For the past several months, we’ve been holding twice-monthly GLP-1 coaching calls for our Bright Lifers and people in Boot Camp. I host them along with Dr. Mark Goetting and Dr. Marty Lerner, and we work with people who are considering GLP-1 medications, currently using them alongside Bright Line Eating, or thinking about coming off them. We’re not prescribing medication or giving medical advice. We’re helping people navigate the intersection between these medications and their Bright Line Eating journey.
GLP-1s and Bright Line Eating
Recently, some people in our GLP-1 community told me they’ve been hurt by language they’re seeing elsewhere in BLE: comments about not wanting to “take the easy way out,” “cheat,” or “take a shortcut.” I understand that someone may have many reasons for choosing not to use medication. But when we frame GLP-1s as the easy way out, there’s an implied judgment about the people who do choose them.
A Different Path, Not Necessarily an Easier One
Consider another condition, such as depression. In a community built around lifestyle approaches to depression, some people might use antidepressants. Someone could reasonably decide medication isn’t right for them because of side effects or personal preference. But we probably wouldn’t say that taking Prozac, for example, meant they were cheating or refusing to really “work their program.”
After coaching many people who use GLP-1s while doing Bright Line Eating, I don’t think it’s accurate to call this an easier path. It’s a different path. GLP-1s can dramatically reduce appetite and food noise, which can be enormously helpful. But they can also make it difficult to eat a full Bright meal, tolerate certain foods, manage nausea or digestive side effects, or figure out appropriate dosing with a physician. For someone deeply committed to their Bright Journey, even being unable to finish a meal can bring up a strong food-controller voice telling them they’re doing it wrong. It can be difficult.
We’ve Learned How to Make Room Before
We have already done something remarkable in this area. Early in our history, large numbers of committed vegans and equally committed omnivores came together in our community. Those groups don’t always see eye to eye about food, but we learned to become “protein neutral.” We learned that people could make very different choices and still support one another.
I believe we can do the same thing with GLP-1s. Some people will choose these medications, and others will not. BLE is officially pro-choice about that decision. Each of us is responsible for making choices that fit our circumstances, conscience, and needs.
Love and Acceptance Are Not Negotiable
What we are collectively responsible for is the community we create. Every path has upsides and downsides. Someone may choose one path, change their mind, and choose another. But the respect, safety, and acceptance we offer one another shouldn’t depend on the specific tools they use. We keep our eyes on our own plate.
So this vlog is really a plea: let’s watch our language. Let’s be curious enough to say, “That may not be my choice, but I can understand why it makes sense for someone else.” We all want greater freedom and peace around food. We have many tools available to help us get there, and GLP-1 medications are now among them. Our choices may differ, but love has always been our number-one value. Let’s up our game and double down on that.
