ST. LOUIS – The weight loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy are wildly popular right now but what are the side effects when it comes to your bones and muscles? At the US Center for Sports Medicine, Orthepedic Surgeon Rick Lehman says that these drugs are relatively new, and their long-term effects are not fully understood.

Dr. Lehman points out that while these medications are popular for weight loss, they often lead to a reduction in muscle mass rather than just fat, potentially increasing the percentage of body fat despite a lower overall weight. This could lead to a paradox where individuals are thinner but have a higher body fat percentage.

People on the drugs should do resistance training and maintain physical activity, especially as they age. However, it’s unclear whether these measures can completely prevent the muscle loss associated with these drugs.

Apart from muscle and bone concerns, Dr. Lehman highlights other side effects such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and the necessity of diet management. He stresses the importance of eating lean proteins, high-fiber foods, and avoiding simple carbohydrates to prevent adverse effects on blood sugar levels.

Weight loss drugs like Ozempic offer benefits but there are concerns regarding their side effects, particularly on bone and muscle health, and nutritional balance. The medical community is still in the early stages of understanding these drugs’ impacts. He anticipates that future research may reveal more about their side effects.