High on Health: A Shot Could End Obesity – But at What Cost?

Losing muscle and bone mass can have serious consequences.

As MAHA sweeps the nation, people are taking a closer look at their weight. Obesity is a big problem in the US and around the world. For many, diet and exercise just don’t seem to be enough anymore, and overweight people are looking for better ways to lose extra pounds. Weight loss drugs, such as Wegovy and Ozempic, have grown popular and brought some great results. Studies have shown people have lost up to 20% of their weight with these injections. However, new research warns of the dangers associated with these drugs, such as an increased risk of osteoporosis.

Obesity on the Rise, but Treatment May Be Harmful

Research published in JAMA Network Open found that GLP-1 receptor agonists, a type of medication that includes semaglutide and is present in drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy, are linked to a loss of bone density. Researchers followed 195 obese adults for one year after putting them on a low-calorie diet. Some participants were given a placebo; others were given GLP-1. Participants were further divided by exercise. The results showed that those taking the GLP-1 receptor agonist had reduced hip and spine bone mineral density. Increased exercise, however, reduced the severity of that density loss.

Still, the bone loss can be significant. As the Daily Mail explained, “The Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) has expressed concern over research showing that up to 40 per cent of the weight people lose by using injections of GLP-1 agonists – such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro – comes from their vital muscle and bone mass.”

Julia Thomson, a specialist nurse with ROS, told the Sunday Express, “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.”

According to the National Library of Medicine, there are about 1.5 million osteoporotic fractures each year in the US. These lead to “more than half a million hospitalizations, over 800,000 emergency room encounters, more than 2,600,000 physician office visits, and the placement of nearly 180,000 individuals into nursing homes. Hip fractures are by far the most devastating type of fracture, accounting for about 300,000 hospitalizations each year.”

From August 2021 to August 2023, 40.3% of adults were obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Lancet predicts nearly 260 million people in the US will be overweight or obese by 2050. Dr. Paul Mason, a weight loss expert, warned in a recent interview with GB News that he expects a “tsunami of osteoporosis” because of the weight loss shots.

Weight Loss Shots Damage More Than Muscle and Bone

Morgan Stanley Research estimates that around 7% of the US population will take GLP-1 drugs by 2035, which will likely have an impact on the food industry. As Liberty Nation News reported, mini meals are the new trend in restaurants: small portions for people watching their waistlines and taking weight loss shots to reduce their appetites.

Manufacturers of items such as baked goods and salty snacks “will be among the first casualties of widespread GLP-1 usage for weight loss,” Definitive Health Care explained. In fact, sales for these products could drop by 3% by 2035, while weight-loss foods may rise.

Furthermore, the outlet reported that more than 60% of people taking the drugs drank less sugary drinks and alcohol, and one in four quit alcohol entirely while getting the shots. Fast food and pizza are also suffering a loss of customers.

The Good News

All is not lost. Even though these weight loss drugs increase the risk of osteoporosis, there are ways to lessen the dangers. Losing pounds, whether through GLP-1 or traditional dieting, has the potential to erode muscle and bone mass, with the former having a higher impact. Doctors strongly suggest adding exercise to any weight loss program. Albert Matheny, RD, CSCS, co-founder of SoHo Strength Lab, told Women’s Health that resistance training is one way to combat bone loss. “This puts stress on your bones, which ultimately creates stronger, denser bones.” He added that weight-bearing exercises, such as walking and running, can also build bone density. Ultimately, risks are associated with any medical treatment. It’s always a balancing act between those risks and the potential rewards, so any new weight loss plan should follow a talk with your physician.