Appetite Suppressants Pack a Double-Edged Punch (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Popular weight-loss medications known as GLP-1 agonists have drawn scrutiny from nutrition experts for potentially driving a comeback of scurvy, a vitamin deficiency disease long faded from modern life.[1][2]
Appetite Suppressants Pack a Double-Edged Punch
GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy exploded in popularity by curbing hunger and promoting substantial weight reduction. Patients often shed pounds quickly, fueling a booming market for these injectables and emerging pills. However, the same mechanism that slashes calorie intake raises red flags for nutritional shortfalls.
Dieticians observed that users frequently skipped nutrient-rich foods amid diminished appetite. This shift left many vulnerable to deficiencies in vitamins and minerals. Clinical evidence mounted as reports surfaced of patients experiencing symptoms reminiscent of historical ailments.[3]
Scurvy Returns from the Shadows of History
Scurvy plagued sailors in the 17th and 18th centuries, striking those deprived of fresh produce during long voyages. The condition stems from severe vitamin C shortages, which impair collagen production and lead to dire health effects.
Untreated, it progressed rapidly with telltale signs including fatigue, inflamed gums, joint pain, and skin hemorrhages. In extreme instances, victims faced organ failure and death. Today, cases remain exceedingly rare in developed nations, yet experts now connect isolated occurrences to GLP-1 use.[2]
- Bleeding gums and loose teeth
- Easy bruising and poor wound healing
- Anemia and weakness
- Swollen, painful legs
- Rough, spotted skin
Research Reveals Critical Oversight in Trials
A comprehensive review by researchers at Australia’s Hunter Medical Research Institute analyzed 41 clinical trials spanning 17 years and involving more than 50,000 participants. The findings exposed a glaring gap: only two studies tracked or reported participants’ dietary habits.[1][2]
Professor Clare Collins of the University of Newcastle led the effort. She emphasized that weight loss alone did not guarantee good health. “A reduction in body weight does not automatically mean the person is well-nourished or healthy,” she stated. The team urged better monitoring to prevent malnutrition risks.[3]
Separate studies reinforced the concerns. One examination of type 2 diabetes patients revealed over 20 percent suffered nutritional deficits after a year on GLP-1s. Another pre-surgery assessment found 38 percent of users malnourished, compared to just 8 percent among non-users.[1]
Real Cases Highlight the Stakes
British singer Robbie Williams shared his ordeal in 2025. He attributed his scurvy diagnosis to a GLP-1-like drug, noting he had stopped eating properly and lacked essential nutrients. Williams dubbed it a “17th century pirate disease,” spotlighting the personal toll.[4]
Health professionals reported similar anecdotes. Thiamine shortages, causing nerve and heart issues, also emerged in rare instances. These developments prompted calls for proactive intervention before deficiencies escalated.[3]
Steps to Mitigate Risks
Experts advocated for comprehensive strategies. Dr. Philip Rabito, a New York endocrinologist, recommended baseline nutrient screenings and emphasis on protein-rich, balanced meals. Registered dietitian Ilana Muhlstein stressed annual lab checks beyond mere weigh-ins.
Professor Collins proposed linking prescriptions to dietitian consultations. “Let’s not wait for every GP to see a case of scurvy,” she warned. Simple adjustments, like prioritizing vegetables, proteins, and supplements, could safeguard users.[2]
Key Takeaways:
- Monitor diet closely on GLP-1s to avoid vitamin gaps.
- Seek dietitian guidance and regular bloodwork.
- Prioritize nutrient-dense foods despite low appetite.
While GLP-1s offer transformative benefits, their nutritional pitfalls demand attention. Users must balance shedding pounds with sustaining health. What measures have you adopted to stay nourished during weight loss? Tell us in the comments.
