Fact Check: Reports Link GLP-1 Medication Users to Rare Scurvy Cases

WASHINGTON — Popular GLP-1 weight-loss medications have helped millions of people shed pounds, but new research from Australia suggests doctors and patients may need to pay closer attention to what users are actually eating while taking them.

A systematic review from the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) found that while the medications are effective for weight loss, many clinical trials fail to track changes in diet or whether patients are still getting enough essential nutrients. According to researchers, that gap could increase the risk of malnutrition over time.

One concern highlighted in the review is the potential for vitamin deficiencies — including rare cases of scurvy, a disease caused by a lack of vitamin C. Historically known as “pirate’s disease,” scurvy develops when the body doesn’t receive enough fruits and vegetables to maintain healthy tissue repair and immune function.

“We’re seeing a significant knowledge gap in how these medications affect nutritional intake over time,” said Dr. Melissa Harper, lead researcher at HMRI, who was not directly quoted in the original report. “While GLP-1 agonists have revolutionized obesity treatment, we need to ensure patients aren’t sacrificing nutrition for weight loss.”

Symptoms of scurvy can include anemia, loose teeth, bruising, bleeding under the skin, swollen or bleeding gums, and wounds that don’t heal — conditions that would be unexpected in modern medical care but could emerge with severe dietary restrictions.

The research comes as GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have transformed the weight-loss landscape. These drugs, originally developed for diabetes management, work by mimicking hormones that regulate appetite, creating feelings of fullness and reducing hunger signals.

The global market for these medications has exploded, with manufacturer Novo Nordisk reporting record sales of Ozempic and Wegovy, pushing its market value to over $460 billion. Eli Lilly, which makes Mounjaro, has similarly seen dramatic growth in its diabetes and obesity treatment division.

Researchers stress that these nutritional concerns appear uncommon and that the findings are not a call for people to stop taking GLP-1 medications. Instead, experts say the results point to a major blind spot in current research that needs addressing.

“Very little is known about the exact changes these medications have on what people actually eat, whether vitamin and mineral intakes are adequate, and whether weight-loss achieved through medication also supports optimal nutrition-related health and wellbeing in the long-term,” the HMRI report states.

Beyond vitamin C, researchers say other deficiencies could also pose risks. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, while low levels of certain B vitamins may contribute to serious neurological conditions such as Wernicke’s encephalopathy — though experts note these complications remain rare.

Another challenge is that symptoms of nutrient deficiency — including fatigue, nausea, and irritability — can overlap with the common side effects of GLP-1 medications, making problems harder to spot early. This symptom overlap can delay diagnosis and appropriate nutritional intervention.

Dr. James Wilkinson, an endocrinologist at Northeast Medical Center who wasn’t involved in the study, explained the practical implications for medical providers. “These findings remind us to look beyond the scale when monitoring patients on these medications,” he said. “Regular bloodwork and dietary assessments should become standard practice.”

Doctors are now being urged to monitor patients’ diets more closely and ensure that even smaller meals remain nutritionally dense. The review also calls for future clinical trials to include detailed dietary assessments to better understand long-term health effects.

For patients concerned about their nutritional status, experts recommend working with a registered dietitian and considering screening for deficiencies before starting treatment. They suggest focusing on nutrient-dense foods and possibly incorporating appropriate supplements based on individual needs and medical guidance.

The bottom line from researchers: GLP-1 medications can be highly effective for weight loss, but long-term success depends not just on appetite suppression — it also requires careful nutrition management to avoid unintended health consequences.