Overgewicht Nederland, WeightWorks, and FitForMe have a launched a study, under the leadership of Dr. Edo Aarts, the first European clinical trial into the effectiveness of multivitamins in patients using GLP-1 medication. GLP-1 medication - medical injections used to support weight loss - stimulates insulin production and lowers blood sugar levels. This reduces appetite, accelerates the onset of satiety, and prolongs that feeling.

Expected increased risk of deficiencies

It is anticipated that reduced food intake and rapid weight loss associated with GLP-1 medication will increase the risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Standard multivitamins are known to be insufficiently dosed - often at 100% RDA - to provide adequate nutritional support during GLP-1 use. These deficiencies can undermine the effectiveness of GLP-1 treatment and disrupt hormonal values, potentially leading to fatigue, muscle loss, hair loss, and other health risks.

Research into vitamin and mineral supplementation during GLP-1 use

Overgewicht Nederland, an obesity treatment provider, WeightWorks, a specialist clinic for bariatric surgery, and FitForMe, European market leader in tailored supplements for obesity patients, have jointly launched the first European study to determine whether GLP-1 patients benefit from the use of multivitamin supplements. The study is led by Dr. Edo Aarts, bariatric surgeon, specialist in the care of people with obesity, and co-founder of Overgewicht Nederland and WeightWorks.

"GLP-1 medication has grown into a widely used tool for weight loss in recent years. Our goal with this study is to contribute to treatment outcomes and quality of life for all patients by combining medical guidance with personalised nutritional support," said Aarts.

Study design

A total of 246 clients of Overgewicht Nederland will participate in the study, which will run for fifteen months, during which participants take supplements for twelve months. All participants use the GLP-1 medication Mounjaro. Half will receive a daily supplement containing twenty vitamins and minerals, several of which are high-dosed based on scientific insights, including vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, and folic acid. The other half will receive a placebo supplement.

The study begins with a baseline measurement, during which participants' health is assessed using a range of measurements and comprehensive blood tests. From this point, participants receive a daily injection of GLP-1 medication Mounjaro. Three months after starting medication, a second measurement will be conducted to determine the effects of the medication on vitamin and mineral levels. At this consultation, participants will receive the (placebo) supplement to take for twelve months.

Throughout the study period, body weight is recorded weekly, and participants complete questionnaires at regular intervals. After twelve months, a final measurement will take place to map the effects of the study.

Participants are treated by Overgewicht Nederland, with support from WeightWorks. Supplements are provided by FitForMe, who also funds the study.

If it is found that GLP-1 patients benefit from taking multivitamin supplements, the placebo group will receive these free of charge for one year following the end of the study, provided they have completed the trial.