Taking GLP-1 Drugs May Put You at Risk of Rare ‘Pirate Disease’

A surprising and rare consequence is emerging alongside the soaring popularity of GLP-1 medications used for weight loss: cases of scurvy, a disease historically associated with long sea voyages and severe vitamin C deficiency. This development highlights a potential, and previously unexpected, health risk linked to these increasingly common drugs.

A Return of a Historic Deficiency

Scurvy manifests through symptoms like fatigue, swollen legs, tooth loss, and bleeding under the skin, and can, in severe instances, prove fatal, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Historically, the condition plagued sailors lacking access to fresh fruits and vegetables during extended voyages. Now, it’s appearing in patients utilizing medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro.

Did You Know? Robbie Williams, an English singer, revealed he was diagnosed with scurvy after starting a GLP-1 medication and subsequently “stopped eating” and experiencing nutritional deficiencies.

The connection came to light after singer Robbie Williams publicly disclosed his diagnosis in early 2024, just months after stating he was taking a drug “something like Ozempic.” He described the condition as a “17th-Century pirate disease,” a fitting analogy given its historical context.

The Role of Appetite Suppression and Nutrition

GLP-1 agonists work, in part, by suppressing appetite, which can lead to weight loss. However, experts are now warning that this appetite suppression, if not carefully managed, can result in inadequate dietary intake and subsequent vitamin deficiencies. A systematic review led by Clare Collins, named “one of Australia’s top dietitians” by the Australian Financial Review, found that most clinical trials of these drugs did not adequately assess patients’ nutritional status.

Expert Insight: The emergence of scurvy cases suggests that the focus on weight loss with GLP-1 medications needs to be coupled with a comprehensive approach to nutrition. Simply reducing body weight does not guarantee overall health, and dietary considerations are crucial for mitigating potential risks.

An earlier study following over 460,000 patients with type 2 diabetes using GLP-1 receptor agonists revealed that more than 22% were diagnosed with nutritional deficiencies within a year. This reinforces the need for proactive nutritional monitoring, and support.

What Might Happen Next

If the trend of GLP-1 usage continues to rise, we could see an increased demand for registered dietitians to help patients manage their nutritional intake alongside medication. Healthcare providers may begin routinely incorporating dietary assessments and counseling into treatment plans for patients prescribed these drugs. It is also possible that future clinical trials will place a greater emphasis on evaluating the nutritional impact of GLP-1 agonists.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are GLP-1 agonists?

GLP-1 agonists, including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, are medications that can aid in weight loss, partly due to their appetite-suppressing effects.

What are the symptoms of scurvy?

Symptoms of scurvy can include fatigue, swollen legs, tooth loss, and bleeding under the skin, and can be fatal in serious cases.

What is being recommended to prevent scurvy in patients taking GLP-1s?

Clare Collins suggests linking GLP-1 prescriptions with referrals to registered dietitians to ensure patients receive adequate nutritional guidance and support.

As GLP-1 medications become more accessible, even as daily pills, how important do you think proactive nutritional counseling will be for those considering or using these treatments?