Micronutrient Deficiencies in Obesity
People with obesity can still lack important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, iron, and vitamin B12.
Plain English
Patient-Friendly Explanation
People with obesity can still lack important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, iron, and vitamin B12. This happens because of poor food choices, inflammation, and changes in how the body handles nutrients. Checking and correcting these deficiencies is an important part of safe, sustainable weight loss.
Medical
Clinical Definition
Micronutrient deficiencies are common in obesity despite excess caloric intake, frequently affecting vitamin D, iron, vitamin B12, folate, and zinc. Contributing mechanisms include poor dietary quality, chronic low-grade inflammation, and adipokine-mediated alterations in nutrient metabolism. Deficiencies can impair energy metabolism, thyroid function, and immune response, and may be exacerbated by bariatric surgery and very low-calorie diets, making routine screening and targeted supplementation essential before and during weight loss interventions.
Key Insight
Why It Matters
Before starting any weight loss plan, Accord checks key nutrient levels so that deficiencies are corrected early, keeping energy, thyroid function, and metabolism working properly while you lose weight.
Sources
Reviewed against standard medical references.
Medically reviewed by
Family Physician & Registered Acupuncturist, Accord Medical Clinic. MBBS (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Acupuncture (Singapore College of TCM).
Last reviewed: August 2026
This page is general health education, not medical advice. Whether any treatment is appropriate for you is a decision made in consultation after assessment.