A new study has shed light on possible side effects of GLP-1 drugs, including Wegovy and Ozempic.
GLP-1 weight loss drugs likely increase the risk of osteoporosis and gout in people, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.
Dr. John Horneff, an associate professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of Pennsylvania and lead author of the study, said the potential side effects of GLP-1 drugs came to light when some patients developed serious tendon tears after relatively minor injuries.
When the researchers analyzed more deeply, they hypothesized that GLP-1 could be responsible for damaging bones and other connective tissues.
“People are taking these medications, and there’s obviously a tremendous amount of benefit to them. But with that they start to reduce their food and nutrient intake,” Horneff said.
The study compared GLP-1 users with non-users over a five-year period and found that approximately 4 percent of GLP-1 users developed osteoporosis compared to 3 percent of non-users, demonstrating a 30 percent increased risk.
The rare bone condition known as Osteomalacia was also twice as common in GLP-1 users.
GLP-1 users also developed gout conditions at a rate of 7.4 percent, compared to 6.6 percent of non-users.
Horneff said, “It’s not huge. But within the data that went into it, you actually saw almost a doubling of the risk of having a bone mineral density problem after five years.”
He presented two theories to justify the connection. One possibility could be a nutritional deficiency, as GLP-1 suppresses appetite, so patients may not be taking enough supplements to support bone health.
Second, a skeleton that suddenly carries much less weight, like astronauts in zero gravity, can no longer maintain its density due to the reduced mechanical load.
To explain the reasons for gout, Horneff said a rapid weight loss can cause a temporary spike in uric acid, increasing the risk of gout.
Horneff also emphasized conducting more research to prove the veracity of the results from observational studies and to explain the link between weight loss and reduced bone density.
