Wernicke’s encephalopathy is a rare but serious brain condition
Close up of a weight loss jab(Image: Getty Images)
A rare neurological disorder that can trigger confusion, balance issues and abnormal eye movements has been documented in people using popular weight-loss jabs. The condition, called Wernicke’s encephalopathy, can emerge when the body experiences a critical deficiency of vitamin B1, also known as thiamine.
Raj Patel, who goes by the Straight-Talking Pharmacist to his more than 100,000 TikTok followers, addressed the condition in a recent video about medications including Mounjaro and Wegovy. He said: “Researchers have identified 15 reports of a rare brain condition among people using medicines containing semaglutide or tirzepatide.”
Wegovy contains semaglutide as its active ingredient, while Mounjaro features tirzepatide. These medications are prescribed for type 2 diabetes and, under certain conditions, weight management, though researchers have flagged a potential safety issue linked to Wernicke’s encephalopathy.
Weight-loss medication(Image: Getty Images)
The disorder impacts the brain and nervous system and is connected to severe thiamine deficiency, which can arise when someone isn’t receiving adequate nutrition. The Health Service Executive (HSE) in Ireland explains that vitamin B1 assists the body in extracting energy from food and plays a crucial role in keeping the nervous system healthy, reports the Irish Mirror.
Mr Patel noted that those featured in the reports frequently suffered from complications that could deprive them of vital nutrients. He said: “Most had experienced vomiting, a major loss of appetite, rapid weight loss or poor nutrition.”
Amongst the warning signs he drew attention to were changes that could easily be mistaken for fatigue or the side effects of weight loss. “[These] can include new confusion, difficulty walking or balancing and unusual eye movements,” Mr Patel explained.
Many adults use GLP-1 weight-loss injections(Image: Getty Images)
The study, published in the journal Clinical Nutrition, uncovered 15 reported cases of Wernicke’s encephalopathy linked to GLP-1 medications, the majority of which involved semaglutide or tirzepatide. While the findings stop short of proving the drugs were directly responsible for every case, the researchers noted that the possibility of this rare yet serious complication deserves closer scrutiny.
Mr Patel was keen to emphasise that the evidence should not be taken as definitive proof that the injections were the direct cause in every reported instance, stating: “This research doesn’t prove the injections directly cause every case, but prolonged vomiting and barely eating can now leave your body dangerously short of essential vitamins.”
Anyone in Ireland currently taking these medications who experiences sudden confusion, trouble walking, or unusual eye movements is urged to seek immediate medical attention, particularly if they have also been struggling to eat or drink. Those suffering from persistent side effects are strongly advised to contact their GP or prescriber without delay, rather than making any changes to their treatment without proper medical guidance.