Study Reveals Nutritional Deficiencies in Children on GLP-1 Medications

Published in Childhood Obesity, the research analyzed national administrative claims data from 2017 to 2022 involving over 100 million patients. It identified 2,031 children aged 10 to 17 who had been treated with GLP-1 medications, ensuring they had no prior nutritional deficiencies. Of these children, 16.8% were diagnosed with a deficiency within the first year of treatment.

Liraglutide was the most commonly prescribed drug, making up 78.6% of prescriptions, followed by dulaglutide at 10.4% and semaglutide at 9.1%. The study also assessed whether the children received nutritional counseling after starting treatment.

Senior author Justin Ryder, PhD, from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, highlighted the importance of nutritional support once GLP-1 treatment begins. However, only 5% of patients received nutritional counseling within 30 days, and less than 25% were counseled within six months.

Vitamin D deficiency emerged as the most prevalent issue, affecting 12.4% of the subjects after one year on GLP-1 treatment. Ryder emphasized the need to understand the risks associated with GLP-1 use during periods of rapid growth. Nutrients like vitamin D, iron, and calcium are especially crucial during adolescence, as deficiencies can affect skeletal health and overall development.

The researchers hope their findings will encourage proactive nutritional management for children prescribed GLP-1s, rather than responding reactively to deficiencies. They stress that recognizing these risks can help prevent harm during a pivotal developmental stage.

Reference: “Nutritional Deficiencies, Complications, and Nutrition Therapy/Counseling in Pediatric Patients Using GLP-1 Receptor Agonists” by Kirk W. Kerr et al., September 17, 2026, Childhood Obesity.