Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound May Fuel Rare Brain Disorder, Study Finds

Popular GLP-1 drugs Ozempic, Wegovy, <span>Mounjaro</span> and <span>Zepbound</span> have transformed the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, a new study suggests they may be linked to a rare but serious <span>brain disorder</span> caused by vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency.

Researchers from Israel’s Sheba Medical Center identified 15 cases of Wernicke’s encephalopathy (WE) among people taking GLP-1 medications containing semaglutide or tirzepatide. 

The findings suggest that nutritional deficiencies, particularly of vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, may contribute to the development of Wernicke’s encephalopathy.

Published in Clinical Nutrition, the study examined 195,979 cases and identified 15 reports of WE in 2023 and 2024.

Most patients experienced gastrointestinal problems, including severe vomiting, loss of appetite, malnutrition or rapid weight loss. These factors can reduce food intake and increase the risk of vitamin B1 deficiency. 

Only two patients had the classic symptoms of WE: altered mental status, difficulty walking and abnormal eye movements. 

Researchers described the findings as a potential safety signal and called for greater clinical awareness, particularly among patients experiencing severe gastrointestinal symptoms.

“WE is a potentially rare but severe adverse event of GLP-1 RA treatment, mainly with semaglutide or tirzepatide,” the researchers said. “As early detection may prevent neurological sequelae, increased clinical awareness is warranted, especially in individuals experiencing severe gastrointestinal symptoms.” 

<h2>Can GLP-1 Drugs Cause Vitamin Deficiency? </h2>

GLP-1 drugs suppress appetite and can reduce food intake, potentially limiting consumption of vitamin B1-rich foods such as pork, fish and whole grains.

Vitamin B1 is essential for proper nerve function. Without enough of it, patients can develop confusion, problems with balance and coordination, and abnormal eye movements. 

In its early stages, thiamine deficiency can cause vague, nonspecific symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, irritability and abdominal discomfort. 

Researchers said the findings should help doctors educate patients about the potential risk and monitor for warning signs.

<h2>What Is Wernicke’s Encephalopathy? </h2>

Wernicke’s encephalopathy is a rare neurological disorder caused by severe vitamin B1 deficiency. Symptoms can include confusion, problems with coordination and abnormal eye movements.

The classic symptom triad is often absent, making the condition difficult to recognize. If untreated, WE can cause permanent neurological damage, progress to <span>Korsakoff syndrome</span> or result in death. Korsakoff syndrome is a permanent condition marked by memory loss, confusion, and changes in personality.

Experts do not recommend routinely taking supplements with GLP-1 drugs unless a deficiency is confirmed or nutritional needs cannot be met through diet.

A balanced diet containing fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, dairy or fortified alternatives, and lean or plant-based proteins can help maintain adequate nutrient intake.

Experts also caution that products marketed specifically as “GLP-1 support” supplements may have limited evidence behind their claims. 

Health Conditions A-Z

health

ozempic-wegovy-mounjaro-and-zepbound-may-fuel-rare-brain-disorder-study-finds

zepbound

GLP 1 drugs

Wernickes encephalopathy

Brain Disorder

mounjaro

korsakoff syndrome

neuro-protection-how-your-30s-and-40s-determine-your-70s-and-80s

Neuro-Protection: How Your 30s And 40s Determine Your 70s And 80s

us-fda-to-hold-psychedelic-drug-hearing-amid-trump-push-what-it-means-for-depression-ptsd

US FDA To Hold Psychedelic Drug Hearing Amid Trump Push: What It Means For Depression, PTSD

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Popular GLP-1 drugs Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound have transformed the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, a new study suggests they may be linked to a rare but serious brain disorder caused by vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency. Researchers from Israel’s Sheba Medical Center identified 15 cases of Wernicke’s encephalopathy (WE) among people taking GLP-1 medications containing semaglutide or tirzepatide. The findings suggest that nutritional deficiencies, particularly of vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, may contribute to the development of Wernicke’s encephalopathy. What Did the Study Find? Published in Clinical Nutrition, the study examined 195,979 cases and identified 15 reports of WE in 2023 and 2024. Most patients experienced gastrointestinal problems, including severe vomiting, loss of appetite, malnutrition or rapid weight loss. These factors can reduce food intake and increase the risk of vitamin B1 deficiency. Only two patients had the classic symptoms of WE: altered mental status, difficulty walking and abnormal eye movements. Researchers described the findings as a potential safety signal and called for greater clinical awareness, particularly among patients experiencing severe gastrointestinal symptoms. “WE is a potentially rare but severe adverse event of GLP-1 RA treatment, mainly with semaglutide or tirzepatide,” the researchers said. “As early detection may prevent neurological sequelae, increased clinical awareness is warranted, especially in individuals experiencing severe gastrointestinal symptoms.” Can GLP-1 Drugs Cause Vitamin Deficiency? GLP-1 drugs suppress appetite and can reduce food intake, potentially limiting consumption of vitamin B1-rich foods such as pork, fish and whole grains. Vitamin B1 is essential for proper nerve function. Without enough of it, patients can develop confusion, problems with balance and coordination, and abnormal eye movements.  In its early stages, thiamine deficiency can cause vague, nonspecific symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, irritability and abdominal discomfort.  Researchers said the findings should help doctors educate patients about the potential risk and monitor for warning signs. What Is Wernicke’s Encephalopathy? Wernicke’s encephalopathy is a rare neurological disorder caused by severe vitamin B1 deficiency. Symptoms can include confusion, problems with coordination and abnormal eye movements. The classic symptom triad is often absent, making the condition difficult to recognize. If untreated, WE can cause permanent neurological damage, progress to Korsakoff syndrome or result in death. Korsakoff syndrome is a permanent condition marked by memory loss, confusion, and changes in personality. Should You Take Supplements? Experts do not recommend routinely taking supplements with GLP-1 drugs unless a deficiency is confirmed or nutritional needs cannot be met through diet. A balanced diet containing fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, dairy or fortified alternatives, and lean or plant-based proteins can help maintain adequate nutrient intake. Experts also caution that products marketed specifically as “GLP-1 support” supplements may have limited evidence behind their claims. 

ozempic, wegovy, mounjaro and zepbound may fuel rare brain disorder, study finds

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound May Fuel Rare Brain Disorder, Study Finds

US FDA To Hold Psychedelic Drug Hearing Amid Trump Push: What It Means For Depression, PTSD

1,370 Mpox Cases, 7 Deaths Reported In July: WHO Says Risk Remains Moderate

Lung Cancer: 2 Drugs From GSK, BioNTech Show Improved Survival, 94% Response

Health Conditions A-Z

Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound May Fuel Rare Brain Disorder, Study Finds

Neuro-Protection: How Your 30s And 40s Determine Your 70s And 80s

US FDA To Hold Psychedelic Drug Hearing Amid Trump Push: What It Means For Depression, PTSD