Fact Check: Reports of Rare Scurvy Cases Among GLP-1 Medication Users Under Investigation

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) has identified a significant gap in how these medications are being studied: while clinical trials have established their effectiveness for weight loss, few have tracked changes in patients’ diets or whether they’re receiving adequate nutrition—potentially increasing the risk of malnutrition over time.

The research is particularly relevant as medications like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro have exploded in popularity across the global pharmaceutical market. These GLP-1 agonists work by mimicking hormones that regulate hunger, helping patients feel fuller longer and consume fewer calories.

“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 researchers noted in their findings.

One concerning discovery was the potential for vitamin deficiencies among patients taking these medications. Researchers identified rare but documented cases of scurvy—a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency that was once common among sailors and pirates who lacked access to fresh fruits and vegetables during long voyages.

Scurvy can lead to serious health complications including anemia, loose teeth, easy bruising, bleeding under the skin, swollen or bleeding gums, and wounds that don’t heal properly. The condition, which was largely eradicated in modern society, emerges when the body doesn’t receive sufficient vitamin C to maintain healthy tissue repair and immune function.

Health experts emphasize that these cases appear uncommon and should not trigger patients to discontinue their medication. Instead, the findings highlight a critical blind spot in current clinical research protocols that needs addressing.

Dr. Clare Collins, a nutrition professor at the University of Newcastle who contributed to the research, explained that the appetite-suppressing effects of GLP-1 medications can inadvertently lead to reduced intake of nutrient-rich foods if patients aren’t carefully monitoring their diet quality.

“When you’re eating substantially less food overall, the nutritional quality of what you do consume becomes even more important,” Collins said in a statement accompanying the research. “Every bite needs to count nutritionally.”

Beyond vitamin C, researchers expressed concern about other potential deficiencies that could emerge from dramatically reduced food intake. Iron deficiency might lead to anemia, while inadequate levels of B vitamins could potentially contribute to serious neurological conditions such as Wernicke’s encephalopathy in extreme cases.

The situation is further complicated by symptom overlap. Fatigue, nausea, and irritability—common signs of nutrient deficiency—can mirror typical side effects of GLP-1 medications, potentially masking emerging nutritional problems until they become more severe.

In response to these findings, medical organizations are beginning to develop updated guidelines for practitioners. The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery recently released recommendations encouraging healthcare providers to monitor patients’ nutritional status more closely and consider vitamin supplementation when appropriate.

For the millions currently taking these medications, experts recommend working with healthcare providers to develop nutritionally balanced meal plans, even when consuming smaller portions. Patients may benefit from consulting registered dietitians and considering screening for potential deficiencies before and during treatment.

The pharmaceutical companies behind leading GLP-1 medications, including Novo Nordisk (Wegovy, Ozempic) and Eli Lilly (Mounjaro), have acknowledged the importance of nutritional counseling alongside their products but have yet to formally address the findings of the Australian review.

As these medications continue transforming obesity treatment worldwide, the research serves as an important reminder that effective weight management extends beyond simply eating less—maintaining proper nutrition remains essential for long-term health outcomes.