Concerns About Ozempic and Similar Drugs
This week, leading dietitians in Australia raised concerns regarding the GLP-1 class of weight-loss medications, which includes Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. A recent systematic review led by Professor Clare Collins from the Newcastle School of Health Sciences revealed that global trials of these drugs often overlook what patients are eating while on them.
Experts point out that many patients might be experiencing malnutrition, sometimes developing severe vitamin deficiencies, like scurvy. The effectiveness of these drugs in weight management and diabetes control stems partly from their appetite-suppressing properties. However, not consuming enough—especially the right kinds of food— is not a sustainable strategy, whether one is on a GLP-1 or not. As a result, dietitians are urging for increased oversight.
“Just because someone loses weight, it doesn’t mean they’re healthy or well-nourished,” Collins mentioned in an interview. “Nutrition is crucial for health, and right now, it’s largely absent from the current evidence.”
Last year, British pop star Robbie Williams discussed his experience with weight-loss injections, mentioning he was diagnosed with scurvy, which he referred to as a “17th-century pirate disease.” He’s been vocal about the injections he’s used and has mentioned the potential links to issues with his eyesight.
Scurvy, which is due to a deficiency in vitamin C and can be fatal if untreated, was once common among sailors but is now rare, particularly in developed countries. Nevertheless, Collins has heard from multiple doctors about cases of scurvy linked to these medications. “We shouldn’t wait for every GP to see a case of scurvy. We need to proactively connect chronic management plans of GPs to dietitian referrals,” she added.
According to reports, GLP-1 use has also been exceptionally rare but linked to thiamine deficiency, which can lead to neurological and cardiovascular problems.
Upon examining over 40 studies spanning 17 years and involving more than 50,000 participants, only two of them focused on patients’ dietary habits. This lack of data alarms Collins. “Only one trial shared information on what people consumed. We contacted all authors, but could only gather data from one additional study. This is a significant oversight,” she noted. “We know there are many side effects, and for such an expensive treatment, it feels like a substantial miss.”
Beyond the common side effects like dizziness and nausea, there have been emerging concerns about serious consequences linked to GLP-1 drugs, ranging from eating disorders to rare cancers.
That said, it’s not time to completely discard weight-loss medications just yet. Ozempic and Wegovy, both brands of semaglutide, can still provide advantages on an individual basis, and research continues to uncover more about their appropriate use.
Some health specialists are even suggesting microdoses of semaglutide for potential anti-aging benefits, highlighting reduced risks for heart attacks, strokes, and metabolic issues.
A 2024 National Institute of Health poll indicated that about 12% of U.S. adults had utilized a GLP-1, a number that more than doubles among adults with diabetes, according to the CDC. With such statistics, it seems these medications are here to stay. However, a lack of strong dietary support could leave many patients feeling adrift.
Magriet Raxworthy, CEO of Dietitians Australia, emphasized that personalized nutrition therapy is crucial for users of GLP-1 to avert cases of scurvy and other serious issues. “Without this support, people might find it hard to meet their nutritional needs, risking muscle loss, decreased bone density, micronutrient shortages, and disordered eating patterns,” she stated. “It’s quite clear—medication by itself doesn’t yield sustainable health results.”
