GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications: How to Protect your Bones, Muscles & Joints for longevity.
- Jennie Cox
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Weight loss medications such as Wegovy®, Ozempic®, Mounjaro®, and Saxenda® have become increasingly popular in recent years. In fact, 2.9% of UK adults (approximately 1.6 million people) are using glucagon (GLP-1) based therapies for weight management, with a further 7% expressing interest in starting them soon.
These medications can be highly effective, helping people lose significant amounts of weight and improve conditions such as type 2 diabetes. However, weight loss affects more than just the number on the scales. It can also influence your muscles, joints, & bone health.
If you're currently taking a GLP-1 medication, or thinking about starting one, here's what you should know...
What Are GLP-1 Medications?
GLP-1 medications work by mimicking natural hormones in your body that help regulate appetite and blood sugar levels.
They help you feel fuller sooner, stay fuller for longer, and reduce feelings of hunger. Many people also report experiencing less "food noise" – the constant thoughts about food that can make weight management difficult.
Some of the most common GLP-1 medications include:
Wegovy® (semaglutide)
Ozempic® (semaglutide)
Mounjaro® (tirzepatide)
Saxenda® (liraglutide)
Clinical studies have shown that some people can lose up to 20% of their body weight when using these medications alongside healthy lifestyle changes.
Short- Term Health Benefits
For many people, losing weight can lead to improvements in several areas of health.
In the first few months many people notice reduced appetite and cravings, significant weight loss, improved blood sugar control, lower blood pressure, better cholesterol levels, reduced strain on joints such as the knees, hips, and lower back and improved sleep (with reduced symptoms of sleep apnoea).
Even a modest reduction in body weight can reduce stress on weight-bearing joints and make everyday activities more comfortable.
(Learn more about how both mechanical and chemical/metabolic factors can play a role in Joint Arthritis related pains... Osteoarthritis- 'wear and tear' or 'wear and lack or repair'?)
Long-Term Health Benefits
Research suggests that GLP-1 medications may also help:
Lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in some people
Reduce the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes
Slow the progression of certain kidney conditions
Improve liver health in some patients
These benefits can make a meaningful difference to overall health and quality of life.
Why Your Muscles and Joints Matter During Weight Loss
While weight loss can reduce pressure on your joints, rapid weight loss can sometimes create new challenges.
When people lose weight quickly, they don't just lose body fat. They can also lose muscle mass and experience changes in bone density if appropriate steps aren't taken to protect them.
This is why maintaining strength and staying active remains important throughout your weight loss journey.
Muscle Loss Can Occur
Research suggests that around a quarter of the weight lost on GLP-1 medications may come from lean body mass, which includes muscle.
Too much muscle loss can lead to:
Reduced strength
Lower energy levels
Reduced mobility
Increased risk of falls
Slower metabolism
Difficulty maintaining weight loss long term
Older adults may be particularly vulnerable to these effects.
Bone Health Is Important Too
Rapid weight loss can reduce the amount of load placed through your bones. While this may sound positive, bones need regular loading and movement to stay strong.
Without enough resistance exercise and good nutrition, some people may experience reductions in bone density over time, potentially increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
Learn more about Osteoporosis and how to protect your bones in the long term with our Blog... Osteoporosis... what's your risk of a fracture? Risk calculation tools, prevention and management.
Why New Aches and Pains Can Sometimes Appear
Many people expect pain to improve as they lose weight—and often it does.
However, some people notice new aches, pains, or stiffness during their weight loss journey.
This can happen because your body is adapting to significant physical changes.
As weight decreases:
The way you walk may change
Your posture may alter
Pressure is redistributed across joints and muscles
Movement patterns developed over many years may need to adapt
For example, someone who has lost a significant amount of weight may experience new hip, knee, foot, or back discomfort as their body adjusts.
This doesn't necessarily mean anything is wrong, but it may be worth seeking professional advice if symptoms persist.
How to Protect Your Muscles, Bones, and Joints
Prioritise Strength Training
One of the most effective ways to preserve muscle and bone health during weight loss is resistance training.
This may include:
Weight training
Resistance bands
Bodyweight exercises
Functional strength exercises
Aim for at least two to three strength-training sessions each week if appropriate for your fitness level.
Stay Physically Active
Regular movement helps maintain muscle mass, supports bone health, and improves overall wellbeing.
Activities may include:
Walking
Cycling
Swimming
Dancing
Running or jogging (where appropriate)
Current guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week.
Eat Enough Protein
Protein plays a key role in maintaining muscle mass during weight loss.
Good sources include:
Lean meats
Fish
Eggs
Dairy products
Beans and legumes
Tofu and other plant-based proteins
If you're unsure whether you're getting enough protein, feel free to reach out to our Nutritional Therapist, Holly Rothschild.
Stay Hydrated
Adequate hydration supports overall health and can help reduce some common medication side effects.
(For more information, have a read of our Blog about Hydration... How much water do you need? Stay hydrated this Summer!)
What Happens If You Stop Taking GLP-1 Medication?
Many people eventually stop taking GLP-1 medications, whether due to cost, side effects, or achieving their weight-loss goals.
It's important to know that weight regain after stopping treatment is common.
Research shows that many people regain weight once the medication is discontinued, particularly if healthy habits haven't become established.
This doesn't mean the treatment has failed. It simply highlights the importance of building sustainable routines around:
Exercise
Strength training
Nutrition
Sleep
Stress management
These lifestyle factors remain important both during and after treatment.
Common Side Effects
Most side effects are related to the digestive system and often improve over time.
Common side effects include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Constipation
Stomach discomfort
Less common side effects can include gallstones, reflux symptoms, and, rarely, more serious complications.
If you experience concerning symptoms, contact your prescribing clinician promptly.
How Chiropractic Care may Help
If you're losing weight rapidly or noticing changes in how your body feels and moves, Chiropractic care, or Massage therapy, may help support your musculoskeletal health.
A Chiropractor can assess:
Joint function
Mobility
Posture
Movement patterns
Muscle strength and balance
We may also provide personalised advice on exercise, mobility, and maintaining healthy movement habits as your body adapts to weight loss.
At Southcote we often use a great home exercise App called Physitrack (https://www.physitrack.com/en-gb/exercise-library).
Where necessary, we can work alongside your GP, or refer to our team of Massage Therapists, Counsellors or Hypnotherapists, or Nutritional Therapist as part of a collaborative approach to your weight loss journey and musculoskeletal health.
Final Thoughts
GLP-1 medications are changing the way weight management is approached and have helped many people achieve significant health improvements.
However, successful long-term results involve more than simply taking medication. Protecting your muscles, bones, and joints through exercise, good nutrition, and ongoing support is just as important.
If you're using a GLP-1 medication and have noticed changes in your posture, movement, strength, or joint health, speaking with a healthcare professional can help ensure you're supporting your body throughout the process.
Your weight-loss journey isn't just about losing kilograms—it's about maintaining a healthy, strong, and active body for years to come!
Learn about the variety of Services we offer to help you navigate Weight Loss & GLP Medications at our Maidstone Clinics...
For a more natural approach to weight loss without GLP Medications, learn more about 'Gastirc Band Hypnotherapy' with Garry, our Counsellor & Hypnotherapist...
By Jennie Cox (Chiropractor)
(References: Article & Research Links from the British Chiropractic Association, May 2026).
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