Summary
- Public health data shows a correlation between obesity and iron deficiency
- Certain biological mechanisms may link iron deficiency to weight gain
- Treating iron deficiency has been shown to lead to weight loss
- Taking GLP-1 inhibitors can lead to iron and vitamin deficiency
- Smart Eats offers iron-rich drinks that can support weight loss goals
Rates of Iron Deficiency are Correlated with Obesity
An analysis of health data from nearly 40,000 individuals found that compared to the control population, the overweight population had lower iron levels and a significantly increased risk of iron deficiency. A similar analysis of nearly 10,000 children and adolescents found that rates of iron deficiency increased with BMI. Overweight children were about twice as likely to be iron-deficiency compared to those who were not overweight.
the overweight population had lower iron levels and a significantly increased risk of iron deficiency
This correlation does not necessarily mean that low iron levels cause obesity. For example, a poor diet can cause obesity and iron deficiency. Even so, there are biological mechanisms relating iron deficiency and obesity. Through these mechanisms, it is possible that iron deficiency contributes to weight gain, or vice versa.
Iron Deficiency can Disrupt Thyroid Function, Possibly Contributing to Obesity
A review of ten studies, encompassing nearly 4,400 patients and over 23,000 controls, showed that iron deficiency affects thyroid function, particularly to reduce levels of a hormone called free thyroxine (FT4). While there's a complicated relationship between thyroid function and weight, at least two large studies have found that FT4 levels are inversely correlated with BMI.
iron deficiency may cause weight gain through disrupted thyroid function
These findings indicate that iron deficiency may cause weight gain through disrupted thyroid function. Low FT4 levels due to iron deficiency can indicate hypothyroidism, which can slow metabolism and cause weight gain.
Inflammation Links Iron Deficiency and Obesity
"Anti-inflammatory" is an emerging health trend, for good reason. Obesity can cause chronic inflammation, increasing hepcidin levels. Hepcidin is a hormone that causes iron absorption to be reduced. Accordingly, the chronic inflammation associated with obesity has been shown to be a contributing factor to iron deficiency.
However, the inverse effect has not been observed. In other words, while being iron deficient can cause chronically low levels of hepcidin (to try and promote iron absorption), there is no research we've found suggesting that low hepcidin can in turn contribute to obesity.
Iron Supplements Can Cause Weight Loss
With the interplay between iron levels and weight, many people wonder whether iron supplements can cause weight gain. While message boards may give anecdotal evidence that it can, research shows the opposite. Treating iron deficiency has been shown to result in weight loss. Testing in mice found that iron supplementation promoted cellular metabolism and reduced weight gain.
Treating iron deficiency has been shown to result in weight loss
GLP-1 Inhibitors can Cause Iron/Vitamin Deficiency
Despite their remarkable effects, there are some precautious to keep in mind when taking GLP-1 inhibitors (like Ozempic or Wegovy), especially around iron and vitamin levels. With drastically reduced food intake, patients can be at risk to develop iron/vitamin deficiencies. Moreover, one study found that semaglutide injections reduced iron absorption in diabetic patients.
semaglutide injections reduced iron absorption
Smart Eats Powders can Improve Iron Levels and Support Weight Loss Goals
All this information demonstrates how iron levels and weight can be managed together. Smart Eats is here to help with an assortment of powders that provide calorie-efficient or low-calorie solutions for improving iron levels.
Our Iron Lift protein powders are a way to replace snacks with a nutritionally balanced treat including iron and vitamins.
Our Iron Hydration electrolyte powders make tasty, low-calorie drinks that support your daily intake of iron and electrolytes.
Our Iron Shot iron/multivitamin powder is a zero-calorie, no-frills solution for improving iron and vitamin levels.
