If your body were a factory, vitamin B12 would be the employee who quietly keeps the lights on, the machines humming,
and the paperwork (DNA!) filed correctly. Pernicious anemia is what happens when that employee can’t get through the
front doorno matter how many “Now Hiring” signs you hang in the break room.

In plain English: pernicious anemia is a type of anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency, usually because your body
can’t absorb B12 properly. The twist is that it’s often autoimmuneyour immune system targets the stomach’s ability
to make or use intrinsic factor, a protein required to absorb B12. The good news? Once it’s found,
it’s very treatable. The trickier part is noticing it earlybecause the symptoms can be sneaky, slow, and easy to
blame on “life.”

Medical note: This article is for education and doesn’t replace medical care. If you think you might have B12 deficiency or anemia, a clinician can confirm it with labs and guide treatment.

What Is Pernicious Anemia?

Pernicious anemia is a vitamin B12 deficiency anemia caused by impaired absorption of B12most often
due to an autoimmune process that reduces intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor is produced by
parietal cells in the stomach and acts like a “VIP wristband” that helps B12 get absorbed in the small intestine
(specifically the terminal ileum).

Important: “B12 deficiency” isn’t always “pernicious anemia”

Plenty of things can lead to low B12: restrictive diets, certain medications, intestinal conditions, or surgeries.
Pernicious anemia is a specific causeclassically autoimmunewhere the body can’t use intrinsic factor
properly. That’s why it’s usually considered a chronic condition requiring ongoing replacement therapy.

Why it’s called “pernicious” (spoiler: history is dramatic)

Before B12 was discovered and treatment existed, pernicious anemia could be deadly. Today, it’s very manageable.
The name stuck anywaylike that one old nickname you got in middle school that refuses to die.

Why Vitamin B12 Matters (More Than You Think)

Vitamin B12 is essential for:

• Red blood cell production (helping prevent anemia and low oxygen delivery)
• DNA synthesis (especially in fast-dividing cells like bone marrow)
• Nervous system function (supporting myelin, the “insulation” around nerves)

When B12 is low, red blood cells may become large and immature (a pattern called macrocytic or
megaloblastic anemia). Meanwhile, nerves can become irritated or damagedsometimes even before
anemia shows up on routine labs. That’s why symptoms can look like a weird mashup of “low energy” and “my feet are
buzzing like a phone on vibrate.”

Symptoms of Pernicious Anemia

Pernicious anemia symptoms can build slowly because the body stores B12 for a long time. Many people don’t wake up
one day with a flashing neon sign that says “B12 deficiency!” It’s more like a dimmer switch gradually turning down
your energy, focus, and nerve comfort.

Common anemia symptoms

• Fatigue that feels disproportionate to your schedule
• Weakness or reduced exercise tolerance
• Shortness of breath with activity
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Pale skin; sometimes a slightly yellow tint
• Heart palpitations (especially with more severe anemia)

Neurological and mental symptoms (often the most overlooked)

• Numbness, tingling, or “pins and needles” in hands/feet
• Balance problems or clumsiness
• Muscle weakness or a heavy-legged feeling
• Memory issues, brain fog, difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes (irritability, low mood, anxiety-like symptoms)

A key point: neurological symptoms can become long-lasting if treatment is delayed. That’s why clinicians
take nerve symptoms seriously when B12 deficiency is suspected.

Mouth and gastrointestinal clues

• Sore, smooth, or “beefy red” tongue (glossitis)
• Mouth ulcers or burning mouth sensation
• Reduced appetite, nausea, or mild digestive upset

Symptoms that deserve prompt medical attention

Seek urgent care for chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath, rapidly worsening weakness, or new neurological
issues (like sudden gait problems). Those symptoms can have many causesnot just anemiaand should be evaluated quickly.

Causes and Risk Factors

The main cause: autoimmune loss of intrinsic factor function

In pernicious anemia, the immune system may produce antibodies against intrinsic factor and/or the stomach’s parietal
cells. Over time, this can lead to autoimmune gastritis (also called autoimmune metaplastic atrophic gastritis),
which reduces intrinsic factor and impairs B12 absorption.

Who is more likely to develop pernicious anemia?

