However, physicians say rapid weight loss can lead to issues with bone quality, particularly in older adults. Some of the millions of Americans taking a GLP-1 drug to lose weight are getting an unexpected benefit: Their back and knee pain is getting better. Doctors who specialize in back and knee pain say that some patients are showing up in their clinics with anecdotes about less pain and better mobility after losing weight while taking medications like Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy or Eli Lilly’s Zepbound.
A few small studies have demonstrated that pain is reduced, while others have not. Doctors also say that certain patients, usually older adults, postmenopausal women or people who have never exercised, are suddenly dealing with back or bone issues after experiencing rapid weight loss. This is likely due to the loss of muscle or to a diet lacking in protein and other nutrients.
Don’t Short Yourself offers weekly money tips to help you earn it, stack it and grow it. I would like to receive updates and special offers from Dow Jones and affiliates. I can unsubscribe at any time.
These drugs can change patients’ lives in beneficial ways, but there are still risks to be aware of, particularly when it comes to knee and back health in older adults. Losing weight, whether through diet and exercise or taking a GLP-1 medication, reduces the pressure on spinal discs and vertebrae and the hinge of the knee. Once that happens, people’s behavior often changes, because they feel a “rush of motivation” that commonly follows losing weight, according to Paul.
They may be more open to going to the gym or physical therapy or doing at-home stretches — all proven ways to address back and knee pain. Some doctors also expect that these drugs have an anti-inflammatory benefit that could help these patients, particularly those with knee pain. Not only do they treat Type 2 diabetes and help people lose weight, they are approved to help reduce related issues like heart attacks or to treat sleep apnea.
If there is a proven reduction in pain, that’s a big deal for Americans dealing with back and knee pain. People don’t care about triglycerides,” Church said. People care if they can’t play with their grandkids.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
