Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 3 — Observational / field trialPeer-reviewed

Nutritional deficiencies and muscle loss in adults with type 2 diabetes using GLP-1 receptor agonists: A retrospective observational study

W. Scott Butsch, Suela Sulo, Andrew T. Chang, Jeeyun Kim, Kirk W. Kerr, Dominique R. Williams, Refaat Hegazi, Thadchaigeni Panchalingam, Scott Goates, Steven B. Heymsfield

Obesity Pillars · 2025

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Summary

This retrospective analysis of 461,382 adults newly prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonists (predominantly with type 2 diabetes) found that nutritional deficiencies were diagnosed in 12.7% of patients within 6 months and 22.4% within 12 months of treatment initiation, with vitamin D deficiency being the most prevalent. Patients who received a dietitian visit within the first 6 months had higher recorded rates of nutritional deficiency diagnoses, suggesting improved screening rather than increased actual deficiency. The findings underscore the importance of nutritional monitoring and dietitian involvement during GLP-1RA treatment to mitigate potential micronutrient depletion.

Regional applicability

This United States-based claims data study is directly relevant to United Kingdom clinical practice, as GLP-1 receptor agonists are increasingly prescribed within the NHS for weight management and glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes. The high prevalence of nutritional deficiencies observed suggests that UK clinicians should similarly implement nutritional screening and dietitian referral protocols alongside GLP-1RA treatment.

Key measures

Incidence of nutritional deficiency diagnoses at 6 and 12 months post-GLP-1RA initiation; vitamin D deficiency incidence; comparison of deficiency rates between patients with and without dietitian visits

Outcomes reported

The study quantified the incidence of nutritional deficiencies in adults prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonists, with particular attention to vitamin D deficiency and the role of dietitian involvement in detection.

Theme
Nutrition & health
Subject
Micronutrients & dietary adequacy
Study type
Research
Study design
Observational cohort with propensity-matched analysis
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
United States
System type
Human clinical
DOI
10.1016/j.obpill.2025.100186
Catalogue ID
SNmq0elk34-0dkxx3

Topic tags

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