When it comes to treating obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic health conditions, GLP-1 agonist drugs–such as Ozempic, Zepbound, and Wegovy–have been a gamechanger for literally millions of Americans.
But as with any medication, these drugs can deliver unwelcome side effects. And a recent study that just garnered a bunch of attention raised the possibility of new ones.
The research, which was presented at the 2026 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons annual meeting in March and has not yet been peer-reviewed, found a link between GLP-1 use and increased risk of bone issues, including osteoporosis (weak, brittle bones) and osteomalacia (soft bones). The study also found a link between GLP-1 use and heightened risk of gout, a type of arthritis that causes pain and swelling in the joints.
The lead study author said he became interested in whether GLP-1s might affect bone and other connective tissue after some of his patients “developed serious tendon tears following relatively minor injuries,” according to NBC News. After analyzing five years of medical records from nearly 147,000 adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity, the study authors concluded that GLP-1 use was associated with a “significantly increased” risk of osteoporosis, osteomalacia, and gout.
Of course, this news is likely unsettling for anyone on these medications. But should we be legit worried about these findings? And how exactly could GLP-1s harm bone health in the first place? We tapped two experts for answers, along with practical tips for protecting bone health while taking GLP-1s.
How concerning are these findings?
First, some relieving news: As of now, there is “no sound scientific evidence” that suggests GLP-1s directly increase the risk of osteoporosis or osteomalacia,” Marci Laudenslager, MD, an obesity medicine physician with The Johns Hopkins Healthful Eating, Activity & Weight Program, tells SELF. (Same goes for gout, she adds.)
Dr. Laudenslager, who was not involved in the study, points out that it was observational in nature, meaning it looked at correlation…not causation. “While well-conducted observational studies can reveal a potential relationship between a medication and a clinical outcome, they cannot determine whether a medication directly causes that clinical outcome,” she explains.
Another limitation of the study is that it relied on medical records alone, which means it assumed that all patients who were prescribed GLP-1s, as noted in their medical records, were actually taking the drug. In reality, many patients who are prescribed GLP-1s are unable to take them because of cost or medication shortages, Dr. Laudenslager says. Moreover, people who do start taking don’t always continue due to insurance, cost, or problems tolerating the drug, she adds.
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