Can Semaglutide and Tirzepatide Cause Nutrition Deficiencies? [And What to do About It]

Can Semaglutide and Tirzepatide Cause Nutrition Deficiencies? [And What to do About It]

As a dietitian working with people taking weight-loss medications, one topic I often discuss with both my fellow dietitians and my patients is the possibility of developing nutrition deficiencies while taking semaglutide (Ozempic® and Wegovy®) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro® and Zepbound®).

Initially, I hesitated to write about this topic simply because there is no concrete science-based evidence yet. However, we all know there’s a strong possibility of this happening. 

Let me explain my concerns, and you decide if you want to take steps to minimize or prevent such deficiencies. 

Honestly, I believe it’s worth considering. 

Nutrition deficiencies can worsen the common side effects of these medications, such as fatigue, lack of energy, and even weight loss. More importantly, they can lead to significant medical complications. 

Why You Can Develop Nutrition Deficiencies While Taking Semaglutide or Tirzepatide

Starting from a Deficit: How Higher BMI Can Impact Your Nutrient Levels

If your BMI is 30 kg/m2 or higher, you might already be at risk for nutritional deficiencies before even starting weight-loss medication,

Research suggests that many people with a higher BMI can lack essential vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, folate, and vitamins A and B12.

Medications Can Drastically Decrease How Much You Eat

Portions are reduced with semaglutide and tirzepatide

The effectiveness of semaglutide and tirzepatide in decreasing appetite and food intake is well-documented. These medications can cause people to go several hours without eating, and when they do eat, they tend to get full quickly with small amounts of food. 

While eating less is excellent for weight loss, sometimes people eat too little. Consuming such a small amount of food makes it difficult to get all the essential nutrients. 

You Might Not be Making Every Bite Count

Because these medications can help you lose weight even without significant changes in your diet, some people may rely on them to decrease portion sizes without making healthier food choices. 

Given the reduced appetite on these meds, it’s crucial to make most meals nutrient-dense. This means that what you eat should primarily nourish your body.

The Impact of Nutrition Deficiencies

Nutrition deficiencies can have serious consequences for your health, affecting everything from your energy levels to your immune system. Without sufficient vitamins and minerals, you might feel tired, get sick more often, or struggle to concentrate. 

Over time, these deficiencies can lead to more severe problems like weakened bones, heart issues, brain changes, anemia, depression, night blindness, insulin resistance, and many more.

Can Lack of Nutrients Worsen Hair Loss?

Yes, a lack of nutrients can indeed worsen hair loss. Your hair relies on a steady supply of vitamins and minerals to grow and stay healthy. 

Deficiencies in riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 are associated with weight loss. 

How to Prevent or Correct Nutrient Deficiencies

Make Every Bite Count

Focus on nutrient-dense foods that provide the vitamins and minerals your body needs. You cannot replace the way real foods deliver nutrients to your body. 

Thus, it is essential to add a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats into your diet. 

Make sure to eat food that nourishes you most of the time. 

Eat Small Frequent Meals

To stay well-nourished, focus on eating healthy food regularly throughout the day. Even if your meals are small, it’s important to be mindful of what you eat and how frequently you eat, making sure you’re getting enough nutrients in each bite. 

Take a Multivitamin

A daily multivitamin can help you fill in the gaps and get a baseline of essential nutrients. However, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider to choose one that’s right for you.

Find Out if You Have Nutrition Deficiencies

You can get tested if you suspect you have a deficiency or want to ensure you don’t have one. Blood tests can determine your levels of essential nutrients, and your healthcare provider can recommend the best course of action to fix the problem, whether dietary changes or supplementation.

My Expert Opinion

While science is still catching up, it’s clear that there’s a potential risk of nutrition deficiencies when taking semaglutide and tirzepatide, especially considering how these medications reduce appetite.  Make every bite count by focusing your meals and snacks on nutrient-dense foods when you’re taking weight-loss medication.

You will notice an immediate difference in your energy levels and well-being and might notice fewer side effects. 

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