hypothetical risk based on studies involving creatures that spend most of their day scurrying for crumbs.

The Real Issue: Gatekeeping Health

The biggest problem with the anti-GLP-1 movement is the shaming. The underlying message is:

“If you just tried harder, you wouldn’t need this drug.”

Ah yes, because people dealing with obesity and diabetes haven’t already tried everything.

Telling someone they should “just eat better” is like telling a drowning person to “just swim.” They know what they need to do, but their body isn’t cooperating.

For many, weight loss medications like GLP-1s give them a fighting chance. They make weight loss possible, not effortless. And when weight goes down, so do blood sugar levels, heart disease risks, and joint pain.

But some doctors still act like people who use these meds are lazy, weak, or taking the “easy way out.” Spoiler alert: There is no easy way out.

The Double Standard

You know what’s wild? These same doctors don’t scream about the side effects of statins, antidepressants, or birth control pills. Those all have risks, too. Yet, somehow, GLP-1s are treated like Big Pharma’s evil plot to take over the world.

Maybe it’s because they actually work.

The Bottom Line

Reversing disease isn’t always simple. For some, diet and exercise are enough. For others, understanding GLP-1s and how they work makes all the difference.

And honestly? If a medication is helping someone reclaim their health, maybe we should cheer them on instead of scaring them away.

So, the next time some doctor with a smoothie obsession tells you that weight loss medications like GLP-1s are “dangerous,” remind them that so is misinformation.

And then go enjoy your lower blood sugar levels, with or without a side of nausea.

Check Out My Favorite Health Products

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• Best Mixer: Kitchen Aid Mixer
• Best Grain Mills: Mockmill grain mill , Kitchen Aid Grain Mill Attachment , WONDERMILL Manual Hand Grain Mill
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• Best Dehydrators: Commercial Large 10 Trays Food Dehydrator, COSORI Food Dehydrator for Jerky, Magic Mill Pro Food Dehydrator Machine , Excalibur Electric Food Dehydrator, Excalibur EXC10EL Electric Food Dehydrator
• Best Blender: Vitamix 5200 Blender

More Health Tips and Recipes

If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out my other health-promoting articles and recipes! Whether you’re looking for ways to optimize your nutrition, tips on bulk food purchasing, or delicious whole-food recipes, I’ve got plenty of resources to help you on your journey. Browse my latest content [insert link], and let’s keep making progress together!

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