Weight management medications like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro have made headlines for helping people lose significant amounts of weight – sometimes more than 15-20% of their body weight. These drugs, part of a class called GLP-1 receptor agonists, were originally designed for managing type 2 diabetes. But they’ve become incredibly popular for weight loss thanks to their ability to suppress appetite and slow digestion.
And while the results on the scale can be impressive, there’s something that often gets overlooked: what happens to your nutrition when you’re suddenly eating a lot less.
Less Food, Fewer Nutrients
GLP-1 medications work by helping you feel full faster and to stay full longer. This leads to significant reductions in calorie intake, sometimes to levels well below what the body needs to get enough essential vitamins and minerals.
The result? A growing number of people on these medications are at risk of developing nutrient deficiencies, especially if they’re not being monitored.
A 2024 study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that GLP-1 users were eating less fruit, vegetables, dairy and whole grains than recommended – meaning they were falling short on key nutrients like calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and vitamins A, C, D, E and K.
Symptoms that could be linked to deficiencies
You may be excited about your weight loss progress, but if you’re feeling tired, foggy and weaker than usual, it may not just be the adjustment to a new diet. It could be that your body is missing something important.
Common symptoms of vitamin deficiencies include:
- Low energy and fatigue
- Hair thinning or hair loss
- Brittle nails and dry skin
- Muscle cramps or weakness
- Frequent colds or infections
- Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
The Nutrients to Watch Closely
Here are a few of the most important nutrients to keep an eye on if you’re taking GLP-1 medications:
- Vitamin B12
– Vitamin B12 supports energy, brain health and nerve function. Low B12 levels can cause fatigue, memory problems and even mood changes - Vitamin D
– Vitamin D is crucial for immune support and bone strength. Many people are already deficient in Vitamin D, especially in winter months - Iron
– Iron carries oxygen in your blood. If you’re feeling unusually tired or out of breath, low iron levels could be the reason - Calcium
– Calcium is essential for strong bones and heart function. If your intake is low and your Vitamin D levels are also low, your bones may be at risk - Magnesium and Zinc
– Magnesium and Zinc help support metabolism, muscle health and immune defence, and often drop off when food intake is reduced
What can you do about it?
The good news: these nutritional deficiencies can be identified early and managed with proper care.
At Randox health, we offer a Vitamin and Mineral Test that checks your levels of key nutrients, including Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Iron, Calcium, Magnesium and more.
Getting tested gives you a clearer picture of where your body stands and what it might need more of as you continue your weight loss journey. It’s especially important if you’re losing weight quickly or dealing with side effects like nausea that make it hard to eat balanced meals.
Why testing matters
GLP-1 medications are powerful. But they weren’t designed to replace healthy eating or regular health checks. If your body isn’t getting what it needs, you could end up feeling worse, even if you’re hitting your weight loss goals.
And since many vitamin and mineral deficiencies can go unnoticed for weeks or months, testing is the best way to stay ahead of the problem.
Stay Healthy During Weight Loss
Whether you’re using Ozempic, Wegovy or Mounjaro, your health is about more than the number on the scale. Don’t overlook your nutrition, especially when your appetite is reduced, or your diet has changed.
A Vitamin and Mineral Test from Randox Health is a simple, effective way to make sure your body stays supported during your weight loss journey.
Because weight loss should make you feel better, not worse.