An expert has highlighted a rare brain disorder that has been reported in people taking GLP-1 injections
An estimated 1.6 million to 2 million adults use GLP-1 weight-loss injections in the UK(Image: Getty Images)
A rare neurological condition that can cause confusion, problems with balance and unusual eye movements has been reported in people taking popular weight-loss injections. The condition, known as Wernicke’s encephalopathy, can develop when the body has a severe shortage of vitamin B1, also called thiamine.
Raj Patel, known as the Straight-Talking Pharmacist to more than 100,000 followers on TikTok, discussed the condition in a recent video about medicines including Mounjaro and Wegovy. He said: “Researchers have identified 15 reports of a rare brain condition among people using medicines containing semaglutide or tazepatide.”
Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic, while Mounjaro contains tirzepatide. The medicines are used for type 2 diabetes and, in specific circumstances, weight management, but researchers have highlighted a potential safety concern involving Wernicke’s encephalopathy.
Weight loss jabs are becoming hugely popular across the world(Image: Getty Images)
The condition affects the brain and nervous system and is associated with severe thiamine deficiency, which can occur when someone is not getting enough nutrition. Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE) notes that vitamin B1 helps the body release energy from food and is important for maintaining a healthy nervous system.
Patel said the people included in the reports often experienced problems that could leave them short of essential nutrients. He said: “Most had experienced vomiting, a major loss of appetite, rapid weight loss or poor nutrition.”
Among the warning signs he highlighted were changes that might be mistaken for tiredness or the effects of losing weight. “[These] can include new confusion, difficulty walking or balancing and unusual eye movements,” Patel explained.
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The research, published in the journal Clinical Nutrition, identified 15 reports of Wernicke’s encephalopathy associated with GLP-1 medicines, most involving semaglutide or tirzepatide. The findings do not prove the drugs directly caused every case, but the researchers said the possibility of this rare, serious complication warrants attention.
Patel stressed that the evidence should not be interpreted as proof that the injections directly caused every reported case, saying: “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 taking these medicines who develops new confusion, difficulty walking or unusual eye movements should seek urgent medical assessment, particularly if they have also struggled to eat or drink. People experiencing persistent side effects should contact their prescriber or GP promptly, rather than changing their treatment without medical advice.