Recently, myths and misconceptions about GLP-1 drugs have increased rapidly on social media. The drugs are believed to be doing everything from ruining bones to destroying people’s sense of happiness. However, these myths aren’t entirely wrong—they just distract from the nuanced conversations we need to have about these important but miraculous treatments.
No, Ozempic is not breaking bones
The latest iteration of GLP-1 misinformation revolves around bones.
People are claiming on social media that the drugs can generally “shredding” bones, based on a misinterpretation of anecdotal, if preliminary, studies. Research presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons last month found that GLP-1 use was associated with higher rates of osteoporosis (weakening of the bones) and osteomalacia (softening of the bones).
Leaving aside the fact that this study has not yet gone through the normal peer review process, there is some very important context here. For starters, the absolute rates of osteoporosis and osteomalacia were low, even in the GLP-1 group (4.1% and 2%, respectively). And other research has suggested that these increased risks are due to people losing weight while taking GLP-1 rather than directly from the drug itself.
Even the study researchers themselves don’t call for people to give up their GLP-1s. Instead, he argues that doctors should monitor the bone health of users at high risk of these complications, because there are simple things you can do to prevent them, like taking more vitamin D and calcium or strength training. Interestingly, a separate study presented at the same conference found that the use of GLP-1 may reduce the risk of post-operative side effects in people undergoing general orthopedic surgery.
Oh, and the viral image linked to this latest scaremongering (seen above)? Don’t know where exactly this is from, but it is directly related to study.
Other types of misfortunes blamed on GLP-1s are based on even more weak evidence. For example, as Gizmodo has previously covered, there’s little data supporting that these drugs are weakening people’s muscles. When losing weight, people will lose some amount of lean body mass, no matter how it is done. And just like our bones, if you’re really concerned about it, you can take steps to minimize potential muscle loss, such as increasing protein intake.
Other zombie GLP-1 myths persist despite being refuted by most relevant research.
For example, it is true that some health agencies were concerned about an increase in suicidal tendencies among people with Wegovi soon after it came on the market in 2021. However, these agencies investigated the case more extensively and ultimately found no connection. A study published this month found that semaglutide use was actually associated with a lower risk of worsening of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders.
risks and benefits
To be clear, I am not saying that GLP-1 is all rewards and no risks.
These medications commonly cause unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects, although you can take steps to reduce them. And while scientists are constantly finding new potential health benefits of GLP-1s, they are also finding new potential risks.
Several studies have shown that, for example, GLP-1 may increase the likelihood of certain eye conditions. Although the overall risk of these eye problems appears to be very rare, it is important to know about that risk so that doctors and patients can prevent or treat them appropriately. And if history is any teacher, this probably won’t be the last unpleasant surprise we learn about GLP-1.
There really is no free lunch in the medical field. Most things that can bring positive changes to the body can sometimes have adverse effects in ways we expect and don’t expect. Even my regular jogging sometimes results in me spraining my ankle or returning home with scratches and bruises due to an accidental fall.
A medicine works when its benefits, on average, outweigh the risks for the people who need it most. So far, this has proven largely true for those taking GLP-1 therapy to treat type 2 diabetes, obesity, and perhaps someday, their substance use disorder or other types of addiction.
It is always important to understand the benefits and risks of any medical treatment and for people to decide for themselves (ideally with the help of their doctors) whether the treatment is worth pursuing. That’s hard to do when the Internet is filled with misinformation about the most popular drugs this side of Viagra. So as annoying as it is to see Ozempic immortalize memes about sucking on people’s skeletons or whatnot, it’s worth dismissing them.
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