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Weight-Loss Medications Linked to Scurvy Risk, Australian Researchers Warn
Australian researchers are raising concerns that popular GLP-1 weight-loss medications like Ozempic could increase users’ risk of developing scurvy and other nutritional deficiencies due to dramatically reduced food intake.
Scurvy, historically known as a “pirate disease” because sailors developed it during long voyages without access to fresh food, is caused by vitamin C deficiency. The condition can lead to severe symptoms including anemia, loosened teeth, bleeding gums, bruising, swollen legs, rough skin, brittle hair, and wounds that won’t heal.
A systematic review conducted by the Hunter Medical Research Institute in Australia found that while medications for diabetes and obesity support significant weight loss, clinical trials have failed to document what people actually eat while taking these drugs.
“A reduction in body weight does not automatically mean the person is well-nourished or healthy,” warned Clare Collins, laureate professor of nutrition and dietetics at The University of Newcastle, Australia. “Nutrition plays a critical role in health, and right now it’s largely missing from the evidence.”
Collins explained to Fox News Digital that GLP-1 and GIP medications significantly impact appetite and feelings of fullness, leading to substantial reductions in overall food intake. “While this mechanism drives weight loss, it also increases the risk of inadequate protein, fiber, vitamin and mineral intakes if diet quality and nutritional adequacy are not carefully monitored,” she cautioned.
The concern extends beyond just scurvy. Collins noted that other nutritional deficiencies can develop with reduced food intake. Iron deficiency can cause anemia, while vitamin B1 deficiency leads to beriberi (a disease affecting nerves and heart) and Wernicke’s encephalopathy (a potentially life-threatening brain disorder).
British pop singer Robbie Williams brought attention to this issue when he revealed he was diagnosed with scurvy in 2025 after taking “something like Ozempic.” His case highlights a problem that might be more widespread than currently recognized.
A particular challenge in identifying these nutritional deficiencies is that their early symptoms often mirror the side effects of the medications themselves. “The signs can be missed because they overlap initially with side effects of the medications, including fatigue, lethargy, nausea, poor appetite and irritability,” Collins explained.
The market for GLP-1 medications has exploded in recent years, with drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro becoming household names. Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, the pharmaceutical giants behind these medications, have seen their market values soar as demand continues to grow worldwide.
For patients using these medications, the researchers emphasize the importance of seeking professional nutritional guidance. “It is challenging to assess whether your nutrient intake is adequate by yourself,” Collins said. “People may also require a specific multivitamin or mineral supplement, along with medical nutrition therapy support.”
Collins and her team are advocating for future clinical trials to include “validated dietary assessment tools” and “transparent reporting of food and nutrient intakes” to better understand the nutritional implications of these medications.
The findings come as healthcare providers are already grappling with how to manage the long-term use of these powerful medications. While the drugs have shown remarkable effectiveness for weight loss and managing type 2 diabetes, the potential for nutritional deficiencies adds another layer of complexity to their clinical use.
“We’re calling for greater attention to nutrition when these medications are being prescribed in order to avoid malnutrition risk,” Collins said. This could include routine nutritional screening, dietary counseling, and potentially nutritional supplementation for patients using GLP-1 medications.
As these medications continue to gain popularity, understanding their full impact on nutrition will be crucial for ensuring they deliver their promised health benefits without creating new health problems through nutritional deficiencies.
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14 Comments
It’s interesting that the researchers found a lack of evidence on what people actually eat while taking these weight loss drugs. That seems like a critical piece of information that should be better documented.
Agreed, that’s a significant gap in the research. Understanding the dietary habits of patients on these medications would provide valuable insights into the potential risks and how to mitigate them.
Scurvy is an old disease, but it’s still relevant today. I’m glad researchers are looking into the potential link between popular weight loss drugs and this rare condition. Awareness is important to ensure patient safety.
Absolutely. Scurvy may seem like a thing of the past, but it can still arise from nutritional deficiencies. Monitoring for signs of this and other deficiencies should be standard practice.
This is certainly an important issue to consider. Weight loss medications can have unintended consequences if not paired with proper nutrition. It’s crucial that doctors monitor patients closely for any signs of nutritional deficiencies.
Agreed. Maintaining a balanced diet is key, even while using weight loss drugs. Physicians should emphasize the importance of getting sufficient vitamins and minerals during treatment.
This is an important warning about the potential risks of popular weight loss medications. Nutritional deficiencies can have serious consequences, so it’s critical that doctors and patients remain vigilant.
I agree. The connection between these drugs and conditions like scurvy is concerning and merits further investigation. Maintaining a balanced diet should be a key part of any weight loss treatment plan.
The finding that weight loss doesn’t automatically mean good nutrition is a valuable insight. It’s a reminder that overall health should be the priority, not just the number on the scale.
Well said. Focusing solely on weight loss without considering nutritional needs can lead to unintended health issues. A more holistic approach is needed to ensure patients are truly improving their wellbeing.
Scurvy may be a disease of the past, but it’s clearly still a relevant concern. I’m glad researchers are investigating this issue, as it’s important to ensure weight loss treatments don’t come at the cost of overall health.
Absolutely. While weight loss is the goal, it shouldn’t be achieved at the expense of proper nutrition. Comprehensive monitoring and guidance are essential to ensure patient safety and well-being.
This is a concerning finding. Weight loss drugs can be helpful, but if they lead to conditions like scurvy, that’s clearly a major drawback. More research is needed to fully understand the implications and potential risks.
I share your concerns. The potential for these medications to cause serious nutritional deficiencies is worrying. Careful patient monitoring and guidance on maintaining a balanced diet seem essential.