The Hidden Crisis: GLP-1 Malnutrition and How to Stay Healthy During Weight Loss

Ensuring we're up to date on the latest research in the medical industry is critical for how we provide factual information and support to anyone battling disease or working to prevent potential disease due to family history, diet, and lifestyle factors.

A September 2025 medical study just revealed something alarming that everyone taking GLP-1 medications should know about: 38% of people using these drugs are malnourished.

If you or someone you care about is considering or currently using GLP-1 medications, understanding this hidden risk could be the difference between successful weight loss and serious health complications.

The Shocking Statistics: What the Research Reveals

The numbers are sobering. People taking GLP-1 medications have 6.2 times higher odds of malnutrition compared to non-users. Even more concerning: 17.2% suffer from severe malnutrition—nearly 7 times the rate in people not taking these drugs.

The study identified dangerously low levels of critical nutrients:

• Protein (31% had deficiency vs. only 2.2% of non-users)
• Iron, calcium, and magnesium
• Vitamins A, D, E, K, B1, B12 and C

These aren't minor deficiencies. When your body lacks these nutrients, you compromise bone health, immune function, energy levels, and your body's ability to actually build and maintain muscle during weight loss.

Why This Happens: The GLP-1 Paradox

GLP-1 medications work by suppressing your appetite, which helps with weight loss. But here's the problem: that same appetite suppression makes it nearly impossible to consume the nutrient-dense foods your body desperately needs—especially when calories drop 16-39% below normal levels.

You're losing weight, but you're also losing the nutritional foundation your health depends on. It's a cruel paradox: the medication that helps you lose pounds is simultaneously preventing you from getting the vitamins, minerals, and protein you need to stay healthy.

Orange Toucan's Response: Designed for This Moment

When we formulated Orange Toucan with moringa, turmeric, and ginger, we did it before many of these GLP-1 drugs were widely available. But as we learn more about the nutritional crisis facing GLP-1 users, we now understand we can help deliver what they may be losing.

Every can of Orange Toucan contains nutrient-dense, whole ingredients specifically targeted at addressing the deficiencies revealed in this research.

Complete Protein from Moringa

One of the rare plant sources with all 9 essential amino acids, moringa directly combats the severe protein deficiency affecting 31% of GLP-1 users. When calories are restricted, protein becomes even more critical to preserve muscle mass and support your metabolism.

Exceptional Mineral Density

Iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and manganese in highly bioavailable forms. Moringa contains 15x more potassium than bananas and boasts 82% folate bioavailability—meaning your body actually absorbs and uses these minerals, not just consumes them.

46 Powerful Antioxidants

Including quercetin, chlorogenic acid, and vitamins C & E to combat oxidative stress and support your metabolism during weight loss. These antioxidants help your body manage the stress of rapid weight changes.

Blood Sugar Support

Moringa has been clinically shown to reduce blood glucose by 13.5% and improve insulin sensitivity—critical for anyone with diabetes in their family history or dealing with metabolic health concerns.

Anti-Inflammatory Synergy

Turmeric (curcumin) has been proven to prevent progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes. Ginger improves insulin sensitivity and helps manage GI side effects—a bonus benefit many GLP-1 users appreciate.

The Bottom Line: Weight Loss AND Health

GLP-1 medications help you lose weight. That's valuable. But weight loss without proper nutrition is a false victory. You might fit into smaller clothes, but if your body is malnourished, you're setting yourself up for fatigue, weakened immunity, bone loss, and metabolic dysfunction down the road.

That's where whole-ingredient nutrition comes in.

Orange Toucan isn't a replacement for eating whole foods—we'll always tell you to prioritize real meals. But if you're struggling to consume enough nutrients while managing GLP-1 side effects and appetite suppression, each can delivers concentrated, bioavailable nutrition designed to fill the gaps.

Think of it this way: GLP-1 medications help you lose weight. We want to help you stay healthy while you do it.

Ready to Support Your Health During Weight Loss?

If you're taking GLP-1 medications or considering them, don't navigate the nutritional minefield alone. Shop Orange Toucan's Discovery Pack and give your body the nutrient-dense support it needs.

Your weight loss journey deserves to be paired with better nutrition—not nutritional compromise.