Study Highlights Benefits of Combining Exercise and GLP-1 Treatment for Bone Health

Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness

Recent research indicates that combining the GLP-1 receptor agonist drug liraglutide with a structured exercise program can help individuals lose weight while preserving bone health. This study is particularly relevant as the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound, becomes more common for weight loss.

Weight loss is beneficial for reducing obesity-related health risks, including type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and heart disease. However, weight loss can also lead to decreased bone mineral density, increasing the risk of fractures. This study, published in JAMA Network Open, provides important insights into how to mitigate this risk.

The randomized clinical trial analyzed the effects of liraglutide (marketed as Saxenda and Victoza) combined with moderate- to vigorous-intensity exercise over a year. Participants who followed both treatments showed significant weight and body fat reduction while maintaining bone mineral density (BMD) levels. In contrast, those who used liraglutide alone experienced weight loss but also a decrease in hip and spine BMD. Participants who exercised without the drug lost weight and preserved BMD.

This finding is crucial because maintaining BMD is essential for preventing fractures, especially as people age. Accelerated bone loss from medications could lead to higher fracture risks at younger ages.

Other studies have shown that certain types of exercise can strengthen bones, even in those not aiming to lose weight. The combination of weight loss with preserved BMD observed in this study highlights the value of including exercise in weight loss programs, particularly for those on GLP-1 receptor agonists.

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