Weight loss medications reminiscent of Ozempic, Vigovi, and Movanjaro work primarily by suppressing appetite. They mimic a hormone the body already produces called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps regulate appetite and regulates feelings of fullness.
By affecting how quickly food leaves the stomach and acting on the hunger centers within the brain, the drugs help people feel fuller sooner and stay fuller longer, often without the constant hunger that makes it difficult to take care of large amounts of food.
The appetite suppressing effect of those drugs may be substantial. Studies show People taking GLP-1 drugs reduce their energy intake by between 16% and 40%.
But when food intake decreases, the body still needs essential vitamins, minerals, and protein to maintain cells, muscles, and organs functioning properly. If these nutrients aren’t packed into small amounts of food, deficiencies can develop.
A better food intake generally increases the probabilities of meeting vitamin and mineral requirements. Eating a wide range of foods throughout the week normally helps make up for dietary gaps, even when some foods are low in nutrients. But when parts shrink, the security net disappears. With less food on the plate, food decisions must be more deliberate.
This will not be a brand new problem. A conventional calorie-restricted weight loss program all the time takes one Risk of nutrient deficiencies. The difference is that the majority of those diets failed because people struggled to keep on with them. Ironically, this lack of adherence sometimes limits the long-term dietary risks. When people return to eating more normally, deficiencies may be corrected.
GLP-1 drugs reverse this pattern. Research shows Many people regain weight quickly in the event that they stop taking them, which suggests these drugs may be used long-term. This raises a brand new concern. If nutrient deficiencies develop while someone is eating too little, and the pattern continues for months or years, they Deficiencies can persist and lead to Problems like muscle wasting, weak immunity, anemia, bone loss or poor nerve function.
Because GLP-1 drugs have only recently turn out to be widely used for weight reduction, long-term data on dietary outcomes are still limited. Deficiencies are also difficult for people to acknowledge without blood tests, as symptoms reminiscent of fatigue, weakness or hair loss may be vague and simply neglected.
Early warning signs are already appearing. A study Among those taking GLP-1 drugs who had lost weight and were preparing for joint alternative surgery, rates of malnutrition and severe malnutrition were found to be higher. Blood tests showed low levels of key proteins, suggesting overall inadequate nutrition.
Another study They surveyed people using GLP-1 drugs about what they ate. Diets low in fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and a number of other vitamins, including A, C, D and E.
Because this study relied on self-reported dietary data from a comparatively small group, these results could also be affected by false recall or underreporting, and can’t be assumed to use to everyone. Nevertheless, the outcomes highlight a pattern that warrants attention.
Strong evidence emerges A large observational study Among people prescribed GLP-1 drugs. Within six months, about 13% were diagnosed with malnutrition. Within a 12 months, that number had risen to greater than 22%. These include vitamin and mineral deficiencies, iron deficiency anemia and protein deficiency.
Protein deficiency This is particularly concerning because protein is crucial for maintaining muscle mass, strength and physical function. Weight loss often involves losing muscle in addition to fat, and this could occur with GLP-1 drugs. Too little protein accelerates muscle loss, which may affect balance, mobility and long-term metabolic health. Resistance exercise Safety can help Muscle, but without enough dietary protein, its advantages are limited.
In rare but serious cases, eating very short while taking GLP-1 medications Caused a medical emergency. A case report describes a patient receiving terzeptide who developed severe dehydration and ketoacidosis after persistent diarrhea and little or no food intake. ketoacidosis Occurs when the body is forced to burn large amounts of fat for energy, creating acidic compounds that may be fatal in the event that they construct up.
There has also been a rarity People progress reports Prolonged nausea and severe vitamin B1 deficiency after minimal food intake on GLP-1 drugs. This condition, generally known as Wernicke encephalopathyaffects the brain and may cause confusion, coordination problems and long-term neurological damage if not treated promptly.
Nutrient-dense foods
People using GLP-1 drugs must prioritize nutrient-dense foods that provide high amounts of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein relative to their caloric content.
Still A recent review It has been found that many individuals taking GLP-1 drugs receive little or no meaningful dietary advice. Without guidance, it may possibly be difficult to satisfy your dietary needs when appetite drops dramatically.
Many obese persons are already at high risk of nutrient deficiencies, including iron And Vitamin B6. Chronic inflammation can interfere with how nutrients are absorbed and utilized by the body. Eating less while taking GLP-1 medications can subsequently worsen existing dietary deficiencies.
This helps explain the growing interest Nutrient-dense ready meals GLP-1 drugs are marketed to individuals who use them. These foods are often high in fiber and designed to offer more nutrition per calorie. In principle, this is analogous to what people need from appetite suppressants.
However, there’s nothing magical about these products. The same dietary goals may be achieved at home for less money. Adding seeds, nuts, or nut butters to meals, using grains like quinoa, and stirring vegetables and lentils into sauces, soups, and stews can all significantly increase nutrient intake. Keeping a small choice of nutrient-dense ingredients readily available and adding one or two to every meal could make an actual difference.
That said, convenience matters. With limited time, cooking skills or nutrition knowledge – and who can afford them – ready meals designed to be nutrient dense is usually a helpful option.
GLP-1 drugs are powerful tools for weight reduction. But that did not just change how much people ate. They change how people need to consider carefully about what they eat. Until long-term evidence is on the market, specializing in nutrient density, adequate protein and regular resistance exercise is very important for anyone using these drugs.