Weight loss jab warning as physician reveals ‘hidden’ aspect impact that might affect your bones
A TikTok doctor says popular weight loss jabs like Ozempic and Wegovy may impact your bone density due to the rapid weight loss
A medic has sounded the alarm for people taking weight loss jabs(Image: Олег Буянов via Getty Images)
A medic has sounded the alarm for people taking weight loss jabs, warning they could result in decreased bone density. The medications, known as GLP-1 inhibitors, work by harnessing GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), a hormone manufactured in the intestines that assists in controlling blood sugar and hunger.
The appeal of GLP-1 inhibitors has skyrocketed dramatically in recent years, due to their success in controlling blood glucose levels in diabetic people and supporting weight reduction. Administered via injection, some of these treatments can be prescribed via the NHS for qualifying patients.
However, like all medications, they may cause adverse reactions. Discussing the topic on TikTok, Doctor Karan Rajan provided additional insight into the issue.
Dr Rajan, commonly recognised as Dr Raj, said: “If you’re on a GLP-1, you can lose bone density.” He was swift to emphasise, though, that this may happen with any type of weight reduction.
He said: “But any weight loss can cause that. There’s no plausible biological mechanism by which semaglutide, tirzepatide, or any GLP-1 medication directly contributes to bone loss or activates osteoclasts, the cells that break down bone, or blocks osteoblasts, the cells that build bone.
“GLP-1 receptors exist in bone tissue. And in pre-clinical studies, GP-1s appear to have neutral or even protective benefits.” Shedding pounds “very quickly” through any method can impact your bones, he warned.
He added: “Rapid weight loss from any cause can lead to a greater bone density loss. When you lose weight very quickly, you lose fat and lean mass, and that includes muscle.
“And your bones adapt to the mechanical load placed on them. Less body weight equals less load, which equals a reduced stimulus for bone maintenance.”
Consequently, bone density decline can happen after bariatric surgery and extreme dieting, as well as GLP-1s “if you don’t build the lifestyle foundational habits”.
He cited a scientific study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2024, which examined patients taking tirzepatide, one type of GLP-1 inhibitor, over 72 weeks.
Dr Raj said: “They found small decreases in bone mineral density, around one to two per cent at the hip, but this is consistent with what we see in equivalent weight loss with any method. The weight loss, not the drug itself, explains the bone changes.”
There are still measures you can take to safeguard your bone health. Dr Raj said: “But you can protect your bones on any weight loss period, including GLP-1s. Lift weights to put mechanical load on the bones.
“The mechanical load stimulates osteoblasts through mechanotransduction. Aim for adequate protein on a calorie deficit, around 1.6 grams per kilo. Protein supports the muscle and bone matrix.
“Impact stimulus, like walking, jumping, running. And try to avoid losing more than one per cent of your body weight per week.” He continued: “Slower weight loss preserves muscle and bone.” The guidance was supported by the results of the previously mentioned research.
The study’s researchers said: “These findings suggest that the addition of exercise to glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist treatment is an effective weight loss strategy while preserving bone health.”
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