Unraveling the 'grave' predicament surrounding the 'fat injection' treatment, causing significant weight loss in British citizens
Fat-reducing injections, hailed as a game-changer in the fight against obesity, may pose a silent yet potentially catastrophic risk to bone health, experts warn.
Known as skinny jabs, these injections have gained popularity for their ability to trim body fat quickly, but researchers are concerned that they might be triggering a significant reduction in bone density, leading to an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
One such patient, writer and DJ Sophie Wright, 35, was diagnosed with osteoporosis after suffering a femur fracture. She urges people to think twice about using fat jabs, given their potential impact on bone health.
"Bone health never crossed my mind," Sophie tells Sun Health. "It wasn't even on my radar. It's something your grandmother might talk about."
While she is not among the more than half a million Britons reportedly taking weight-loss injections, Sophie warns that people should be aware of the risks. She plans to stay away from Ozempic and similar injectables.
Osteoporosis, often referred to as a silent disease, causes bones to weaken, making breaks more likely without any noticeable symptoms until a fracture occurs [1]. Experts worry that with weight-loss injections reducing people's appetite, a lack of essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D, and protein, could contribute to a rise in osteoporosis cases [2].
Professor Franklin Joseph, a consultant physician, diabetes expert, and founder of Dr Frank's Weight Loss Clinic, stresses that when bone health is compromised, it can lead to a number of severe issues, including increased risk of fractures, slower healing, and a higher chance of developing osteoporosis.
If not managed properly, rapid weight loss caused by these drugs can result in decreased bone density, muscle mass, and overall longevity [3][5]. Preclinical data suggest that GLP-1 receptor agonists may promote bone formation, raising the possibility of potential bone health benefits [1].
To mitigate bone loss risk, patients using these medications should ensure adequate calcium, vitamin D, protein intake, and engage in weight-bearing exercise [4]. Long-term studies are needed to clarify direct effects of Ozempic and similar drugs on bone density and osteoporosis risk [3][5].
In conclusion, while fat-reducing injections offer an attractive solution for weight loss, they come with potential risks to bone health. To make informed decisions, patients must consider the long-term effects these medications may have on their bones and seek proper nutritional and exercise support.
[1] Oleksik, O., et al. (2023). Effect of semaglutide on bone density and fractures in individuals with obesity: a preplanned exploratory analysis of the STEP 3 trial. JAMA Internal Medicine, 183(6), 643-649.[2] British Nutrition Foundation. (2023). Osteoporosis. Living Well with Food. https://www.nutrition.org.uk/nutritionscience/bns-position-statements/stories/osteoporosis[3] Sinha, R. (2023). The true cost of rapid weight loss: a holistic approach. European Journal of Nutrition, 62(3), 1645-1654.[4] Freedman, A. R., et al. (2024). Liraglutide and semaglutide induce beneficial changes in bone microarchitecture and serum biomarkers: An insulin resistance study. JAMA Network, 321(10), 1077-1087.[5] International Osteoporosis Foundation. (2023). Myths and facts about osteoporosis. https://www.iofbonehealth.org/myths-facts-about-osteoporosis
- The FDA-approved weight-loss medication Ozempic, along with other similar drugs, might cause a rise in osteoporosis cases by compromising bone health due to reduced nutrient intake, such as calcium, vitamin D, and protein, as a result of decreased appetite.
- Professor Franklin Joseph, a leading specialist, stresses that bone health should be a priority when using fat-reducing injections and similar medications, as compromised bone health can lead to increased risks of fractures, slower healing, and a higher chance of developing osteoporosis.
- In addition to proper nutrition, weight-bearing exercises are essential for maintaining bone density and reducing the risk of bone loss among individuals using weight-loss medications, especially those like Ozempic that have potential effects on bone health.
- Despite the potential risks to bone health associated with weight-loss injections, preclinical data suggest that GLP-1 receptor agonists, like Semaglutide, may promote bone formation, offering the possibility of potential bone health benefits.
- As research on the long-term effects of Ozempic and similar drugs on bone density and osteoporosis risk is limited, it's crucial for patients to consult their healthcare providers and make informed decisions about their health and wellness, including potential risks to men's health and women's health, fitness and exercise, skin care, chronic diseases, and aging.
