Researchers in Australia are cautioning that GLP-1 weight loss medications might heighten the risk of rare health issues.
Scurvy, often dubbed “pirate disease” from seafaring times, arises from a deficiency of vitamin C, according to the Cleveland Clinic. If it’s not treated, scurvy can lead to serious symptoms.
Those symptoms can range from anemia and loose teeth (which may even fall out) to bruising and swelling in the feet. Additionally, it may cause rough, dry skin, brittle hair, and wounds that don’t heal properly. Frequent bleeding and swollen gums are also common.
A recent investigation by Australia’s Hunter Medical Research Institute found that while weight loss medications for diabetes and obesity show promising results, clinical trials often overlook what users are actually consuming during treatment.
“Just because someone loses weight doesn’t mean they are necessarily well-nourished or in good health,” said Claire Collins, a professor of nutrition at the University of Newcastle. She added that while nutrition is crucial, there’s a noticeable lack of evidence supporting this.
Collins expressed significant concerns regarding malnutrition risks, which could include both macro and micronutrient deficiencies, based on adverse metabolic outcomes tied to these medications.
Some GLP-1 and GIP treatments affect appetite and fullness, which can lead to reduced food consumption. However, Collins warned that while this might promote weight loss, it also raises the chance of not getting enough protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals without careful monitoring of diet quality.
Interestingly, British pop singer Robbie Williams was diagnosed with scurvy in 2025. He mentioned experiencing symptoms resembling those of a “17th-century pirate disease” after taking a medication similar to Ozempic.
Collins noted that deficiencies aren’t limited to vitamin C. For instance, a lack of iron can result in anemia, while insufficient vitamin B1 can lead to beriberi, which impacts nerves and the heart, as well as Wernicke’s encephalopathy, a severe brain disorder.
Collins emphasized that individuals using GLP-1 medications need to ensure they are receiving adequate nutrients as they lose weight. Symptoms, she pointed out, can sometimes be mistaken for side effects of the drug itself, like fatigue and nausea.
She advises consulting a certified dietitian for proper nutritional guidance. “It can be hard to determine if you’re getting enough nutrients on your own,” she added, suggesting that some may need specific multivitamin and mineral support.
Collins also mentioned that future research should incorporate validated dietary assessment tools and transparent reporting of dietary intake, to enhance nutrition-related health outcomes for those using these medications.
Overall, she underscored the need to prioritize nutrition when prescribing such drugs to mitigate the risk of malnutrition.
