Each drug has its advantages and disadvantages, including blockbuster weight loss drugs like semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic) and other GLP-1s. However, according to what the Internet says, LPG-1s are basically rotting users from the inside out.
Myths and misconceptions about GLP-1 drugs have grown rampant on social media lately. Drugs are supposed to do everything from wear down bones to destroy people’s sense of joy. However, these myths are not completely wrong: they are a distraction from the nuanced conversations we should be having about these important but far from miraculous therapies.
No, Ozempic is not crushing bones.
The latest version of GLP-1 misinformation revolves around bones.
people are claiming on social media that medications can commonly “shred” bone, based on a misinterpretation of a real, albeit preliminary, study. The research, 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 bones) and osteomalacia (softening of bones).
Leaving aside that this study has not yet gone through the typical peer review process, there is some very important context here. To begin with, 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 the increased risks come from the weight people lose while taking GLP-1, and not from the drug directly.
Even the study’s own researchers do not recommend that people give up their GLP-1. Instead, they argue that doctors should monitor the bone health of users most at risk for these complications, since there are easy things that can be done to proactively prevent them, such as 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 could reduce the risk of postoperative side effects in people undergoing common orthopedic surgeries.
Oh, and the viral image attached to this latest scaremongering (seen above)? I have no idea where it really comes from, but it has nothing to do with the studio.
Other types of misfortunes attributed to GLP-1 are based on even weaker evidence. As Gizmodo has done covered beforeFor example, there is very little data to support that these medications are weakening people’s muscles. People will lose some lean body mass when losing weight, no matter how it is done. And just like with our bones, you can take steps to mitigate potential muscle loss if you’re really concerned, such as increasing your protein intake.
Other myths about zombie GLP-1 persist even though the most relevant research has refuted it.
It’s true, for example, that some health agencies were concerned that Wegovy would increase people’s suicidal ideation shortly after its market launch in 2021. However, these agencies investigated the matter more thoroughly and ultimately found offline. a study published Just this month it was 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 the one saying that GLP-1s are all reward and no risk.
These medications often cause unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects, although steps can be taken to mitigate them. And while scientists are constantly finding new potential health benefits of GLP-1, they are also finding new possible risks.
Several studies have shown that GLP-1 can increase the chances of suffering from certain eye conditions, for example. While the overall risk of these eye problems appears to be very rareIt remains vital to know this risk so that doctors and patients can prevent or treat it appropriately. And this might not be the last unpleasant surprise we learn about GLP-1, if history is any guide.
There really is nothing free in medicine. Almost anything that can positively change the body can sometimes backfire in ways we expect and don’t expect. Even my regular jogs have occasionally resulted in a sprained ankle or a return home with scratches and bruises from an accidental fall.
A drug works when, on average, its benefits outweigh its risks for the people who need it most. So far, that has shown abundantly true for those taking GLP-1 therapy to treat their type 2 diabetes, obesity, and perhaps one day, their substance use disorder or another form of addiction.
It is always important to understand the benefits and risks of any medical treatment and for people (ideally with the help of their doctors) to decide for themselves whether the former is worth undertaking the latter. That’s harder to do when the Internet is rife with misinformation about the most well-known medications on the Viagra side. So as annoying as it is to see eternal memes about Ozempic sucking people’s skeletons or whatnot, it’s worth debunking them.
