Popular GLP-1 weight-loss drugs linked to potentially deadly brain disorder

Researchers are warning about a rare but potentially life-threatening brain condition that may be linked to popular GLP-1 weight-loss medications .

A new study, published in Clinical Nutrition, identified 15 reported cases of Wernicke encephalopathy, a neurological disorder caused by severe vitamin B1 deficiency, in people taking GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Most of the reported cases involved semaglutide, sold under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, or tirzepatide, sold as Mounjaro and Zepbound.

DOCTORS REVEAL HIDDEN DANGER FOR SOME OZEMPIC, WEGOVY USERS WITH BRAIN DISORDERS Researchers found 15 cases through the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), published medical literature and their own medical center.

Most patients reported gastrointestinal symptoms or nutritional issues, including weight loss , vomiting, loss of appetite or malnutrition, the study noted.

Reports of the disorder appeared more often among people taking GLP-1 medications than among those taking other drugs, the researchers found.

They emphasized, however, that the study cannot prove the medications caused the condition.

Vitamin B1 plays an important role in brain function, the researchers said.

Severe deficiencies can cause confusion, trouble walking, balance problems and vision changes.

If left untreated, the condition can lead to permanent neurological damage or death.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES Karthik Achari, a Chicago-based clinician and founder of PepMD who was not involved in the study, said the findings should be viewed in perspective.

"Researchers went through adverse event reports and the medical literature and found a small number of cases, 15, of Wernicke encephalopathy in people taking GLP-1 drugs," Achari told Fox News Digital.

"That's out of millions of people on these medications.

So this is rare." "But it's real, it's serious, and the mechanism makes sense," he added.