‘Blind Spot’: Alarm Sounded on Lack of Research into Side Effects of Weight-Loss Drugs

‘The nutritional status is not on the radar and (it’s) putting people at long-term risk of nutrient deficiencies and or malnutrition,’ said a professor.

Boxes of the diabetes drug Ozempic rest on a pharmacy counter in Los Angeles, on April 17, 2023. Mario Tama/Getty Images

While weight-loss medications are often hailed as wonder drugs for improving the lives of people battling obesity, dietitians are increasingly concerned about the lack of research into long-term nutritional health impacts.

At least half a million Australians are taking weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro every month, with popularity continuing to increase despite a shortage of the drugs.