The Hidden Dangers of GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications

As a psychiatrist, I’ve seen the mental health benefits that go along with successful weight loss—improved mood, enhanced self-esteem, and reduced anxiety. And as a registered dietitian, Jenna Moore has witnessed the physical benefits firsthand. Medicines such as semaglutide and tirzepatide have produced a breakthrough in the treatment of obesity. Patients generally lose 15-20% of their body weight. These medicines mimic the effects of a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1) and are known as “GLP-1 agonists.” However, both of us have become increasingly concerned about a silent crisis that is developing behind these success stories: Malnutrition.

GLP-1 agonists work by causing us to feel full, delaying the release of food from our stomachs, and reducing our appetite. While this can produce impressive weight loss, it also creates a nutritional paradox. Recent studies have found that individuals using GLP-1 agonists reduce their caloric intake by 16-39%. This can result in some individuals consuming such a small number of calories that they are at risk of developing micronutrient insufficiency.