People using the popular weight loss injections including Ozempic and Wegovy could be more at risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures after new research showed that up to 40% of the weight lost comes from muscle and bone mass.
It is estimated that around 500,000 people in the UK are now taking the GLP-1 agonists, which work by mimicking a hormone to suppress appetite and can help people lose up to 20% of their body weight.
However, new research from the University of Liverpool has revealed the effect the medication may have on vital muscle and bone mass, with the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) warning that people on the drugs could be more at risk of osteoporosis, which causes brittle bones.
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In addition, muscle loss can affect joint stability and reduce strength.
Julia Thomson, a specialist nurse with the ROS, said: “This is an emerging field of research and people need to be warned that using these drugs increases the risk of losing bone and muscle as well as fat.
“Bone and muscle health is key to preventing the risk of falling and fractures which can lead to premature death or else have a devastating effect on people’s ability to live independently.”
Dr Taher Mahmud, founder of the London Osteoporosis Clinic, commented: “It is essential that those taking GLP-1 agonists know about the importance of good nutrition and weight-bearing exercise.”
Older people and women may be particularly at risk, experts say. Women face a greater risk of developing osteoporosis, particularly after menopause when oestrogen levels drop, which accelerates bone loss.
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Professor Carl Heneghan, director of Oxford University’s Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, said: “Any drug that reduces muscle mass and bone density is a bad idea for people who are frail and those vulnerable to fractures with osteoporosis.
“The evidence is clear – these drugs carry significant risks and the longer a patient stays on them, the greater the risk.”
Professor Heneghan said than instead of medicating as a “quick fix” to obesity, the focus should instead be on preventing the condition.
