GLP-1 Medications and Bone Health
What Should You Know?
GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic® (semaglutide), Mounjaro® (tirzepatide), and Wegovy® (semaglutide) have become increasingly popular to help people lose weight and improve blood sugar control. While these medications can provide significant metabolic benefits, researchers are now taking a closer look at how rapid weight loss and GLP-1 therapies may affect bone health. Weight loss can improve many aspects of health, but it can also impact the skeleton. As body weight decreases, bones experience less mechanical loading, which may contribute to reductions in bone mineral density (BMD) over time.
What Recent Research Found
A clinical study published in JAMA Network Open followed adults who lost weight through a low-calorie diet and then continued for one year with:
- Exercise alone
- A GLP-1 medication alone
- A GLP-1 medication combined with exercise
Researchers measured bone density at important fracture-related areas such as the hip and spine.
The findings were notable:
- People taking a GLP-1 medication without exercise lost bone density at the hip and spine
- Those who followed a structured exercise program maintained bone density while still losing weight
- The group combining exercise and a GLP-1 medication achieved the greatest weight loss while preserving bone density
Additional research studying GLP-1 therapy also found increased bone breakdown and lower bone density at the hip and spine after 52 weeks, without a corresponding increase in new bone formation.
Why This Matters
GLP-1 medications can be powerful tools for improving weight loss and metabolic health. However, emerging research suggests that bone health should not be overlooked during treatment. Because significant weight loss can impact the skeleton, it is crucial to support bone health while using GLP-1 medications through:
- Regular weight-bearing exercise
- Adequate nutrition
- Monitoring bone density when appropriate.
