Weight-loss drugs have helped many people lose excess weight, but for some, rapid weight loss comes with a hidden risk—the loss of muscle and bone mass. This can increase the chances of developing osteoporosis, a condition that makes bones weak and more likely to break.
Now, researchers from Aarhus University in Denmark have discovered that a drug called bimagrumab might help prevent this problem. According to Ph.D. student Frederik Duch Bromer and postdoctoral researcher Andreas Lodberg, their study found that bimagrumab not only preserves muscle but also strengthens bones.
Their research, published in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, suggests that bimagrumab could be a promising option for people taking weight-loss medication.
A Drug That Builds Muscle and Bone
Bimagrumab was originally designed to treat muscle loss and weakness, but researchers later found that it also burns fat. Because of this, scientists are now exploring whether it could be used as a next-generation weight-loss drug.
Since over two billion people are expected to be overweight by 2035, understanding how weight-loss drugs affect the body is crucial. Many people who take these medications experience changes in their bones and muscles, which can lead to serious health issues later in life.
Lodberg explains, “We are the first to study how certain drugs affect bones, and the results show that bimagrumab can increase bone tissue while building muscle mass. This could be very important for the many people currently taking weight-loss medication.”
How Bimagrumab Affects Bones
Losing weight too quickly can weaken bones, increasing the risk of fractures, especially in older adults. Fractures can be life-changing, leading to reduced mobility, long recovery times, and high medical costs.
The study showed that bimagrumab helps counteract this risk. It:
- Slightly increases calcium in bones, which strengthens them.
- Promotes new bone formation, particularly in the outer shell (cortex) of long bones.
- Boosts bone tissue in the femoral head (hip joint area), a common site for fractures in older adults.
These findings suggest that bimagrumab could help protect patients on weight-loss drugs from bone loss, reducing their risk of osteoporosis.
A Safe Option?
One concern with similar drugs is their effect on blood cells. Some weight-loss medications can increase red blood cell production, raising the risk of blood clots and other complications.
However, the researchers found that bimagrumab does not appear to affect blood cells, making it potentially safer than some existing treatments.
What’s Next?
So far, this study has only been conducted on mice with osteoporosis and muscle loss, but the drug is now being tested in human clinical trials (Phase 2 studies).
Lodberg cautions that while the initial results are promising, more research is needed to understand both the positive effects and any possible side effects of long-term use.
“Our study shows that bimagrumab has benefits in many areas, but we also have indications that it may have other side effects. We will continue researching to get a clearer picture of what using this drug means for patients,” he says.
The researchers hope that future studies will confirm bimagrumab’s ability to protect bones and muscles, making it a valuable addition to weight-loss treatments. If proven effective and safe, it could help millions of people lose weight without sacrificing their bone health.
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The research findings can be found in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle.
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