Surge in Scurvy Cases Linked to Weight-Loss Drugs Ozempic and Mounjaro, Study Finds

A surge in cases of scurvy—once a scourge of 18th-century pirates—is now alarming doctors across the U.S., linked to the rapid rise in use of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro. The drugs, which have transformed the obesity crisis for millions, are now under scrutiny for triggering dangerous nutritional deficiencies. Researchers in Australia warn that these medications, used by at least one in eight Americans, are leaving users vulnerable to scurvy and other health complications.

In a review of 41 studies involving over 50,000 people, experts found that while weight loss was consistently tracked, only two studies monitored dietary intake for deficiencies. Dr. Clare Collins, a nutrition researcher who led the study, said, 'These medications work, there's no question about that. But a reduction in body weight does not automatically mean the person is well nourished or healthy.'

Scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency, is making a comeback. Symptoms include swollen, purple, and bleeding gums, along with leg swelling and brittle hair. Once a death sentence for sailors deprived of fresh produce, the condition is now being reported in clinics. Officials estimate that at least 7% of Americans are already vitamin C deficient, and experts fear weight-loss drugs could accelerate this trend.

Doctors are reporting a sharp rise in scurvy cases. The Cleveland Clinic notes that the disease can develop within one to three months of deficiency. Left untreated, it can cause permanent gum damage and tooth loss. Treatment involves vitamin C supplements and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, with most patients recovering within two weeks. But serious cases remain a concern.

The drugs' mechanism—suppressing appetite—leaves users eating less, increasing the risk of deficiencies. Side effects like nausea and constipation may also deter food consumption. Many patients take the drugs for months or years, raising the risk of chronic malnutrition. Doctors advise a high-protein, balanced diet and strength training to mitigate muscle loss, but compliance is often low.

Robbie Williams, the rock singer, revealed in 2023 that he was diagnosed with scurvy after taking a drug 'similar to Ozempic.' He lost 28 pounds and experienced depression, exhaustion, and a distorted self-image. 'When people say, 'we're worried you're too thin,' that goes into the head as, 'jackpot. I've reached the promised land,' he told The Mirror.

Former Olympic athlete Sarah Lindsay, a celebrity trainer, has also raised alarms. Her clients, including Piers Morgan and Ellie Goulding, have reported symptoms like severe hair loss, digestive issues, and fatigue. 'The level of abuse now is rife,' she told The Sun. 'My worry is the long-term effects of being malnourished.'

Dr. Collins' BMJ review highlighted a critical gap: only one of the 41 studies tracked dietary intake. After contacting authors, a second study shared data, but the broader impact on nutrition remains unclear. 'It is a marked miss,' she said, emphasizing the need for dietitian referrals to prevent scurvy.

Other deficiencies, like thiamine and protein, are also emerging. Doctors warn that protein deficiencies are leading to muscle loss rather than fat loss. Without robust data on dietary effects, the full health risks of these drugs remain uncertain. As the obesity crisis evolves, so too does the shadow of a disease once thought to belong to history books.