Are popular weight-loss drugs like Ozempic inadvertently leading people to a 17th-century sailor's disease? It's a startling thought, and top dietitians in Australia are raising serious concerns about an unexpected consequence of GLP-1 medications.
Leading the charge is Professor Clare Collins from the Newcastle School of Health Sciences in New South Wales. Her team conducted a comprehensive review of existing research on GLP-1 drugs, including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. What they discovered is quite alarming: a significant oversight in many global trials. It appears that the amount and type of food patients are consuming while on these medications have been largely overlooked. This omission, experts warn, could mean many individuals are unknowingly becoming functionally malnourished, and in some serious cases, developing deficiencies like scurvy.
These GLP-1 drugs are incredibly effective for weight loss and managing diabetes, largely because they help suppress appetite. However, not eating enough, or not eating the right kinds of nutrient-rich foods, is simply not a viable long-term strategy for anyone, whether they're on these medications or not. Dietitians are now advocating for much greater oversight in how these drugs are prescribed and monitored.
As Professor Collins aptly put it, “A reduction in body weight does not automatically mean the person is well-nourished or healthy.” She emphasizes that nutrition is a cornerstone of good health, and current research is falling short in this crucial area. This is the part most people miss: the focus on weight loss can overshadow the fundamental need for proper nourishment.
But here's where it gets controversial... A high-profile case that brought this issue to light was when British pop singer Robbie Williams revealed he had been diagnosed with what he humorously, yet alarmingly, called a “17th century pirate disease.” He had openly discussed his use of injectable weight-loss medication and even speculated about a link to his declining eyesight. Scurvy, a severe vitamin C deficiency that was once a common and deadly threat to sailors on long voyages, is now exceedingly rare in countries with readily available nutrient-dense diets. Yet, Professor Collins reports hearing from several doctors who have encountered scurvy cases among patients using GLP-1s.
This raises a critical question: Should we wait for widespread outbreaks before taking action? Professor Collins urges a proactive approach, suggesting that chronic management plans for GPs should include automatic dietitian referrals for patients on GLP-1s. Beyond scurvy, rare instances of thiamine deficiency have also been linked to GLP-1 use, which can lead to serious neurological and cardiovascular problems.
Consider this: out of over 40 studies analyzed by Collins' team, involving more than 50,000 participants over 17 years, only two studies actually measured patients' dietary intake. Even more concerning, only one of those had published the dietary data. When the researchers reached out to authors, they managed to obtain data from just one additional trial. “This is being missed,” Professor Collins stated, highlighting the significant gap in understanding how these drugs impact dietary intake. Given the considerable expense of these medications, this is a
