A new study published in Frontiers in Nutrition warns that people taking popular GLP-1 weight-loss drugs for obesity such as semaglutide (Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) may not be getting enough essential nutrients, putting their long-term health at risk.
The research looked at 69 adults who had been using a GLP-1 receptor agonist for at least a month.
While most reported successful weight loss, detailed food records revealed significant shortfalls in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, magnesium, potassium, choline, and iron.
Calcium, fibre, and several other key nutrients were also consistently under-consumed.
Though protein made up an acceptable percentage of total calorie intake, most participants failed to meet the amount needed to maintain muscle during weight loss when measured by body weight.
Only 43% met the minimum protein recommendation in grams per kilogram per day. Excessive sodium and saturated fat intake were also observed.
Participants often overestimated their intake of fruits and vegetables, suggesting a gap in nutrition knowledge.
The study also found that most were not given specific dietary guidance when prescribed the drugs.
- Being born in April and May increases your risk of being overweight, research claims
- Weight management improved by family-based approach to lifestyle programmes
- Kidney cancer risk reduced by healthy lifelong weight patterns
Researchers pointed out that existing nutritional guidelines, like the MyPlate model, may not fit the lower calorie needs of GLP-1 users.
The authors stressed the need for better patient education and individualised nutrition plans, ideally involving registered dietitians.
They call for more research to develop clear guidelines for those on GLP-1 therapies, noting that effective weight loss should not come at the expense of nutritional health.
Read more in Frontiers in Nutrition.
