Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.)Jul 3, 2026

Wernicke's Encephalopathy Linked to Semaglutide Use for Obesity: A Review of Reported Cases

GLP-1 Therapies Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗OA ↗

Updated Jul 4, 2026

Abstract

Marked appetite suppression from glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists may increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies.

Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) is linked to thiamine deficiency and can lead to serious neurological consequences.
Recent reports suggest a connection between semaglutide use and cases of WE.
The study systematically reviews published cases of WE following semaglutide treatment for obesity.
Findings may indicate a need for monitoring nutritional status in patients receiving semaglutide.

Simplified

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists are increasingly prescribed for obesity. Although generally considered safe, marked appetite suppression and persistent gastrointestinal adverse effects may increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies. Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE), caused by thiamine deficiency, is a rare but potentially fatal neurological disorder that may result in irreversible cognitive impairment if not promptly recognized and treated. Recently, cases of WE associated with semaglutide use have been reported. This study aimed to systematically review published case reports of WE occurring after semaglutide treatment for obesity from an endocrinological drug safety perspective.

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Wernicke's Encephalopathy Linked to Semaglutide Use for Obesity: A Review of Reported Cases

Abstract

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