Could Ozempic and Other Weight Loss Drugs Reduce Bone Density? New Study Shows What Can Help
A June study published in the journal JAMA Network looks at bone mineral density concerns
Ozempic and other weight loss drugs are all the rage right now. However, some of the effects may not be the best for your health. A new study confirmed that people using these drugs may experience bone density loss, a special concern for women as we age, but, in promising news, the same study found it is possible to counteract the negative effects. Keep scrolling to learn more about the study, its results and more.
How do you measure bone mineral density?
Bone mineral density tests allow you to see how much calcium and other minerals are present in your bones. Why is this important? Bones containing more minerals are denser, so they tend to be stronger and less likely to break.
As we age our bones become less dense. Too much bone loss can result in fragile areas, ultimately leading to breakage. If the bones become too brittle, osteoporosis can develop.
Related: MDs Reveal The 6 Best Foods For Bone Health — Plus The One Drink You’d Never Expect
How are weight loss drugs connected to bone density loss?
Due to the decreased hunger and caloric restrictions, these drugs can potentially compromise bone health. Lower bone density can result in injury and if you’re looking to lose weight, it’s important to maintain healthy bones as well.
Related: What to Eat on Ozempic for Weight Loss: Expert Advice
The study, published June 25 in the journal JAMA Network, looked at bone health in three areas specifically: the hip, spine, and forearm. A group of 195 participants, 124 females and 71 males, was split into four different groups for the research that took place over one year. They ranged from 18 to 65 and were all considered to be obese based on body mass index results.
One group exercised and received a placebo, one just received a placebo, the third received Novo Nordisk’s weight loss drug liraglutide, an injection used to lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, and the last group received liraglutide and exercised.
Related: MDs Reveal The 6 Best Foods For Bone Health — Plus The One Drink You’d Never Expect
Weight loss drugs can reduce bone density
Two out of the four groups — one that exercised and received liraglutide and the one that just received liraglutide — experienced significant weight loss. However, only the group who took liraglutide alone experienced reduced hip and spine bone mineral density. Participants who added exercise to their weight loss experiences were better able to preserve their bone health. (The study also shared that “no participants received any medications for osteoporosis, and no fragility fractures were reported in any group.”)
Bottom line? Semaglutide and tirzepatide, the main ingredients in Ozempic or other weight loss drugs, can help significantly with weight loss, but they can also cause bone density loss if you’re not exercising properly.
For more studies that can benefit your health:
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This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.
