Overview
- Dr Karan Rajan told followers on TikTok on Wednesday that people using GLP‑1 injections such as semaglutide or tirzepatide can see slight drops in bone density.
- He said the change stems from fast weight loss that strips fat and muscle, which lowers the load on bones and reduces the signal that keeps bone tissue strong.
- Pointing to a 2024 JAMA study of tirzepatide over 72 weeks, he noted hip bone mineral density fell by about 1% to 2%, which he said matches losses seen with other weight‑loss methods.
- He advised practical steps to guard bone health, including lifting weights, doing impact activities like walking or jogging, eating about 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, and keeping weekly weight loss below 1%.
- He added that GLP‑1 receptors are found in bone and that pre‑clinical data suggest neutral or protective effects, so current guidance focuses on slowing weight loss and building strength rather than blaming the drugs themselves.