A growing body of research suggests that GLP-1 users are facing nutrient deficiencies that can affect their overall health, reports The Independent.
Scientists say although the shots have helped many people shed large amounts of weight, there are downsides.
An August review of multiple studies, from the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health and the University of Copenhagen, showed GLP-1 users are deficient in vitamin B12, which protects nerves; protein, which repairs muscles and organs; and fibre, which supports the digestive system.
“As GLP-1 prescriptions reach millions of patients across diverse and often under-resourced clinical settings, integrating nutrition into this care model is not just advisable, it is urgent,” the researchers noted.
Overall, 10m Americans aren’t getting enough B12, according to researchers at Ohio State University.
B12 is often found in animal-based foods, so people who eat on plant-based diets are at increased risk of deficiency if they are taking GLP-1s.
The review also found that 43% of GLP-1 users are eating inadequate amounts of protein, and that low fibre intake could lead to nausea, bloating and constipation, creating a cycle in which patients eat even less.
The body needs protein, along with fibre, to maintain a healthy weight and fight blood sugar spikes that can leave people at a risk of developing diabetes, according to the Mayo Clinic.
It’s not just adults who are affected by nutrition deficiencies while on GLP-1 drugs, either. American children under12 are taking GLP-1 drugs to fight obesity at 300 times the rate of seven years ago. Nearly one in six youngsters, aged 10-17, who took GLP-1s for a year were diagnosed with nutrient deficiencies, a recent study from Northwestern University found.
The most frequent complication was vitamin D deficiency. The vitamin, which is added to milk and cereal, helps keep bones healthy and supports immune health.
“Nutrients like vitamin D, iron, and calcium are of particular concern during adolescence, when deficiencies may have lasting implications for skeletal health and overall development,” the study authors noted.
Middle-aged and older adults showed a similar deficit in vitamin D – a concerning development as the nutrient is needed for strong bones, particularly at a time in life when they begin to deteriorate.
Vitamin D deficiency affected 13.6% of more than 480 000 adults on the drugs after a year of treatment, a January review showed.
Ultimately, a loss of any of these nutrients could harm more than just weight loss. More research is needed, but nutrient deficiency not tied to GLP-1s has led to soft bones, stunted growth and soft bones, says the Cleveland Clinic.
Signs of deficiency for users include weakness, fatigue, inattention, dry skin or rashes, hair loss and brittle hair, infections, low body temperature and reduced heart rate.
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