W. Scott Butsch, MD MSc

💉 GLP-1 meds don’t just curb appetite—sometimes they curb essential nutrients too. - - - 📉 In a study of 460,000+ adults on GLP-1s (mostly with T2D): 🔹13% developed nutritional deficiencies in 6 months 🔹22% within 12 months 🔹Vitamin D deficiency was most common (13.6%) 🔹3% experienced muscle loss 🔍 Patients who saw a dietitian were more likely to have deficiencies identified—not because dietitians caused harm, but because they actually looked. 💡 Clinical translation: 🔹Appetite suppression can lower intake of protein, vitamins (D, B12, folate), and minerals. 🔹Without supervision, this can compromise muscle mass, hydration, and metabolic health. 🔹Older adults and those with obesity are especially vulnerable due to baseline deficiencies. Treating obesity isn't just about weight loss—it's about preserving health while losing weight. ✅ That’s why supervised care with physicians + registered dietitians is non-negotiable. ✅ Monitor labs (Vit D, B12, iron, folate). ✅ Emphasize protein, strength training, and hydration. 📚sciencedirect.com/science/ar… Credit to @drbutsch and colleagues.

🚨 New data drop: GLP-1s are shrinking more than waistlines—they're reshaping the grocery cart. - - - A large consumer survey (n=1955) just revealed how GLP-1 meds like Wegovy and Zepbound are disrupting diets—and potentially the entire food industry. ⬇️ Key survey takeaways 🔹Average reduction in reported intake while on a GLP-1: –700 to –990 kcal/day 🔹 Biggest cut‑backs: processed foods (‑70 %), sugary drinks (‑50%), refined grains & beef (-50%) 🔹 Biggest upticks: leafy greens (+30%), fruit (+15%), plain water (+60 %) The plot twist: Cravings for high‑calorie treats stay high—even as forks stay down. Early mechanistic work suggests GLP‑1 therapy: ▪️ Turns up sweet‑taste sensitivity 🧠👅 ▪️ Turns down the dopamine “yum” for fatty foods 🍟➡️😐 ▪️ Rewires brain‑gut circuits, breaking the usual want → eat loop 📊 Demographics matter: Women, those with higher education and income, and larger households were more likely to be current or future GLP-1 users. Why it matters 🧠 Takeaway: These meds don’t just suppress appetite—they subtly rewire preferences. That has massive implications for food marketers, clinicians, and public health efforts. Source: sciencedirect.com/science/ar… #Obesity #GLP1 #Ozempic #Wegovy #Zepbound #NutritionScience #FoodTrends #Metabolism

🧬 NEW STUDY: Obesity’s Massive Health Impact--from my research group, led by the brilliant @yao_zhiqi. - - - 🚨 In a nationwide study of 270,000+ adults using the All of Us Research Program, obesity was linked to a higher risk of 16 health conditions—with risk increasing by obesity severity (BMI ≥30). 📊 Top Takeaways • 42.4% of U.S. adults have obesity; 9.8% have class III (BMI ≥40) • Class III obesity was linked to: 🔹 11x higher risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea 🔹 7.7x higher risk of Type 2 Diabetes 🔹 6.7x higher risk of Fatty Liver Disease 🔹 3.5x higher risk of Heart Failure ❤️‍🩹 51.5% of Obstructive Sleep Apnea cases in the population could be attributed to obesity. Similar trends were seen for T2D, gout, and fatty liver disease (MASLD). 💊 As anti-obesity medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide reshape treatment, understanding obesity’s full burden is crucial for prevention and policy. 🔍 This is one of the largest and most diverse obesity studies ever conducted in the U.S., reinforcing obesity as a root cause—not just a risk factor. 📚 Source: evidence.nejm.org/doi/10.105… #Obesity #PublicHealth #GLP1 #Semaglutide #ObesityCare #AllOfUs #ChronicDisease #HealthcareInnovation Thanks to all the collaborators @CiccaroneCenter @MichaelJBlaha @BevTchangMD @rblument1 @khurramn1