• Older adults (risk increases with age)
• People with a personal or family history of autoimmune disease (e.g., autoimmune thyroid disease, type 1 diabetes, vitiligo)
• Those with chronic autoimmune gastritis
• Some populations have higher rates in epidemiologic studies, including people of Northern European ancestry

Other causes of low B12 that can look similar

Not all B12 deficiency is pernicious anemia. Clinicians also consider:

• Dietary deficiency (strict vegan diets without supplementation)
• Stomach surgery (reduced intrinsic factor production) or small intestine surgery (reduced absorption)
• GI conditions affecting absorption (e.g., Crohn’s disease involving the ileum)
• Medications associated with lower B12 over time (commonly discussed: metformin, acid-suppressing drugs)

How Pernicious Anemia Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis usually involves a combination of symptoms, blood tests, and (when needed) antibody testing. The goal is twofold:
confirm B12 deficiency and figure out why it’s happening.

Step 1: CBC and red blood cell size

A complete blood count (CBC) may show anemia and an elevated mean corpuscular volume (MCV), meaning red blood cells are larger than normal.
A peripheral blood smear can show megaloblastic changes, including classically described hypersegmented neutrophils.

Step 2: Confirm B12 deficiency

Serum B12 can be low, but interpretation can be tricky in borderline cases. That’s why clinicians often use functional markers:

• Methylmalonic acid (MMA): often rises when B12 is low
• Homocysteine: can rise in B12 deficiency (and also in folate deficiency)

Step 3: Determine if it’s pernicious anemia

If pernicious anemia is suspected, testing may include:

• Intrinsic factor antibody testing (highly specific; a positive result strongly supports the diagnosis)
• Parietal cell antibodies (less specific; can support autoimmune gastritis context)

What about the Schilling test?

The Schilling test is largely historical and rarely used in modern practice. Today, antibody testing and clinical context typically replace it.

Why some people also get stomach evaluation

Pernicious anemia is often considered a late-stage manifestation of autoimmune gastritis. Because chronic atrophic gastritis is associated with an
increased risk of certain gastric neoplasms, some GI guidelines suggest considering endoscopy at diagnosis or based on risk factorsthough practice
varies and recommendations aren’t perfectly uniform.

Treatments: What Actually Works

The core treatment is simple: replace vitamin B12. Because absorption is impaired in pernicious anemia, treatment is designed to bypass
or outsmart the absorption problem.

Vitamin B12 injections (a classic for a reason)

Many patients start with intramuscular (IM) B12 injections, especially if symptoms are significant. Clinicians often use a loading phase (more frequent
doses early on) followed by maintenance dosing. Maintenance schedules vary, but monthly injections are common in practice.

If needles make you queasy, you’re not alone. The upside: B12 injections are typically quick, well-tolerated, and highly effective. The downside:
yes, you may need them long-term.

High-dose oral B12 (yes, it can workeven without intrinsic factor)

High-dose oral B12 (often 1,000–2,000 mcg daily, depending on the clinician’s plan) can be effective for many people with pernicious anemia because a small
amount can be absorbed passively. This can be a good option for those who prefer pills, can reliably take daily medication, and have appropriate follow-up.

Nasal and sublingual options

Some people use nasal B12 or dissolvable forms. These may be helpful in select cases, but treatment choice is best guided by severity, adherence, cost,
and clinician preference.

What to expect after starting treatment

• Energy: often improves within days to weeks, though not always overnight
• Blood counts: bone marrow response can be rapid; hemoglobin rises over weeks
• Neurological symptoms: may improve more slowly (weeks to months) and may not fully reverse if deficiency was long-standing

What else might be treated or monitored?

Depending on the situation, clinicians may also:

• Check for iron deficiency (autoimmune gastritis can coexist with iron issues)
• Assess folate status (both folate and B12 deficiencies can cause macrocytosis)
• Review medications and GI history to identify additional contributors to deficiency
• Discuss stomach evaluation when autoimmune gastritis is likely and individualized risk is higher

Living With Pernicious Anemia Long-Term

Most people do very well once they’re on consistent B12 replacement. The key word is consistent. Pernicious anemia usually isn’t something
you “finish treating” like strep throatit’s more like updating your phone: you keep doing it so everything keeps working.

