Weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, known as GLP-1 agonists, are becoming a popular tool for managing weight. They work by mimicking a gut hormone that signals fullness to the brain, thereby helping to suppress appetite and leading to significant weight loss. While effective, this rapid change and reduced food intake can create a nutritional challenge. It begs an important question: Is your standard daily multivitamin enough to keep you healthy?

Many people assume any multivitamin will do the job, but the reality is more complex. When you’re eating less and losing weight quickly, your body’s demand for specific nutrients can increase just as your intake decreases.

Let’s explore the nutritional gap created by GLP-1 medications and why a specialised supplement might be the key to supporting your long-term health.

The GLP-1 Nutritional Gap

Rapid weight loss, regardless of the method, puts your body under stress. Reduced appetite means you’re consuming fewer calories, and therefore, fewer essential vitamins and minerals. This can lead to deficiencies that affect everything from your energy levels to your bone density. For those on GLP-1 medications, specific nutrients are particularly at risk.

Here are some of the key vitamins and minerals you need to keep an eye on:

Vitamin D: Crucial for bone health and immune function, Vitamin D is fat-soluble. As you lose weight and reduce your intake of fortified foods, such as dairy, your levels can drop.

Vitamin B12: Essential for nerve function and creating red blood cells, B12 is primarily found in animal products. Eating smaller portions can easily lead to a shortfall, causing fatigue and brain fog.

Iron: This mineral is vital for transporting oxygen in your blood. A lack of iron, common during rapid weight loss, results in anaemia, leaving you feeling weak and breathless.

Calcium: Your body needs calcium to maintain strong bones, and if it doesn’t get enough from your diet, it will take it from your skeleton. Reduced intake of dairy and other calcium-rich foods makes supplementation essential.

Failing to address these gaps can undermine your weight loss success and impact your overall health. That’s why simply taking any multivitamin might not be enough to provide the support your body truly needs.

Standard Multivitamin Analysis: Why Generic Isn’t Always Better

The multivitamin you grab from the supermarket shelf might be sufficient, but these products are designed for the average person with a standard diet. They are not formulated to meet the heightened needs of someone experiencing rapid weight loss.

There are three main limitations to generic multivitamins:

Inadequate Dosages: A standard multivitamin provides the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI), which is the minimum amount needed to prevent deficiency in a typical adult. However, individuals on GLP-1 medications often require higher levels of nutrients, such as B12 and iron, to compensate for reduced absorption and intake.

Poor Bioavailability: It’s not just about the amount of a nutrient, but also its form. For instance, many generic supplements use calcium carbonate because it’s cheap.

Incomplete formulation: Most over-the-counter (OTC) and generic multivitamins fall short when it comes to providing a truly comprehensive nutrient profile. Many of these products assume that individuals will obtain trace amounts of specific vitamins and minerals through their regular diet, leading to the exclusion of key nutrients from their formulations. This is a critical distinction between generic multivitamins and specialised options. A high-quality multivitamin should contain around 22 essential ingredients, whereas most generic options include only about 12. Key nutrients that should be included are iodine, copper, zinc, magnesium, riboflavin, nicotinamide, vitamins B5, D3, and K, as well as biotin, chromium, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, and others.

When your body is already in a vulnerable state, using a supplement that isn’t optimised for absorption means you might not be getting the benefits you paid for.

The Bariatric Solution: A Smarter Choice for GLP-1 Users

So, if a standard multivitamin falls short, what is the answer? The solution can be found in a field that has been managing nutritional needs during weight loss for decades – bariatric surgery.

Bariatric-specific multivitamins are the gold standard for individuals undergoing significant weight loss, including those using GLP-1. These supplements are not just stronger; they are smarter. They are professionally formulated to address the exact challenges of a body with reduced nutrient absorption.

Here’s why they are the ideal choice:

• They contain higher concentrations of key at-risk nutrients like iron, B12, and Vitamin D.
• They utilise superior forms of minerals, such as calcium citrate, to ensure your body can effectively absorb and utilise them.
• Navigating a complex supplement routine can be challenging. Products like our Just One Lite multivitamin are designed to provide everything you need in a single, easy-to-swallow daily tablet, making your path to better health simpler.

Choosing a bariatric-grade multivitamin provides peace of mind, knowing you are giving your body the high-quality support it needs to thrive during your weight loss journey.

Take Control of Your Nutritional Health

Using GLP-1 medications can be a life-changing step towards achieving your weight loss goals. However, protecting your underlying health is just as important. A standard multivitamin is simply not designed to fill the nutritional gaps created by rapid weight loss and reduced food intake.

By choosing a specialised, bariatric-grade supplement, you ensure your body receives the high-potency, easily absorbed nutrients it needs to maintain energy, preserve bone density, and support overall wellness. Don’t let preventable deficiencies stand in the way of your success.

Explore our Australian-made, bariatric-grade multivitamins today and discover the difference a specialised formula can make.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the TGA or a Bariatric specialist. The information provided is not intended to replace medical advice provided by a Medical professional. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.