Weight-loss medications can increase the risk of diseases related to malnutrition

Scurvy – Historically called the “pirate’s disease” due to long voyages at sea without it Nutritious food – It’s caused by a vitamin C deficiency. If left untreated, scurvy can cause severe symptoms, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

These symptoms include anemia, Loose teeth Which may fall out, bleeding under the skin, bruising, swollen legs, rough and flaky skin, dry and brittle hair that twists, and reopening of wounds that do not heal. Another common finding is swollen and bleeding gums.

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The disease can appear as a result of the body not being properly supplied with it nutrient rich foods, Which leads to malnutrition. New research suggests that GLP-1 drug users may be at greater risk.

A systematic review conducted by the Hunter Institute of Medical Research in Australia found that although diabetes and Obesity medications To support significant improvements in weight loss, clinical trials fail to report what people actually eat while they are on it.

Weight loss medications can lead to diseases caused by vitamin deficiency, such as scurvy. (Istock)

“Having a low body weight does not automatically mean that a person is underweight Good or healthy nutrition“Nutrition plays a crucial role in health, and is now largely missing from the evidence,” Claire Collins, a professor of nutrition and dietetics at the University of Newcastle in Australia, wrote in a press release.

Collins told Fox News Digital that these findings raise “significant concerns about the risk of malnutrition, including macro- and micronutrient deficiencies, with negative metabolic and nutritional effects reported.”

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According to the researcher, some GLP-1 and GIP drugs have a “significant effect” on appetite and satiety, leading to decreased overall food intake.

Signs may be missed because they are initially overlapping with medication side effects.

“While driving this mechanism Weight lossIt also increases the risk of insufficient intake of protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals if diet quality and nutritional adequacy are not carefully monitored, she warned.

British pop singer Robbie Williams was diagnosed with scurvy in 2025, before his engagement woman that he suffered symptoms of “17th-century pirate disease” after ingesting “something like Ozempic”.

British pop singer Robbie Williams was diagnosed with scurvy in 2025, before sharing with The Mirror that he experienced symptoms of “17th century pirate disease” after taking “something like Ozempic”. (Photo by Sam Corum/PA via Getty Images)

Collins noted that nutrient deficiencies are “not specific” to scurvy.

“There are other nutrients that, if not consumed in sufficient quantities, can lead to deficiency,” she said.

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Iron deficiency can cause anemia, for example, and vitamin B1 deficiency leads to beriberi (a disease that can damage the nerves and heart) and Wernicke’s encephalopathy (a potentially life-threatening brain disorder), according to Collins.

One expert said: “Low body weight does not automatically mean that a person is well-nourished or healthy.” (Istock)

Nutrition in focus

For GLP-1 users who are losing weight quickly, Collins stressed the importance of consuming adequate nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

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“Signs can be missed because they initially overlap with medication side effects, including fatigue, lethargy, nausea, poor appetite and irritability,” she said.

To guarantee Proper nutritionCollins recommends seeking professional help from a registered dietitian.

For GLP-1 users who are losing weight quickly, experts stress the importance of consuming adequate amounts of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. (Istock)

“It’s difficult to assess on your own whether your nutrient intake is adequate,” she said. “People may also need specific vitamin or mineral supplements, along with medical nutrition therapy support.”

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Collins suggested that future clinical trials should include “validated nutritional assessment tools” and “transparent reporting of food and nutrient intake.”

“This will help improve nutrition-related health and wellbeing outcomes for individuals prescribed these medicines, while supporting adherence and follow-up Long term health“, she said.

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“We call for greater attention to nutrition when prescribing these medications to avoid the risk of malnutrition.”