Practical tips that make life easier

• Set a routine: calendar reminders for injection appointments or daily pills
• Track symptoms: note changes in energy, tingling, balance, and mood
• Don’t DIY the diagnosis: supplements can improve labs while masking the reason you were deficient
• Ask about follow-up labs: clinicians may recheck B12 markers, CBC, and sometimes MMA depending on your case

Can diet fix pernicious anemia?

A B12-rich diet is great for general health, but in pernicious anemia the issue isn’t usually intakeit’s absorption. So diet alone often can’t solve it.
Think of it like owning a fridge full of groceries while the kitchen door is locked. Supplements (or injections) are the key that gets nutrients where they
need to go.

Is pernicious anemia preventable?

Because it’s commonly autoimmune, it’s not reliably preventable. What is very doable is catching it earlierespecially if you have risk factors
or symptoms that don’t add up.

Real-World Experiences: What People Commonly Notice

The medical definition is tidy. Real life is not. Below are common patterns people describe when pernicious anemia shows up. These are composite
experiences (not real individuals), designed to reflect what clinicians and patients often report: how symptoms start, how they get mislabeled,
and what improvement can feel like once treatment begins.

Experience #1: “I thought I was just burned out… for a year.”

A frequent story starts with fatigue that doesn’t match the calendar. Someone sleeps eight hours and still wakes up feeling like they pulled an all-nighter
while fighting a bear (or at least wrestling a laundry basket). They cut caffeine, change their diet, start exercising, stop exercising, switch pillows,
swear off screens at night… and still feel flattened. Because pernicious anemia can develop slowly, the body adapts in small miserable increments.

The “aha” moment often happens after a routine blood test shows anemia or macrocytosis. People are sometimes shocked: “Anemia? But I’m not bleeding.”
That’s when B12 testing enters the chat. And once replacement starts, the improvement can be surprisingly emotionallike realizing you’ve been walking
around with the brightness turned down on your entire life.

Experience #2: “My hands were tingling, and everyone told me it was stress.”

Tingling fingers, numb toes, or a weird buzzing sensation can easily get blamed on anxiety, posture, “sleeping funny,” or too much time at a keyboard.
Sometimes it is those things. But persistent, spreading, or worsening tingling deserves evaluationespecially if it comes with fatigue, balance
changes, or memory issues.

People in this situation often describe a frustrating loop: normal-ish labs at first, symptoms continuing, then more targeted testing (MMA, intrinsic factor
antibodies) finally clarifies the cause. After B12 therapy begins, nerve symptoms may improve gradually rather than instantly. A common feeling is relief
mixed with impatience: “I’m better… but why is it taking so long?” That slower recovery can be normal for nerves, which tend to heal at their own pace.

Experience #3: “The treatment was simple. The routine was the hard part.”

Many people find the diagnosis scary and the treatment surprisingly straightforward. The bigger challenge is building a long-term system:
scheduling injections, picking up prescriptions, remembering daily oral doses, and not letting “I feel fine now” turn into “I forgot for three months.”

People who do best often treat it like brushing their teethnon-negotiable maintenance. Practical strategies include setting recurring calendar alerts,
linking treatment to an existing routine (Sunday morning = B12 pill + coffee), and keeping a “symptom journal” so subtle warning signs (like tingling or
fatigue creeping back) get noticed early.

Experience #4: “I didn’t realize how many symptoms were connected.”

Pernicious anemia can feel like a grab bag: fatigue, glossitis, shortness of breath, mood changes, brain fog, and odd nerve sensations. A common experience
is discovering that several “separate” issues were actually one storyline. People may say things like:

• “I thought I was getting older, not deficient.”
• “I blamed my memory on stress, not my blood.”
• “I didn’t know anemia could affect nerves.”

After treatment, many report not just improved energy but improved confidencebecause it’s validating to learn there was a biological reason you felt off.
It also changes how people approach future symptoms: they’re more likely to seek evaluation sooner, ask for specific labs, and advocate for follow-up when
something doesn’t add up.

A helpful mindset if you’re navigating this

If you suspect pernicious anemia, the best “experience hack” is boring but powerful: get objective testing. Symptoms are real, but they’re not specific.
Labs help separate “this might be B12” from “this is definitely B12.” And once you have a diagnosis, the long-term outlook is typically excellent with
consistent treatment and appropriate medical follow-up.

