Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), including Ozempic (semaglutide) and Saxenda (liraglutide), are gaining traction in treating obesity and its associated diseases due to their capacity to facilitate substantial weight loss through mechanisms such as appetite suppression and delayed gastric emptying. Clinical trials have consistently shown that patients prescribed GLP-1 RAs can achieve significant body weight reductions when combined with appropriate dosing and lifestyle modifications. However, the chronic appetite suppression and reduced caloric intake associated with prolonged GLP-1 RA use may increase the risk of micronutrient deficiencies, paralleling the biochemical changes observed after metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). In MBS cohorts, insufficient dietary intake coupled with malabsorption frequently results in deficiencies of essential vitamins and minerals, even in patients adhering to standard multivitamin regimens. Research has demonstrated that high-dose specialized multivitamin supplementation can substantially lower the incidence of postoperative micronutrient deficiencies in MBS patients. This raises the possibility that proactive nutrient supplementation might similarly benefit individuals undergoing weight loss with GLP-1 RAs, although this hypothesis remains to be empirically validated. To address this gap, this randomized trial aims to investigate the efficacy of Balanced nutritional tablets-comprehensive multivitamin and mineral supplements- in preventing micronutrient deficiencies among patients utilizing GLP-1 RAs for weight loss in comparison to a placebo control. Moreover, the study will assess changes in key nutrient biomarkers and relevant clinical outcomes over 12 months.
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Incidence of vitamin and mineral deficiencies at 12 months, comparing the proportion of participants in each group who develop one or more deficiencies.
Timeframe: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 months
M Hany Ashour, MD Alexandria University