Weight Loss Drugs: A Double-Edged Sword

You've probably heard about new weight loss drugs that use hormones from your gut to help you feel full. Medications like semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) are making waves, but they come with a catch. These drugs might be helping you shed pounds, but they could also be weakening your bones and muscles. Let's dive in and see why. When you lose weight using these drugs, not all of it comes from fat. Up to a third of the lost weight can be muscle and bone mass. That's not great news because muscles and bones are crucial for your health. Muscles help control your blood sugar and prevent diabetes, while bones keep you active and reduce the risk of fractures. So, why does this happen? Scientists think it's because weight loss speeds up muscle protein breakdown and reduces the stress on your bones. This means your muscles get broken down faster than they can be rebuilt, and your bones don't get the workout they need to stay strong. To make the most of these drugs without hurting your bones and muscles, you need to make some changes. Eat more protein to keep your muscles strong. Do some resistance training to keep your bones healthy. Even simple things like taking the stairs or walking more can help. Regular check-ups can also give you a heads-up on any changes in your body composition. The future of these drugs is still uncertain. While they help with weight loss, we don't know yet how they'll affect your bones and muscles in the long run. For now, the best approach is to combine these medications with a balanced lifestyle.