By Avni Dalal, ND
The Metabolic Consequences of Ultraprocessed Foods
In today’s fast-paced world, convenience often has to dictate many of our food choices–unfortunately leading to an increased reliance on processed and ultraprocessed foods (UPFs). While these products may be quick and easy, they can come with significant downsides, particularly regarding metabolic health. Beyond their impact on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) function, UPFs contribute to metabolic dysfunction through multiple independent pathways. These include alterations in gut microbiome composition, metabolic shifts in liver function that promote glucose intolerance, and the subsequent development of insulin resistance.*
Diets high in refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives can disrupt gut microbial diversity, reducing the production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that help regulate metabolism.1,2 Additionally, chronic exposure to these foods induces hepatic stress, impairing glucose homeostasis and increasing the burden on insulin signaling pathways—contributing to insulin resistance regardless of GLP-1 activity.
One major way processed foods impact metabolism is by disrupting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a key incretin hormone that plays a role in regulating blood sugar, appetite, and energy balance. Research suggests that diets high in refined and artificial ingredients can impair GLP-1 secretion, making it harder for the body to maintain metabolic stability.3 This dysfunction can lead to erratic hunger signals, increased cravings, and challenges with weight management.
In this article, we dive into how food processing impacts metabolic control–and how nutrients like those found in GLP-1 Complete may help support healthy metabolic function.*
The Link Between Processed Foods and Blood Sugar Dysregulation*
Many processed foods, particularly those rich in refined carbohydrates and added sugars, cause rapid spikes in blood glucose, followed by abrupt crashes. This cycle forces the body to release large amounts of insulin, which, over time, can lead to insulin resistance—a state where cells become less responsive to insulin’s signals. When insulin resistance develops, the body struggles to regulate blood sugar effectively, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes, weight gain, and metabolic dysfunction.1
At the same time, the function of GLP-1 is to help regulate insulin secretion and blood glucose levels, but diets high in ultraprocessed foods may blunt its function.3 Without adequate GLP-1 activity, blood sugar fluctuations become more extreme, contributing to an increased risk of metabolic imbalances.
The Gut Microbiome’s Impact on Appetite Regulation
The gut microbiome is another critical factor in metabolic health. Beneficial bacteria in the gut help produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which stimulate GLP-1 secretion, support insulin sensitivity, and help balance metabolic function. However, low-fiber, ultraprocessed diets starve these beneficial microbes, potentially leading to gut dysbiosis and reduced SCFA production. As a result, the body produces less GLP-1, coupled with poor response of satiating hormones, which may lead to downstream effects such as increased hunger and overeating.3,4
In addition, processed foods often contain artificial sweeteners, emulsifiers, and preservatives that may further disrupt gut bacteria and result in a more inflamed gut. These ingredients have been shown in some studies to negatively impact gut microbiome diversity, leading to inflammatory and metabolic dysfunction.5
Chronic Inflammation and Metabolic Dysfunction
Another consequence of modern food processing is its contribution to chronic low-grade inflammation. Many processed foods contain refined vegetable oils, artificial preservatives, and trans fats, which have been linked to increased inflammatory markers, reflective of dysfunctional liver metabolism.1,2 Chronic inflammation interferes with insulin sensitivity, fat metabolism, antioxidant status, and GLP-1 function, compounding the metabolic challenges associated with poor diet quality.1,2,5
Strategies to Support Metabolic Balance
While the modern food environment poses challenges, there are ways to counteract the effects of processed foods and support healthy metabolism.
- Prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods: Emphasizing fiber-rich vegetables and grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates helps stabilize blood sugar and support GLP-1 activity.6,7 High-fiber diets and fermentable foods, specifically, slow gastric emptying and nutrient absorption, which can sustain GLP-1 release.8
- Engage in regular movement: Exercise, particularly resistance training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), has been shown to enhance GLP-1 secretion and insulin sensitivity.9,10
- Support the gut microbiome: Consuming prebiotic fibers and resistant starches–such as resistant potato starch–can help fuel beneficial gut bacteria like Akkermansia muciniphila, promoting the production of SCFAs that enhance GLP-1 signaling and appetite regulation.8
- Incorporate targeted nutrients: Bioactive compounds such as berberine, resveratrol, xanthohumulol from hops extract, and postbiotic metabolites have been studied for their role in supporting glucose metabolism, gut health, and metabolic efficiency and possibly impacting GLP-1 secretion through their interaction with intestinal nutrient sensors.*11,12,13
Bridging the Gap With GLP-1 Complete
Processed foods have become a staple in modern diets, but their impact on metabolic health cannot be ignored. The disruption of GLP-1 function, insulin sensitivity, and gut microbiome balance underscores the importance of making intentional dietary choices. By reducing reliance on processed foods and incorporating whole foods, lifestyle interventions, targeted nutrients–like those found in GLP-1 Complete with hops extract, prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics–may help individuals take proactive steps toward metabolic resilience.*
While no single strategy can reverse the effects of modern diets overnight, small, sustainable changes can help restore balance in a food market dominated by processed food options.
References:
1. Quetglas-Llabrés MM et al. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland). 2023;12(8):1532.
2. Lane MM et al. Nutrients. 2022;14(16):3309.
3. Gagnon J et al. Endocrinology. 2015;156(11):3950-60.
4. Mastrocola R et al. Nutrients. 2020;12(9):E2497.
5. Mignogna C et al. Clinical Nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland). 2022;41(10):2226-2234.
6. Bodnaruc AM et al. Nutrition & Metabolism. 2016;13:92.
7. Miguéns-Gómez A et al. Nutrition Research Reviews. 2021;34(2):259-275.
8. Qin W et al. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety. 2021;20(5):5173-5196.
9. Wu L et al. Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta. Molecular Cell Research. 2022;1869(9):119300.
10. Bidwell AJ et al. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2014;68(9):1048-54.
11. Hira T et al. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2021;22(12):6623.
12.Yaribeygi H et al. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. 2021;1328:513-522.
13. Kim KS et al. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: eCAM. 2015;2015:171742.
