GLP-1 therapeutics such as Ozempic and Wegovy have revolutionized treatments such as: type 2 diabetes and obesity But new research suggests that doctors may need to pay close attention to bone health, especially in older patients who are taking medications.
A study published in February in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that older adults with type 2 diabetes who started GLP-1 had an 11% higher risk of fragility fractures than those taking other diabetes medications.
Dr. Michal Kasher-Mellon, an endocrinologist at Israel’s Meir Medical Center and lead author of the study, said that while the relative increase may sound small, it has important long-term implications. People at risk.
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“Older age and type 2 diabetes are both independent risk factors for fragility fractures,” Cashier Mellon told FOX News Digital. “This is a population that requires special attention.”
Fragility fractures are fractures caused by minor falls or everyday activities, and are often associated with osteoporosis, which can lead to hospitalization, loss of independence, and even increased mortality in older adults, Casher-Mellon noted.
The study followed more than 46,000 adults aged 65 and older for nearly three years. After adjustment, GLP-1 users had a small but statistically significant increase in fracture risk.
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Previous studies in younger patients using the older GLP-1 showed no increased risk of fractures, but newer, more powerful versions are now being widely prescribed to older adults, Cashier-Mellon noted.
“Older people treated with modern medicines have a different fracture risk profile and require close attention,” she said.
However, this study was observational, meaning it showed an association but not a causal relationship. Researchers could not determine whether the risk was due to: weight loss, dietary changes, Muscle loss or direct impact on bones.
Nevertheless, Dr. Casher-Mellon says, “Bone health needs to be assessed before giving these drugs to older patients, rather than as an afterthought.”
The findings come after another study presented this month at the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons’ annual meeting raised further concerns about bone health.
With a large-scale analysis of over 146,000 obese adults The report found that GLP-1 users had a 29% higher relative risk of osteoporosis over five years compared to non-users.
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The prevalence of gout was also slightly higher, with 7.4% of GLP-1 users affected by gout compared to 6.6% of non-users, a relative increase of approximately 12%.
osteomalacia, bones become softer, Although rare, it occurs about twice as often in GLP-1 users, according to the study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed. This was also observational and only showed an association. Fox News Digital has reached out to researchers for comment.
Experts say several mechanisms may be at work. GLP-1 drugs can suppress appetite and cause rapid weight loss. Significant weight loss is known to reduce bone density because there is less mechanical load on the skeleton.
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“This is the same idea when you often hear about astronauts going up into space and being in a zero-gravity environment for long periods of time,” said lead author Dr. John Horneff, associate professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of Pennsylvania. he told NBC News. “There’s nothing left to make their bones support their weight. And many astronauts come back with low bone density.”
Additionally, lower calorie intake may also mean lower intake of calcium, vitamin D, and protein, which are important nutrients for bone strength.
Rapid weight loss can temporarily increase uric acid levels, a byproduct of tissue destruction, which may explain the rise in gout cases.
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Despite these findings, experts maintain that the results should not preclude the appropriate use of GLP-1 drugs, which have been shown to be effective in controlling blood sugar, weight loss, and reducing cardiovascular risk.
Experts say that in addition to bone density screening, patients need to have their bone density properly tested. Nutrition and strength training Helps maintain muscle and bone during weight loss.
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A spokesperson for Novo Nordisk, which makes GLP-1 drugs, said the company prioritizes patient safety, works closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and welcomes independent research on its products.
Liz Skrubkova, Novo Nordisk’s head of U.S. media relations, told Fox News Digital that the drug’s known risks and benefits are reflected in the current FDA-approved labeling. He emphasized that semaglutide has demonstrated cardiovascular, renal and hepatic benefits when used under medical supervision.
“Osteoporosis is a complex condition that develops over many years as a result of interdependent risk factors,” Skrubkova added.
Fox News Digital’s Melissa Rudy contributed reporting.
