Study Finds Nutritional Deficiencies in Nearly 1 in 6 Children on GLP-1 Drugs - Video

Nearly one in six children taking GLP-1 medications developed a nutritional deficiency within one year, with vitamin D deficiency being the most common, according to a study published in Childhood Obesity.

Researchers analysed national administrative claims data collected between 2017 and 2022 to examine nutritional outcomes among children receiving GLP-1 treatment. From a database covering more than 100 million patients, they identified 2,031 children aged 10 to 17 who had received GLP-1 medications, had continuous health coverage, and had no previous diagnosis of nutritional deficiency.

Within one year of starting treatment, 16.8% of the children were diagnosed with a nutritional deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency was the most frequently identified problem, affecting 12.4% of children.

Researchers said the findings are important because adolescence is a period of rapid growth and development, when the body needs sufficient nutrients to support bone health and other biological changes. Vitamin D, iron and calcium are particularly important during these years.

GLP-1 medications can reduce appetite and food intake, which may make it harder for some children to obtain enough essential nutrients. The researchers therefore highlighted the importance of nutritional monitoring when these medicines are prescribed to young patients.

However, nutritional counselling was uncommon among the children studied. Only 5% received nutritional counselling within 30 days of starting GLP-1 treatment, while fewer than 25% received such counselling within six months.

The study suggests that nutritional support may need to begin when GLP-1 treatment starts rather than after a deficiency develops. Researchers said proactive monitoring could help identify nutritional problems earlier and potentially prevent deficiencies.

Further research is needed to understand how GLP-1 treatment affects nutrition during childhood and adolescence and how best to monitor and prevent deficiencies.

REFERENCE: Kirk W. Kerr, et al.; Nutritional Deficiencies, Complications, and Nutrition Therapy/Counseling in Pediatric Patients Using GLP-1 Receptor Agonists. Childhood Obesity, 2026; DOI: 10.1177/21532176261486979