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Millions taking the newest weight-loss drugs-like Ozempic,Wegovy,and Mounjaro-may be overlooking a critical piece of the puzzle: adequate nutrition. A new study warns that without proper dietary guidance, users risk vitamin deficiencies and even muscle loss, potentially trading one health problem for another.
The Promise and Peril of GLP-1 medications
Experts are raising concerns that the rapid adoption of weight-loss drugs is outpacing the availability of essential nutritional support.
- New medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide can lead to notable weight loss by suppressing appetite.
- Without nutritional guidance, users may not consume enough protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Loss of muscle mass is a potential side effect, increasing the risk of weakness and injuries.
- researchers suggest lessons from post-bariatric surgery nutrition care could help address these gaps.
The findings, recently published in Obesity Reviews, highlight a gap in understanding how nutritional advice impacts the effectiveness and safety of these increasingly popular medications. Led by Dr. Marie Spreckley of the University of Cambridge, the research revealed limited high-quality evidence on the connection between diet and outcomes for peopel using these drugs.
What do GLP-1 weight loss drugs do? these medications mimic the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone naturally released after eating. They work by reducing appetite, increasing feelings of fullness, and curbing food cravings, leading to a 16-39% drop in calorie intake for many users.
The Risk of Nutritional Deficiencies
Dr. Adrian Brown, an NIHR Advanced Fellow at UCL’s Center of Obesity Research and the study’s corresponding author, explained the impact of these medications on eating habits. “Obesity management medications work by suppressing appetite, increasing feelings of fullness, and altering eating behaviors, which often leads people to eat significantly less. This can be highly beneficial for individuals living with obesity, as it supports substantial weight loss and improves health outcomes.”
Though, he cautioned, “Without appropriate nutritional guidance and support from healthcare professionals, there is a real risk that reduced food intake could compromise dietary quality, meaning people may not get enough protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals essential for maintaining overall health.”
Low intake of key nutrients can lead to fatigue, a weakened immune system,
