16/07/2025
GLP-1 medications drive weight loss, but could your nutrition be slipping behind?
A new study of over 460,000 adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity found that 22% developed nutritional deficiencies within 12 months of starting a GLP-1 receptor agonist (like semaglutide or liraglutide).
The most common deficiencies that were seen were:
Vitamin D deficiency
B vitamin deficiencies
Nutritional anemia (Iron, B12 & Folate)
Muscle mass loss was observed in 3% of users within a year, underlining the importance of protein intake and resistance training during weight loss. Even modest muscle loss can impact strength, metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and long-term physical function, especially in older adults or those with chronic conditions.
Though this cohort focused on people with type 2 diabetes, many of these same risks may apply to those using GLP-1s for weight management alone, especially those experiencing reduced appetite and food intake.
Crucially, those who had a dietitian consultation were significantly more likely to be diagnosed because problems were more likely to be identified and addressed.
If you are one of the many people on these injectables then you may want to consider the following with your healthcare provider, to ensure that you are being proactive with risk management, whilst taking them:
1. Review symptoms and check for vitamin D, B12, and iron deficiencies where appropriate.
2. Ensure you have good quality complete protein as part of your diet.
3. Include resistance exercise in your routine, to help preserve muscle.
4. Stay hydrated.
5. Work with a nutritional expert or doctor early in your journey.
GLP-1s are powerful medications, but without nutritional oversight, we may be trading one health risk for another. If you’re using a GLP-1 for weight loss, this is your nudge to check in on your nutritional behaviours.
Link to paper: https://lnkd.in/eR5pNXSR
