Nutrition is the missing variable in obesity care
Deficiencies appear before weight loss begins and persist across every treatment pathway
People living with obesity frequently present with chronic micronutrient deficiencies driven by diet quality, altered pharmacokinetics, and medication use.
GLP-1 therapies and bariatric surgery introduce further risk, yet nutritional status remains routinely unmonitored.
Micronutrient gaps shape outcomes throughout the care journey
Individuals with obesity are at increased risk of deficiencies in vitamin D, folic acid, and iron – even before any intervention begins. Factors including lower diet quality, altered pharmacokinetics, and prolonged medication use all contribute. These gaps affect energy regulation, immune function, and long-term metabolic health. Three studies that build the case.
Three steps to close the nutritional gap
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Screen early. Assess micronutrient status at the start of the care journey – deficiencies are often present before any intervention begins.
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Personalise supplementation. Tailor supplementation to the individual, their pathway, and stage of care – before, during, and after intervention.
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Monitor beyond weight. Nutritional markers deserve the same routine attention as weight and glucose. Ongoing monitoring catches gaps before they affect outcomes.
The evidence is clear, here’s what to do next
Download the research, stay informed, or talk to a specialist about what this means for your patients.
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