Study finds one in six children on GLP-1 drugs develop nutrient deficiencies
Research shows about 16.8% of pediatric patients on GLP-1 medications develop a diagnosed nutritional deficiency within a year, with vitamin D deficiency most common.
A recent study examining national administrative claims from 2017 through 2022 found that 16.8% of children and adolescents who started GLP-1 therapy—used for weight loss, pre-diabetes or type-2 diabetes—were diagnosed with a nutritional deficiency within the first year, with vitamin D deficiency affecting 12% of patients. Published in Childhood Obesity, the research showed liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda) made up 78.6% of prescriptions, while dulaglutide and semaglutide comprised the rest.
Only 5% of patients received dietary counseling within 30 days and less than 25% within six months of initiating therapy. Because GLP-1 agents can suppress appetite and adolescents have high nutrient needs for growth, the senior author Justin Ryder urged that nutritional support start alongside medication to avoid lasting impacts on bone health and development.
Why it matters
Children on popular weight-loss drugs risk nutrient gaps that can affect growth, so early dietary monitoring is crucial.
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