If you’re taking Wegovy (semaglutide) or Zepbound (tirzepatide), you already know the headline:
these meds can quiet the “food noise,” shrink cravings, and make a once-huge meal feel like a group project you didn’t sign up for.
That appetite drop is often part of why GLP-1s work so well for weight loss.

But there’s a less-clicky side effect that deserves a real conversation: when you eat way less, it’s surprisingly easy to
eat less nutrition, too. Not because GLP-1s “steal” nutrients from your body, but because you might be running on
smaller portions, occasional nausea, and a schedule that suddenly includes “forgetting lunch” as a hobby.

Let’s break down five nutrient deficiencies (or nutrient shortfalls) that can show up for some people on GLP-1s,
why they happen, what they can feel like in real life, and how to prevent them without turning every bite into a spreadsheet.
(Your stomach is already doing enough math.)

First, a quick refresher: Why GLP-1s can create nutrient gaps

GLP-1 medications help with weight loss mainly by reducing appetite, increasing feelings of fullness, and
slowing digestion. Many people also experience gastrointestinal side effectsespecially early on or during dose
increaseslike nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. When that happens, it’s common to eat fewer calories and to default
to “safe” foods (toast, crackers, plain noodles… the beige buffet).

Here’s the key idea: GLP-1s don’t typically cause nutrient malabsorption in the way some intestinal conditions do.
The nutrition challenge is usually more practical: smaller intake + fewer food groups + occasional GI symptoms.
Over time, that can add up.

Who’s more likely to develop deficiencies?

• People eating very small portions for long stretches (especially if protein and produce drop off).
• Anyone with frequent nausea/vomiting or who avoids many foods due to GI discomfort.
• People who already had low levels of certain nutrients before starting (common with vitamin D and iron).
• Vegetarians/vegans (B12 and iron take more planning).
• Older adults (B12 absorption can decrease with age).
• Menstruating people (higher iron needs).
• People also taking metformin (B12 is a classic watch item with metformin).

Important note: not everyone on Wegovy or Zepbound becomes deficient. Many people do greatespecially with food-first planning,
hydration, and the right medical follow-up. This is about being prepared, not panicked.

The 5 nutrient deficiencies (or shortfalls) to watch for on GLP-1s

1) Protein (shortfall)

Protein isn’t just for gym bros and rotisserie chickens. It supports muscle maintenance, immune function, wound healing,
and helps you stay fuller longer. On GLP-1s, appetite suppression can make it hard to eat enough proteinespecially if you
start skipping meals, relying on snacks, or feeling turned off by heavier foods.

What it can feel like:

• More fatigue than expected
• Feeling weak or “softer” (loss of muscle can happen with rapid weight loss)
• Slower recovery from workouts
• Hair shedding (not always protein, but low intake can contribute)

Food-first fixes (small-portion friendly):

• Greek yogurt or cottage cheese
• Eggs or egg bites
• Fish (salmon, tuna, white fish)
• Chicken or turkey (think “a few bites,” not “a whole slab”)
• Tofu, tempeh, edamame
• Beans + a protein booster (like adding shredded chicken or tofu)

Tip that works in the real world: try a “protein-first” order of operations.
Start with a protein bite or two while your appetite is still awake, then add produce and carbs as tolerated.

2) Fiber (shortfall)

Fiber is the unsung hero of GLP-1 life. It supports gut health, helps regulate blood sugar, and can reduce constipationan
issue many people notice on GLP-1s. When portions shrink, fiber often shrinks too, because high-fiber foods tend to be
produce, beans, whole grains, nuts, and seedsfoods people sometimes avoid if they’re nauseated or bloated.

What it can feel like:

• Constipation, hard stools, or “nothing is happening and I’m offended”
• Bloating or discomfort (sometimes from low fiber, sometimes from too-rapid fiber increases)
• More blood sugar swings if you’re also skipping balanced meals

Food-first fixes (gentle options):

• Oats (especially cooked oats if your stomach prefers softer textures)
• Berries, bananas, peeled applesauce
• Beans or lentils in small amounts (soups work well)
• Cooked vegetables (roasted carrots, zucchini, squashoften easier than raw)
• Chia or ground flax mixed into yogurt or smoothies

Go slow: if you’ve been low-fiber for weeks, jumping from “almost none” to “all the beans” can backfire.
Increase gradually and pair it with fluids.

