GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy have transformed treatment for type 2 diabetes and obesity — but new research suggests doctors may need to pay closer attention to bone health, especially in older patients taking the drugs.Older adults with type 2 diabetes who started GLP-1s had an 11% higher risk of fragility fractures compared to those taking other diabetes medications, a study published in February in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found.Dr. Michal Kasher Meron, an endocrinologist at Meir Medical Center in Israel and lead author of the study, said the relative increase may sound small, but it carries weight for an at-risk population.OZEMPIC-STYLE DRUGS COULD SLASH COMPLICATION RISKS AFTER HEART ATTACKS, RESEARCH SUGGESTS"Both older age and type 2 diabetes are independent risk factors for fragility fractures," Kasher Meron told Fox News Digital. "This is a population that deserves special attention."Fragility fractures are breaks from minor falls or routine activity, often linked to osteoporosis, and can lead to hospitalization, loss of independence and even increased mortality in older adults, Kasher Meron noted.The study followed more than 46,000 adults 65 and older for nearly three years. After adjustments, GLP-1 users had a modest but statistically significant increase in fracture risk.NEW WEGOVY PILL OFFERS NEEDLE-FREE WEIGHT LOSS — BUT MAY NOT WORK FOR EVERYONEPrevious research in younger patients using older GLP-1s did not show increased fracture risk, but newer, more potent versions are now widely prescribed to older adults, Kasher Meron noted."In older adults treated with contemporary medications, the fracture risk picture looks different and warrants close attention," she said.The study, however, was observational, meaning it shows an association but not causation. Researchers were unable to determine whether the risk was driven by weight loss, changes in diet, muscle loss, or a direct effect on bone.TEA PROTECTS, COFFEE DESTROYS? NEW STUDY REVEALS STARK BONE-DENSITY DIVIDE FOR OLDER WOMENNonetheless, Kasher Meron says, "Bone health should be assessed before starting these medications in older patients — not as an afterthought."The findings come as separate research presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons' annual meeting this month raised additional bone health concerns.In a large analysis of more than 146,000 adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 users were found to have a 29% higher relative risk of osteoporosis over five years compared to nonusers, according to reports. STUDY REVEALS HOW RAPIDLY WEIGHT COMES BACK AFTER QUITTING OBESITY MEDICATIONSRates of gout were… [TheTopNews] Read More.
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