Robbie Williams Opens Up About Battling Scurvy

Robbie Williams opens up about a surprising health scare — scurvy, a disease once common among 17th-century sailors. Find out how it happened and what led to the rare diagnosis.

Pop superstar Robbie Williams has made a surprising health confession: he recently contracted scurvy, a disease once common among 17th-century sailors and pirates. In an interview with The Mirror last week, the 51-year-old singer — known for hits like Angels and Feel, and for his past performances in Israel — revealed that while using a weight-loss drug similar to Ozempic, he developed a severe Vitamin C deficiency, ultimately leading to the rare diagnosis. “I’d stopped eating and I wasn’t getting nutrients,” Williams shared. “A 17th-century pirate disease.” Extreme Dieting and Mental Health Struggles Williams explained that he had lost over 12 kilograms, but at the cost of his physical and mental well-being. He was not only facing nutritional deficiencies, but also battling body dysmorphia — a mental health condition where a person becomes obsessively focused on perceived flaws in their appearance. “With body dysmorphia, when people say they’re worried about how you’re looking, you’re like: ‘I’ve achieved it.’ When people say: ‘we’re worried you’re too thin,’ that goes into my head as ‘jackpot. I’ve reached the promised land,’” he said. This period also triggered a return of depression and anxiety, something he hadn’t experienced in over a decade. “The year started with some ill mental health, which I haven’t had for a very, very long time,” he said. “I was sad, I was anxious, I was depressed. I thought this was the end of my story… So for it to return was just confusing.” Fortunately, Williams said he's now feeling better and is looking forward to returning to the stage for his European tour this May.  

What Is Scurvy? Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Scurvy may sound like an outdated illness from history books or pirate stories, but it's a real condition that can still affect people today. While it's rare in developed countries, scurvy hasn’t vanished — and recent years have seen a surprising resurgence in some populations. So what exactly is scurvy, and why is it still around?

What Is Scurvy?

Scurvy is a disease that results from a severe deficiency of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in the diet. Vitamin C is essential for the growth, development, and repair of all body tissues. It plays a key role in: Collagen production (important for healthy skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels)

• Wound healing
• Iron absorption
• Immune system function
• Maintenance of bones and teeth

When the body doesn’t get enough Vitamin C over a period of weeks or months, it starts to break down — leading to the symptoms associated with scurvy.

What Causes Scurvy?

Scurvy is caused by long-term Vitamin C deficiency. Since the human body can't produce or store Vitamin C, it's crucial to consume it regularly through food or supplements.

Risk Factors Include:

1. Poor diet: Especially one low in fruits and vegetables
2. Fad diets or extreme weight loss regimes
3. Alcohol or drug dependency
4. Eating disorders (e.g. anorexia or ARFID)
5. Mental health conditions that affect eating habits
6. Chronic illnesses like cancer or gastrointestinal diseases
7. Elderly individuals who may have reduced appetite or difficulty preparing fresh meals
8. Smoking, which reduces the body's ability to absorb Vitamin C
9. Children with restrictive eating behaviors, especially autism-linked food selectivity

Signs & Symptoms of Scurvy

Scurvy develops gradually, often over a period of one to three months without adequate Vitamin C.

Early Symptoms:

1. Fatigue or weakness
2. Loss of appetite
3. Irritability
4. Joint and muscle aches
5. Feeling generally unwell
6. Later Symptoms (if untreated):
7. Swollen, bleeding gums
8. Loose teeth
9. Easy bruising and bleeding (due to fragile blood vessels)
10. Tiny red or blue spots on the skin (usually on the legs or feet)
11. Dry, scaly skin
12. Slow wound healing
13. Anemia
14. Depression or mood changes

If left untreated, scurvy can lead to severe complications, including infections and, in rare cases, death.

How Is Scurvy Diagnosed?

A healthcare provider may suspect scurvy based on symptoms, diet history, and physical exam. Diagnosis can be confirmed with a blood test that measures Vitamin C levels. In some cases, additional tests may be done to check for anemia or other deficiencies.

Treatment for Scurvy

The good news? Scurvy is easily treatable. Standard Treatment Includes: Oral Vitamin C supplements – typically 100–500 mg per day for 1–2 weeks Dietary changes to include more Vitamin C-rich foods Symptoms often begin to improve within 24 to 48 hours, with full recovery typically in 1 to 2 weeks. Best Sources of Vitamin C Vitamin C is found naturally in many fruits and vegetables. Here are some of the richest sources:

• Oranges and orange juice
• Strawberries
• Kiwis
• Bell peppers
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Tomatoes
• Pineapple
• Mango
• Kale and spinach

Cooking can reduce Vitamin C content, so it’s ideal to eat some fruits and vegetables raw or lightly cooked.

Is Scurvy Making a Comeback?

While still rare, modern cases of scurvy have been documented in countries like the UK, USA, and Australia. Doctors have reported an increase, especially among: People experiencing poverty and food insecurity Those on highly processed or restricted diets Individuals using appetite-suppressing medications A 2020 article in BMJ Case Reports emphasized this growing concern and highlighted the need for better nutritional awareness, even in wealthy nations.

Can Scurvy Be Prevented?

Yes — and prevention is simple. Ensure a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, and be mindful of signs that may point to nutritional deficiencies. For people with dietary restrictions, medical conditions, or those taking medications that reduce appetite (like weight-loss injections), it’s important to consult a healthcare provider or dietitian to monitor nutrition and supplement when necessary.

A Disease on the Rise?

While scurvy may sound like a relic of the past, recent medical reports suggest it's making a quiet comeback. A BMJ Case Reports article noted an uptick in scurvy cases over the last decade, especially in Western countries. Contributing factors include the rise in ultra-processed diets, food insecurity, and poor nutrition caused by economic hardship — all of which have been worsened by the cost of living crisis.

Looking Ahead

Despite the health setbacks, Robbie Williams said he’s now in a better place, both physically and mentally. With the worst behind him, he’s gearing up for his European tour in May, signaling a hopeful new chapter in his journey.