The effects of anti‐obesity medications on bone metabolism: A critical appraisal

GLP-1 receptor agonists show a neutral or negative effect on bone turnover markers and bone mineral density in clinical studies.

• Weight loss induced by medications may lead to loss of muscle and bone alongside fat.
• Preclinical studies indicate that GLP-1 receptor agonists could positively impact bone metabolism.
• Fracture risk does not appear to increase with the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists at clinically relevant doses.
• Other incretin analogues may also have potential positive effects on bone, based on limited preclinical data.
• Activin type II receptor antagonists may preserve muscle and bone mass while promoting weight loss.
• The effects of opioid receptor antagonists and setmelanotide on bone are largely unknown.

AI simplified