Episode 246: Do GLP-1 Medications Affect Your Bones?

A patient asked me this recently: "Dr. Shelley, I've heard that GLP-1 medications can cause muscle loss. Does that mean they can hurt my bones too?" It's an excellent question—and one we don't talk about nearly enough.

In this episode, I'm walking you through what the research actually shows about GLP-1 medications and bone health, why weight loss itself poses a different risk to your skeleton, and the five non-negotiable steps you need to take to protect your bones while losing weight.

This is the bone health conversation you need to hear before—or while—taking a GLP-1.

Episode Highlights:

What GLP-1 medications are and how they work in your body

Does GLP-1 directly damage bones? What the research says

The real issue: weight loss and how it affects bone health

How your bones stay strong and why muscle matters

Muscle loss during weight loss on GLP-1s (body composition breakdown)

Who's at higher risk for weak bones and should be monitoring

Eat enough protein: how much you actually need

Strength training and resistance exercises for bone protection