Popular weight-loss drugs linked to rare ‘pirate disease,’researchers warn

Weight-loss medications could lead to diseases caused by vitamin deficiencies, such as scurvy.(iStock)

“A reduction in body weight does not automatically mean the person iswell-nourished or healthy,” Clare Collins, laureate professor of nutrition and dietetics at The University of Newcastle, Australia, wrote in a press release statement.“Nutrition plays a critical role in health, and right now it’s largely missing from the evidence.”

These findings raise “major concerns about the risk of malnutrition, including macro and micro-nutrient deficiencies, with adverse metabolic and nutritional effects being reported,�

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Certain GLP-1 and GIP medications have a “major impact” on appetite and satiety, which leads to overall reduced food intake, according to the researcher.

The signs can be missed because they overlap initially with side effects of the medications.

“While this mechanism drivesweight loss, it also increases the risk of inadequate protein, fiber, vitamin and mineral intakes if diet quality and nutritional adequacy are not carefully monitored,” she cautioned.

British pop singer Robbie Williams was diagnosed with scurvy in 2025, previously sharing withThe Mirrorthat he experienced symptoms of the “17th-century pirate disease” after he’d been taking “something like Ozempic.”

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British pop singer Robbie Williams was diagnosed with scurvy in 2025, previously sharing with The Mirror that he experienced symptoms of the “17th-century pirate disease” after he’d been taking “something like Ozempic.”(Sam Corum/PA Images via Getty Images)

Collins noted that nutrient deficiencies are “not specific” to scurvy.

“There are other nutrients that, if not consumed in adequate amounts, can lead to deficiencies,” she said.

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“A reduction in body weight does not automatically mean the person is well-nourished or healthy,” one expert said.(iStock)

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Nutrition in focus

For GLP-1 users who are losing weight quickly, Collins emphasized the importance of an adequate intake of nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

proper nutrition, Collins recommends seeking professional help from an accredited dietitian.

For GLP-1 users who are losing weight quickly, experts emphasized the importance of an adequate intake of nutrients, vitamins and minerals.(iStock)

“It is challenging to assess whether your nutrient intake is adequate by yourself,” she said.“People may also require a specific multivitamin or mineral supplement, along with medical nutrition therapy support.”

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Future clinical trials should include “validated dietary assessment tools” and “transparent reporting of food and nutrient intakes,” Collins suggested.

“This will help improve the nutrition-related health and wellbeing outcomes for individuals prescribed these medications, while supporting adherence andlong-term health,” she said.

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“We’re calling for greater attention to nutrition when these medications are being prescribed in order to avoid malnutrition risk.”