3) Iron

Iron is one of the most common nutrients to run lowespecially in menstruating people and anyone who eats little or no red meat.
On GLP-1s, iron intake can drop if you eat less overall, avoid meat because it feels “too heavy,” or rely mostly on low-iron
snack foods. Iron deficiency may also show up as anemia, which can make everyday life feel like you’re walking through wet cement.

What it can feel like:

• Fatigue that doesn’t match your sleep
• Shortness of breath with normal activity
• Feeling cold, headaches, dizziness
• Restless legs or unusual cravings (like chewing ice)

Food-first fixes (iron sources):

• Lean red meat in small portions (if tolerated)
• Chicken thighs, turkey, sardines
• Lentils, beans, tofu, pumpkin seeds
• Fortified cereals (a surprisingly efficient option when appetite is low)

Absorption trick: Pair plant-based iron with vitamin C (citrus, strawberries, bell peppers) to help your body absorb it.
And if you drink a lot of coffee/tea, try not to have it right with iron-rich meals, because it can reduce absorption.

4) Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 supports nerve health, red blood cell production, and energy metabolism. It’s found primarily in animal foods
(meat, fish, dairy, eggs) and fortified products. People can run low if they eat less animal protein, follow a vegan pattern,
have certain GI conditions, or take medications that affect B12 status (metformin is the classic example).

What it can feel like:

• Fatigue, weakness
• Numbness/tingling in hands or feet
• Memory or concentration issues (“brain fog”)
• Mood changes

Food-first fixes:

• Fish and shellfish
• Eggs, dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese)
• Fortified plant milks and cereals (helpful for low appetite)

If you’re vegan or mostly plant-based, talk with a clinician or dietitian about a reliable B12 plan. It’s one nutrient where
“I’ll just wing it” is not a great strategy.

5) Vitamin D (and the “bone team” effect)

Vitamin D is famously low in many adultseven before any medication enters the chat. It’s involved in bone health, immune
function, and muscle performance. Some evidence suggests vitamin D deficiency is commonly identified among people using GLP-1
therapies, which may reflect baseline risk plus reduced intake and other factors during weight loss.

What it can feel like:

• Often nothing obvious (which is why labs matter)
• Muscle aches or weakness
• Low mood for some people
• Over time, bone health concerns (especially if calcium intake is also low)

Food-first fixes:

• Fatty fish (salmon, sardines)
• Fortified milk or plant milks
• Fortified yogurt
• Egg yolks

Vitamin D is one where blood testing is common and supplementation may be recommended by a clinician based on your level.
Also keep an eye on calcium-rich foods (dairy, fortified alternatives, tofu made with calcium, leafy greens if tolerated),
because vitamin D and calcium work as a team for bone health.

How to prevent deficiencies on Wegovy or Zepbound (without living on supplements)

Build “tiny meals” that still count

When appetite is small, every bite needs to pull its weight. A plate that used to be balanced can become two crackers
and vibes. Try these mini-meal patterns:

• Greek yogurt + berries + chia (protein + fiber)
• Eggs + toast + fruit (protein + gentle carbs)
• Bean soup + shredded chicken (protein + iron + fiber)
• Salmon + rice + cooked vegetables (protein + vitamin D + fiber)
• Fortified cereal + milk/plant milk (easy calories, often iron/B vitamins)

Use “GI-friendly” strategies during dose changes

Many people notice nausea or GI side effects most during dose escalation. On those days, give yourself permission to eat
simpler foodsbut aim for some protein and fluids rather than only dry carbs.

• Try smaller, more frequent meals.
• Eat slowly, and stop at “comfortably full” (not “I can’t believe I did that”).
• Choose softer or blander options when nausea is up.
• Hydrate consistently, especially if you’ve had vomiting or diarrhea.

Consider a “baseline labs + follow-up” plan

If you’re on GLP-1s long-term, ask your clinician what monitoring makes sense for youespecially if your intake is low,
you have symptoms, or you’re in a higher-risk group. Lab choices vary, but commonly discussed ones include:

• Complete blood count (CBC) and iron studies (like ferritin) if fatigue or anemia is a concern
• Vitamin B12 (especially if you also take metformin, or eat little animal food)
• 25-hydroxy vitamin D
• Other labs based on your history and symptoms

If supplements are recommended, follow your clinician’s guidancemore isn’t always better, and some nutrients can be harmful
in excessive amounts.

