Many people today are taking medication to help with weight loss. For the right person medication to help lose weight can be effective, safe and beneficial. This should always be done under the supervision of a physician.
Because so many people are losing weight with medication we are often asked “What vitamins should I take when I’m taking medicine to lose weight?”.
It turns out that, as with all vitamin regimens, a personalised approach is the way to go. Even those taking the same medications for weight loss will have varied needs based on their individual diet, lifestyle, other medication and health concerns. A personalised multivitamin is a great way to fill in the nutritional gaps that we see commonly when taking medication to lose weight.
That being said, there are a few common vitamin deficiencies we see among those trying to lose weight, with or without medicine. We often see people low in iron. This can relate to lower red meat intake, either due to following various diet plans or due to the lack of craving people have when taking GLP1 medications. Iron absorption is also often impaired after any weight reduction surgery due to disruption of the GI tract. It is not uncommon for people to become iron deficient as they strive to become healthier. In turn this can lead to more fatigue, lack of energy and decreased motivation to exercise and build muscle mass.
B vitamins, especially B12 are a common vitamin deficiency found in people trying to lose weight with medicine. This is an interesting phenomenon that is likely caused by a variant of factors. Similar to iron deficiency, B12 levels can decrease due to lack of meat intake. However, dairy and eggs are other common sources of B12 that may be lacking as someone’s overall caloric intake declines. In addition, b12 deficiency can be in fact caused by certain medications. Medications that can cause B12 deficiency include commonly used drugs for heartburn (used frequently by those taking GLP1 drugs) or metformin ( an medication that is used for both diabetes and weight loss). B12 is known to play a key role in energy, memory and cognition, thus deficiency can really interfere with ones ability to both stay active and participate in a weight loss program, but also to function mentally. Deficiency can cause weakness, nerve pain or numbness and tingling. B12 deficiency is also quite common in those who have surgeries for weight loss, due to impaired absorption.
Another common vitamin deficiency seen in those trying to lose weight with medicine is Vitamin D. Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that is best absorbed orally when taken with high fat foods. Thus, those taking medications for weight loss may not have optimal absorption of vitamin D supplements if their fat intake is limited. This can be corrected by taking higher doses of vitamin D or making sure to take the supplement with a fat containing meal.
For those taking medication for weight loss, it is important to pay attention to protein intake. Weight loss medications notoriously deplete people of muscle mass. Maintaining muscle mass via exercise and dietary protein is essential. Maintaining muscle mass is helpful for overall health (especially bone density) but also for maintaining an optimal metabolism. Some vitamins that can be beneficial for optimising muscle function include magnesium and vitamin B1.
Medication for weight loss can be a wonderful tool. That being said, medications such as GLP1 agonists can not be used in a vacuum. They should be a part of a very comprehensive plan to modify all aspects of diet, lifestyle and health optimisation. This includes nutritional coaching, the proper and appropriate use of vitamins and supplements, ideally via a personalised multivitamin.
Romy Block specializes in Endocrinology and Metabolism and is mother to three active adolescent boys. Arielle Levitan is a Doctor of Internal Medicine with a special interest in Preventive Medicine and Women’s Health. She is a mother of three teenagers. As professional women with active family lives, they recognize that people often neglect their own health needs and are uncertain about what vitamins to take. Each person is different in her diet, exercise and health history, and will benefit from different nutrients. After years of advising their patients about the proper vitamins to take, Drs. Block and Levitan created Vous Vitamin® to provide people everywhere with quality vitamins that are suited to their individual needs. They are authors of the award winning The Vitamin Solution: Two Doctors Clear Confusion About Vitamins and Your Health (She Writes Press, 2015). Take your vitamin quiz now to get exactly the right vitamins for your needs.
The statements made in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products offered by Vous Vitamin® are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Nothing contained herein is intended to be a diagnosis or constitute medical advice. The symptoms described in this Blog may be a result of a serious medical condition which requires medical treatment. You should consult with your doctor if you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned in this Blog and before beginning any vitamin or supplement regimen.
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