Nutrient Deficiencies in People Living With Obesity: What to Watch For (Especially During Weight Loss)
Many people are surprised to learn that nutrient deficiencies are common in people living with obesity. Even when calorie intake is adequate, the body may still be low in key nutrients like vitamin D, iron, vitamin B12, and magnesium. These nutrients support energy levels, metabolism, muscle function, and overall health—and the risk of deficiency can increase further during rapid weight loss, including after bariatric surgery or while using medications like semaglutide.
Understanding which nutrients to watch—and how to get enough through food—can make weight management safer, more effective, and easier to sustain over time.
Muscle Loss on Semaglutide: What You Need to Know (and How to Prevent It)
Worried about muscle loss while taking semaglutide (Ozempic or Wegovy)? Learn why it can happen during weight loss, how common it is, and practical dietitian-approved strategies to protect muscle while improving results on GLP-1 medications.
Managing Constipation While Using Injectable Weight Loss Medications (Semaglutide or Tirzepatide)
Constipation is one of the most common side effects people experience when starting injectable weight-loss medications such as semaglutide or tirzepatide. These medications slow down digestion and reduce appetite, meaning food moves through the gut more slowly and overall stool volume may decrease. The good news is that constipation is usually most noticeable during the dose-increase phase and often becomes more manageable once the body adjusts. With the right strategies—such as improving hydration, gradually increasing fibre intake, adding movement after meals, and using appropriate supplements or medications when needed—most people can successfully manage this side effect while continuing their treatment.