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Study · Systematic review · n = 6 · 2026

4 results

Wernicke's Encephalopathy Following Semaglutide Treatment for Obesity: A Systematic PRISMA Review of Case-Based Evidence.

Bidesie J, Oudman E

Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.)3 Jul 2026Cited by 1 (Europe PMC)

PMID42399213 (opens in a new tab)PMCIDPMC13535703 (opens in a new tab)DOI10.1002/oby.70256 (opens in a new tab)PepBankPUB-42399213
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Summary

ObjectiveGlucagon-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.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Scopus according to PRISMA guidelines. Case reports were included when semaglutide was prescribed for obesity and the presentation was consistent with WE.ResultsSix cases were identified. All patients experienced prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms and substantial weight loss before neurological deterioration. Common manifestations included altered mental status and oculomotor abnormalities. Outcomes were poor in several cases, including progression to Korsakoff syndrome or death.ConclusionsClinicians should remain vigilant for thiamine deficiency in patients with persistent gastrointestinal intolerance or rapid weight loss during GLP-1 treatment, as early parenteral thiamine administration is essential to prevent irreversible neurological sequelae.
CC BYText from Europe PMC. Highlighted sentences are the source of results.

Results from this study4

4 results from studies that gave the peptide. 4 results from people.

  1. 01HumanSystematic reviewSafety outcome

    A systematic review of case reports identified six cases of Wernicke's encephalopathy after semaglutide treatment for obesity.

    In plain wordsA review of published case reports found six cases of a thiamine-deficiency brain disorder after semaglutide use for obesity.

    Peptide
    Semaglutide
    Outcome
    Not applicableWernicke's encephalopathy cases after semaglutide
    Study

    n = 6

    Outcome group
    Adverse events · Nervous system and cognition
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Six cases were identified.
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    Case reports were included when semaglutide was prescribed for obesity and the presentation was consistent with WE.
  2. 02HumanSystematic reviewSafety outcome

    In six case reports of Wernicke's encephalopathy after semaglutide, all patients had prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms and substantial weight loss before neurological deterioration.

    In plain wordsIn six reported cases, everyone had long-lasting stomach and gut symptoms and large weight loss before the brain problems began.

    Peptide
    Semaglutide
    Outcome
    Not applicableGastrointestinal symptoms and weight loss before neurological deterioration
    Study

    n = 6

    Outcome group
    Gastrointestinal adverse events · Gastrointestinal
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Source sentences

    Summary
    All patients experienced prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms and substantial weight loss before neurological deterioration.
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    Case reports were included when semaglutide was prescribed for obesity and the presentation was consistent with WE.
  3. 03HumanSystematic reviewSafety outcome

    In six case reports of Wernicke's encephalopathy after semaglutide, common manifestations were altered mental status and oculomotor abnormalities.

    In plain wordsIn six reported cases, common signs were confusion and eye movement problems.

    Peptide
    Semaglutide
    Outcome
    Not applicableClinical manifestations of Wernicke's encephalopathy
    Study

    n = 6

    Outcome group
    Adverse events · Nervous system and cognition
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Common manifestations included altered mental status and oculomotor abnormalities.
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    Case reports were included when semaglutide was prescribed for obesity and the presentation was consistent with WE.
  4. 04HumanSystematic reviewSafety outcome

    In six case reports of Wernicke's encephalopathy after semaglutide, outcomes were poor in several cases, including progression to Korsakoff syndrome or death.

    In plain wordsIn several of six reported cases, outcomes were poor, including lasting memory disorder or death.

    Peptide
    Semaglutide
    Outcome
    Not applicablePoor outcomes including Korsakoff syndrome or death
    Study

    n = 6

    Outcome group
    Mortality · Nervous system and cognition
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Outcomes were poor in several cases, including progression to Korsakoff syndrome or death.
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    Case reports were included when semaglutide was prescribed for obesity and the presentation was consistent with WE.

AI wrote and checked these results. AI can make mistakes, so check important results against the source.

Version history

PepBank keeps every version of the data on this study. Status changes from Retraction Watch, Europe PMC and Crossref are listed with their source.

  1. Version 2Current

    11 Oct 2026, 00:04 UTC

    Study results updated

  2. Version 1

    9 Oct 2026, 03:06 UTC

    First added · source update from Europe PMC

Subjects

Terms as the source lists them.

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