James Moorhouse
Doctors have issued a warning about a potentially irreversible side effect that could impact anyone taking the likes of Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy.
Each of the drugs - which are primarily prescribed for those with Type-2 diabetes - contain GLP-1 agonists, which have now been linked to a devastating side effect.
We have already seen the likes of Jeremy Clarkson open up about the terrible impact Ozempic had on his body as he sought to lose weight - despite the drug in particular not being approved for weight loss here in the UK - but that seemingly isn't putting off more and more of the general public who are turning to these drugs as a surefire way to shed some pounds.
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Doctors across the world have already warned about the short-term and long-term complications that can arise from taking medicines such as these, with the pharmaceutical companies behind them also urging the public to get a genuine prescription before taking them.
Novo Nordisk, Ozempic's manufacturer, previously told LADbible Group: "Wegovy®▼ (semaglutide injection) and Ozempic® (semaglutide injection) are prescription only medicines and require a healthcare professional to prescribe under strict supervision."
But now, doctors and The Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) are warning that those who are taking the drugs for illicit reasons could end up losing weight not just in fat, but in vital muscle and bone mass.
Losing this muscle can impair someone's strength and joint stability, while reduced bone density also raises the risk of osteoporosis, a condition which can cause brittle bones.
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Speaking to LADbible group, Julia Thomson, ROS Nurse Manager and Osteoporosis Specialist Nurse, said:
“It has long been recognised that extreme and rapid weight loss can impact negatively on bone and muscle mass, this is a risk regardless of the way in which weight is lost. We are unaware of any other mechanism (other than the weight loss) via which GLP1’s may impact negatively on bone. It is important to remember that there are also many health risks associated with obesity (including osteoporosis).
“A balance is required, but this can only be achieved if these drugs are used under the care of a responsible prescriber such as a GP or recognised online provider. This ensures that GLP1’s are prescribed appropriately to those who need it, weight loss is monitored, and nutritional support is provided. A good well-balanced calcium and protein rich diet is particularly important for bones, and it is vital to stay active and incorporate regular exercise into your routine to ensure that bones stay strong and healthy. For more information on how your lifestyle can help your bones please visit the ROS website (www.ros.org.uk)“
It was only recently that singer Avery confirmed she was suffering from the debilitating disease after just one year of taking Ozempic.
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Professor Carl Heneghan, director of Oxford University's Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, added: "Any drug that reduces muscle mass and bone density is a bad idea for people who are frail and those vulnerable to fractures with osteoporosis.
"The evidence is clear – these drugs carry significant risks and the longer a patient stays on them, the greater the risk."
Studies also found that women are at an even greater risk of osteoporosis should they take these drugs, as menopause can accelerate bone loss due to a decrease in oestrogen.
Dr. Taher Mahmud, founder of the London Osteoporosis Clinic, concluded: "It is essential that those taking GLP-1 agonists know about the importance of good nutrition and weight-bearing exercise."
LADbible has contacted the ROS, Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly for comment.