Australians using weight-loss medications like Ozempic may be at risk of serious nutritional deficiencies, according to new research. The drugs, which suppress appetite, could lead to inadequate nutrition, potentially increasing the risk of heart issues, chronic diseases, and some cancers.
Professor Clare Collins from the University of Newcastle’s Nutrition and Dietetics department told Sunrise on Tuesday that the problem is being overlooked. She noted that out of 40 studies reviewed, only two measured dietary intake of patients taking these medications. This lack of data means researchers and doctors often do not know what patients are consuming.
Consequences can be severe, with reported cases of vitamin B deficiency, including Wernicke’s encephalopathy—a neurological condition caused by thiamine deficiency that can lead to irreversible brain damage. Cases of scurvy, a disease once considered eradicated, have also emerged. Symptoms can appear within two to three months, but initial signs like irritability and tiredness are often mistaken for side effects of reduced food intake.
Collins urged users to consult dietitians while taking these drugs to ensure a balanced diet, noting that such services are largely covered under Medicare. She recommended that GPs write a referral when prescribing the medication. Without nutritional support, patients are more likely to stop the medication and miss long-term health benefits.