So… are deficiencies actually common on GLP-1s?

The honest answer is: we’re still learning. GLP-1 use has expanded quickly, and the best research is still catching up
with the real-world variety of how people eat, what they tolerate, and how closely they’re monitored.

However, emerging research and expert guidance highlight nutrient gaps as a real concern when calorie intake drops substantially
and nutrition counseling is limited. One large retrospective study in U.S. adults with type 2 diabetes using GLP-1 receptor agonists
found that nutritional deficiencies were diagnosed in a noticeable minority within the first year, with vitamin D deficiency among the most
commonly identified. That doesn’t mean GLP-1s “cause” deficiencies for everyonebut it does support the case for smart nutrition planning
and screening when appropriate.

500-word real-life experiences: What people often notice on Wegovy and Zepbound (and what tends to help)

People’s experiences on GLP-1s vary wildlysome feel great with minimal side effects, while others spend a few weeks wondering why
their favorite foods suddenly taste like cardboard auditioning for a sad role. Still, certain patterns come up often in clinics, dietitian
offices, and everyday conversations.

Experience #1: “I’m not hungry… and then I’m suddenly exhausted.”
A common early surprise is how quickly appetite disappears. Some people unintentionally skip breakfast, “forget” lunch, and then realize
at 4 p.m. they’ve had coffee, a few bites of something, and optimism. The result can look like fatigue, irritability, and low energy that feels
confusingespecially because weight loss itself can feel motivating. What often helps is setting a simple structure: a small protein anchor
in the morning (yogurt, eggs, a smoothie with protein) and a second protein-forward mini-meal later. Not huge portionsjust consistent ones.

Experience #2: “My stomach wants bland food, but my body needs more than toast.”
During dose increases, nausea can push people toward plain carbs. That’s understandablebland foods can be soothing. The tricky part is when
“toast season” lasts longer than expected. People who feel better long-term often find a middle ground: keep the gentle carbs, but pair them
with something nutrient-dense in a tolerated formlike soup with beans, yogurt with fruit, or scrambled eggs with toast. The goal isn’t a perfect
menu; it’s preventing days in a row of very low protein and low micronutrients.

Experience #3: “Constipation showed up uninvited and refuses to leave.”
Constipation can become a recurring complaint, especially when fiber and fluid drop together. Many people discover that “eating less” sometimes
means “drinking less,” toobecause thirst cues can feel quieter. The fixes that tend to work are boring but effective: steady hydration, gentle fiber
additions (oats, cooked vegetables, berries), and not trying to fix everything in one day by eating a mountain of raw kale. Slow changes are
usually kinder to a GLP-1-adjusting gut.

Experience #4: “My hair is sheddingdid the medication do this?”
Hair shedding can happen during significant weight loss for a variety of reasons, including overall reduced intake, lower protein, stress on the body,
and nutrient shortfalls like iron. People often feel alarmed because it’s visible and personal. What typically helps is zooming out: ensuring adequate
protein, checking in on iron status if symptoms fit, and making sure overall intake isn’t chronically too low. Hair concerns are also a good reason to
loop in a clinicianbecause guessing can lead to unnecessary supplements or missed underlying issues.

The common thread in these experiences isn’t “GLP-1s are bad.” It’s that GLP-1s change eating, and eating patterns need to evolve
with that change. A little planningplus support from a clinician or registered dietitian when possiblecan help you keep the benefits of Wegovy or
Zepbound while lowering the risk of nutrient gaps.

Conclusion

Wegovy and Zepbound can be powerful tools, but the “smaller appetite” effect is a double-edged fork. When you eat less, it’s easier to come up short
on protein, fiber, iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin Despecially if GI side effects push you toward a narrow, bland diet.
The best defense is a food-first strategy built for small portions: protein-forward mini-meals, gentle fiber, nutrient-dense choices, and lab monitoring
when it makes sense. If symptoms like ongoing fatigue, constipation, dizziness, or tingling show up, bring your clinician into the loopbecause feeling
better is kind of the whole point.