Experts Sound Alarm Over Nutritional Gaps in People Taking Ozempic and Wegovy

As powerful new weight loss drugs rapidly enter mainstream use, researchers warn that their effects extend beyond appetite suppression and weight reduction. Emerging evidence suggests that without tailored nutritional support, these therapies may subtly reshape diet quality and body composition in ways that are not yet fully understood. Credit: Shutterstock New research suggests that people using next-generation weight loss drugs may be losing weight without the nutritional support needed to protect long-term health. People taking newer prescription weight-loss medications may not be receiving the necessary nutritional guidance to lose weight safely and maintain their health, according to researchers from UCL and the University of Cambridge. Without adequate dietary support, experts warn that people could face avoidable nutrient deficiencies and loss of muscle. A study published in Obesity Reviews , led by Dr. Marie Spreckley of the University of Cambridge, found limited high-quality evidence on how nutritional advice is currently delivered alongside these drugs. The researchers reported major gaps in knowledge about how dietary support influences calorie intake, body composition, protein intake, and patient experiences. Medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, sold under brand names including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, work by copying the action of glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone released into the bloodstream after eating. By acting on this pathway, the drugs reduce appetite, increase feelings of fullness, and lessen food cravings. Research shows that these treatments can lower daily calorie intake by around 16 to 39 percent, making them an effective option for people living with obesity or being overweight. Despite this, there has been little investigation into how they affect overall diet quality, protein consumption, or intake of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). Existing evidence indicates that lean body mass, including muscle, may account for as much as 40 percent of the total weight lost during treatment. Risks of Inadequate Nutritional Support Dr. Adrian Brown, an NIHR Advanced Fellow from the Centre of Obesity Research at UCL, the study’s corresponding author, said: “Obesity management medications work by suppressing appetite, increasing feelings of fullness, and altering eating behaviors, which often leads people to eat significantly less. This can be highly beneficial for individuals living with obesity, as it supports substantial weight loss and improves health outcomes. “However, without appropriate nutritional guidance and support from healthcare professionals, there is a real risk that reduced food intake could compromise dietary quality, meaning people may not get enough protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals essential for maintaining overall health.” Access to Treatment and Gaps in Care Guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends semaglutide as a weight management option for people who meet specific criteria, including a body mass index (BMI) of at least 35.0 kg/m2 and comorbidity (that is, they also have other conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc). The guidance also makes clear that when prescribed through the NHS, the medication should be used as part of a wider program that includes a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity in adults. In...

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