Taking GLP-1s? Don't Forget Your Bones with Dr. Susan Brian

Taking GLP-1s? Don't Forget Your Bones

GLP-1 medications have transformed the treatment of obesity and are helping millions of people lose weight and improve their metabolic health. But as these medications become increasingly common, an important question is receiving far less attention: what happens to our bones during weight loss?

In this episode of the MenopauseWize podcast, Dr. Sukhpreet Patel is joined by Dr. Susan Brian, a board-certified endocrinologist and clinical researcher, to explore the relationship between GLP-1 medications, weight loss, and skeletal health.

Weight loss itself can influence bone health, but are GLP-1 medications doing anything beyond that? Do they directly affect bone metabolism, or are changes in bone density simply a consequence of carrying less weight? Dr. Brian explains what the current evidence tells us, how strong that evidence is, and where important knowledge gaps still remain.

This conversation is particularly relevant for women in perimenopause and menopause. As estrogen levels decline, bone loss naturally accelerates. What happens when significant weight loss is added to the picture? Could these effects be additive, and should women in midlife think differently about protecting their bones while taking GLP-1 medications?

The episode also explores the difference between bone density and fracture risk, who may benefit from closer monitoring, whether a baseline DEXA scan should be considered before starting treatment, and the practical strategies women can implement to preserve bone health. From adequate protein intake and resistance training to calcium, vitamin D, and the role of menopausal hormone therapy, Dr. Brian provides practical, evidence-based guidance to help women maximise the benefits of GLP-1 therapy without compromising their long-term skeletal health.

Key Topics Covered

• The relationship between body weight, weight loss, and bone health
• Do GLP-1 medications directly affect bone metabolism?
• Bone density, bone turnover, and fracture risk: what's the difference?
• Why women in perimenopause and menopause deserve special consideration
• Which women may require closer bone health monitoring
• Should you have a baseline DEXA scan before starting a GLP-1?
• The role of body composition assessment during weight loss
• Practical strategies to protect bone health, including protein, calcium, vitamin D, and resistance training
• Can menopausal hormone therapy help protect bone during GLP-1 treatment?
• Balancing the metabolic benefits of GLP-1 medications with long-term skeletal health
• Three practical takeaways for protecting your bones while taking a GLP-1 medication

Join us for this evidence-based discussion as we look beyond the number on the scale and explore how women can lose weight, improve metabolic health, and protect their bones for years to come.