Each drug comes with its own trade-offs, including blockbuster weight loss drugs like semaglutide (Ozempic’s active ingredient) and other GLP-1. To hear the internet tell it, GLP-1s basically turn users inside out.
There are myths and misconceptions about GLP-1 drugs raged on social media lately. Drugs are believed to do everything from making people lose their bones to destroying their sense of joy. These myths aren’t entirely wrong, though—they distract us from having nuanced conversations about these important but far from miraculous cures.
No, Ozempic does not break down bones
The latest iteration of GLP-1 misinformation revolves around bones.
There are people claims on social media that drugs can generally “disintegrate” bone, based on a misreading of an original, genuine study. A study presented last month at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, found that GLP-1 use was associated with higher rates of osteoporosis (weakening of the bones) and osteomalacia (softening of the bones).
Aside from the fact that this research has not yet gone through the typical peer review process, there is some very important context here. For starters, the absolute rates of osteoporosis and osteomalacia were lower even in the GLP-1 group (4.1% and 2%, respectively). And there are other studies he suggested These increased risks are not directly caused by the drug itself, but by the weight people lose while taking GLP-1.
Even the researchers themselves are not urging people to give up GLP-1. Instead, they argue, doctors should monitor the bone health of users at high risk of these complications because there are easy things to prevent them, like taking more vitamin D and calcium or strength training. Interestingly, a separate study presented at the same conference found that GLP-1 use may reduce the risk of postoperative side effects in people undergoing general orthopedic surgery.
Oh, and this latest viral scare-mongering image (seen above)? I have no idea where this actually came from, but squatting has something to do with research.
Other types of ill health blamed on GLP-1 are based on even weaker evidence. As does Gizmodo covered beforefor example, there is little evidence that these drugs weaken muscles in people. Regardless of how it’s done, people will lose some lean body mass when losing weight. As with our bones, if you’re really concerned about increasing your protein intake, you can take steps to reduce potential muscle loss.
Other zombie GLP-1 myths persist, despite most studies disproving them.
It’s true, for example, that some health agencies were concerned that Wegovy might increase suicidal thoughts in people shortly after its release in 2021. However, these bodies investigated the issue more broadly and ultimately. found no connection. A study has been published just this month found that semaglutide use was actually associated with a lower risk of worsening depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.
Risks and benefits
To be clear, I’m not saying that GLP-1s are all rewards and no risks.
These drugs often cause unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects, although you can take steps to reduce them. While scientists are constantly discovering new potential health benefits of GLP-1s, they are also discovering new possible risks.
Several studies have shown that GLP-1 may increase the likelihood of certain eye diseases, for example. This seems to be a common risk of eye problems very rareit is still important to know about this risk so that doctors and patients can prevent it or treat it appropriately. And if history is any teacher, it may not be the last unpleasant surprise we learn about GLP-1.
There really is no free lunch in medicine. Anything that can change the body in a positive way can sometimes backfire in ways we don’t expect. Even my regular runs would occasionally result in me spraining my ankle or coming home with scrapes and bruises after an accidental fall.
A drug works when the benefits outweigh the risks, on average, for the people who need it most. He has proved it so far very true for those receiving GLP-1 therapy to treat type 2 diabetes, obesity, and perhaps someday their substance use disorder or other forms of addiction.
It is always important to understand the benefits and risks of any medical treatment and for people to decide (ideally with the help of their doctor) whether the former is superior to the latter. That’s even harder to do when the Internet is full of misinformation about the most popular drugs this side of Viagra. As annoying as it is to see Ozempic’s immortal memories of him sucking people’s skeletons or something, it’s worth exposing them.
