When it comes to treating obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic health conditions, GLP-1 agonist drugs\u2014such as Ozempic, Zepbound, and Wegovy\u2014have been a game changer for literally millions of Americans.<\/p>\n
But as with any medication, these drugs can deliver unwelcome side effects. And a recent study that just garnered a bunch of attention<\/a> raised the possibility of new ones.<\/p>\n The research<\/a>, which was presented at the 2026 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons annual meeting in March and has not yet been peer-reviewed, found a link between GLP-1 use and increased risk of bone issues, including osteoporosis<\/a> (weak, brittle bones) and osteomalacia<\/a> (soft bones). The study also found a link between GLP-1 use and heightened risk of gout<\/a>, a type of arthritis that causes pain and swelling in the joints.<\/p>\n The lead study author said he became interested in whether GLP-1s might affect bone and other connective tissue after some of his patients \u201cdeveloped serious tendon tears following relatively minor injuries,\u201d according to NBC News<\/a>. 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 \u201csignificantly increased\u201d risk of osteoporosis, osteomalacia, and gout.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n How concerning are these findings?<\/p>\n