GLP-1s, A Tool On The Road To Recovery from Food Addiction
With a yearly $135 billion diet and weight-loss industry, GLP-1 medications have emerged as a popular and increasingly accessible option for people seeking weight loss, improved health, and greater wellness. According to the CDC, the adult obesity rate in the United States reached 40.3% between 2021–2023. Researchers also estimate that approximately 14% of adults meet the criteria for ultra-processed food addiction, while the Mayo Clinic reports that 1 in 8 adults have tried a GLP-1 medication.
People often turn to GLP-1s to reduce appetite, feel fuller longer, lessen food cravings and “food noise,” lose weight, and improve blood sugar control. At COR Retreat, we work toward many of these same goals by teaching a sustainable food plan built around whole, unprocessed foods in appropriate amounts while eliminating flour, added sugars, and artificial sweeteners. We believe it makes sense to help individuals seeking freedom from compulsive overeating, processed food and sugar addiction, and chronic dieting learn how GLP-1s may fit into a sustainable 12-Step recovery lifestyle.
While there are valuable clinical tools available to assess processed food and sugar addiction, the heart of COR Retreat’s approach centers on personal transformation through the practice of the 12-Step program — a program that has helped change lives for more than 90 years. Recovery is often described as a “spiritual program of action.” The word spiritual comes from Latin roots meaning “to aspire” or “to breathe.” At COR, we view spirituality as deeply personal — an inside-out journey of healing, growth, and connection.
The publication Fifteen Questions from Overeaters Anonymous encourages honest reflection about our relationship with food by asking questions such as:
- Do I go on eating binges for no apparent reason, sometimes eating until I’m stuffed or even feel sick?
- Is my eating affecting my health or the way I live my life?
- Do I fantasize about how much better life would be if I were a different size or weight?
- Do I spend too much time thinking about food, arguing with myself about what to eat, planning the next diet or exercise program, or counting calories?
These questions highlight the common struggles many of us share and often become the starting point for seeking help. Many people arrive feeling exhausted after trying every diet, exercise plan, and weight-loss program available. They have spent significant amounts of money only to feel defeated, ashamed, and convinced they simply lack willpower. This same struggle is often what leads people to explore GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic or Wegovy or Mounjaro.
At COR Retreat, we genuinely understand these challenges. We are committed to helping individuals learn to live with greater health, vitality, freedom, and confidence. The first essential step is changing what and how we eat. From there, we move beyond “Step Zero” into the deeper work of recovery through learning and practicing the 12-Step program. Recovery is built on daily commitment lasting over time: caring for ourselves, connecting with others, accepting support, and offering support in return. No one has to walk this road alone. We invite you to join us and discover whether the freedom and joy we have found may also be possible for you.
In August COR Retreat will celebrate 15 years of helping people realize improved health and freedom from food addiction. We have guided over 2,000 people from across the country and Canada into the process of change through teaching a sustainable whole, unprocessed food plan, modeling 12-Step recovery with volunteer alumni speakers and mentors and offering continued support and connection through bi-weekly professionally facilitated ZOOM groups at no additional cost. Past participants report an overall improved quality of life, notably significant changes in physical health and wellness. Benefits include but are not limited to weight loss, increased, improved mobility and resolution of metabolic markers such as lowered cholesterol and A1C.
*COR Retreat is not a medical treatment program and does not endorse, prescribe, or manage GLP-1 medications. The information provided here is not a substitute for professional medical advice.*
