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

Researchers successful Australia are raising flags astir GLP-1 weight-loss medications perchance raising the hazard of a uncommon disease.

Scurvy — historically called a "pirate disease" owed to agelong voyages astatine oversea without nutritious nutrient — is caused by a deficiency of vitamin C. If near untreated, scurvy tin origin terrible symptoms, according to Cleveland Clinic.

Those symptoms see anemia, loosened teeth that whitethorn autumn out, bleeding nether the skin, bruising, swollen legs, unsmooth and scaly skin, adust and brittle hairsbreadth that coils, and the re-opening of wounds that bash not heal. Swollen, bleeding gums are different communal result.

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The illness could aboveground arsenic the effect of not decently providing the assemblage with nutrient-rich foods, starring to malnourishment. New probe suggests that GLP-1 cause users whitethorn beryllium astatine greater risk.

A systematic reappraisal by the Hunter Medical Research Institute successful Australia recovered that though diabetes and obesity medications enactment important improvements successful value loss, objective trials person "failed to study what radical are really eating portion taking them."

Weight-loss medications could pb to diseases caused by vitamin deficiencies, specified arsenic scurvy. (iStock)

"A simplification successful assemblage value does not automatically mean the idiosyncratic is well-nourished oregon healthy," Clare Collins, laureate prof of nutrition and dietetics astatine The University of Newcastle, Australia, wrote successful a property merchandise statement. "Nutrition plays a captious relation successful health, and close present it’s mostly missing from the evidence."

These findings rise "major concerns astir the hazard of malnutrition, including macro and micro-nutrient deficiencies, with adverse metabolic and nutritional effects being reported," Collins told Fox News Digital.

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Certain GLP-1 and GIP medications person a "major impact" connected appetite and satiety, which leads to wide reduced nutrient intake, according to the researcher.

The signs tin beryllium missed due to the fact that they overlap initially with broadside effects of the medications.

"While this mechanics drives value loss, it besides increases the hazard of inadequate protein, fiber, vitamin and mineral intakes if fare prime and nutritional adequacy are not cautiously monitored," she cautioned.

British popular vocalist Robbie Williams was diagnosed with scurvy successful 2025, antecedently sharing with The Mirror that helium experienced symptoms of the "17th-century pirate disease" aft he’d been taking "something similar Ozempic."

British popular vocalist Robbie Williams was diagnosed with scurvy successful 2025, antecedently sharing with The Mirror that helium experienced symptoms of the "17th-century pirate disease" aft he’d been taking "something similar Ozempic." (Sam Corum/PA Images via Getty Images)

Collins noted that nutrient deficiencies are "not specific" to scurvy.

"There are different nutrients that, if not consumed successful capable amounts, tin pb to deficiencies," she said.

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Iron deficiency tin origin anemia, for example, and vitamin B1 deficiency leads to beriberi (a illness that tin harm the nerves and heart) and Wernicke’s encephalopathy (a perchance life-threatening encephalon disorder), according to Collins.

"A simplification successful assemblage value does not automatically mean the idiosyncratic is well-nourished oregon healthy," 1 adept said. (iStock)

Nutrition successful focus

For GLP-1 users who are losing value quickly, Collins emphasized the value of capable intake of nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

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"The signs tin beryllium missed due to the fact that they overlap initially with broadside effects of the medications, including fatigue, lethargy, nausea, mediocre appetite and irritability," she said.

To guarantee due nutrition, Collins recommends seeking nonrecreational assistance from an accredited dietitian.

For GLP-1 users who are losing value quickly, experts emphasized the value of capable intake of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. (iStock)

"It is challenging to measure whether your nutrient intake is capable by yourself," she said. "People whitethorn besides necessitate a circumstantial multivitamin oregon mineral supplement, on with aesculapian nutrition therapy support."

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Future objective trials should see "validated dietary appraisal tools" and "transparent reporting of nutrient and nutrient intakes," Collins suggested.

"This volition assistance amended the nutrition-related wellness and wellbeing outcomes for individuals prescribed these medications, portion supporting adherence and semipermanent health," she said.

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"We’re calling for greater attraction to nutrition erstwhile these medications are being prescribed successful bid to debar malnutrition risk."